On Sunday a number of our cyclists took part in the Shannon-Suir Cycle in aid of North Tipp Hospice.  Patricia Finn, John Caulfield and Malachy Dorris were acting as the cycle group leaders on the day, while other members Joe Kelly and Mike Molamphy were members of the main organising committee. While the morning started dry the riders were not long into the 120km spin when the first drops fell. The rain remained the constant factor throughout the route but the spirits remained high with top class marshalling courtesy of Liam Gleeson of Lodge Security ensuring every single junction on the busy route was made safe for the cyclists. Welcome refreshments were provided by local Hospice committee members in Roscrea and in Templemore  and also at the food stop in the Source Arts Centre in Thurles. A superb barbecue was provided to the hungry cyclists after their long day out on the bikes by Lough Derg Yacht Club in Dromineer. A huge thanks to all club members who turned out in force on the morning and for everyone who made it such a successful day with over 120 people taking part in spite of the very poor weather forecast. Thanks to Mike Molamphy for the great  pictures from the day.

Meanwhile in Laragh, Co. Wicklow club member David Kyle was our solo representative this weekend taking part in the closing open race of the season. Weather conditions were decribed as biblical with the rain being relentless, making the roads very slippery and David said braking was deadly on the twisty descents and kept having to brake really early, so as a result of this,  kept losing distance to the wheels in front making him have to chase on throughout the race and try to close the gaps on the flats and climbs. On lap 2, over a distance of 6km David was riding up the road with the eventual winner, Lucan’s junior, Conn McDunphy. They were hoping to stay out front long enough to be joined by a few more riders to help but instead they were brought back into the bunch but  having lost them again on a descent with only 10km to go, had to chase yet again, he caught the main bunch with 2km remaining and he dug deep and placed in the front group of 20 riders which is a great result so a huge well done.

Next week’s Club Training spins are as follows: