Club Notes, Feb 2nd 2014
This week saw the second and equally successful club race-training day. On Sunday last, 13 members were guided through their paces by cycling coach Martin O’Loughlin in preparation for the forthcoming club and open racing season. There were two elements to the training. An early morning training ride covering a 100km return loop to and from the Thatched Cottage, Ballycommon and an afternoon discussion on training plans and regimes that can be applied by riders for the forthcoming months.
Early morning rain gave way to brighter and more enjoyable conditions for both the race training ride and for the separate normal Sunday morning club training ride. Four Wheelers banked a productive 110km training ride which saw them start and finish in Nenagh taking in Borrisokane, Portumna, Balinderry, Puckane, and back to Nenagh via the Borrisokane Road and across to the Old Birr (Golf Course) Road. Route displayed below.
Riders on the Tuesday night spin were not so fortunate. A group of 7 riders left the normal departure from Five Alley at 7.30pm for a high tempo ride along the old N7 toward Limerick. A total of five punctures tested the longevity of battery packs, which in turn outlasted many riders with only three hardy Wheelers managing to return together. Still with all the drama and fading lights, 60 solid KMs were put down which included a turn on the motorway ramp at Birdhill on route to Limerick. For those who have yet to experience night-time cycling, the Tuesday night spin is a highly recommended way of passing a dark winters evening with the added safety of riding as part of a well-lit group which is more conspicuous than riding alone at night.
This Saturday (8th February 2014) sees the Clubs ‘Pre-race Leg Wax’ at the Thatched Cottage, Ballycommon commencing at 9pm. This is a sponsored event to support the race team during the season and a donation will be made from the proceeds raised to the very worthy Pieta House – suicide and self-harm counseling service. All members intending to partake in open racing this season are asked to pick up a sponsorship card from Pat Bergin if not already done so and raise as much sponsorship as possible. In return, race members will have the pleasure of having their legs waxed professionally on the night by ‘Tres Belle Beauty Saloon’ (Nenagh). The waxing order has yet to be determined and there will be an opportunity to nominate a person of your preference (by way of donation) to go first or alternatively to go last – you decide! Food and post ‘wax’ music and craic will also be provided. This is a club event so all members, friends and family are encouraged to support this event. We look forward to seeing you there.