Club notes Sun 19th January
North Tipperary Wheelers Club Notes Weekend of Sunday 19th January 2014
Club training continued this week in earnest with the anticipation of the open race calendar commencing in February and the club race calendar only a few months away. In parallel, the professional cycling peleton kicks off their pro season this week. If cycling biographies are to be believed, this early season period is when a bizarre ritual of body pinching occurs between professional cyclists seeking to check early season fitness levels or leanness of their competitors. Gladly, no such pinching is necessary between Wheelers as fitness levels are more easily observed from performances at mid week and weekend training rides. Training methods are always subject to debate and therefore provide lively and constructive discussion with feedback being built into the following weeks training plan.
The new Saturday Race Training Spin is seeing steady numbers and consistent faces. This is a positive reflection on the methodical and structured training schedule being adopted by the club and is based on tried and tested methods proposed by visiting external cycling coaches over the winter months. With an unprecedented number of members interested in open racing this year, Saturday saw a group of 12 wheelers tackle the 120km ‘Visit Nenagh’ A3 race route with the inclusion of several training drills exercising a variety of controlled and personal efforts. Mechanical failures aside, this is a great training and reconnaissance ride for both perspective A3 and A4 riders. This figure of eight route departs from Nenagh to Ballina, via Portroe before returning to Nenagh via Coum/slate quarry, and then out to Templederry and return. We will continue to attempt to post the Saturday’s race training ride before the weekend so members can review the route and distances.
The equally good weather on Sunday morning saw five Wheelers put in a solid 85km over a diverse return route from Nenagh which took in Puckane, Ballinderry, Borrisokane, Coughjordan, Monegal, Toomevara, Ballinamona and Dolla. During the week, both Tuesday and Thursday night training rides continue (7.30pm depart from Five Alley on Tuesday and 6pm depart from Moynans on Thursday).
Club Open Night
Don’t forget the Club Open Night on Wednesday 22nd January at Moynans Bike Shop, Nenagh 6.30pm-8.30pm. This is a good opportunity to find out more about club leisure cycling, training rides and mountain biking. Club members will be on hand to assist with online Cycling Ireland registration if required. Club membership can be paid on the night also. A representative from Giant – the bike manufacturer will be giving a presentation at around 7.30pm. Existing and new members welcome.
Upcoming Events
Saturday 8th February at 9pm The club will be hosting a Pre-race Leg Waxing event at the Thatched Cottage, Ballycommon at 9pm. The evening promises lots of entertainment and hopefully no so much pain! All legs are welcome and particularly those intended on racing this year. The proceeds of this event will go toward raising funds for the race team for the 2014 and a contribution will also be made to support a very worthy local support group serving Nenagh. Further details of this event will be posted online over the coming week.
Friday March 14th Club Quiz Night @ the Dapp Inn. Further details will be posted nearer to the event.