Web log created by the Foyle Cycling Club. The club aims to promote safe cycling in the North West of Ireland.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
FCC - Email from Mark Moroney
Not exactly Alastair Cooke's letters from America....rather a web log for the weekly email's from Mark Moroney, the Godfather of cycling in the North West of Ireland. This web log will no doubt have pearls of widom and some great humour as well!
Some mixed weather over the past w/e did not spoil the fun for numerous FCC riders who continued preparations for the burgeoning season and enjoyed some excellent excursions to north Tyrone and west Donegal. Saturday's ride was well attended and a healthy pace was maintained by Simon, the ever exhuberant Boyd and a "guesting" Andrew Nicell, now starring in Edinburgh velo circles. Speed was maintained as we headed to Raphoe, over the drumlinns of Castlefinn and back home by Lifford.
Despite losing numbers to various reasons, "I need to go faster", I need to get home for ballet lesson", I need to get ready for mothers' day", a diminished in number but not in quality, group of hard riders kept the speed throughout the 55 mile spin and all were glad to arrive at Nixon's corner for the final sprint in to the old dairy site.
Undaunted by the poor weather and the summer time start, Sunday's run was also well attended and 12 riders set off for Gortin and points south. Keeping the honour of the club's mothers' in mind and determining to be home in time for some festivities a challenging pace was once again the order as we headed in to the stiff breeze down the Strabane road. The rain was at its heaviest as the group rallied around Simon in his struggle with a puncture in Strabane high street. No quarter was taken as we climbed the 3 mile ascent up to the mast where we waited for returning club man Frankie D who had succumbed to a puncture outside Strabane. Lead by the deadly duo, C and F, the climb from the Plumb was easily ascended before the fast descent in to Gortin. From there we took advantage of the breeze to set a good speed out to the main Derry road.
A short nature break and we were on our way again with renewed vim and vigour. The increased speed seemed to be taking its toll on big W but his fatigue was loudly explained by his having been on the road since 0700 that morning!! He's certainly taking his winter preparation seriously! Separation of the speed merchants began at New Buildings an a sprint finish at the "30" sign was taken by in form Simon!!
All in all some good outings at the w/e. The spring tours are nearly on us and entry forms for the 200km Tour of theGlens should now be sent in to Castlereagh CC. FCC look set to have good interest in this event and the form now shown by Gavin, Shaun, new bike is coming, big W, "I'm in to big miles", Pat Mc, " what's this about losing an hour!", "Kevin, don't worry about me!!", Larry, Raymond, and several others is very encouraging.
Attendance at Saturday runs does seem to have dropped off and hopefully members are only temporaily absent. This is your club. If you would like an easier Saturday run please let us know.
Mark I reallyenjoy reading the weekly round upof all that happens over the weekend on the club run..keep them coming! I hopethe FCC blog may help promot these weekly emails.
A very interesting and informative bike mechanics session was held by our FCC mechanical team last nite in the complex. Thanks again to Fergal and Ciaran for facilitating. I know Terry will also want to thank you guys as once again he got some real problems sorted!! (As a follow up to points raised last nite if anyone needs a 9-speed 12/27 cassette, I have one which I could let you have at rock bottom prices.) Last nite also several other club men including yours truly were flying the FCC colours at the Roe Valley CC APR race in Burnfoot. Conditions were great and 3 of our club finished in the top 4 in a race won by new/old racer Peter M. Well done to him and to Simon and Brendan who made up the rest of that 3! Saturday run as usual from the complex at 0900. Once again I am appealing to all riders to encourage the newcomers to come along to this session and to make him/her welcome. Also remember to keep the pace reasonable, please!! Sunday run, the tour du Lough Salt or the Leagle Eagle’s run, is starting in Letterkenny at 0830. Meeting place firstly is the complex, Buncrana road at 0800 to drive to the car park near the bus staion, Letterkenny for an 0830 start. The route is Rathmullan, Knockalla summit, Milford, Downnings, Lough Salt, Letterkenny. It’s a beautiful area with some superb cycling opportunity. Do yourself a favour and try to make it. Preparations for the Ras stage on May 25 continue to go well. Thanks to all who agreed to steward the event on May 25 from 12 noon to 2.15 p.m. We still need more stewards so please let me or Charlie know asap. Finally if you’re interested you should get your entries in to the Tour of the Glens(Castlreagh CC web site) on May 06 and the Wicklow 200 W (Wicklow 200 web site) on June 10..
Saturday’s FCC club run was once again well supported by neophyte and veteran alike. Heading for Carndonagh via Quigley’s Point at a fairly serious pace the group quickly separated there and some went on towards Clonmany whilst a smaller number lead by Fergal and Martin headed for home via the Lough Inn climb. The Clonmany group once again took a separation affliction and a triplet of Boyd, making a long overdue return, in form Peter and Simon, I’m getting in some miles, headed up the Mamore climb leaving the remainder to head home thru Dumfries and Buncrana. Thankfully they were in capable hands and with Terry and webmaster Brendan leading the way all arrived back in good spirits. Sunday dawned fine and dry despite the weatherman’s dire predictions. A slightly smaller but no less enthusiastic group of thirteen FCC men gathered at the bus depot car park in L’Kenny ready to tackle the ciccuit of Knockalla and Lough Salt. After several hours, or maybe minutes, searching for MIA Raymond and Kevin, king of Carn, and other minutes spent repairing Tony’s blowout we saddled up and headed for Rathmullan content in the knowledge that our absent friends had the worst part of the deal. The strong southerly blew us along at a fair clip on the road north. Pat, resplendent in his summer gear, Shaun, airing the Time machine, and Donal, eager to test the loaner Ridley, kept us honest and lead the way with a merry heart tingling pace. The road was fairly flat until we left the scenic village of Rathmullan. There we made a short stop as TT expert Larry quickly repaired a puncture simultaneously explaining the mechanics of metal to metal braking. Heading onward strong men Peter, Charlie, Kevin, Fergal never slackened as they lead us up the ascent of the contrary side of the Knockalla bends. Ever eager to prove his growing fitness club captain Ciaran followed close as Peter crested the 15% climb, once again well in command of the climber’s jersey. Taking a left turn we were now heading south on the road for Milford. Undaunted by the strong wind and working well together big Waren drove us on, eager to take advantage of the superb road surface. Milford was literally a turning point in our odyssey as navigator Gavin confirmed we were now officially on the road to the Downings and the featured Lough Salt climb. We first had to complete the circuit of Rosguilly head which presented its own challenge for as well as being a stiff climb it had a similar surface to Paris – Roubaix! Returning to the Downings village Fergal called a halt as he searched in vain for sustenance at a local inhabitant’s summer houses. Twas not to be and all had to content themselves with water, food, and comfort breaks at the local caravan site. (Only comfort I can think of on a bike is to stop!) We now knew what was ahead or if we didn’t were quickly told…the Lough Salt ascent. This climb starts with some up and downs and then rises thru the foothills at an average of 8%, heads across an exposed mountainy area and then spikes up again at around 13% to attain the lough itself at a 300 metres elevation. Staring out together wheat and chaff quickly separated and my illusions of going well were soon shattered as Peter breezed pasts me on the red Paris as if I were standing still, gfollowed by power man Kevin, Charlie and of course Fergal (note to reader I was standing up as the gradient at that point was about 12%!!) Never known to give up (nothing said LMc!!) we kept going and arrived at varied times (of the same day!) and in various states of exhaustion at the lough ready to enjoy the superb descent back down to Kilmacrennan. Now all that lay ahead was the climb out of Kill back up to L’kenny. Fergal and Charlie lead us out and despite their best efforts(!!) our tiring group soon separated as we singled it up on the busy last few miles. However, we were not to be undone and reaching the Mountain Top inn we put our steeds in the big ring and belted flat out down the hill to the welcoming site of the bus depot car park. Another great FCC outing. The guts of 75 miles, two major climbs, total ascent of 1490 metres and average speed of 26.2 kph. Strong riding by all concerned. Good preparation for the ToG, old friends making welcome return to fitness, good craic, superb weather. We had it all!!
The week-end promises good weather. Hopefully it will see many new and old FCC members heading out on local roads as the cycling season really gets in to full swing. Saturday’s club ride starts again at the Sports Complex at 0900 and as usual is geared towards the new and lightly traveled rider. Also on Saturday the League of Gentlemen will be heading out and if previous weeks are a guide you will need to get there early to catch these guys. Tony, Paddy, Ciaran and Billy have really been putting in the miles so set the alarm clock for an early morning start with the famed LoG! Sunday’s ride will start as usual from the Complex at 0900 hours. With many of us making final preparations for the tour of the Glens on Sunday week, May 06, I propose a route to Limavady, Barnailt Road, Claudy, Plumbridge (by-passing Donemana), Strabane via the TV mast, Lifford and home. There are plenty of turn offs available on this route, e.g. Limavady, Claudy, Near Donemana and hopefully this will attract all Sunday riders to come along for some if not all of the action. News from Danny is that he is doing well in Cycling Ulster’s race series. He had a good finish in the recent McCann cup in Fintona and is hoping for even bigger things very soon. Preparations for the RAS on May 25th continue. Thanks to all who have volunteered to steward on Shipquay St. meet time will be 12 noon on Friday 25/04. We still need more stewards so please let Charlie or me know.
April 29, 2007 Saturday’s LoG run left well before I was out of my bed. Unfortunately I do not have a report but if past history is a judge Tony, Paddy and Billy were sure to have had a great day. Just wonder if veteran club man Jim J was out with the League over the w/e? The later club run assembled at the complex at 0900 and under Chairman Charlie’s direction 18 cyclists took the road north to Redcastle, Glenneely and the further climb of Kinnagoe bay. Certainly many were lulled in to a false sense of calmness and serenity as the pace was modest all the way to the turn at Redcastle. There we turned sharp left and headed up the 12% gradient towards the Gleneely summit. Discipline was tight for a short period but soon eager beavers Peter, Simon, Boyd lead the way chased down by fast legs Charlie, his apprentice Raymond and a slowly returning to top form Tony from Ballandrait. The summit was soon reached and after a breather the multitudes descended at various speeds, depending on their blind faith in their bike handling abilities. It was not strange to see that although he was in the vanguard going up the king of Carn, sporting his Irish shirt and known for his kamikaze downhill skills , was quickest to the junction at the main Moville to Carn road. A right turn followed by a sharp left at the bridge (named after some local luminary!) and minus the king, we were on the road to the notorious Kinnagoe climb. Undeterred by the bad road surfaces we maintained a good pace till we attained the turn at beautiful Kinnagoe bay and began our attack on the 12 to 16% first section of the climb. This is a difficult test for any cyclist and its effect was quickly felt as our group lost its cohesiveness and it was every man or woman for him/herself. Some sought the refuge of ultra low triples, others stuck to their compacts and many kept going in 39x25s. It was tough no matter what. However, like all good things it quickly came to an end. Boyd got over it first, Peter and Simon made a close second, Charlie was not far back, Terry kept it going as he chased down Raymond , Shaun and Tony, and still waited for Evelyn at the top, Aidan and Patrick were steady and made their first, of many!!, successful ascents of this historic climb. Now it was eyeballs out down the hill, onto the main road, thru Moville and a race like pace on the road to Quigley’s. Separation was once again the order as many saved themselves for the morrow’s ride whilst faster men charged on eager to get home for an early lunch. A good trip, two testing climbs, almost 4,000 feet of climbing, beautiful weather, great company. Sunday brought another beautiful day for cycling. Our large group of 16 said farewell to club men but wannabe triathletes Terry and Frank as we headed out the road to Limavady to take in some climbing down Plumbridge way. Favoured as we were with the visit of Colin and Marty of RVCC we kept a merry pace and used our large group to make light of the fresh SE wind. On reaching the Barnailt road we tackled the long ascent enthusiastically and were excited to see a member of the Roberts clan making excellent headway at the front of our peloton. Order was soon restored to our group when it was evident that the younger Roberts was still in his appointed place barking orders out to all who would listen, even to his own kin, “our Collie”. Reaching Claudy Peter decided that he had done a good week-end’s work and bidding us adieu headed for home trailing early riser Fergal and “our Collie “in his wake. We were undismayed and driven on by Charlie, Simon, Raymond, Shaun(now approaching excellent fitness) and our RVCC guests kept our speed over the N Tyrone drumlins and all the way to the Plumb. The road from Plumbridge to Strabane is only 10 miles long but it’s three major climbs present quite a challenge. We kept together all the way until we reached the final ascent by the TV mast. There things really fractured and whilst Charlie, Simon and Colin lead the way to the top the remainder of the gang ascended with Pat, Tony and Raymond at the front at a somewhat slower but nevertheless effective pace. A fast gallop down the hill in beautiful sunshine made our toil well worthwhile and reaching Strabane we agreed that we would take the main road back to our waiting nearest and dearest. We worked well together until the lights at New Buildings where the usual hell broke out and whilst Charlie did more than his share at the front sleeping beauty Ciaran and Larry made valiant efforts for the 30 mile trophy only to be well pipped by dark horse Marty. A great day’s fun! Over 74 miles covered, almost 5,000 feet of climbing, superb weather, great scenery. What a day.
Over the past few week-ends we have missed our old compadre Martin, where’s me drugs, Watts. However, news in from Rome tells us that Martin has yet again done the decent thing and proposed to the lovely Olive on bended knee in the Everglades. After 25 years I can only add the club’s congratulations to all those already received!!Hope to see you Martin verry soon, maybe for the ToG!
Ciaran has asked to advise all club members that we are planning a Tuesday and Thursday nite ride from the complex at 6.15 p.m. All are welcome, new members, old members, beginners, logs, etc., ….even me. (I promise not to be grouchy!)
Finally no news yet from Danny who rode the Bann Valley Classic today.
W/E May 06, 2007 Saturday was certainly the day for the good weather and 8 of the FCC club took advantage of the excellent conditions to take a trip down to L’kenny roundabout and home by Lifford. Good to see webmaster Brendan make a welcome return and with Terry and boy racer Danny X in command the run was enjoyed by all. Sunday was an earlier start for those attending the Tour of the Glens challenge with 15 FCC men meeting at the (un)welcoming hour of 0600. Heading off in convoy and never minding their impact on the carbon foot print our cavalcade came together again near Belfast city hall eager to get going on this 205 km ride. Unlike last year we were well in time for the 0800 start and headed off with the main group of approx 180 riders for the first check point at the seaside town of Ballygalley. The wind was galing from the SW, the rain threatened and we did have several showers but all in all it was a much better day than had been forecast. Staying connected in such a large group was nigh impossible and team FCC soon separated into smaller subgroups mixing with riders from all over Ireland and the UK. As per usual the pace was hot over this first section and we reached the check point with an average speed of 20 mph in our legs. A quick roll call and we were eager to make tracks only to find two of our group, Donal the Culmore stallion and Paul his apprentice, gone missing. With no news and unable to hear my phone, which at this time was ringing away merrily in Gavin’s car (memo to self: always stash phone in cycle pocket!!), we determined to push on with the main group at least as far as the first major climb at Glenarm. Turning left at Antrim’s first glen we ascended steadily, holding our pace steady to ensure everyone’s arrival at the top.. The fast downhill saw master cyclist big W assume his position at the front followed immediately by acolyte Shaun and your scribe attempting to make up ground. The romantic sound of tyre swish was shattered half-way down the hill by a loud bang as yours truly hit a large stone and relied on excellent bike handling skills to make a rapid stop!! A quick change aided by Raymond and Gavin and we were back on the road again heading along the coast for Cushendall and the entrance to the climbs of Corkey mountain and the Altnahinch dam. Taking our breath at Cushendall we were considering our departure for the glens when we discerned the arrival of our errant compadres Donal and Paul. Equipment failure was the reason given for their delay as Donal explained that he had broken a gear cable ½ way between Belfast and Ballygalley. Now stuck with only two gears a decision had to be made, to turn now or to attack the upcoming climbs in this handicapped position. The answer was never in doubt!! Our groups had now sorted themselves out with Danny, Peter, Fergal, Simon, and Charlie about 25 minutes up the road, Ciaran on his own 20 minutes behind and then our expert peloton of Shaun, Waren, Tony, Gavin, Raymond, Donal, Paul, Pat, and me. First casualty of the climb was the ailing big W who found that he had not fully recovered from three days’ sickness and made the turn for home before we began the last circumvention of Corkey. Battling the mountain top gale in even smaller groups we worked hard to reach the dam where we once again felt the encouraging wind in our backs as we climbed ever upwards to the highest point of the day.. Our road back to Cushendall was now made more difficult by the ubiquitous loose chippings and care was needed by all on the steep descent back to the caravan park and a reconnoitre with our capitan, Ciaran H. A quick break for tea and a sandwich and we were on the way again. 40 miles to go to Belfast, three major climbs, some minor Ballymena drumlins…sure what had we to fear! Glenarrif, Broughshane, the climb to Ballyclare, they were all ready to test us. Our pace was steady, our group tactics were strong, our gels were eaten at opportune times!! We survived the heavy showers and the strong winds. With victory within our grasp nothing would stop us. Thru Ballyclare we picked up some fellow travelers from Banbridge and Dromara and organizing our large group in to a slick changing peloton we made good time all the way to Cavehill and Belfast zoo. There the rain came down in horizontal sheets and care and attention was in order as we charged on to the city hall and our prize, ToG medals. A good feeling of accomplishment for all after an enjoyable day in difficult conditions. A challenging course with excellent riding companions. Special tributes to Donal for having ridden all the course stuck in a 39x19 and to Ciaran having his first major test since his accident. Well done lads, well done to all.
