CLUB NOTES

Post date: Oct 20, 2011 10:5:47 PM

Youghal Cycling Club Notes – Sunday 16th October 2010, 9am Group

After weeks of bad weather it was great to wake up to bright sunshine, dry roads and not a puff of wind. None of the peloton trusted the weather as we all arrived down to meet at Moby Dick’s decked out from head to toe in our winter warmers – we were not going to be caught this week! After a few moments admiring the Long Johns our attention turned to the new kit additions as we admired each other winter wheels. In particular, the re-conditioned 1980’s hand-built Cougar, with full Titanium Campag grouping no less. Well wear lads!

After the past few weeks of early starts and Full Irish breakfasts while watching Rugby, the group decided that hills were to be kept off the menu and the pace to be kept leisurely. With that we headed out the N25 towards Waterford and swung a left into Clashmore. The legs were starting to warm up and on the steady pull to Aglish it was our Ultra Cyclists (JB) turn at the front. True to form in his full Carbon Trek Discovery ‘Winter’ bike he began to up the pace. The chat quickly stopped as we started to draw in the Oxygen. It was not long before we remembered it was only October and there were a few floral shouts from the back to ease it back. Message received and no further prompts were needed. After Aglish we continued on to the Clonmel road junction and took a left into Clashmore.

It was time for the infamous tea stop. With the Club Secretary absent we were able to enjoy the stop and not have to endure the 3rd degree burns to get the tea drank and back on the bikes. Rumour has it that he will have to get stabilisers added as it has been so long since we saw him on a Sunday morning. Still said, the stop was too short for some, as one unnamed cyclist had to finish off his Mars bar and Pepsi on the bike as we rode into Lismore. He is bringing pastry rolls next week as he tells us as the Mars Bars are too fattening.

With striking views of the River Blackwater and Lismore Castle we rode through Lismore on to Tallow and then the R634 back to Youghal. With the sun belting down on us there were even a few complaints that it was too hot as we tried to peel off some of the extra winter layers we had on. Once we hit the top of the Glendine Road the group got giddy again. AK was mad to test his Campag 53 Big Ring, all it took was a half wheel from WF and the fun started. The pace was going well when we heard JG shouting from the rear “Ah come lads, I have no gears left!”. With plenty of giggles we continued on past Lombard’s as riders played chicken and delayed braking ‘till the last moments. Only 1km left and GH made his break, he could see the chequered flag. But 1km is too far for GH as he is normally tucked in behind till the last 100m. AK left him off as he had plenty left in the tank and as soon as he saw GH fade he turned on the power and took honours. That vintage bike seems to have thought you a few tricks AK!

Re-grouped at Rhincrew Roundabout we rolled back into town, continued on out to Gortroe and back to town with a handy 90km complete in glorious October sunshine.

This group meets again next Sunday morning, departing from Moby Dicks at 9am. Aside from the couple of giddy moments the pace is very well controlled and sociable. Nobody left behind! If you are interested in getting started with us just come down and give it a try – we plan an average speed of 23-25kph at this time of year covering 60-90km. We also have a group leaving at 10am every Sunday morning and this is more leisurely spin averaging 18kph and keeping it under 50km.

Youghal Cycling Club Notes – Sunday 16th October 2010, 10am Group

The group left Market Square on the stroke of 10:00am and headed up North Main Street, just to try out the new road surface, well done to all.

Today’s route brought us over the bridge, down the back road to Ardmore, through the village, and onto Kiely's Cross where we turned back the main road for home. All was going well until the last couple of km as we were only across the bridge when Sean punctured. A quick change of tube by Eamon and we were on our way again. Once we got back to Rhincrew Roundabout Eamon headed up the Tallow Road, Sean took on the By-Pass and the rest of the crew went home through town. It was not the end of Sean’s adventures as he punctured again going up the By-Pass. But this time no spare tube or repair kit and even worse no mobile phone! Just as it started to look like a shank mares job, help came as Declan O’Callaghan was coming down the road so a spare tube borrowed and fitted to get the chairman home. Sean, bring a repair kit, or two tubes and above all bring your phone.

Same time next Sunday folks!