CLUB NOTES
Post date: Nov 16, 2009 5:19:44 PM
The Weekly Spin – Sunday 1st November.
It was Sunday morning again when the peloton gathered as always by the Clock Gate, outside Moby Dick’s pub, for our weekly spin. We spoke too soon last week about the good weather as a very windy day greated the peloton of 11 who were all looking forward to a lesurily 60km spin around East Cork. We left Youghal at 9.00am sharp and headed out of Youghal towards the bog road which took us on to Ballymacoda, over the high road to Garryvoe, through Cloyne and onto the Aghada / Midleton Road. From there we rode through Saleen and Ballinacurra before stopping for the well earned cup of tea at the Garage beside the Midleton roundabout. From there we made very good time as the strong wind that we were pedaling against all morning was now behind us so we cruised home along the main road through Castlemartyr and Killeagh before arriving back in Youghal for 12.15pm. It was a tough morning again on the bike for all due to the headwinds but with everyone doing their bit on the front it was a good winter workout for all.
The Weekly Spin – Sunday 8th November.
Last Sunday morning the piloting gathered as always by the Clock Gate for our weekly spin. The Sun was shinning but everyone had their winter woollies on as it was pretty fresh, especially with the wind.
A group of 12 set off from Youghal to enjoy a leisurely 70km spin around West Waterford. We left Youghal at 9.00am sharp and headed directly out the main road to Dungarvan. Once in Dungarvan we turned left at the garage for Cappoquin. On our arrival into Cappoquin we all enjoyed a warm cup of coffee. All refreshed we followed the Blackwater to Knockanore and Youghal. We all arrived back in Youghal for 12.00pm. It was a most enjoyable and scenic spin.
Monthly Meeting.
Our Club AGM took place on the 4th of November last in the Holy family church hall.
Their was a large attendance at the AGM where we looked back and discussed our fantastic trips around the Ring Of Kerry, The Sean Kelly Tour, The Rebel Tour and of course our own Tours around East Cork and West Waterford. Club membership was as always discussed and in particular the importance of being insured while out on the bike. The new club officers were elected for the coming year with Jonathan Tobin being elected from Treasurer to Secretary and Brain Sanders will be holding the purse strings for the coming season as he was elected Treasurer. In his first act as Secretary, Jonathan, on behalf of all the club members, gave a special thanks to out going Secretary Geary Geary for all his hard work over the last three years and in particular for bringing the Club back to a very healthy position with a strong membership base. Geary of course is only happy to leave all of the official Club business behind so that he can concentrate on enjoying the club spins on the road every Sunday morning. At the end of the day, this is what it is all about, the love of the bike !!.
Tour of Lombardy
Irish rider Daniel Martin took one of the best results of his career recently when he finished eighth in the Tour of Lombardy Classic in Italy. The race was won by Belgian rider Philippe Gilbert. Irish road race champion Nicolas Roche was aggressive early on and got into a long-distance move. After he was caught, Martin made his move with several other riders with about 50 kilometres remaining and these reeled in lone leader Johnny Hoogerland. This group stayed clear for approximately 35 kilometres but was then hauled back. Gilbert had the most power in the finale, accelerating clear on that final climb, but Martin rode very well to hang on for eighth place and finish his second pro season on a very high note. The Tour of Lombardy is one of the toughest one day races on the calendar and Martin's result confirms the 23 year old rider's huge potential. Fellow Irish Pro Philip Deignan finished back in 40th place, while Roche soldiered on after that early break and finished 95th.
Local club man Jonathan Flynn traveled to the event where he could only describe the race and the place as spectacular. See his photos of the race in the slideshow below:
Weekend Spins.
As you are all well aware by now, there is a weekly spin every Sunday morning at 9.00am sharp leaving from Moby Dicks Pub by the Clock Gate. This spin which runs on various routes every week usually takes between 2 to 3 hours ( weather permitting ) and covers on average between 50 to 70km ( 35 to 50 miles ). The pace is comfortable and we usually stop half way around for a coffee or tea.
A second group also goes on a weekly spin every Sunday morning at 10.00am sharp leaving from Moby Dicks Pub by the Clock Gate. This spin which runs on various routes every week usually takes around 2 hours to complete and covers on average between 30 to 40km ( 20 to 25 miles ). The pace is again very comfortable.
This is the perfect time for someone new to start with the group. With a steady pace and friendly people you are assured of an enjoyable spin. New members or visitors to the area are always welcome.
If you have any questions about the club or attending one of our weekend spins, please contact our Club Secretary Jonathan at 086-8563292 for details. See you all Sunday Morning !!.
Until next week, safe cycling !!.