May 10, 2007 the week-end has rolled in to view once again and as I look over the upcoming weather forecasts I suggest a southerly facing run on Saturday and a northerly run on Sunday. Saturday run is starting as usual at 0900 and catering for all levels, please.
I suggest Sunday at 0900 we head for Clonmany, Pinch Hill in reverse, Mamore Gap, Clonmany, Ballyliffin, Malin Town, Glengad hill, Malin head, Culdaff, Moville, Derry. A bit of a variation of a theme! We still need stewards for the RAS on Friday May 25. Please give your name to Charlie and assemble at the bottom of Shipquay street at 1200 noon on the 25th. This is your club and you are needed to help run this prestigious event. Also, we need stewards for the Liam Ball triathalon on May 26th from 1000a.m. In return for stewarding this event we get the use of the complex for our own I100. Assemble at the Sports Complex and talk to Jeff Ashe. Remember no club ride on the 26th!!. Names for Liam Ball stewarding to Terry D. Next Wednesday May 16, nite Roe Valley CC is holding an APR road race at Ballyleagrey, Drumsurn Road. Meet at Balteagh church. This is the final race before the first round of the inter club league race on May 23rd. All racers please show up on these dates prepared to compete. Judging by our club runs we have plenty of racers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now is your chance to shine. Finally well known club member Raymond Doherty, or Shergar as known to big W, is taking up an assignment in Morocco on Monday May 14. The club wishes him well in his travels and hopes that his absence will not be for long.
Some hard riding May 13, 2007!!! Club runs this w/e were held under glorious spring skies. Although the wind was strong, especially so on Sunday, the shone throughout our rides and made for some excellent conditions. Saturday’s run was well attended and after leaving route selection to Fergal, our group of about 16 headed out for some strenuous hill work in the surrounding countryside of N Tyrone. Accompanied as were by such keen cyclists as Peter, Charlie, Simon, Boyd, A rare visitor these days, Raymond, his last outing before leaving for Morocco, Danny X, taking a break from the race circuit, and Tony, our pace was always hot as we headed up such climbs as Curryneirin, an old familiar climb but still extremely challenging, Ardmore, Claudy bypass and Craigbane. Never daunted by the ever present male testorone on our trip Evelyn hung in all the way as she continued her preparation for the upcoming Wicklow 200 and indeed remarked on the excellent climbing opportunities presented by this ride. A hard ride, 55 miles covered, total elevation climbed 1140 metres, greatest height 900 feet. WEell done to Aidan and Gavin on a good ride. This a.m. came around rather quickly and despite feeling somewhat bushed from yesterday’s ride I was unable to resist the excellent conditions presented by the fantastic sunshine and headed for the complex at the appointed hour eager to meet my training companions. Alas and alack. When I arrived I found that I was in a small yet select company of Martin, I’m off the drugs..honest, Charlie, Pat, Patrick, brought some club funds in case we need a taxi, Peter, the annual manual told me I had to be out today, and visitors Colin and Paul. The wind was heavy and knowing that we would need as many bodies as possible to make life easier we searched the car park …in vain. No sign of any more FCC riders and indeed no sign of those who had promised they would indeed be back today!! We headed of on the agreed route, Clonmany, Pinch Hill, Mamore Gap, Ballyliffin, Malin, Glengad via Black mountain, Malin, Carn, Q. Point. Heading in to the strong NE wind our progress was steady if not dramatic. All took their turn at the front and Patrick and Martin were seen to good effect as they belied their somewhat limited recent training regime. Leaving Paul, an excellent rider, in Buncrana where he had succumbed to a puncture we were almost at the N Pole bar when were pleased to note the arrival of our compadre Danny X who felt that extra hard work was in order and arrived at the complex ten minutes after our departure. Now we were nine, Paul having regained our company, and as we headed up Pinch we were pleased to note that the wind was in our backs on this long and sometimes strenuous climb. Taking the next right turn we headed up Mamore and despite the steepness of the climb and the sometimes 20% gradient all made it to the top in good fettle eager to enjoy the view of Leenan bay from the summit. We were now on the way to Malin and our next climb, the Black mountain. Taking the left turn across the marshes we were saddened by the departure of Martin, Colin and Patrick as with the reduced numbers our work load would now become harder. Still our band of six was undaunted and ascended the Black Mountain via Malin at a taxing yet manageable pace. We had now reached the turning point of our trip and taking the left headed for Lag beach with the ever strengthening wind blowing our tired bodies down the road towards Carn and Quigley’s Point. A t the best of times the road up to Glentogher is a test and with Charlie leading our group today was no exception as we attacked this final ascent at a fairly rapid pace. Keeping it all together we passed the summit and made the descent to the Ppoint at our usual breakneck pace before taking the Ture straight up to Derry. Home before two, 76 miles in the bank, 1400 metres and Mamore climbed. It was a good day’s run!! Memo to self one hard run per week-end is sufficient for me!! Race at Roe Valley this Wednesday….Ballyleagrey circuit. Hope to see all racers there! Ras stewards please meet at 12 noon on Friday 25, May at the Guildhall.
May 20, 2007 The week-end is upon us and all systems are go for the FCC’s Tour du Sperrins. Leaving from the sports complex, Buncrana Road at the usual time of 0900 on Sunday 20/05 the tour will go thru Plumbridge, the beautiful Gleneely valley, Moneyneaney, Feeney, Claudy and back to Derry. This is always an enjoyable ride and the social aspect will be completed by the usual tea stop at the Sperrin heritage centre which Ciaran is arranging. All are welcome on this tour and hopefully some of our fellow members on the “League” squad will make an appearance. The usual club run will be held on Saturday at 0900. Please note we are deferring the Inishowen climbs for a later date. Wednesday next is the first round of the inter club league series at Burnfoot. Please help to win this trophuy back. 7 p.m. at Burnfoot near Dungiven. A fun event! Preparations are well in hand for the FBD Ras stage finish on Friday 25/05. Charlie is coordinating stewards of which more are needed. Latest news is that such well known riders as David McCann, Mark Scanlon , and Chris Newton, will be at the start line. We also need stewards to help at the Liam Ball triathalon on Saturday, 26/05. No club ride on that day. Terry is coordinating that effort. Please send or phone him. Finally news from our foreign correspondent, Raymond, is that he has settled in well in club Morocco, having completed a cool 100 miles already on the turbo!!!
I’m away in Dublin this w/e. Keep safe. See you on the road, Mark
FCC wins the race but loses the game!! May 23, 2007 Tonight’s first round of the inter club race league featured a close run contest between team FCC and team RVCC. Run over three laps of the challenging Burnfoot course under always threatening skies, the closely handicapped contest featured some excellent team tactics by our team which resulted in a fairly comfortable victory from a breakaway ace in the pack Simon and a strong second place by find of the season Peter M. With strong back from your scribe, and Danny X the overall contest was ours for the taking if more FCC riders had made the short journey out to Limavady to help our cause. However, with RVCC putting in some excellent packing from Colin, Peter C, Paul, new man Brian, Peter Jack, and Keith ? the overall result was taken fairly easily by the men from the Roe. Those of us who took part had an excellent evening’s fun, did really well and showed that we could ride our bikes!! Hopefully more club racers will join the fun at the next inter club event on June 13, a 10 mile TT on the Letterkenny road. Result: Simon, Peter M, Colin (RVCC), Peter C(RVCC), Paul (RVCC), Brian (RVCC), Mark, Peter J (RVCC), Keith(RVCC), DannyX.
Next up is our hosting of the RAS in Derry at 1145 on Friday. All stewards are again reminded to meet at the Guildhall for a briefing. Club chairman Charlie is organizing stewards. Stewards for the Liam Ball meet at the complex on Saturday at 0945 for final instructions. Check with Terry for your orders.
No club ride Saturday.
Club ride Sunday as usual at 0900 from the complex, Buncrana Road. Route will be north to Moville, Greencastle, Kinnagoe bay, Tremone Bay, Culdaff, Malin, Black Mountain, Malin, Carn, Quigley’s Pt.
27.05.07 After a busy week-end both on and off the road FCC members can reflect on work well done in several areas. Friday’s organization of the FBD RAS stage finish went well and was well received in the main by the people of our burg. Certainly race organizer Dermot Dignam was complimentary of the reception received by riders and support crew alike on their visit to Derry. The spectacular finish up Shipquay street was graced by a fine sprint between Canadian and American riders. (Great to see the Canadian pull it off!!!) Thanks to everyone who helped with the stewarding and special thanks to my partner in crime Chairman Charlie who played a massive part in the venture’s success. Finding Miss FBD at 12 hours notice revealed a new side to the man!! Saturday saw several of our club participate in and help with the stewarding of the Liam Ball triathalon. The race itself was the usual success and latest news from club participants Terry, Frankie and Jarlath is that they did very well. Well done to all of you. Once again thanks to stewards Brendan, Billy, Shaun, Patrick, Peter who got out of their beds early to assist in this community effort. This morning’s club run was fairly well attended and although the wind was very strong northerly a very tight ride was well enjoyed by all of us who made the full 72 miles. Leaving the complex at 0910 we were pleased to have with us Dr Dave making a rare appearance with his old club mates. Sad to say he deigned to leave the lovely Mairead, a strong cyclist in her own right, at home. However, the word from the doc is that she will soon be joining us as our second female member!! Our run took us to Greencastle, Kinnagoe, Tremone bay, Malin town, the Black mountain, Malin and home via Carn. Having everyone in our group take frequent turns at the front ensured that despite the stiff breeze we made rapid progress to Greencastle and the first climb of Kinnagoe. This side of the hill may be shorter but it is no easier and Jim, Peter, Charlie, Fergal and Danny found it quite a test even to their well honed talents. At the top we said adios to Peter M, off home to test his new TT bike with fellow TTer Simon, and with Brendan and Aidan having also turned we were now down to eight. We now faced the rapid descent past Kinnagoe and on to Tremone. A well cycled route this is a fair challenge and our group was split as we made our way past the magnificent whitecaps of the north sea and on to the turn for Culdaff. A regroupement there ensured all were onboard and driven on by Fergal and Jim we picked up the pace as we made our way to the next challenge of the Black mountain. The weather we still fair, the sun shone brightly and there was a good spring-like feel in the air. The spring in our step was somewhat dulled as we made our way up the challenging Black mountain. As we neared the top of the sometimes 15% gradient our group split again and whilst the stronger men took a 50 yard gap, Pat, Ciaran, Tony, Shaun and your scribe held their tempo and sumitted the rise together. Now we had completed the hardest part of our trip. The turn for home was near. The wind would be behind us. We could enjoy the fruits of our work. Indeed it was so. Heading past Five Finger strand our wheels were humming, our machines were singing, the wind was making us fly. Even the rise to Glentogher felt easy. We hit the top and flew down the hill to Quigley’s. Man this is what cycling should be like always!! The run up the Ture straight was a snap and despite Fergal’s best effort the customary 30 mile sprint was taken by an ever vigilant Jim. A great morning out, good friends, 72 challenging mile, 5500 feet of climbing. When can we do it again?? See you on the road. Mark
week-end June 02, 2007 This week-end could be summed as the week-end of the foaming shorts and the torrential down pours! Saturday started off windy and dry but as soon as our eight man peloton had left the complex the rain started to pour down. Faced by a heavy SW wind we decided that a relatively easy run was in order and headed for the Manor roundabout, Lifford circuit. With chairman Charlie arriving late on our scene after an early morning run with Evelyn and her personal trainer, the pace was always vigorous. Welcoming back Kevin who was in excellent form, despite having had washing m/c problems, we made good time to Carrigans where webmaster Brendan suffered his second puncture of the day. At this stage our group was well split and while five of us helped Brendan back on the road, the always fast moving Peter diced out the sprint with Charlie and Terry at the old dairy site. Sunday morning was an eight a.m. start and it was a pleasant surprise to see 8 unphased FCC stalwarts gather at the complex under heavy rain clouds for a run down to the Glenelly valley, Barnes Gap, Gortin Lakes, Douglas Bridge and Strabane. At an early stage of the day it was plain to see, even thru our fogged up glasses that Fergal and Gavin were also having problems with their washing m/cs. Or maybe they needed new home help!! Unabashed by the state of their shorts the two lads did their usual good work in the peloton as we headed for Park and the first climb of the day up Dart mountain. Keeping it together thru the foothills we were well pleased to note that sometimes infrequent visitor Patrick was holding his own on the tricky ascent. The top was somewhere in our vicinity as we climbed up thru the clouds where Fergal, Tony and Pat made a small break and summited first followed closely by Shaun, handicapped by his winter bike, and your scribe. Plummeting down the tricky gravel lined road to the church at Cranagh, your scribe had a close encounter with a wire fence and was just about able to hold it together before reaching the safety of the church side halting spot. We then gathered ourselves up in the still pouring rain and headed on for new roads up the side of the Glenelly valley to Barnes Gap. This area may be hilly and taxing but its beauty is unquestionable and it is relatively unspoiled. We were lucky here to catch site of a low flying buzzard, looking for mad cyclists! Now we were heading for Gortin and local man Tony suggested as a detour we climb the loop up to Gortin lakes. About a two mile climb this proved a good test and with Fergal again cresting first the KOM points seemed assured despite a close tie for second between your scribe and secretary Pat. A quick regroupement at Gortin and we were on the fast road to Newtowstewart, always looking for more challenges. And we found some as we next took a right turn and headed on the back road to Strabane thru the bridges of Douglas and Victoria. Here big W decided that the Sunday roast was pressing and headed back the main road for Derry whilst the magnificent seven headed for Carrigans always pushing thru the driving rain. The final KOM points at Carrigans saw Gavin make a brave show but Fergal’s position was never in doubt as he crested shortly behind. Shaun got the final sprint at the old dairy site and with the three amigos Gavin, Fergal, and your scribe doing some extra hill work at Southway we parted company after a great morning’s adventure. New roads, lots of hills, fantastic scenery, 130 km (81m), 1500 metres climbing, new talents uncovered. A great days work! Race this week is Wednesday nite, 7 p.m. at Ballyeagrey, on the Drumsurn road. Next w/e 14 FCC men and women are heading for Dublin to ride the Wicklow 200. Watch out as fast man Raymond is returning for a short sabattical to ride this and the GF Pantani.
June 06, 2007 update League of Gentlemen ride leaving the complex at approx 0730 on Saturday. Check with Tony or Paddy for full details. All are welcome. good to hear of the return of gentleman Jim, one of FCC's founding members and always a supporter of cycling and tri in the area.
Regular club rides at the usual time of 0900 on Saturday and Sunday from the complex. The weather has been top class so far this week. Great time to be on your bike.
