Club Notes Weekend of June 8th
A welcomed gap between downpours at the Wicklow 200 for Donnachadh, Kevin, David and Gary
Sunday saw an excellent turn out for the leisure and faster club spins which left from Moynans Bike Shop, Nenagh at 9am. A total of 24 members set off together heading for Toomevara before turning back west toward Dolla, Silvermines and Birdhill where options were available to take the more challenging return to Nenagh via Ballina and Portroe, or the more direct return on the old N7 cycle lane. The large numbers taking part in these Sunday rides indicates just how useful and important the Sunday club rides are for all abilities and sections of the Club.
On the same morning, it was an early start for four members who travelled to Wicklow to take part in the Wicklow 200, a 200km sportive event through the ‘garden’ county taking in some of the most challenging cycling climbs in the Country. Despite the downpours and showery conditions throughout most of the seven hour ride, the four (Kevin Byrne, Donnachada Floyd, David Kyle and Gary Rowan – pictured) set off and held good pace amongst a record field of 3,000 participants which started and ended in coastal town of Greystones.
On Saturday, a smaller group set off from Nenagh to Co. Clare to do a reconnaissance of a forthcoming open race which included a 110km loop to Sixmilebridge before returning back to Nenagh. With tired legs, Nenagh was a welcomed sight and the riders returned with valuable information on the course route and conditions that will be relayed to racing members over the next week. On Tuesday of last week, eight riders rode a 60km loop to and from Nenagh via Shalee, Newport and Limerick before returning on the old N7.
Club training and leisure rides continue this week – Tuesday 6pm from Moynan’s Bike Shop, Nenagh; 9am Saturday from Woodies Car Park (Streame retail park) for the race training ride; and 9am on Sunday from Moynan’s for both the leisure and faster rides. Club members are asked to continue to support these rides.
Club racing on Thursday (June 12th) this week will see a return to the Time Trial series on the 16km course on the old N7 cycle lane. Sign-on from Moynan’s bike shop at 6.15pm for 6.30pm depart for the start line. For further details of the club events, training rides or for any comments then please contact Pat Bergin on 087 6744400 or email info@northtippwheelers.com