CLUB NOTES

All recovered we ploughed onto the top of Strikes and dropped back down into Clashmore where we meet the locals saying a prayer for all those who completed the climb. Rolling on, we passed under the flyover and onto Youghal where we completed the spin by tackling the bypass and a loop around the beach. 105km competed for 12.15pm.

The 10 O’Clock group also hit the road when a group of 8 left Youghal to complete a loop of the East Cork coast. Down the Bog road the headed for Ballymacoda after which the climbed the coastline hills to Garryvoe before cruising onto Cloyne and Saleen. From there, the looped around East Ferry where they stopped for the coffee and the chat. Re-fueled, they headed back to Ballinacurra and Midleton. When the home stretch ahead of them the turned off at the Two Mile Inn and rode onto Mogeely and Killeagh where they came back onto the main road for Youghal where they arrived at 1.30pm with a testing 70km completed.

And just before you thought you were getting away with It Tony, you and your better half have been well spotted out doing the Sneaky training which obviously it standing to you based on the way you climbed Hells Borreen. You had better keep it up cause the rest of us are hot on you wheel.

THE VEE CHALLENGE – FROM THE COAST TO THE MOUNTAINS – SUNDAY AUGUST 8^th 2010 – IN AID OF IRISH GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND ( YOUGHAL BRANCH )

Youghal C.C. will shortly be holding its annual Tour on Sunday 8^th August. This year the Tour will be run in Aid of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind ( Youghal Branch ) with the support of Club man Seamus Kelly who is also a member IGDB. The IGDB is a national charity dedicated to helping persons who are blind or vision impaired or families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence. The IGDB receive over 85% of their income through voluntary donations and fundraising through a network of volunteers across the country. The remaining 15% is provided through statutory bodied and government agencies. It will cost just over €4 million to run the organisation this year.

There are two routes on offer this year for the Tour. The 130km Vee Challenge and the 90km Vee Ascent. Sign on - Aura Leisure Centre, Front Strand 9.00am onwards. Car parking available at Claycastle Public Car park and changing facilities available at the Aura Leisure Centre. Cycle departs at 10.00am. Food stop en route and refreshments available post event. Major junctions will be marshalled and both route's signposted. Lead car and support for both routes. Certificate of completion for each participant. A HARD SHELL HELMET IS COMPULSORY FOR EVERY PARTICIPANT.

THE VEE CHALLENGE IS A LEISURE CYCLE AND NOT A RACE

The Vee Challenge - 130km Route

Youghal to Tallow and Lismore covers the start of the Tour before taking in the ascent of the Vee from Lismore and descending into Clogheen before climbing the Vee again up through the wood's, then heading for the food stop on the road to Cappoquin. Refueled the route will pass by the Blackwater taking in the beautiful Dromana drive before heading for the coast and the final sting in the tail around Monatray offering spectacular views of Youghal town. A route suitable for the regular cyclist with a good standard of fitness. A challenging route with several climbs offering some fantastic scenery along the way.

The Vee Ascent - 90km Route

This route covers most of the roads that the Vee Challenge incorporates with participants climbing the Vee as far as Glenaknockaun before turning back for the R669 and the welcome food stop along this gentle descent into the town of Cappoquin. This route is ideal for those looking for a moderate challenge with the scenic climb of the Vee, along with the beautiful Dromana drive part of the route. A reasonable level of fitness would be required to enjoy your day in the saddle and the fantastic scenery that the area offers.