About 14 FCC women and men are heading to Dublin at various times on Saturday to ride the challenging Wicklow 200 classic on Sunday. With the climbs of Sally Gap, Wicklow Gap, Slieve Maam, Rathdrum, the Wall and Scalp to be conquered this will require the best from most of us. Looking forward to having Raymond back with us and with big W, Peter M, fast legs Nicell, Donal the horse , lovely Evelyn, resurgent Gavin, Paul N, Shaun I want my good bike back, and several others making the trip it will be a fast run day. Remember that we are meeting for food and drinks at Romanos, Capel Street on Saturday night. Let me know if you're available for that session. Tonight's race at Roe Valley did not have many (only 2!!) FCC participants. On a great nite for cycling over a challenging circuit Peter M continued to impress finishing a strong 3rd and was supported by your scribe in 7th position. Next week is the second round of the inter club league on Wednesday night 13/06 at 7 p.m. on the Lettrekenny road, a 10 mile TT. We need FCC riders and stewards. Please come along to do one or t'other. Finally good wishes to Ciaran's father during his present illness. Have a great w/e!! see you on the road, Mark
Week-ending June 10, 2007 A great week-end weather wise saw FCC members take advantage of the summery conditions to complete some more unique achievements. I do not have full details of local club runs and who was out so if I omit some important news please bear with my lack of info. Close to home Danny X represented the club in the Ulster road race championships in Limavady over a challenging, hilly course and by all accounts put in a very strong performance. Riding without a team in such events can be daunting so more power to the Culmore flyer for keeping at the business!! Many of the club members made the long trip to Dublin to tackle the challenge of the Wicklow 200. Before getting in to the detail of their success it is opportune to recognise the superb achievement of one of our junior members, Eoghain Murray. Eoghain, son of Kevin (I love my TV turbo) covered the 100 km Wicklow challenge accompanied by his mother. This is some achievement for any rider, let alone a thirteen year old schoolboy. Well done Eoghain!! For those of us who rode the Wicklow 200 the story is also one of FCC success. Once again it is great to report that all members completed the course, together, at the same time, in one piece. Special congratulations to Evelyn who despite having to make her own pace finished the complete event accompanied by her returning twelve testosterone filled FCC mates at 4.20 p.m. in the sunny Dublin afternoon!!! Glad to say it wasn’t all hard work as our Wicklow festivities started on Saturday evening with an excellent meal at the always welcoming Romano’s taverna near Dublin’s Liffey river. There we were pleased to welcome back Raymond from his Moroccan holiday!! Looking even better than usual Raymond was eager to tell us he hadn’t been on a bike for four weeks! Hard to believe after seeing him next day on the road. Also good to see our Galway member John G grace us with his presence as he introduced his latest flame in his usual circumspect manner!! Whilst the majority took their leave after the excellent food and drink the smaller number, including your scribe, escaped to a neighbouring pub to wrap up the evening. Unfortunately one of us should have wrapped it up earlier!! Next day came early (note Peter Mulholland did set off at 0630 but no news of his adventures have yet been received) and despite the late arrival of those of us staying on the north side our eager bunch took off from UCD at 07.16 sharp(!!) headed for Enniskerry and the first major climb at Sally Gap. Conspicuous by our all being in the admired FCC strip and by the military like precision of our peloton, we became recognised during the day as the Foyle Express. Heading up the long climb at Sally Gap gaps appeared in our group as some suffered the effects of bad Guinness, mechanical problems, the hot weather, and who knows what else. However, always in the distance one could hear the welcoming sound of big W calling all to order, even though most were many meters up the road!! Over the top the speed picked up on the beautiful descent down towards Laragh as Shaun, Donal, Waren, Charlie, Ciaran, and I recognised several landmarks from having been in this majestic area on many previous Wicklow outings. The stop at Glendalough though unofficial was welcome (and all my mates gave me a warm one!!). It was great to see the latest cycling gear being modelled by ouir own John G as he hurried on to complete the 100 km ride. Heading up Wicklow Gap we rode tempo past Braveheart's monument keeping it all together until chain mechanicals caused your scribe to make a rapid dismount. Pushing on Charlie, Donal and best mate Paul showed strong form as they crested the climb, used in the 1997 Tour of France, well at the head of affairs. The descent from the Gap is long and speedy and taking advantage of the slipstream from our more "well equipped" riders, big W and ex chairman Ciaran, we headed downhill rapidly in pursuit of the disappearing trio. Now we were really enjoying the summer morning as this descent goes on for a while and with wide sweeping bends is one to savour. The road now became a series of ups and downs and passing thru Holywood we reformed our peloton before taking the turn from the busier N81 south on to the scenic lane thru Holywood Glen. Our group had now enlarged and with old friend Michael from Anagree, fresh from some spring tarining in Majorca, joining in the fun at the front we soon reached Donard and our first pit stop. This is a customary place for our group to sight of the great Sean Kelly but it was not to be this year. Content with some liquid refreshments, a brief chat with Paul Mc from RVCC and Dermot FBD RAS we once again mounted up and headed on the way towards Blessington via some fairly flat roads. All was going well and our group had grown to about 40 when a sudden cry from Tony O resulted in a short interlude while Raymond directed us in the manly pursuit of puncture repairs, Moroccan style! We were now close to the well publicised climb of slieve Maan and having crossed the 1000 foot high Auhavanagh climb we soon found ourselves faced with the dreaded challenge presented by its derforested slopes. It was now every man for himself as we struggled with varying success in the hot sun on a gradient which at times went to 16%! Fortunately this climb although serious is only 4 km long with the steepest pitch lasting only 1 km.. Reaching our goal, the welcome from Charlie, Paul, Tony, Gavin, Pat, Raymond, Donal, was appreciated as we stragglers crested the rise and headed for some revitalisation at the Power bar refreshment tent. Then we were going up, now were going down and after a quick stop at the pub by Drumgoff bridge for some H2O we headed quickly to Rathdrum and our second stop. Once more the mechanical elf struck me as we headed up the long drag to Rathdrum but a quick refreshment at this oasis and our group was on its way in chase of the lovely Evelyn who had been sunning herself on Rathdrum Green just as we arrived!! We were now on the last lap and had only a few more hills to conquer. Spirits were high, big W was getting quieter, life was good. Our pace was still good as we encouraged each other thru the pain barrier. We sped up Djouce mtn and flew (literally!!) down to Rocky valley. We paced the weaker folk up the Wall and in to Enniskerry. All that lay before us was the Scalp and Kilternan. These were conquered with ease and we knew that we were almost home as revitalised big W dropped on to the big ring and flashed thru Dundrum trailing all of his FCC mates in his wake. Our happiness was complete as with five miles to go we reconnected with Evelyn who had done the trip flitting from group to group but was now in the bosom of her FCC compadres for the last few miles. The grounds of UCD were a welcome sight and all knew we had completed a few kilometres...even 200!! It was another one for the history book. Warm showers, burgers, cokes, the prize was ours. We'll be back, hope some more of you will too!!! See you on the road, Mark
meet at 0830 on Sunday 17/06/2007 at the sports Complex, Buncrana Road, Derry to cycle to Buncrana and take part in Tour of Inishowen. Some may cut the whole route short but this is a good plan
Week-ending June 17, 2007-06-17 Another busy week-end passed in to history for FCC riders as despite some changeable weather many cyclists took to the roads near and far, some with more success than others! Saturday’s club run was held in some fairly wintery like conditions. In contrast to recent weather, the rain bucketed down and the temperature hovered around 10 degrees as only two of our hardiest, Simon and Charlie took off for a run around the Pollan Dam. Their route was planned to be longer but discretion winning out they decided that a fast, high tempo run around this challenging course was best to beat the un-seasonlike climate. Meanwhile some of our more adventurous members were down in Bangor heading out around the 60 mile course laid out by North Down CC for their coastal challenge event. Undeterred by the rain which held on for two hours, Terry, Brendan, Richard, Dr Dave and the lovely Mairead, accompanied by various webmaster in-laws had a great ride on this well supported event. The stew they received at lunch was very welcome and rumor has it was much higher quality than last year’s sustenance! Doubtless Terry will regale us all with the full story of that day’s ride in the weeks to come!! Today was a much better day for those early risers supporting the Foyle Hospice ferry run. This event was well supported and raised funds for an excellent local charity. Well done to Evelyn, Charlie and Raymond for giving their time to it. Several others in the club took in the well organized Tour of Inishowen event, run by our neighbours at North Pole CC. With a sheriff and a canvassing politician amongst those giving their support we were always going to be looked after! Amongst those going the full distance of a challenging 90 miles were big Brendan D., Tony and Danny. Certainly using the reverse course to our own flagship I100 event puts it up to the riders as crossing the climbs of Pollan Dam, Kinnagoe, Malin head, Knockamenny bends, and Mamore is no joke. However, hats off or chapeau, as David Duffield says! , to the N Pole boys for a well run event and a superb lunch stop. Terry the gloves are off!! Several of the club also started out from the complex at 0830 intent on joining in part of this tour. This plan seemed to be working well as after a long stop at the Gateway hotel for sign on, chat , and photos, (great to see Tommy and Marian Lamb there) we headed off with the bunch for the first challenge at Pollan dam. Feeling frisky and eager to show their Foyle shirts near the front Fergal, Pat, Patrick, Shaun, and Paul headed up the first steep climb at the Illies like gang busters. Chasing them down your scribe was himself cut down at the knees when my brand new chain broke and brought man and machine to a grinding halt. However, despite being bereft of my FCC mates. I fell in with a good Samaritan from Muff, Jim Gough, who produced a chain link from a weighty knapsack, and proceed to help me with an on the spot AA type repair. Mounting up my super, duper, top of the line Time m/c I soon learned that as well as all men not being equal, all chain links are also not equal!! 10 speed chains such as I use need 10 speed links and when repaired with 8 or 9 speed links they tend to jump and mis-behave!! However, undeterred I charged or clanked on over the dam, down the other side and on towards Quigleys. There I came on my old mate Dr Dave and his entourage. The secenery being good!!! (those of you who missed Dr Dave missed some good scenery), I decided that I had nothing to prove, as well as no way to prove it and settled in to some serious chat about bikes, Italy, racing and all the finer points of life with my old mate and his gang. Lunch at Culdaff was soon reached where, after a great feed and some more chat with Danny, the boy racer, Tony, up Tyrone , Brendan, always check your bike Mark, Kieran, I would join FCC but…, and several nefarious characters, I turned my mechanical misfit back towards Gleneely and headed for the Redcastle climb. My adventure was not yet complete as heading in to Muff and feeling content after a fun day out, I was surprised by a view halloo as that urbanite Sassenach Simon, show me your Rapha gear, zoomed up behind in his usual efficient style fresh from another 90 mile training run. News back from the gang of five is that they departed the Tour at Moville and headed for Carn and home. Their tale is also one of enjoyment and fun. Another great week-end on our bikes. The weather may have not been the best but we had fun. Next up Granfondo Pantani taking in Gavia and Mortirolo. It’ll be a blast. Wednesday week, June 27th, APR inter club road race on the Carrowclare circuit. This is on the road to Downhill, near the cricket club. Hope to see all racers or wannabees there.
Finally to add fuel to the hardest event debate the altitude gain for Tour of Glens was 9300 ft. whilst that for WW 200 was 9800 ft. I’m off to Aprica. No more emails for a week….you lucky sods! See you on the road, Mark p.s. great photo of junior member Eoghain Murray in the D journal with Sean Kelly before Eoghain did his epic WW100
w/Lots happening this w/e on the hiways and by ways of our land for FCC members. Several of you were at the TdeF in London and judging from tv pictures it was quite a spectacle. Hopefully, Simon, Fergal and Peter all had a great time. Best of luck to Peter who is journeying on to France for more tour times. Saturday’s club run although lightly subscribed was an enjoyable spin out. Taking in the 3 lakes circuit we held a good pace throughout this sometimes testing circuit. With Charlie and Mark B leading the way we refused to let the infrequent showers dampen our enthusiasm. Good to see Patrick back in the saddle again after his Italian adventures. Also, seen on our travels was sometimes member Stephen Mc making on of his well known secret training runs to Buncrana. Please come back soon big man, we still love you! Sunday turned out to be a super day for cycling and a friendly crowd of 8 FCC riders with guest Noel C turned out for Ciaran’s pre-nuptial cycle and Raymond’s au revoir trip. Per Ciaran’s request we headed down a familiar and favourite road for Castlederg, Castlefinn and Lifford. Maintaining a friendly pace was always on the agenda but with Frankie D making a somewhat infrequent appearance the pace was upped on the challenging Castlederg col and on down in to Castlefinn. The good weather had everyone in great and all rode back together until the Carrigans redoute where ex chairman Ciaran came out of his shell(lots of poetic licence !!) and stormed up the hill to easily summit first with Charlie following in his wake. A great day’s cycle, reasonable pace maintained, good send off for Ciaran and Raymond, new man brought home safely, where would you get it! Would also like to advise all members that we will have a club ride on Thursday 12/07 at 0900 from the complex. Format is Saturday run. Best wishes to Ciaran and Joanne on their upcoming wedding from all at FCC! See you on the road Mark e July 11, 2007 p.s. anyone seen the king of Carn recently. We need him and all other absent riders back...soon
What a fun week-end!! Once more another successful FCC odyssey has been concluded as 16 enthusiastic, satisfied cyclists have returned from Aprica, Italy after participating in the epic challenge of the Granfondo Pantani cyclcosportive held on June 24, 2007 over the Dolomite climbs of Gavia, Mortirolo and Passo Christina. Assembling at a local car park around midday last Thursday in beautiful sunshine, a foretaste of what was to come, we were disappointed to be minus legal eagle Paddy Mc who had just buried his mother in-law, RIP, but delighted to welcome late replacement Kevin M fresh from a winter training regime on his dvd turbo. The anticipation and enthusiasm among our 14 strong group was palpable as our bus driver ferried us through the heavy traffic on the road to Dublin airport. Taking advantage of the delay in Ryanair’s flight to Bergamo a number headed for the bar for a token pint of the black whilst a secondary quorum took time for a friendly java. On arrival we were pleased to reconvene with our young compadre, now resident in Edinburgh, Andrew string bean Nicell. Also, at the ready was our curly haired bus driver signor Tonino or Ayrton Senna as he became known and as he loaded up his slightly battered bus we gauged his ability to navigate the mountain roads which we knew were ahead on the road to the ski resort of Aprica. God was on our side, the roads were quiet, the crash barriers untouched and we reached Hotel Aprica in under 2 hours safe and well, eager to quaff a few celebratory ales with our old friend USA Lane who had settled in well having arrived the previous day. Lane had sussed it out well and his running description of the highlites of the area sent us to bed eager to check it all out in the coming days. Breakfast although basic satisfied all and thus sustained we headed for the basement and a bike assembling class lead by master mechanic Fergal Mc and his able spokesman ex-chairman Ciaran. A restful cycle was planned and shortly after we headed off resplendent in our FCC gear eager to show the Italians that the paddies had arrived. The best laid plans etc and after a short downhill we found ourselves heading sharply uphill on the way to Monte Padrio via roads with gradients rising up to almost 25%. Undaunted we resorted to our 30x27s, 34x29s and even our well heeled shoes as we tested our abilities on similar terrain to that of Sunday’s GF. We don’t experience climbs like this in our town TG but after 8km we reached the summit and took the exhilarating long downhill over freshly tarred surfaces back to Aprica for a pleasant lunch stop at one of the local trattoria’s recently discovered by Lane. The post lunch ride was over the Passo Christina and a smaller group headed on this investigatory ride eager to learn more about the final 20 km section of Sunday’s GF ride. Easy it was not but all who made the 7km long ascent at an average of 8% gradient felt it was eminently doable. Little did we know!! Dinner that evening was generously and unexpectedly sponsored by Lane. (Thanks for that!!) After some excellent antipasta, steaks, and salads, all washed down by superb local wine we headed down to our favorite spot for our now customary dessert of ice cream and several beers. Italian beer has much to recommend it and our cosmopolitan group were eager to savor all its flavor before heading for the athlete’s late bed! Saturday dawned bright and sunny. Awakened by the nearby church bells our group breakfasted satisfactorily determined to have a restful day after last year’s adventures in neighbouring Feltre. Some went on a bus trip to Edolo, several headed for the registration hall, and many took in the excellent exposition of all that is good about Italian cycling. The GF ride Rested and refreshed(??) 16 eager, enthusiastic, and somewhat trepidatious FCC cyclists headed to breakfast at the ungodly hour of 0600 on Sunday morning adorned like all other competitors in the polka dot shirt made famous by Marco Pantani himself. Oil enriched pasta, a recognised source of carbohydrates, was the order of the day for many of our crew and there were many squeamish expressions as we tried to stomach this unfamiliar food at such an early hour. The start line was crowded as we arrived in our appointed pens at 0710. With numbers in the 2000 range we were well back from the front but could still hear and see the razzmatazz which was taking place furter up the line. The confetti was let loose, the cannon sounded, the music crescendoed, and at 0750 we were on our way speeding downhill to Edolo. Surviving that first breakneck 8 mile spin to our rendezvous at the water fountain in Edolo was our first success. There many of our crew reconvened and set about the gradual, only 6%, climb along the road to Ponte Legno(PL). Lead on by Patrick, a revealation all day and a worthy addition to any group with his unending good humour, and the inscrutable Tony O we cut a fine pace as we did our FCC routine all the way to the base of the Gavia at PL. PL is where the Gavia starts its rise to a snow capped summit of 2600 metres or 8500 ft, almost 8 times as high as the Mamore Gap and steeper in many parts. The pace slowed noticeably on this the first really hard section of the trip. With Charlie, Danny, Andrew, Boyd, and Kevin, already well up the road, Lane in limbo land between us and them, we were now a group of 11 content to keep an even pace knowing that we had 20 km of climbing on our plates. Donal was feeling his breakfast, Paul was wishing he had eaten Donal’s, I was feeling queasy, Lane had just been brought in to our fold when we were brought to an abrupt halt by a massive agglomeration of cyclists dead stopped in the middle of the already restricted road. The narrowness of the road coupled with the steep incline at its side caused one to believe that perhaps an unlucky Marco look alike had fallen to his doom. However, our speculation was unrewarded as we clambered off our steeds forced to take to shanks’s mare for almost 1 km. It was still early in the day and our good spirits were undimmed as we ambled forward in the sunshine entertaining the unsuspecting eyties, two men from Eglinton and a lone English entrant with the highest paddy humour. All good things etc and we were soon back on our machines of torture climbing upward once more beyond the tree line and into some magnificent mountain country. The pace was beginning to tell and with Tony, Raymond, Patrick, Gavin, Fergal, Paul, Shaun, and Donal driving on into a 1 km tunnel to the roar of the passing motorcycles, Lane, your scribe, and Ciaran brought up the rear eager top reach the summit and our first food stop. Rewarded by a superb view and feeling that we had indeed accomplished much of our goal we pushed on down the other side and took the road for Bormio and the mighty Mortirolo on down a piece. The descent from Gavia is spectacular in places and with Ciaran back to his old form (quel brave!!), Lane demonstrating excellent downhill technique, Tony showing his usual inscrutability, Donal and Fergal on their best form, we flew from 2600 metres to below 1000 metres. Passing thru Bormio we latched on to a fast group of white mufti clad locals and kept a slick pace as we faced into a heavy breeze all the way along the road to Grossio. There, after a brief detour by three unfortunate ones for phantom Cokes we pushed on to Mazzo and the food stop at the base of big M! Now was the hour. There could be no dodging. That mountain which Lance declared was the most savage climb he had ever done was now our challenge. The Mortirolo was before us. Wishing each other luck we headed off up the 12.5km climb eager to get it done. Our group rapidly split up with Tony, Paul, Donal, leading, Shaun not far behind, Gavin, Patrick, and your scribe next in to the breech, and Raymond, Fergal and Ciaran making up our quorum. Quickly we learned what was in store as the changing gradient was announced on a board at the start of each kilometre. Such information would normally be welcomed but when the gradient goes from 10% to 20% the notification was found to be almost frightening! Still we ploughed on up the ever toughening slopes our spirits seemingly undimmed. Patrick kept the humour going, Tony continued to make it look easy. Gavin thought of his next client lunch. Ciaran thought of his upcoming wedding. But none of us could disguise the fact that it was hard work. Four kilometres in Ciaran, Gavin and Raymond pulled in for a drink. Raymond suffering from his back and his Rabat sojourn was feeling the climb. Gavin quickly pushed on knowing that time was now of the essence. Up the road Patrick and your scribe were sharing a bad joke when overcome with humour and fatigue I lost control of my super duper Time and plunged head first over the side of a steep cliff, 30 feet down in to a bed of rocks and nettles!! Luckily I quickly came to my senses and, finding that all my parts were in order, with the help of a friendly local hauled myself and my Time up the cliff. My resolve undimmed, my back in agony I quickly remounted and resuming my earth shattering speed of 6 kph headed up the road in search of my mate Patrick, now nowhere to be seen! Eventually reaching the top of a mountain I have now renamed Il Bruto I was disappointed to discover that there wasn’t an FCC compadre to be found at the food stop. Thus after a brief stop I continued quickly down the road towards Aprica eager to get there before cut off time. Charging on reward was mine as I soon saw the familiar figure of Gavin who had passed me as I lay sprawled in the abyss and shortly after we came upon a slowing Patrick, my king of humour. Now it was my turn and my resolve declared I left my mates in the dust and sped on down the final hill and in to Aprica, a welcome sight to all riders. At this stage all that lay ahead was a 20 km circuit round the San Christina pass. Nearing our hotel I spied the yellow clad Donal taking his ease and shortly after came upon Paul and Fergal resting at the finish line. They had finished some course and I had a whole circuit to do!! I could not believe it. Still I kept going down the long descent and on to the right turn which signaled the start of the SC climb. (7km long, 8% average in case you have forgotten). I crawled around this circuit passing or being passed by a few desultory Italian riders, motivated by an instinct that having come so far I was going to do the total 172 km course. And it was soon over as I sped under the finishing banner on the main street of Aprica. Who was there already? How had all the FCC battalion fared. Lead by Andrew, Charlie, Danny, Boyd, Tony, Shaun (what a great ride!!), and your scribe seven of us had completed the 172 km long course. Nine including Kevin, Fergal, Paul, Donal, Patrick, Gavin, Lane, Ciaran, and Raymond had done the medium 152 km course. All had suffered but all had triumphed. Memories are made on a ride like this!! All that remained was a great meal that night. Lots of wine, great food and excellent repartee. Followed by the usual ice cream and a few beers we had the craic as we relived the day’s adventures. Great trip, great event. Let’s do it again.
