Club Notes February 24th, 2014

North Tipperary Wheelers Club Notes 23rd February 2014

With the open racing season well under way, it was Paddy Rohan who represented North Tipperary Wheelers at the ‘West Coast Wheelers Road Race’ held in Loughrea Co. Galway on Sunday.  Paddy, riding in the A3 category, finished strong amongst the main bunch over what was a tough 85km course.  Well done also to Nenagh Cycling Club riders Kevin Sherlock who finished 3rd in the 55km A4 Category race at Loughrea and to Kenneth Kennedy who secured 2nd in the A4 category of the Lacey Cup in Tralee.

Training continued last week on both Tuesday evening and Saturday and Sunday mornings.  The Tuesday night ride (7.30pm from Five Alley on the old N7) enabled a lively 55km return ride for a group of 5 Wheelers along the old N7 to Finnegan’s Roundabout and included some rollover drills and sprint work all under the mandatory use of front and rear lighting and hi-visibility clothing.   On Saturday 10 Wheelers left Woodies Car Park at 9am on a rolling 120km route maintaining an average pace of 30kph.  The route from Nenagh took in Portroe, Ballina, O’Briensbridge, Dalys Cross, Birdhill, Newport, Doon, Dolla and Nenagh.  A two hour steady ride was also done on the traditional Sunday morning spin which left Moynans Bike Shop at 9am.  Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday training rides will continue this week at the same times and places stated.   As spring is technically upon us, this is a great time for leisure cyclists to get back out or to join the club. Club membership is free to new members and further information about the leisure cycle group or club membership can gained by contacting Pat Bergin 087 6744400.

The club racing calendar for the 2014 season is currently being finalised.  The format of races has been refreshed for the year with the introduction of new routes, distances and a league table. This is in response to the feedback from the membership survey conducted in 2013. In addition, members racing will be scheduled to partake in the running of races including marshalling and time keeping.  Leisure members are also welcome to get involved with the running of club races and can register their interest with any member of the committee.

The club will also be taking part in this years St. Patrick’s Day parade in Nenagh on Monday 17th March.  Members interested in taking part in the parade either alone or with the children are asked to confirm their interest with the club secretary Mike O’Keefe mikeokef@gmail.com or 087 6710870.

A reminder of the forthcoming open Table Quiz that the club is hosting on Friday 14th February in the Dapp Inn, Nenagh at 9pm.  Members are asked to support what will be a social evening of fun and knowledge and to fill a team of friends and family.  Raffle and prizes available.  For regular club updates throughout the week, please log on to facebook/northtippwheelers.