week ending July 29, 2007 A week-end of mixed weather saw some interesting and testing miles put in by some persistent FCC club people. Unfortunately there is no news from the LoG this week. Hopefully they also had a good cycling experience. Saturday’s 0900 hours run was an opportunity to welcome back young Peter, older Peter and Peter senior. With Terry D at the helm and planning for the upcoming I100 our group of 8 headed for the hills of Dunree and Pinch hill. Having said goodbye to older Peter in Buncrana we were driven on by a resplendent Evelyn in her borrowed pink socks and making light of some early inclement weather we reached the first climb at Dunree with everyone’s honour intact. A resurgent King of Carn (also welcome back!) and a feisty Terry D attacked the first hill at Dunree but they were soon reigned in by young Peter fresh from some excellent Alpine training and your honest scribe, fresh from Kerry. The downhill side of Pinch saw a regroupement and we headed back to Derry with everyone in fine fettle. Terry, however, was loath to allow us rest on our laurels and drove the pace ever forward on the homeward trip aided by those other two fine rouleurs, young Peter and the king of Carn. A good run out, no holds barred, everyone home safely. Sunday’s weather was also fairly unwelcoming but our group of 8 were unphased and headed too Magilligan seeking a fair crossing of the Foyle estuary. Once again we were missing several stalwarts, e.g Fergal (Paris), Ciaran (USA), Danny x(Austria), Tony??, Raymond (Rabatt), Kevin M (somewhere in Ireland), Pat McCaf(Portugal), Shaun??, Pat McC(Portnoo). Donal (Dunfanaghy), Paul??/, etc, etc. When one reflects that we have over 50 members, 8 people on a Sunday run is disappointing. What do we need to do to attract more people out?? Our journey to the ferry was uneventful save for the fact that Dr Dave, unaccompanied by his usal acolytes, kept his distance at the back of our peloton refusing the offer of gentle conversation from Terry and your humble scribe. Damp but not drowned we reached Magilligan in fine order and with Charlie having delayed the ferry for our advantage (????) we headed on board for some revivalist Donnelly humour and a heat up in the men’s toilet. (my hands were frozen!!). Newcomer Noel was questioning the sanity of having just paid a membership fee to a group who would cycle in such unfavourable conditions but soon changed his mind as we headed for an unscheduled coffee stop in Moville where the goodly Dr Dave shook the moths from his wallet and treated all and sundry to a welcoming cup of warm beverages (note this is a feature of our club rides which Jim Jackson has tried to introduce for years. Pity you missed this first time event, Jim!). A quick pose for further photos taken by Charlie, a.k.a Lord Snowdon, and we were on the road again. Fuelled by caffeine (not really a drug, IDT!) we picked the pace up substantially and were soon making 20 mph in to a very strong wind. Prominent at the front were Terry, Charlie, Kevin McG and young Mark B, soon to be wed, as we headed on to Quigley’s Point and the road to the Pollan Dam. Inner most secret longings were there revealed when Evelyn, Noel, Terry, the king of Carn, young Mark, dr Dave, left us in no doubt that an early shower was a more favoured option and kept their heads down for Derry whilst your unsuspecting scribe and chairman Charlie headed up the hill towards the climb at the Pollan Dam. Charlie did moderate his pace but having earlier revealed to me that he is now training at 0545 every Tuesday with a 1 hour run to and from Buncrana I knew that it would be impossible to match his well known talent and excellent speed. However, not known to shirk a challenge I used all the diversionary skills at my disposal and kept him occupied with as much intellectual conversation as I could muster as we winged our way in to Buncrana and on down the road to Derry. We made good time, the sun came out and dried us up, we reached Muff together. Charlie headed for home while I breathed a sigh of relief and went in to recovery mode! A good cycle, some great craic, good company. Hopefully next time numbers will return to more usual levels.
Entries are still needed for the I100, our flagship event. We also need helpers for the I100. Terry does most of the organizing but we need about 16 people to help out on the day. Please let Terry know or email me back.
Also I am attaching an update from Raymond presently residing in Rabatt. Looks like he is keeping the training going. Look forward to seeing you on Saturday, Raymond.
I arrived back in Morocco got my bike with me this time and back on the road meet up with a group of cyclists every weekend pace is near our Sun. run and we have a tea stop along the road show you a few photos when i get back i will see you all next week i will be home for 2 weekends tell all boys i was asking for them Take care Raymond
See you on the road. Mark p.s. congrats to Galway member John Geaney who has announced his engagement. last seen on the first stop of the Wicklow 200, John is sure to upgrade his cycling kit with his new responsibilities. Also, welcome to latest USA member Sammy Hilali, San Jose, Calif. Sammy is an avid cyclist who will be here in September to join a club ride. DeleteReplyForwardMove... Previous | Next | Back to Messages Save Message Text | Full Headers Check MailCompose Search Mail: Search MailSearch the Web
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The Mourne Sportive- A Serious Challenge. On Sunday 12 August 2007 Dromara CC host the Mourne Sportive, an event covering 100miles through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Kingdom of Mourne. The course offers over 3000m of climbing, a serious challenge for local cyclists and those from further a field. Registration will be £20 for the event, securing participants, three feed zones on the course and technical assistance if required. (Embedded image moved to file: pic18174.jpg)
Those wishing to take part in the Mourne Sportive are advised to pre-register through the club website http://www.dromaracc.co.uk/sportive/home.html or by contacting the Club Secretary Trevor Annett on 07714382158 by Tuesday 6th August. The event has a restricted entry so early registration will secure your place. Hilly 60 – 80 - 125 Dromara CC is keen to cater for different interests and abilities and will be offering three other events on the 12 August. With distances from 35-80 miles on a variety of terrain, from the established Hilly route, to the more relaxed Moderate and Leisure Tours, there will be something for everyone. With the prospect of a post event barbecue and refreshment available from the club bar at the finish, this is a day for the whole family. Details of these events are on the club website. There is no need to pre-register, just turn up on the 12 August and sign on for one of the best days cycling you can get
the season is really hotting up and I forward some dates which you might like to note in your calendar and follow up with some actions, First is August 19th the date of our flagship event, the Inishowen 100. We still need riders to sign up. This can be done via the web page www.foylecycling.net . As Terry rreminded me last night entry will rise to £25 pp in the next few days. Enter now to avoid a £5 surcharge. There will not be exceptions. We also need helpers to run this event. The hard work is now being tended to by Terry and his team but we will need a minimum of 16 helpers on the day beginning at 0745. If you haven't given your name to Terry, would you please do so. This is a club of volunteers and needs your help as well as everyone else.....thanks!!
Wednesday next, 7p.m., August 08 we will have round 5 of the inter club race series. This is a handicapped road race on the Burnfoot cct near Dungiven. We need riders if we are to win the 2007 shield. We are well in contention but Wednesday's race is crucial. Please come and ride for your club, FCC!
Wednesday August 15 is round 6 of the inter club series. This will be a 10mile TT on the L'kenny road 5 miles past Bridgend. FCC is hosting this round and once again we need riders and helpers, please. If you're not riding please come to help run this event.
Sunday 12 August is the date for the Dromara cyclosportive. Dromara is south of Belfast and a few of us are heading down to be ready to start the event at 0800 from the soccer pitch in DRomara. This is a very challenging event and as Peter, Donal, Tony and I know from last year really sorts the men from the boys. Hope to see you there!! More details can be found on the Drmara web page or call one of the above people.
This w/e club rides as usual. Saturday a ride around Inishowen lead by Terry. Designed to cover much of the I100 terrain this will be a fun session. Leave yourself a little extra time for Saturday's ride. Sunday normal club ride at 0900 once again. I'm away Sunday. Hope to see many of you out on Saturday. Mark p.s. best wishes to big W for a prompt recovery after his recent swimming mishap in Turkey
Aug 11, 2007 The weather was certainly uncooperative for Saturday’s club run but it didn’t stop a 9 strong crowd of FCC men and women from enjoying an excellent morning’s ride thru Moville, past Noone’s Bridge(thanks king of Carn for the local geography), on to Culdaff and home over the crooked onion climb down in to Redcastle and home to Derry. Our pace was always challenging but we made sure that all levels were accommodated with frequent regroupements. As ever Charlie was keen to push on but he was often matched by the Rabatt rabbit(thanks webmaster) who was making a final outing this w/e before returning to Morocco. Peter McL and Aidan showed their readiness for the upcoming I100 test by putting in some excellent front line riding whilst Richard and Brendan made light of their sometimes infrequent attendance by also performing very strongly. Final push up the Ture straight included some “up and over” riding. This takes a bit of practice to get right but progress is good so far. Sunday was certainly a better day and the good weather brought 12 riders out ready for a good morning’s exercise. Turn out was excellent for a challenging ride down via some hilly country to Barnes Gap, Gortin and N’stewart. We were pleased to welcome back ex chairman Ciaran fresh from an enjoyable honeymoon, secretary Pat back from a warm session in Portugal, Martin back from exams in NY city(congrats MW!), Jim D out to help and encourage, Evelyn out to warm up before her first spin teach session, Danny there for some easy training!!, Raymond(were you really out?), Tony back from Ballindrait and of course Peter M eager to race all available hills. Despite a few punctures and several regroupements for ailing riders everyone managed a good workout. With the ascent of Dart mountain at 450 metres, some beautiful scenery round the Glenelly valley, and some challenging climbs up to Gortin everyone found some type of challenge in their outing.
Wednesday’s time trial on the L’kenny road is the last inter league event of the season. Start time is 7 p.m. 5 miles out from Bridgend. Once again riders and helpers are needed. Please come along. If we win on Wednesday we tie the league with Roe Valley.
Several of the club are eager to make a bigger impression on the Uster open racing scene. If you’re interested please let me know, talk to Danny X or set up a blog session on our web page. This is your club and its success depends on your involvement.
Inishowen 100 k.o. is 0830 on Sunday. Terry has been doing some special prep work in Newcastle and his well oiled machine is all set to go. All we need now is for you to turn up whether you are riding or helping. Sign on begins at 0745 at the sports complex. This is our flafship event and Terry has done sterling work in preparing for a smooth running event. Please say thanks and support him!
week-end Aug 24, 2007 last week-end culminated in another highly successful Inishowen 100 cycling challenge. Once again FCC members organised a highly enjoyable, challenging and safe cycle around the hiways and biways of our beautiful neighborhood. This event took a great deal of planning, organising and downright hard work. It took all kinds of effort from many different people and like all well run events it took one central supremo. Chapeau to Terry Donnelly without whose diligent, attention to detail things would not have run as smoothly as they did. Once again Terry pulled it off and we owe him a debt!! Thanks also to all the other FCC volunteers and to all the riders who came along to complete the cycle in a friendly, adventurous spirit. A greta event, a great day!! Check out the FCC web page for the latest photos from the I100 courtesy of Charlie and Brendan.
The season has still many weeks left to run and I would like to bring to your attention some of the upcoming events. This week-end we are having normal club rides on Saturday and Sunday at the usual start time of 0900 at the complex, Buncrana road. Sunday's run will take in Eglinton, Claudy, Park, Donemana and Derry...about 60 miles. The following w/e a few club men are heading to north Cumbria for the 165km Cumberland challenge. A new event for us this promises to be quite a late season test. On Sunday 9/09 we are having our Glenveagh escape. This is a 65 mile trip around Gartin Lough and Glenveagh. Superb countryside. On Sunday 16/09 we are holding a joint cycle with our friends at Roe Valley CC. Leaving Burnfoot near Dungiven and heading for the Sperrins this tour is in aid of cancer research and will finish with a bbq. On Sunday Sept 23 we are having our Fanad tour around the peninsula of the same name.
Also, please also consider taking part in the RVCC hill climb on Wednesday 5/09. This is a good test for the hill climbers as it takes in the Bishop's mtn climb. Lots to keep the interest going and gresat weather to out there.
congratulations to FCC members Brendan Duddy and Larry McGowan on turning in some excellent times in last week's TT at the Woodgreen course. Brenda's 22m.00s was a PB and Larry's 24m25s was also something out of the top drawer. Well done to both and thanks for flying the FCC flag. No news back from Danny X who competed in last week-end's open CU road race. Club PRO Billy D has submitted a newspaper article aimed at recruiting neophyte riders on to the road and hopefully in to our ranks. Watch out for the article in the local press and if new members do show up for club rides please make them welcome, introduce yourself, encourage them and wait for them during the ride. We have targeted September as a month for bringing out more people on to the road as we strive to build FCC in to an even better club!!. Club rides as usual at 0900 from the complex on Saturday and Sunday. Routes will be a la carte! Look out for Kevin M, Simon, Boyd the king of Carn, and several Peters who are all back from holiday. Also, Waren is rumoured to be making a comeback from injury and who knows Donal D and Paul are bound to resurface soon. So lots to look forward to!
Charlie and Paddy McD are on holiday, Ciaran, Fergal, Gavin and I are off to the Cumberland Challenge this w/e,, to ride a 105 mile sportive round northern Cumbria and southern Scotland. Frankie is probably down at the Dublin tri??
Terry continues to receive very positive feedback on the I100 and is already planning improvements for next year!
Enjoy the remaining days of summer. See you on the road, Mark
FCC club rides were lightly subscribed this week-end. Maybe everyone was off watching the world cup? Saturday's run around the L'keny roundabout, Lifford, St Johnson circular route saw 9 riders take the challenge and the return of Raymond on a week's break from Rabat. Also back in the fold were Evelyn, looking well tanned from Cyprus, Peter, not so tanned from Culdaff, Brendan, our own webmaste fresh from his usual sterling work on FCC pages, Terry, fresh from his hard work organising I100, Waren back after recent injury, and new man Stephen, who contributed two flat tyres to the morning's fun. A good Saturday morning run. All enjoyed the outing evrn though some heavy traffic did make life tricky by times. Today's run over the Glenveagh circuit was held under dull, dry conditions and with 10 riders leaving the bus depot at L'kenny at 0918 a good outing was enjoyed by all. We were pleased to welcome Mairead and Sandra along courtesy of club man Dr Dave and although they were surrounded by lots of male testosterone the two women gave a good account of themselves. The sometimes hilly course took us round by the beautifully scenic Gartin Lough, thru Churchill, over Muckish Gap and back thru Dunfanaghy and the road works at Kilmacrennan. All stayed together until we reached Dunfanaghy where someone, was it returning grimpeur Kevin M, said something to the inseperable duo who headed down the road chasing a tractor and were never seen again. The rest of us kept in synch till we reached Creeslough where it was agreed to leave David in charge of Mairead and Sandra, Jim was to head after Ciaran and Fergal and the remaining four of Kevin, Shaun, Pat (back from Offaly hospitality at the Tullamore fleadh) and your scribe followed after Jim along the road to L'kenny. We four kept a merry pace back in to the bus depot and were pleased to see the summit after Kilmacrennan as although this road is being updated the climb has not gotten easier. An enjoyable run through some excellent country and enxt year we might consider doing it in reverse to avoid the heavily trafficed areas.
Note\; next Sunday's combined run with Roe Valley CC starting from Burnfoot, near Dungiven. Please watch for directions.
See you on the road, Mark
p.s.happy 25th anniversary to Chairman Charlie and Janette!
The old reliables While some of us spent part of the w/e in foreign parts supporting the rugby team at the world cup and hoping for a miracle (one can only hope!) many of the club turned out for some fun late summer, early autumn riding over the w/e. Saturday’s run was lead off by Terry and Charlie and with Charlie heading for an early finish with Simon, Terry was left to welcome the return of infrequent rider Eunan and to lead a disparate group of cyclists round some challenging roads in Inishowen, Some new female athletes had been inveigled along and token female member Evelyn took some time to explain the vagaries of riding with a testorone loaded bunch of FCC members as the course headed for Quigley’s Point, Moville and Carn at a not so sensible pace. The beauty of group riding was soon apparent to everyone as the group turned for home in to a strong southerly breexze. Frequent rotations at the front helped to lighten the load for all and the complex was reached around noon with spirits intact and undimmed. Sunday’s run featured our now traditional end of season foray around Fanad head. Club veterans Terry, Charlie, Ciaran, Fergal, Kevin, Danny X were joined on this scenic run by more recent recruits Pat, nimble fingers McCaf, Pat, smooth tongue McC, Peter, runner and triathlete, McL, Evelyn, I love spinning, and Noel, keep those dogs away, Callan. The weather stayed fair until we got to the head but the dark clouds proved temporary as we rolled along over the undulating terrain towards the climb at Knockalla and the infamous bends. Seen in all their glory these corkscrew turns are a beautiful sight and as the late summer sun poured down on our little group making the short burst up this 12% climb some superb pictures were taken by a group of tourists making a short stop at the summit. Our pace varied by times but we worked hard to keep the group together and called for a regroupment at Rathmullan to tackle the last few miles back to L’kenny in to the strong southerly wind in an orderly fashion. Order only lasts for so long here in FCC and heading up the rise from Ramelton it was devil take the hindmost as Charlie, Danny and Fergal attacked each other on the run in to the Errigal hotel. Race experience was the decider and Danny pulled away easily over the rise at the Silver Tassie and lead the bunch the final few miles home. Several veterans swept up at the rear and ensured all arrived home safe and in good order after a lovely mornings work out.
W/E October 07, 2007 Much has been happening at FCC club level over the last few weeks. First, news from the League of Gentlemen shows they are getting some good miles in and enjoying the superb fall weather. The following is an update from LoG stalwart Tony Moore. The LoG continue on their early morning trailblazers. 54 mile covered today average speed 15.8 mile per hour (slow enough for winter training ?). Took on the Dryarch hill Letterkenny to Stranorlar back via Raphoe. Having a great time, luncheons and camera stops included free. Craic 90 ! 7:30 at the complex - home and eating bacon butties by 11:20.
A FCC off road section is more than a twinkle in Ciaran’s eye and the gestating mountain bike section took in the hills of Loughermore forest, near Claudy this morning. With Fergal also in attendance some good climbing practice was completed by the two compadres.
Regular road sessions were also held this week-end and were well attended as many geared up for the upcoming winter period. Terry was in command on both w/e sessions and lead more than a dozen riders round the 3 lakes circuit on Saturday whilst enjoying the excellent October temperature. Jim D brought along his young son and the youngster ably demonstrated that hard riding runs in the Doyle family. Also making a first appearance was fireman Joe and his overall fitness helped to make light of a fairly speedy session.
Sunday’s club run was well attended despite the adverse weather. We were pleased to welcome the second coming of new man Alan, the return of Danny X after a hard race season, riding a new winter steed, Peter M, back from Cork, Simon back from Amsterdam, and another Nicell, Paddy eager to keep big brother honest! In line with the season Terry had a flat run planned for us but somehow got sidetracked as he lead us up the climb at Redcastle towards the Gleneely highlands. Whilst Charlie and Paddy jousted for the family honour at the front of the pack, Terry, Shaun and your scribe stuck to their aim of winter pacing and scaled the heights at a non red zone pace. The descent in to Culdaff saw the departure of Phoenix stalwart Paul Mc G as he headed for home leaving us in the care of veteran triathlete Frankie! Our pace was always steady and as we rode thru Carn and back over Glentogher to the Point we took the opportunity to discuss upcoming plans for the winter and how we might develop the club for everyone’s advantage. After a final dash in to Muff which was taken by Peter M we went our separate ways having enjoyed a good run out.
Next w/e USA club man Lane P is in town and to celebrate Brendan has planned a meal out on Sunday evening. Keep Sunday open and details of time and place will be provided.
Club AGM is due in the next few weeks. Time and date will be confirmed shortly. If you have ideas on how to improve FCC this is your chance to bring them forward formally.
Another great w/e of summer like weather saw more excellent late season riding enjoyed by over 20 members of FCC. Saturday’s run followed an old familiar path around the Pollan dam and back home by the heart stopping challenge provided by Grania’s gap. We were pleased to welcome back veteran club man Eunan who has been busy setting up his new enterprise in Buncrana but is now promising to be a regular on our w/e adventures and mountain man Martin making a double appearance this week. We were also graced by a visit from sometime Phoenix man big John M astride his beautiful carbon laden Cannondale and had prospective member Joe M showing weekly improvement as he continues to try out his new found friends at FCC. Saturday’s route is always a challenge and the climb up to Glentogher saw Kevin, Charlie, Peter Mc, Simon and Martin lead the way at zone 3 pace all the way up this 8% climb. However, with Terry doing his bit to keep it together a mixed pace was maintained for all who wanted it and regular regroupments saw others get in some pacy riding but yet come together at the stopping points. A good morning’s work was completed by all as we went our separate ways at the junction near the Rock bar. This morning’s ride was the combined ferry run with our friends from Roe Valley CC. Once again although a little cooler than yesterday we enjoyed some excellent weather as 16 club men and women left the complex joined by other local cyclists including Jim flyer D, local cycling legend Paddy Carr and son Michael, triathletes Paul and Garry, Tony M and several others. Riding to Limavady we picked up friends Marty R and Colin and used the combined efforts of all to maintain a healthy pace as we began to pick up RVCC riders all the way to the roundabout by Limavady central. There safety guru Terry called for a split group to minimize frustration to passing motorists and we didn’t come together until we reached terminal 1 at Magilligan, assembly point for all making the Foyle crossing. A hasty negotiation was begun by George B and Martin with the lovely ferry coordinator and she was eventually beaten in to a one for all £2 price for the ferry crossing. We were all well cooled as we disembarked but Charlie and Keith insisted on more photos and Shaun and your scribe took the opportunity to take lead positions for the climb out of Greencastle and on to Derry. After a brief stop at Moville for a funeral a front group of 20 or more enthusiastic riders kept the pace going at the front with such as ace TTer Paul Mc, Jim D, Danny X, Charlie and Mary B ensuring that things never slackened all the way up the Ture straight. Sensing an opening Jim and Charlie took a flyer as we approached Muff’s “30” but were quickly chased down by Ciaran, and Danny and Colin fought for the honours at the critical point. Our FCC contingent regrouoped at Muff and headed for home together whilst our good mates from RVCC continued on the road home. All enjoyed a good Sunday outing and reinforced old cycling friendships under excellent conditions. As a matter of interest there were 21 FCC members out for the two reported club rides this w/e. There were also probably 4 LoG colleagues, Tony, Billy, Kieran and Paddy on the road making a total of 25 or so out on their bikes. There are over 50 club members and this makes a 50% participation rate. Food for thought!! See you on the road, Mark
Saturday was certainly not as pleaseant a day as Sunday but it did not deter 8 intrepid FCC riders from braving the strong wind and drizzly conditions for an enjoyable fall run down to Raphoe and Lifford by old familiar roads. We were joined by some of the local tri lads from Phoenix for the early stages of our trip and they did their share at the front until we got to the Manor roundabout where they discovered their passes had run out and they turned for home. Our FCC group kept going with Evelyn, new man Alan, returning young vet Boyd, and neophyte Joe maintaining a steady pace down the back road past Tony's house at Ballindrait. A halt was necessary at Lifford as Terry found that the saddle he got from his grandad had finally given up the ghost and running repairs were necessary if his manhood were not to be permanently affected. A few rolls of duct tape later and we were on our way again through St Johnston, up Carrigan's brae, or "king's" hill, and down to the old dairy for the final sprint home. A good run out for all concerned and early preparation for the soon to start winter training season. No news yet of today's run or of the mountain bike session at Banagher.
Remember agm on November 14 at 8 p.m. in the complex. Please keep it free.
w.e Nov 04, 2007 Attendance records for FCC club rides reached record levels this week-end when a combined total of 38 riders showed up for the Saturday and Sunday outings. Great to see it! On Saturday 16 showed at the complex to enjoy another fine fall day. We were pleased to welcome a rare appearance from Tony and Eugene taking a break from the LoG to see how the rest of the club was faring. Judging by their pace setting efforts the League of Gentlemen has moved to a new level and is not the relaxed, easy going ride of past and distant days. Our peloton was kept in order by big W(great to have you back!) and made good winter time up Glentogher and in thru Carn where we took a right turn up the quiet bog road to Lough Inn. One mile before the summit disaster struck when Peter, otherwise known as “the accountant “(to distinguish him from the other Peters, “the engineer, the power man”, etc) got a severe blow out making the final descent before the summit. Those in range gathered around to lend support and assistance in his hour of need as we knew Peter was still recovering from his superb effort in last Monday’s Dublin marathon. (It was a running race but well done to you Peter!!) The craic was mighty and advice was not spared as Jim Flyer and Pete’s able cousin Eunan toiled to repair the flat. We were down to our last tube when erudite Terry D and his ultimate wisdom arrived to resolve our problems. The puncture was finally repaired and Peter was ready to resume activity. The descent down to the main road was taken with more caution than usual as the road surface was muddy and slippery and a regroupement was organized for the final push up Ture straight to Muff. Minus the absent Tony, who had despaired at the inability of club members to maintain their m/cs and had headed home alone vowing to consider lessons for all from the LoG. our 15 man/woman rump pulled ourselves together and managed a good pace all the way home arriving back at base a little after noon, tubes lighter but craic enhanced!
Sunday saw 22 eager cyclists show up at the appointed hour and after the usual banter the group took off on the Strabane, TV mast, Plumbridge, Donemana, New Buildings course and some challenging hills! The weather mirrored our disposition as we cycled along in summery, mild conditions making it hard to believe we were one week into November. With such a group a good pace was easily maintained and infrequent attendees Stephen, Larry, Gavin and Frankie had little difficulty keeping up. Reaching Strabane we bade farewell to Evelyn, Stephen and our two triatheletes Gary and Paul and headed for the first of the day’s climbs up to the tv mast and the hills of the Gleneely valley. On this first ascent Waren and your scribe questioned FCC’s winter pace as we kept our distance well to the rear of the pack!! From afar we could see Jim, Danny, Larry, Charlie and Frank jostling for the lead, not far in front of Ciaran, Gavin, Pat, Martin, and Alan. From there our somewhat disconnected group enjoyed the rolling hills all the way to the Plumb and were lead down the final slalom by the king of Carn himself. Now we were on the turn for home and big Waren’s exertions from Saturday were becoming apparent as he struggled up past Plumb school, on over the undulating countryside towards Donemana and the welcoming steeples of Derry’s walls beyond. For such a disparate group we kept together well and everyone played a part in ensuring all reached New Buildings in sound order for the run up the straight and the designated “30” sprint. Charlie, Jim, Danny, Ciaran, Fergal, the king, Frankie, Larry, Paddy were to the fore in the final tussle and some one from that group took the honours!! A great morning’s work, superb weather, excellent scenery, winter training started, miles in the bag.
Congratulations to our friends at North Pole CC on the success of last Sundays 100km ride around Inishowen in aid of the Irish Wheelchair association. A large sum of money raised for an excellent cause.
November 14 is the FCC agm in the complex at 8 p.m. Would you please try to make it. See you on the road, Mark
Dec 2, 2007...characters and character building!! Despite winter’s showing its full force this w/e here in the NW a full squad of FCC members were on the roads as they continued their winter training regime. Saturday was cold, showery and very windy and a crowd of about 18 cyclists gathered at the complex before heading for a weather shortened run up to the Illies and the Pollan dam. Our normal group, swollen by several triathletes and two eager members of the Doyle clan(more power to them for coming out in such adverse conditions!), took off with less than our usual enthusiasm but we held it together thru the rain and wind as we flew along the flat Swillyside road. At Buncrana Jim “flyer” was seen thru the haze and the two young people headed off with him for some surge training whilst the rest carried on thru the town and on towards the ascent at the dam. As expected a separation occurred on this challenging part of our trip and several disparate groups rode together all the way over the dam and down to Quigley’s. Sweeping up at the rear with new man Ciaran and helped by ex-chairman Ciaran we passed a group fixing a puncture before organizing a 12 man/woman possee for the final surge in to the strong SE wind up the Ture straight. With Terry, the king of Carn, Evelyn and Peter really coming into their own on this final lap we made light of the adverse conditions and swept in to Muff battered but not beaten. Sunday dawned bright and early, as it always does, and those expecting improved weather conditions were disappointed. Making a last minute decision to head for the complex your scribe rushed out, without breakfast( a bad move!), to determine if any other members of FCC were as keen! The scene at the complex was unexpected as 7 other brave riders were seated on their steeds in the heavy downpour ready for the road, undeterred by the seasonal weather!(note to self: there’s always someone more mad than you!!) Our group of Fergal, Peter, Donal, Jim(resplendent in his golf gear), Danny X, the king of Carn, and Chris S, headed for the Strabane road and Stranorlar’s Christmas lights. It was quickly apparent that this was FCC’s racing group as driven on by Chris, Danny X and Jim D(you guys should try late nite training at Earth!!) we made good time to Strabane and our first turning point. At this stage the rain was still pelting down and with no let up in sight we quickly decided on a modified rout thru Clady, Lifford and Manor roundabout. Shortened routes are always welcome in such conditions but the racing men were also on the trip and the pace in to Clady and beyond never lessened as we dodged the normal potholes now camouflaged by the driving rain. Turning left at Lifford we headed for Manor. At this juncture Jim and Chris took their leave to be soon followed by Danny, Fergal, Peter, and Donal. Kevin and your scribe reduced the pace as the absent breakfast was beginning to make a difference to energy levels and I was glad of the escort.(thanks King!!). The last lap from Manor was tough and Fergal and Donal were rejoined at Murray’s garage making it a little easier for our four man peloton to drive the last few weather beaten miles back to the sports complex. We were soaked, we were weather beaten, we were tired but we had put in a good session. Almost 60 miles done, home to our hot showers, warm cappuccinos. As Donal said..”character building”!
Some comments on the recent 2008 Tour of Ireland from an Englishman who guested on the Foyle Express.
Tour of Ireland Cycle Challenge 2008 – as viewed from the Foyle Express.
Day 1. Lisburn to Cavan, 114 miles, 2331 metres of climbing.
Friday 9 May 2008, about 0830. Close to 200 cyclists of various shapes, sizes and abilities are lined up at the Lisburn Leisureplex awaiting the start. It’s an impressive sight, and if the rest of them are anything like competitor 130 they’re a mixture of excitement and slight apprehension. 500 miles in four days is a long way by my standards, and if you throw in close to 10,000 metres of ascent it’s going to be a tough one.
We start, and are escorted through the town by the police. This is a new experience for me, and the policing and marshalling of the event, on both sides of the border, are to become one of its best features. Escorts through town, traffic held back at junctions to let us pass, it all adds hugely to the safety, as well as the enjoyment, of the riders.
About thirty miles in I’m feeling pretty strong. A few minutes behind the fast group – this is not a time to entertain delusions of grandeur, so I’m going at my own pace – when disaster strikes in the form of a broken chain. Worse still, it drags the rear mech into the wheel and snaps the hanger as well as trashing the mech. Gerry the mechanic rolls up in his van and it takes him about a millisecond to recognise that there’s nothing he can do for me.
For a while it seems that my tour is over after just a couple of hours, and my mood might charitably be described as irritable. But with help from Leo in the broomwagon I locate a bike shop in Newry, and Gerry – my hero – drives me there in the mechanical support van. A few minutes later he, I and the staff are poring over every hanger in the shop, but without success. None of them fit my frame.
I’m not going to abandon, though, so we scour the shop for a bike that will fit me. The only affordable option (though I’d have liked the LaPierre at about two grand!) is a cross bike that is a shade too small but rideable. A few adjustments later, and a fair few quid lighter, and I’m on my way to riding the ToICC on a cyclocross bike (with cyclocross gearing) that doesn’t quite fit me.
Gerry drops me back in just ahead of the last group, and I have a pretty lonely chase in the rain for a couple of hours. At the second feed station, though, I hook up with Sue, Nicholas and a couple of others and we pace one another over the last 25 miles into Cavan. Rich, Matt and Nigel (we met over a Guinness in Dublin on the eve of the event and were now, of course, a team) looked at the new bike and politely concealed their burgeoning doubts about my sanity.
(Postscript: I discovered something new today, when my heartrate touched 186 on the climb after Newry while I tried to catch up. I’d thought my maximum HR was 185.)
Day 2. Cavan to Galway City, 124 miles, 1339 metres of climbing.
We roll out of Cavan shortly after eight. Once again we are escorted through the rush hour traffic, and the flatness of the terrain means that the early pace is pretty electric. I’m averaging 22 -23 mph for the first 15 miles or so, at which point I come to my senses and remember that even if I had been here to play with the big boys, there’s not a chance of my doing so on a bike that is already beginning to give me an aching back. So I drop off what is still a very large leading group and cruise along for a while with Margaret, a fine woman who is using this tour as a final stage in her training for the race across America!
Margaret and I are just beginning to find it quite hard work pacing one another along when a bunch of about a dozen sweep up behind us, and we are aboard the Foyle Express for the first time. Mark and a few of his clubmates from the Foyle cycling club have acquired a posse of hangers-on and have them organised into a perfectly functioning unit. Mark has a bell on his bike. Every few minutes he rings it, and we move through and off; every single rider taking their turn at the front, an even pace being maintained, everyone calling for holes and generally helping one another out. There are riders here who have rarely if ever ridden in a bunch. Twenty minutes with Mark and you’d swear they’d been on club runs every Sunday for the last ten years.
We keep this up, with pauses for feeding stations, for the next 80 miles into Galway City. Nobody is dropped, nobody breaks the rhythm or hides, it’s an absolute pleasure to cycle with this lot and I resolve to stick with them for the remainder of the tour.
In Galway City most of the riders are staying in the same hotel and I get a stronger impression of what a varied and sociable crowd this is. From the real professional through to the most inexperienced “leisure cyclist”, everyone seems determined to enjoy themselves and make it a social as well as sporting occasion. Nice.
Day 3. Galway to Kilkenny. 140 miles, 2765 metres of climbing.
The day begins with good news. The mechanical support team have scoured Galway’s bike shops for me and have found a hanger to fit my bike. Unfortunately there isn’t time to effect repairs, switch rear mech, etc before the start, so I am again on the cross bike. But at least there’s the prospect of riding my own bike on the final stage.
We set off promptly at 0800, ahead of the fast group – a state of affairs that lasts only about twenty minutes, when one of the bunch punctures. We wait – the Foyle Express leaves nobody behind – and the main bunch sweeps past us. In fact we find ourselves just in front of the broom wagon for a while, until we catch the final bunch – a group which, like ours, has developed its own identity and seems to have a distinct social scene. Rumour has it they stop for coffee and doughnuts when they pass a likely-looking café.
We’re making excellent progress in the same style as yesterday – word is getting round, and there’s now about 20 of us – but today’s stage is decidedly lumpier than yesterday’s and as soon as we are into any half-serious climbing it is clear that I’m in trouble. Trying to put power through what is too cramped a riding position turns the discomfort in my back into acute pain, and by the time two hours have passed I’m barely able to maintain the bunch’s pace. They look after me until we get to the first feeding station at just short of 60 miles, and I take stock. The big hills of the stage are still ahead, and if I continue there’s a real prospect that tomorrow morning my bike will be fixed, but I’ll be injured and unable to ride it. So after consulting a few fellow-riders, and with a real feeling of failure, I abandon the stage.
I’m not the only casualty, so there’s no room in the broom wagon or the mechanical support van. As a result I become a passenger in the refreshment van with Peter and Richie. This experience becomes more interesting than I’d bargained for when, because of the hot weather, we have to establish an unscheduled feeding station about 30 miles from the finish; a task accomplished only with a police escort and truly astronomical speeds over appallingly unsuitable roads to get ahead of the first group. We pass them, at close to 100mph and with the police motorcyclist clearing the way, with minutes to spare, screech to a halt in a parking place in Templemore, throw up the tent, set up the tables and try to look as if we’ve been there all day when the fast men breast the hill about thirty seconds later.
Today has clearly been a seriously tough day, summed up by the remark of a very senior cyclist as he spied the unscheduled stop. “Thank f*** for that, I’m seeing double. I don’t remember going as hard as that when I was racing.”
Today is also Sunday, so the police have completely closed the roads in Kilkenny for the finish. A fabulous experience for the early finishers, and especially the first group, sprinting for the line among noisy crowds as if this were a GT.
Incidentally, an honourable mention for the Hibernian, Ormonde Street, Kilkenny. A magnificent traditional bar serving, of course, magnificent traditional Guinness.
Day 4. Kilkenny to Dublin. 129 miles, 3474 metres of climbing.
Just to add insult to injury, this stage was lengthened by about 6 miles at the last minute.
It’s a beautiful day, so we’ll have a chance to make the most of the scenery in the Wicklow mountains. It also means that sunscreen and lots and lots of water are in order. Most of all, though, it’s a beautiful day because the mechanic has worked a minor miracle on my bike, cannibalizing the 8-speed rear mech from the cross bike and rigging it up so that I have a full range of gears – albeit with a few missing in the middle. I’m on my own bike, and the bliss of being in a comfortable riding position is extraordinary. It feels as if I’ve been given a new set of legs.
So it’s off again in the Foyle Express, which has now grown to 24 riders. Like clockwork, as ever, with the newcomers picking up the routine. But very soon we’re into the first serious climb of the day and it’s every man and woman for themselves – bar the occasional push for those who are struggling. About 60 miles in, my incident-packed week takes yet another turn. We’re turning right-handed at the bottom of a brief descent when Johnny loses his rear wheel on a patch of gravel and goes down in front of me. Lacking the bike-handling skills to jump over him, I have no chance of avoiding a collision and describe what I am told is a very elegant parabola, still clipped in, hitting the tarmac on the far side. Everyone clearly thinks I’m seriously hurt and keeps telling me to lie still. I, as is usual in these circumstances, am worrying about the bike.
No major damage to either of us, though my elbow won’t be bending all that much for a few days. Onward, this time to the big climbs of the day. Slievemann is the worst – one of those climbs that looks as if it is levelling out but is just waiting to demoralise you further. But we all make it, and the views, and the descents, are great. Finally we start the long drag up to the Wicklow Gap, and it is a long drag. The second feed station is at the top, and this is supposed to be the last serious climb, so I bury myself and give it everything I have left. At the top I’m having to hold Nigel’s wheel because so much sweat has run into my eyes that I can’t see more than about ten feet in front of me. But once there, eyes wiped, the scenery and the sense of achievement are fantastic.
The descent is great too, but at the bottom I discover that it is not downhill all the way to Dublin. The road round the reservoir is up and down, up and down, a series of short sharp climbs with descents too short to allow recovery. An hour or so of this and I am beginning to get truly tired. But eventually things level out again, the Express gets back into rhythm, and we take it home, finishing as a group with nobody left behind.
So, been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Will I be back? I think I will, partly because I feel I have unfinished business on stage three, partly because I’d like to ride the whole event on my own bike, but mainly because it drew such an engaging bunch of people. I’d certainly recommend it unreservedly to any serious sportive rider – it takes the concept to a whole different level. Sign up.
Thanks to all who sponsored me, and of course to the support team who got me back on the road. But thanks also to Matt, Rich, Nigel, Dave, Mark, Fergal, Margaret, Katie and a host of others who made the whole experience one to remember from a social as well as a sporting perspective.
The weather may have been unseasonably cold and frosty but it did not deter the mountain bike crew from making a foray to the snow covered hills of Loughermore Forest.
Lead by those doyens of the baggy short brigade, NOT, Fergal and Ciaran, our small group had some great fun practising our slipping and sliding skills on the often 22% gradients of this magnificently secnic area.
Hopefully the weather will ease off soon and normal road bike service will resume.
In the meantime consider getting in a mountain bike run. It's great fun and your hill skills will improve.
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Some mixed weather over the past w/e did not spoil the fun for numerous FCC riders who continued preparations for the burgeoning season and enjoyed
some excellent excursions to north Tyrone and west Donegal. Saturday's ride was well attended and a healthy pace was maintained by Simon, the ever exhuberant Boyd and a "guesting" Andrew Nicell, now starring in Edinburgh velo circles. Speed was maintained as we headed to Raphoe, over the drumlinns of Castlefinn and back home by Lifford.
Despite losing numbers to various reasons, "I need to go faster", I need to get home for ballet lesson", I need to get ready for mothers' day", a diminished in number but not in quality, group of hard riders kept the speed throughout the 55 mile spin and all were glad to arrive at Nixon's corner for the final sprint in to the old dairy site.
Undaunted by the poor weather and the summer time start, Sunday's run was also well attended and 12 riders set off for Gortin and points south.
Keeping the honour of the club's mothers' in mind and determining to be home in time for some festivities a challenging pace was once again the
order as we headed in to the stiff breeze down the Strabane road. The rain was at its heaviest as the group rallied around Simon in his struggle with
a puncture in Strabane high street. No quarter was taken as we climbed the 3 mile ascent up to the mast where we waited for returning club man Frankie D who had succumbed to a puncture outside Strabane. Lead by the deadly duo, C and F, the climb from the Plumb was easily ascended before the fast
descent in to Gortin. From there we took advantage of the breeze to set a good speed out to the main Derry road.
A short nature break and we were on our way again with renewed vim and vigour. The increased speed seemed to be taking its toll on big W but his fatigue was loudly explained by his having been on the road since 0700 that morning!! He's certainly taking his winter preparation seriously! Separation of the speed merchants began at New Buildings an a sprint finish at the "30" sign was taken by in form Simon!!
All in all some good outings at the w/e. The spring tours are nearly on us and entry forms for the 200km Tour of theGlens should now be sent in to
Castlereagh CC. FCC look set to have good interest in this event and the form now shown by Gavin, Shaun, new bike is coming, big W, "I'm in to big
miles", Pat Mc, " what's this about losing an hour!", "Kevin, don't worry about me!!", Larry, Raymond, and several others is very encouraging.
Attendance at Saturday runs does seem to have dropped off and hopefully members are only temporaily absent. This is your club. If you would like an easier Saturday run please let us know.
Mark I reallyenjoy reading the weekly round upof all that happens over the weekend on the club run..keep them coming! I hopethe FCC blog may help promot these weekly emails.
Week of 19 April 2007
A very interesting and informative bike mechanics session was held by our FCC mechanical team last nite in the complex. Thanks again to Fergal and Ciaran for facilitating. I know Terry will also want to thank you guys as once again he got some real problems sorted!! (As a follow up to points raised last nite if anyone needs a 9-speed 12/27 cassette, I have one which I could let you have at rock bottom prices.)
Last nite also several other club men including yours truly were flying the FCC colours at the Roe Valley CC APR race in Burnfoot. Conditions were great and 3 of our club finished in the top 4 in a race won by new/old racer Peter M. Well done to him and to Simon and Brendan who made up the rest of that 3!
Saturday run as usual from the complex at 0900. Once again I am appealing to all riders to encourage the newcomers to come along to this session and to make him/her welcome. Also remember to keep the pace reasonable, please!!
Sunday run, the tour du Lough Salt or the Leagle Eagle’s run, is starting in Letterkenny at 0830. Meeting place firstly is the complex, Buncrana road at 0800 to drive to the car park near the bus staion, Letterkenny for an 0830 start. The route is Rathmullan, Knockalla summit, Milford, Downnings, Lough Salt, Letterkenny. It’s a beautiful area with some superb cycling opportunity. Do yourself a favour and try to make it.
Preparations for the Ras stage on May 25 continue to go well. Thanks to all who agreed to steward the event on May 25 from 12 noon to 2.15 p.m. We still need more stewards so please let me or Charlie know asap.
Finally if you’re interested you should get your entries in to the Tour of the Glens(Castlreagh CC web site) on May 06 and the Wicklow 200 W (Wicklow 200 web site) on June 10..
See you on the road,
Mark
A hilly tale
Saturday’s FCC club run was once again well supported by neophyte and veteran alike. Heading for Carndonagh via Quigley’s Point at a fairly serious pace the group quickly separated there and some went on towards Clonmany whilst a smaller number lead by Fergal and Martin headed for home via the Lough Inn climb.
The Clonmany group once again took a separation affliction and a triplet of Boyd, making a long overdue return, in form Peter and Simon, I’m getting in some miles, headed up the Mamore climb leaving the remainder to head home thru Dumfries and Buncrana. Thankfully they were in capable hands and with Terry and webmaster Brendan leading the way all arrived back in good spirits.
Sunday dawned fine and dry despite the weatherman’s dire predictions. A slightly smaller but no less enthusiastic group of thirteen FCC men gathered at the bus depot car park in L’Kenny ready to tackle the ciccuit of Knockalla and Lough Salt.
After several hours, or maybe minutes, searching for MIA Raymond and Kevin, king of Carn, and other minutes spent repairing Tony’s blowout we saddled up and headed for Rathmullan content in the knowledge that our absent friends had the worst part of the deal.
The strong southerly blew us along at a fair clip on the road north. Pat, resplendent in his summer gear, Shaun, airing the Time machine, and Donal, eager to test the loaner Ridley, kept us honest and lead the way with a merry heart tingling pace. The road was fairly flat until we left the scenic village of Rathmullan. There we made a short stop as TT expert Larry quickly repaired a puncture simultaneously explaining the mechanics of metal to metal braking.
Heading onward strong men Peter, Charlie, Kevin, Fergal never slackened as they lead us up the ascent of the contrary side of the Knockalla bends. Ever eager to prove his growing fitness club captain Ciaran followed close as Peter crested the 15% climb, once again well in command of the climber’s jersey.
Taking a left turn we were now heading south on the road for Milford. Undaunted by the strong wind and working well together big Waren drove us on, eager to take advantage of the superb road surface.
Milford was literally a turning point in our odyssey as navigator Gavin confirmed we were now officially on the road to the Downings and the featured Lough Salt climb. We first had to complete the circuit of Rosguilly head which presented its own challenge for as well as being a stiff climb it had a similar surface to Paris – Roubaix!
Returning to the Downings village Fergal called a halt as he searched in vain for sustenance at a local inhabitant’s summer houses. Twas not to be and all had to content themselves with water, food, and comfort breaks at the local caravan site. (Only comfort I can think of on a bike is to stop!)
We now knew what was ahead or if we didn’t were quickly told…the Lough Salt ascent. This climb starts with some up and downs and then rises thru the foothills at an average of 8%, heads across an exposed mountainy area and then spikes up again at around 13% to attain the lough itself at a 300 metres elevation.
Staring out together wheat and chaff quickly separated and my illusions of going well were soon shattered as Peter breezed pasts me on the red Paris as if I were standing still, gfollowed by power man Kevin, Charlie and of course Fergal (note to reader I was standing up as the gradient at that point was about 12%!!) Never known to give up (nothing said LMc!!) we kept going and arrived at varied times (of the same day!) and in various states of exhaustion at the lough ready to enjoy the superb descent back down to Kilmacrennan.
Now all that lay ahead was the climb out of Kill back up to L’kenny. Fergal and Charlie lead us out and despite their best efforts(!!) our tiring group soon separated as we singled it up on the busy last few miles. However, we were not to be undone and reaching the Mountain Top inn we put our steeds in the big ring and belted flat out down the hill to the welcoming site of the bus depot car park.
Another great FCC outing. The guts of 75 miles, two major climbs, total ascent of 1490 metres and average speed of 26.2 kph. Strong riding by all concerned. Good preparation for the ToG, old friends making welcome return to fitness, good craic, superb weather. We had it all!!
See you on the road,
Mark
The week-end promises good weather. Hopefully it will see many new and old FCC members heading out on local roads as the cycling season really gets in to full swing.
Saturday’s club ride starts again at the Sports Complex at 0900 and as usual is geared towards the new and lightly traveled rider.
Also on Saturday the League of Gentlemen will be heading out and if previous weeks are a guide you will need to get there early to catch these guys. Tony, Paddy, Ciaran and Billy have really been putting in the miles so set the alarm clock for an early morning start with the famed LoG!
Sunday’s ride will start as usual from the Complex at 0900 hours. With many of us making final preparations for the tour of the Glens on Sunday week, May 06, I propose a route to Limavady, Barnailt Road, Claudy, Plumbridge (by-passing Donemana), Strabane via the TV mast, Lifford and home. There are plenty of turn offs available on this route, e.g. Limavady, Claudy, Near Donemana and hopefully this will attract all Sunday riders to come along for some if not all of the action.
News from Danny is that he is doing well in Cycling Ulster’s race series. He had a good finish in the recent McCann cup in Fintona and is hoping for even bigger things very soon.
Preparations for the RAS on May 25th continue. Thanks to all who have volunteered to steward on Shipquay St. meet time will be 12 noon on Friday 25/04. We still need more stewards so please let Charlie or me know.
See you on the road,
Mark
April 29, 2007
Saturday’s LoG run left well before I was out of my bed. Unfortunately I do not have a report but if past history is a judge Tony, Paddy and Billy were sure to have had a great day. Just wonder if veteran club man Jim J was out with the League over the w/e?
The later club run assembled at the complex at 0900 and under Chairman Charlie’s direction 18 cyclists took the road north to Redcastle, Glenneely and the further climb of Kinnagoe bay.
Certainly many were lulled in to a false sense of calmness and serenity as the pace was modest all the way to the turn at Redcastle. There we turned sharp left and headed up the 12% gradient towards the Gleneely summit. Discipline was tight for a short period but soon eager beavers Peter, Simon, Boyd lead the way chased down by fast legs Charlie, his apprentice Raymond and a slowly returning to top form Tony from Ballandrait.
The summit was soon reached and after a breather the multitudes descended at various speeds, depending on their blind faith in their bike handling abilities. It was not strange to see that although he was in the vanguard going up the king of Carn, sporting his Irish shirt and known for his kamikaze downhill skills , was quickest to the junction at the main Moville to Carn road.
A right turn followed by a sharp left at the bridge (named after some local luminary!) and minus the king, we were on the road to the notorious Kinnagoe climb. Undeterred by the bad road surfaces we maintained a good pace till we attained the turn at beautiful Kinnagoe bay and began our attack on the 12 to 16% first section of the climb. This is a difficult test for any cyclist and its effect was quickly felt as our group lost its cohesiveness and it was every man or woman for him/herself. Some sought the refuge of ultra low triples, others stuck to their compacts and many kept going in 39x25s. It was tough no matter what. However, like all good things it quickly came to an end. Boyd got over it first, Peter and Simon made a close second, Charlie was not far back, Terry kept it going as he chased down Raymond , Shaun and Tony, and still waited for Evelyn at the top, Aidan and Patrick were steady and made their first, of many!!, successful ascents of this historic climb.
Now it was eyeballs out down the hill, onto the main road, thru Moville and a race like pace on the road to Quigley’s. Separation was once again the order as many saved themselves for the morrow’s ride whilst faster men charged on eager to get home for an early lunch.
A good trip, two testing climbs, almost 4,000 feet of climbing, beautiful weather, great company.
Sunday brought another beautiful day for cycling. Our large group of 16 said farewell to club men but wannabe triathletes Terry and Frank as we headed out the road to Limavady to take in some climbing down Plumbridge way.
Favoured as we were with the visit of Colin and Marty of RVCC we kept a merry pace and used our large group to make light of the fresh SE wind. On reaching the Barnailt road we tackled the long ascent enthusiastically and were excited to see a member of the Roberts clan making excellent headway at the front of our peloton. Order was soon restored to our group when it was evident that the younger Roberts was still in his appointed place barking orders out to all who would listen, even to his own kin, “our Collie”.
Reaching Claudy Peter decided that he had done a good week-end’s work and bidding us adieu headed for home trailing early riser Fergal and “our Collie “in his wake. We were undismayed and driven on by Charlie, Simon, Raymond, Shaun(now approaching excellent fitness) and our RVCC guests kept our speed over the N Tyrone drumlins and all the way to the Plumb.
The road from Plumbridge to Strabane is only 10 miles long but it’s three major climbs present quite a challenge. We kept together all the way until we reached the final ascent by the TV mast. There things really fractured and whilst Charlie, Simon and Colin lead the way to the top the remainder of the gang ascended with Pat, Tony and Raymond at the front at a somewhat slower but nevertheless effective pace.
A fast gallop down the hill in beautiful sunshine made our toil well worthwhile and reaching Strabane we agreed that we would take the main road back to our waiting nearest and dearest. We worked well together until the lights at New Buildings where the usual hell broke out and whilst Charlie did more than his share at the front sleeping beauty Ciaran and Larry made valiant efforts for the 30 mile trophy only to be well pipped by dark horse Marty.
A great day’s fun! Over 74 miles covered, almost 5,000 feet of climbing, superb weather, great scenery. What a day.
Over the past few week-ends we have missed our old compadre Martin, where’s me drugs, Watts. However, news in from Rome tells us that Martin has yet again done the decent thing and proposed to the lovely Olive on bended knee in the Everglades. After 25 years I can only add the club’s congratulations to all those already received!!Hope to see you Martin verry soon, maybe for the ToG!
Ciaran has asked to advise all club members that we are planning a Tuesday and Thursday nite ride from the complex at 6.15 p.m. All are welcome, new members, old members, beginners, logs, etc., ….even me. (I promise not to be grouchy!)
Finally no news yet from Danny who rode the Bann Valley Classic today.
See you on the road.
Mark
W/E May 06, 2007
Saturday was certainly the day for the good weather and 8 of the FCC club took advantage of the excellent conditions to take a trip down to L’kenny roundabout and home by Lifford. Good to see webmaster Brendan make a welcome return and with Terry and boy racer Danny X in command the run was enjoyed by all.
Sunday was an earlier start for those attending the Tour of the Glens challenge with 15 FCC men meeting at the (un)welcoming hour of 0600. Heading off in convoy and never minding their impact on the carbon foot print our cavalcade came together again near Belfast city hall eager to get going on this 205 km ride.
Unlike last year we were well in time for the 0800 start and headed off with the main group of approx 180 riders for the first check point at the seaside town of Ballygalley. The wind was galing from the SW, the rain threatened and we did have several showers but all in all it was a much better day than had been forecast.
Staying connected in such a large group was nigh impossible and team FCC soon separated into smaller subgroups mixing with riders from all over Ireland and the UK. As per usual the pace was hot over this first section and we reached the check point with an average speed of 20 mph in our legs. A quick roll call and we were eager to make tracks only to find two of our group, Donal the Culmore stallion and Paul his apprentice, gone missing. With no news and unable to hear my phone, which at this time was ringing away merrily in Gavin’s car (memo to self: always stash phone in cycle pocket!!), we determined to push on with the main group at least as far as the first major climb at Glenarm.
Turning left at Antrim’s first glen we ascended steadily, holding our pace steady to ensure everyone’s arrival at the top.. The fast downhill saw master cyclist big W assume his position at the front followed immediately by acolyte Shaun and your scribe attempting to make up ground. The romantic sound of tyre swish was shattered half-way down the hill by a loud bang as yours truly hit a large stone and relied on excellent bike handling skills to make a rapid stop!!
A quick change aided by Raymond and Gavin and we were back on the road again heading along the coast for Cushendall and the entrance to the climbs of Corkey mountain and the Altnahinch dam.
Taking our breath at Cushendall we were considering our departure for the glens when we discerned the arrival of our errant compadres Donal and Paul. Equipment failure was the reason given for their delay as Donal explained that he had broken a gear cable ½ way between Belfast and Ballygalley. Now stuck with only two gears a decision had to be made, to turn now or to attack the upcoming climbs in this handicapped position.
The answer was never in doubt!!
Our groups had now sorted themselves out with Danny, Peter, Fergal, Simon, and Charlie about 25 minutes up the road, Ciaran on his own 20 minutes behind and then our expert peloton of Shaun, Waren, Tony, Gavin, Raymond, Donal, Paul, Pat, and me.
First casualty of the climb was the ailing big W who found that he had not fully recovered from three days’ sickness and made the turn for home before we began the last circumvention of Corkey. Battling the mountain top gale in even smaller groups we worked hard to reach the dam where we once again felt the encouraging wind in our backs as we climbed ever upwards to the highest point of the day..
Our road back to Cushendall was now made more difficult by the ubiquitous loose chippings and care was needed by all on the steep descent back to the caravan park and a reconnoitre with our capitan, Ciaran H.
A quick break for tea and a sandwich and we were on the way again. 40 miles to go to Belfast, three major climbs, some minor Ballymena drumlins…sure what had we to fear!
Glenarrif, Broughshane, the climb to Ballyclare, they were all ready to test us. Our pace was steady, our group tactics were strong, our gels were eaten at opportune times!! We survived the heavy showers and the strong winds. With victory within our grasp nothing would stop us.
Thru Ballyclare we picked up some fellow travelers from Banbridge and Dromara and organizing our large group in to a slick changing peloton we made good time all the way to Cavehill and Belfast zoo. There the rain came down in horizontal sheets and care and attention was in order as we charged on to the city hall and our prize, ToG medals. A good feeling of accomplishment for all after an enjoyable day in difficult conditions. A challenging course with excellent riding companions.
Special tributes to Donal for having ridden all the course stuck in a 39x19 and to Ciaran having his first major test since his accident. Well done lads, well done to all.
See you on the road,
Mark
May 10, 2007
the week-end has rolled in to view once again and as I look over the upcoming weather forecasts I suggest a southerly facing run on Saturday and a northerly run on Sunday.
Saturday run is starting as usual at 0900 and catering for all levels, please.
I suggest Sunday at 0900 we head for Clonmany, Pinch Hill in reverse, Mamore Gap, Clonmany, Ballyliffin, Malin Town, Glengad hill, Malin head, Culdaff, Moville, Derry. A bit of a variation of a theme!
We still need stewards for the RAS on Friday May 25. Please give your name to Charlie and assemble at the bottom of Shipquay street at 1200 noon on the 25th. This is your club and you are needed to help run this prestigious event.
Also, we need stewards for the Liam Ball triathalon on May 26th from 1000a.m. In return for stewarding this event we get the use of the complex for our own I100. Assemble at the Sports Complex and talk to Jeff Ashe. Remember no club ride on the 26th!!. Names for Liam Ball stewarding to Terry D.
Next Wednesday May 16, nite Roe Valley CC is holding an APR road race at Ballyleagrey, Drumsurn Road. Meet at Balteagh church. This is the final race before the first round of the inter club league race on May 23rd. All racers please show up on these dates prepared to compete. Judging by our club runs we have plenty of racers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now is your chance to shine.
Finally well known club member Raymond Doherty, or Shergar as known to big W, is taking up an assignment in Morocco on Monday May 14. The club wishes him well in his travels and hopes that his absence will not be for long.
See you on the road,
Mark
Some hard riding May 13, 2007!!!
Club runs this w/e were held under glorious spring skies. Although the wind was strong, especially so on Sunday, the shone throughout our rides and made for some excellent conditions.
Saturday’s run was well attended and after leaving route selection to Fergal, our group of about 16 headed out for some strenuous hill work in the surrounding countryside of N Tyrone.
Accompanied as were by such keen cyclists as Peter, Charlie, Simon, Boyd, A rare visitor these days, Raymond, his last outing before leaving for Morocco, Danny X, taking a break from the race circuit, and Tony, our pace was always hot as we headed up such climbs as Curryneirin, an old familiar climb but still extremely challenging, Ardmore, Claudy bypass and Craigbane.
Never daunted by the ever present male testorone on our trip Evelyn hung in all the way as she continued her preparation for the upcoming Wicklow 200 and indeed remarked on the excellent climbing opportunities presented by this ride.
A hard ride, 55 miles covered, total elevation climbed 1140 metres, greatest height 900 feet. WEell done to Aidan and Gavin on a good ride.
This a.m. came around rather quickly and despite feeling somewhat bushed from yesterday’s ride I was unable to resist the excellent conditions presented by the fantastic sunshine and headed for the complex at the appointed hour eager to meet my training companions.
Alas and alack. When I arrived I found that I was in a small yet select company of Martin, I’m off the drugs..honest, Charlie, Pat, Patrick, brought some club funds in case we need a taxi, Peter, the annual manual told me I had to be out today, and visitors Colin and Paul. The wind was heavy and knowing that we would need as many bodies as possible to make life easier we searched the car park …in vain. No sign of any more FCC riders and indeed no sign of those who had promised they would indeed be back today!!
We headed of on the agreed route, Clonmany, Pinch Hill, Mamore Gap, Ballyliffin, Malin, Glengad via Black mountain, Malin, Carn, Q. Point.
Heading in to the strong NE wind our progress was steady if not dramatic. All took their turn at the front and Patrick and Martin were seen to good effect as they belied their somewhat limited recent training regime. Leaving Paul, an excellent rider, in Buncrana where he had succumbed to a puncture we were almost at the N Pole bar when were pleased to note the arrival of our compadre Danny X who felt that extra hard work was in order and arrived at the complex ten minutes after our departure.
Now we were nine, Paul having regained our company, and as we headed up Pinch we were pleased to note that the wind was in our backs on this long and sometimes strenuous climb.
Taking the next right turn we headed up Mamore and despite the steepness of the climb and the sometimes 20% gradient all made it to the top in good fettle eager to enjoy the view of Leenan bay from the summit.
We were now on the way to Malin and our next climb, the Black mountain. Taking the left turn across the marshes we were saddened by the departure of Martin, Colin and Patrick as with the reduced numbers our work load would now become harder. Still our band of six was undaunted and ascended the Black Mountain via Malin at a taxing yet manageable pace. We had now reached the turning point of our trip and taking the left headed for Lag beach with the ever strengthening wind blowing our tired bodies down the road towards Carn and Quigley’s Point.
A t the best of times the road up to Glentogher is a test and with Charlie leading our group today was no exception as we attacked this final ascent at a fairly rapid pace. Keeping it all together we passed the summit and made the descent to the Ppoint at our usual breakneck pace before taking the Ture straight up to Derry.
Home before two, 76 miles in the bank, 1400 metres and Mamore climbed. It was a good day’s run!!
Memo to self one hard run per week-end is sufficient for me!!
Race at Roe Valley this Wednesday….Ballyleagrey circuit. Hope to see all racers there!
Ras stewards please meet at 12 noon on Friday 25, May at the Guildhall.
See you on the road,
Mark
May 20, 2007
The week-end is upon us and all systems are go for the FCC’s Tour du Sperrins. Leaving from the sports complex, Buncrana Road at the usual time of 0900 on Sunday 20/05 the tour will go thru Plumbridge, the beautiful Gleneely valley, Moneyneaney, Feeney, Claudy and back to Derry. This is always an enjoyable ride and the social aspect will be completed by the usual tea stop at the Sperrin heritage centre which Ciaran is arranging. All are welcome on this tour and hopefully some of our fellow members on the “League” squad will make an appearance.
The usual club run will be held on Saturday at 0900. Please note we are deferring the Inishowen climbs for a later date.
Wednesday next is the first round of the inter club league series at Burnfoot. Please help to win this trophuy back. 7 p.m. at Burnfoot near Dungiven. A fun event!
Preparations are well in hand for the FBD Ras stage finish on Friday 25/05. Charlie is coordinating stewards of which more are needed. Latest news is that such well known riders as David McCann, Mark Scanlon , and Chris Newton, will be at the start line.
We also need stewards to help at the Liam Ball triathalon on Saturday, 26/05. No club ride on that day. Terry is coordinating that effort. Please send or phone him.
Finally news from our foreign correspondent, Raymond, is that he has settled in well in club Morocco, having completed a cool 100 miles already on the turbo!!!
I’m away in Dublin this w/e. Keep safe.
See you on the road,
Mark
FCC wins the race but loses the game!! May 23, 2007
Tonight’s first round of the inter club race league featured a close run contest between team FCC and team RVCC.
Run over three laps of the challenging Burnfoot course under always threatening skies, the closely handicapped contest featured some excellent team tactics by our team which resulted in a fairly comfortable victory from a breakaway ace in the pack Simon and a strong second place by find of the season Peter M. With strong back from your scribe, and Danny X the overall contest was ours for the taking if more FCC riders had made the short journey out to Limavady to help our cause. However, with RVCC putting in some excellent packing from Colin, Peter C, Paul, new man Brian, Peter Jack, and Keith ? the overall result was taken fairly easily by the men from the Roe.
Those of us who took part had an excellent evening’s fun, did really well and showed that we could ride our bikes!! Hopefully more club racers will join the fun at the next inter club event on June 13, a 10 mile TT on the Letterkenny road.
Result: Simon, Peter M, Colin (RVCC), Peter C(RVCC), Paul (RVCC), Brian (RVCC), Mark, Peter J (RVCC), Keith(RVCC), DannyX.
Next up is our hosting of the RAS in Derry at 1145 on Friday. All stewards are again reminded to meet at the Guildhall for a briefing. Club chairman Charlie is organizing stewards.
Stewards for the Liam Ball meet at the complex on Saturday at 0945 for final instructions. Check with Terry for your orders.
No club ride Saturday.
Club ride Sunday as usual at 0900 from the complex, Buncrana Road. Route will be north to Moville, Greencastle, Kinnagoe bay, Tremone Bay, Culdaff, Malin, Black Mountain, Malin, Carn, Quigley’s Pt.
Enjoy the RAS!!
See you on the road.
Mrk
27.05.07
After a busy week-end both on and off the road FCC members can reflect on work well done in several areas.
Friday’s organization of the FBD RAS stage finish went well and was well received in the main by the people of our burg. Certainly race organizer Dermot Dignam was complimentary of the reception received by riders and support crew alike on their visit to Derry. The spectacular finish up Shipquay street was graced by a fine sprint between Canadian and American riders. (Great to see the Canadian pull it off!!!)
Thanks to everyone who helped with the stewarding and special thanks to my partner in crime Chairman Charlie who played a massive part in the venture’s success. Finding Miss FBD at 12 hours notice revealed a new side to the man!!
Saturday saw several of our club participate in and help with the stewarding of the Liam Ball triathalon. The race itself was the usual success and latest news from club participants Terry, Frankie and Jarlath is that they did very well. Well done to all of you.
Once again thanks to stewards Brendan, Billy, Shaun, Patrick, Peter who got out of their beds early to assist in this community effort.
This morning’s club run was fairly well attended and although the wind was very strong northerly a very tight ride was well enjoyed by all of us who made the full 72 miles.
Leaving the complex at 0910 we were pleased to have with us Dr Dave making a rare appearance with his old club mates. Sad to say he deigned to leave the lovely Mairead, a strong cyclist in her own right, at home. However, the word from the doc is that she will soon be joining us as our second female member!!
Our run took us to Greencastle, Kinnagoe, Tremone bay, Malin town, the Black mountain, Malin and home via Carn. Having everyone in our group take frequent turns at the front ensured that despite the stiff breeze we made rapid progress to Greencastle and the first climb of Kinnagoe. This side of the hill may be shorter but it is no easier and Jim, Peter, Charlie, Fergal and Danny found it quite a test even to their well honed talents. At the top we said adios to Peter M, off home to test his new TT bike with fellow TTer Simon, and with Brendan and Aidan having also turned we were now down to eight.
We now faced the rapid descent past Kinnagoe and on to Tremone. A well cycled route this is a fair challenge and our group was split as we made our way past the magnificent whitecaps of the north sea and on to the turn for Culdaff. A regroupement there ensured all were onboard and driven on by Fergal and Jim we picked up the pace as we made our way to the next challenge of the Black mountain.
The weather we still fair, the sun shone brightly and there was a good spring-like feel in the air. The spring in our step was somewhat dulled as we made our way up the challenging Black mountain. As we neared the top of the sometimes 15% gradient our group split again and whilst the stronger men took a 50 yard gap, Pat, Ciaran, Tony, Shaun and your scribe held their tempo and sumitted the rise together.
Now we had completed the hardest part of our trip. The turn for home was near. The wind would be behind us. We could enjoy the fruits of our work. Indeed it was so. Heading past Five Finger strand our wheels were humming, our machines were singing, the wind was making us fly. Even the rise to Glentogher felt easy. We hit the top and flew down the hill to Quigley’s. Man this is what cycling should be like always!!
The run up the Ture straight was a snap and despite Fergal’s best effort the customary 30 mile sprint was taken by an ever vigilant Jim.
A great morning out, good friends, 72 challenging mile, 5500 feet of climbing. When can we do it again??
See you on the road.
Mark
week-end June 02, 2007
This week-end could be summed as the week-end of the foaming shorts and the torrential down pours!
Saturday started off windy and dry but as soon as our eight man peloton had left the complex the rain started to pour down. Faced by a heavy SW wind we decided that a relatively easy run was in order and headed for the Manor roundabout, Lifford circuit. With chairman Charlie arriving late on our scene after an early morning run with Evelyn and her personal trainer, the pace was always vigorous. Welcoming back Kevin who was in excellent form, despite having had washing m/c problems, we made good time to Carrigans where webmaster Brendan suffered his second puncture of the day. At this stage our group was well split and while five of us helped Brendan back on the road, the always fast moving Peter diced out the sprint with Charlie and Terry at the old dairy site.
Sunday morning was an eight a.m. start and it was a pleasant surprise to see 8 unphased FCC stalwarts gather at the complex under heavy rain clouds for a run down to the Glenelly valley, Barnes Gap, Gortin Lakes, Douglas Bridge and Strabane.
At an early stage of the day it was plain to see, even thru our fogged up glasses that Fergal and Gavin were also having problems with their washing m/cs. Or maybe they needed new home help!!
Unabashed by the state of their shorts the two lads did their usual good work in the peloton as we headed for Park and the first climb of the day up Dart mountain. Keeping it together thru the foothills we were well pleased to note that sometimes infrequent visitor Patrick was holding his own on the tricky ascent. The top was somewhere in our vicinity as we climbed up thru the clouds where Fergal, Tony and Pat made a small break and summited first followed closely by Shaun, handicapped by his winter bike, and your scribe.
Plummeting down the tricky gravel lined road to the church at Cranagh, your scribe had a close encounter with a wire fence and was just about able to hold it together before reaching the safety of the church side halting spot. We then gathered ourselves up in the still pouring rain and headed on for new roads up the side of the Glenelly valley to Barnes Gap. This area may be hilly and taxing but its beauty is unquestionable and it is relatively unspoiled. We were lucky here to catch site of a low flying buzzard, looking for mad cyclists!
Now we were heading for Gortin and local man Tony suggested as a detour we climb the loop up to Gortin lakes. About a two mile climb this proved a good test and with Fergal again cresting first the KOM points seemed assured despite a close tie for second between your scribe and secretary Pat. A quick regroupement at Gortin and we were on the fast road to Newtowstewart, always looking for more challenges. And we found some as we next took a right turn and headed on the back road to Strabane thru the bridges of Douglas and Victoria. Here big W decided that the Sunday roast was pressing and headed back the main road for Derry whilst the magnificent seven headed for Carrigans always pushing thru the driving rain.
The final KOM points at Carrigans saw Gavin make a brave show but Fergal’s position was never in doubt as he crested shortly behind. Shaun got the final sprint at the old dairy site and with the three amigos Gavin, Fergal, and your scribe doing some extra hill work at Southway we parted company after a great morning’s adventure.
New roads, lots of hills, fantastic scenery, 130 km (81m), 1500 metres climbing, new talents uncovered. A great days work!
Race this week is Wednesday nite, 7 p.m. at Ballyeagrey, on the Drumsurn road. Next w/e 14 FCC men and women are heading for Dublin to ride the Wicklow 200. Watch out as fast man Raymond is returning for a short sabattical to ride this and the GF Pantani.
See you on the road,
Mark
June 06, 2007 update
League of Gentlemen ride leaving the complex at approx 0730 on Saturday. Check with Tony or Paddy for full details. All are welcome. good to hear of the return of gentleman Jim, one of FCC's founding members and always a supporter of cycling and tri in the area.
Regular club rides at the usual time of 0900 on Saturday and Sunday from the complex. The weather has been top class so far this week. Great time to be on your bike.
About 14 FCC women and men are heading to Dublin at various times on Saturday to ride the challenging Wicklow 200 classic on Sunday. With the climbs of Sally Gap, Wicklow Gap, Slieve Maam, Rathdrum, the Wall and Scalp to be conquered this will require the best from most of us. Looking forward to having Raymond back with us and with big W, Peter M, fast legs Nicell, Donal the horse , lovely Evelyn, resurgent Gavin, Paul N, Shaun I want my good bike back, and several others making the trip it will be a fast run day. Remember that we are meeting for food and drinks at Romanos, Capel Street on Saturday night. Let me know if you're available for that session.
Tonight's race at Roe Valley did not have many (only 2!!) FCC participants. On a great nite for cycling over a challenging circuit Peter M continued to impress finishing a strong 3rd and was supported by your scribe in 7th position.
Next week is the second round of the inter club league on Wednesday night 13/06 at 7 p.m. on the Lettrekenny road, a 10 mile TT. We need FCC riders and stewards. Please come along to do one or t'other.
Finally good wishes to Ciaran's father during his present illness.
Have a great w/e!!
see you on the road,
Mark
Week-ending June 10, 2007
A great week-end weather wise saw FCC members take advantage of the summery conditions to complete some more unique achievements.
I do not have full details of local club runs and who was out so if I omit some important news please bear with my lack of info.
Close to home Danny X represented the club in the Ulster road race championships in Limavady over a challenging, hilly course and by all accounts put in a very strong performance. Riding without a team in such events can be daunting so more power to the Culmore flyer for keeping at the business!!
Many of the club members made the long trip to Dublin to tackle the challenge of the Wicklow 200.
Before getting in to the detail of their success it is opportune to recognise the superb achievement of one of our junior members, Eoghain Murray. Eoghain, son of Kevin (I love my TV turbo) covered the 100 km Wicklow challenge accompanied by his mother. This is some achievement for any rider, let alone a thirteen year old schoolboy. Well done Eoghain!!
For those of us who rode the Wicklow 200 the story is also one of FCC success. Once again it is great to report that all members completed the course, together, at the same time, in one piece. Special congratulations to Evelyn who despite having to make her own pace finished the complete event accompanied by her returning twelve testosterone filled FCC mates at 4.20 p.m. in the sunny Dublin afternoon!!!
Glad to say it wasn’t all hard work as our Wicklow festivities started on Saturday evening with an excellent meal at the always welcoming Romano’s taverna near Dublin’s Liffey river. There we were pleased to welcome back Raymond from his Moroccan holiday!! Looking even better than usual Raymond was eager to tell us he hadn’t been on a bike for four weeks! Hard to believe after seeing him next day on the road. Also good to see our Galway member John G grace us with his presence as he introduced his latest flame in his usual circumspect manner!!
Whilst the majority took their leave after the excellent food and drink the smaller number, including your scribe, escaped to a neighbouring pub to wrap up the evening. Unfortunately one of us should have wrapped it up earlier!!
Next day came early (note Peter Mulholland did set off at 0630 but no news of his adventures have yet been received) and despite the late arrival of those of us staying on the north side our eager bunch took off from UCD at 07.16 sharp(!!) headed for Enniskerry and the first major climb at Sally Gap. Conspicuous by our all being in the admired FCC strip and by the military like precision of our peloton, we became recognised during the day as the Foyle Express.
Heading up the long climb at Sally Gap gaps appeared in our group as some suffered the effects of bad Guinness, mechanical problems, the hot weather, and who knows what else. However, always in the distance one could hear the welcoming sound of big W calling all to order, even though most were many meters up the road!!
Over the top the speed picked up on the beautiful descent down towards Laragh as Shaun, Donal, Waren, Charlie, Ciaran, and I recognised several landmarks from having been in this majestic area on many previous Wicklow outings. The stop at Glendalough though unofficial was welcome (and all my mates gave me a warm one!!). It was great to see the latest cycling gear being modelled by ouir own John G as he hurried on to complete the 100 km ride.
Heading up Wicklow Gap we rode tempo past Braveheart's monument keeping it all together until chain mechanicals caused your scribe to make a rapid dismount. Pushing on Charlie, Donal and best mate Paul showed strong form as they crested the climb, used in the 1997 Tour of France, well at the head of affairs. The descent from the Gap is long and speedy and taking advantage of the slipstream from our more "well equipped" riders, big W and ex chairman Ciaran, we headed downhill rapidly in pursuit of the disappearing trio. Now we were really enjoying the summer morning as this descent goes on for a while and with wide sweeping bends is one to savour.
The road now became a series of ups and downs and passing thru Holywood we reformed our peloton before taking the turn from the busier N81 south on to the scenic lane thru Holywood Glen. Our group had now enlarged and with old friend Michael from Anagree, fresh from some spring tarining in Majorca, joining in the fun at the front we soon reached Donard and our first pit stop.
This is a customary place for our group to sight of the great Sean Kelly but it was not to be this year. Content with some liquid refreshments, a brief chat with Paul Mc from RVCC and Dermot FBD RAS we once again mounted up and headed on the way towards Blessington via some fairly flat roads.
All was going well and our group had grown to about 40 when a sudden cry from Tony O resulted in a short interlude while Raymond directed us in the manly pursuit of puncture repairs, Moroccan style!
We were now close to the well publicised climb of slieve Maan and having crossed the 1000 foot high Auhavanagh climb we soon found ourselves faced with the dreaded challenge presented by its derforested slopes. It was now every man for himself as we struggled with varying success in the hot sun on a gradient which at times went to 16%! Fortunately this climb although serious is only 4 km long with the steepest pitch lasting only 1 km.. Reaching our goal, the welcome from Charlie, Paul, Tony, Gavin, Pat, Raymond, Donal, was appreciated as we stragglers crested the rise and headed for some revitalisation at the Power bar refreshment tent.
Then we were going up, now were going down and after a quick stop at the pub by Drumgoff bridge for some H2O we headed quickly to Rathdrum and our second stop. Once more the mechanical elf struck me as we headed up the long drag to Rathdrum but a quick refreshment at this oasis and our group was on its way in chase of the lovely Evelyn who had been sunning herself on Rathdrum Green just as we arrived!!
We were now on the last lap and had only a few more hills to conquer. Spirits were high, big W was getting quieter, life was good.
Our pace was still good as we encouraged each other thru the pain barrier. We sped up Djouce mtn and flew (literally!!) down to Rocky valley. We paced the weaker folk up the Wall and in to Enniskerry. All that lay before us was the Scalp and Kilternan. These were conquered with ease and we knew that we were almost home as revitalised big W dropped on to the big ring and flashed thru Dundrum trailing all of his FCC mates in his wake.
Our happiness was complete as with five miles to go we reconnected with Evelyn who had done the trip flitting from group to group but was now in the bosom of her FCC compadres for the last few miles.
The grounds of UCD were a welcome sight and all knew we had completed a few kilometres...even 200!! It was another one for the history book.
Warm showers, burgers, cokes, the prize was ours. We'll be back, hope some more of you will too!!!
See you on the road,
Mark
Time trial Wednesday June 13 at 7 p.m. on the Letterkenny Raod, 5 mile from Bridgend. need riders and helpers.
meet at 0830 on Sunday 17/06/2007 at the sports Complex, Buncrana Road, Derry to cycle to Buncrana and take part in Tour of Inishowen. Some may cut the whole route short but this is a good plan
Week-ending June 17, 2007-06-17
Another busy week-end passed in to history for FCC riders as despite some changeable weather many cyclists took to the roads near and far, some with more success than others!
Saturday’s club run was held in some fairly wintery like conditions. In contrast to recent weather, the rain bucketed down and the temperature hovered around 10 degrees as only two of our hardiest, Simon and Charlie took off for a run around the Pollan Dam. Their route was planned to be longer but discretion winning out they decided that a fast, high tempo run around this challenging course was best to beat the un-seasonlike climate.
Meanwhile some of our more adventurous members were down in Bangor heading out around the 60 mile course laid out by North Down CC for their coastal challenge event. Undeterred by the rain which held on for two hours, Terry, Brendan, Richard, Dr Dave and the lovely Mairead, accompanied by various webmaster in-laws had a great ride on this well supported event. The stew they received at lunch was very welcome and rumor has it was much higher quality than last year’s sustenance! Doubtless Terry will regale us all with the full story of that day’s ride in the weeks to come!!
Today was a much better day for those early risers supporting the Foyle Hospice ferry run. This event was well supported and raised funds for an excellent local charity. Well done to Evelyn, Charlie and Raymond for giving their time to it.
Several others in the club took in the well organized Tour of Inishowen event, run by our neighbours at North Pole CC. With a sheriff and a canvassing politician amongst those giving their support we were always going to be looked after!
Amongst those going the full distance of a challenging 90 miles were big Brendan D., Tony and Danny. Certainly using the reverse course to our own flagship I100 event puts it up to the riders as crossing the climbs of Pollan Dam, Kinnagoe, Malin head, Knockamenny bends, and Mamore is no joke. However, hats off or chapeau, as David Duffield says! , to the N Pole boys for a well run event and a superb lunch stop. Terry the gloves are off!!
Several of the club also started out from the complex at 0830 intent on joining in part of this tour. This plan seemed to be working well as after a long stop at the Gateway hotel for sign on, chat , and photos, (great to see Tommy and Marian Lamb there) we headed off with the bunch for the first challenge at Pollan dam. Feeling frisky and eager to show their Foyle shirts near the front Fergal, Pat, Patrick, Shaun, and Paul headed up the first steep climb at the Illies like gang busters. Chasing them down your scribe was himself cut down at the knees when my brand new chain broke and brought man and machine to a grinding halt. However, despite being bereft of my FCC mates. I fell in with a good Samaritan from Muff, Jim Gough, who produced a chain link from a weighty knapsack, and proceed to help me with an on the spot AA type repair. Mounting up my super, duper, top of the line Time m/c I soon learned that as well as all men not being equal, all chain links are also not equal!! 10 speed chains such as I use need 10 speed links and when repaired with 8 or 9 speed links they tend to jump and mis-behave!!
However, undeterred I charged or clanked on over the dam, down the other side and on towards Quigleys. There I came on my old mate Dr Dave and his entourage. The secenery being good!!! (those of you who missed Dr Dave missed some good scenery), I decided that I had nothing to prove, as well as no way to prove it and settled in to some serious chat about bikes, Italy, racing and all the finer points of life with my old mate and his gang.
Lunch at Culdaff was soon reached where, after a great feed and some more chat with Danny, the boy racer, Tony, up Tyrone , Brendan, always check your bike Mark, Kieran, I would join FCC but…, and several nefarious characters, I turned my mechanical misfit back towards Gleneely and headed for the Redcastle climb.
My adventure was not yet complete as heading in to Muff and feeling content after a fun day out, I was surprised by a view halloo as that urbanite Sassenach Simon, show me your Rapha gear, zoomed up behind in his usual efficient style fresh from another 90 mile training run.
News back from the gang of five is that they departed the Tour at Moville and headed for Carn and home. Their tale is also one of enjoyment and fun.
Another great week-end on our bikes. The weather may have not been the best but we had fun.
Next up Granfondo Pantani taking in Gavia and Mortirolo. It’ll be a blast.
Wednesday week, June 27th, APR inter club road race on the Carrowclare circuit. This is on the road to Downhill, near the cricket club. Hope to see all racers or wannabees there.
Finally to add fuel to the hardest event debate the altitude gain for Tour of Glens was 9300 ft. whilst that for WW 200 was 9800 ft.
I’m off to Aprica. No more emails for a week….you lucky sods!
See you on the road,
Mark
p.s. great photo of junior member Eoghain Murray in the D journal with Sean Kelly before Eoghain did his epic WW100
w/Lots happening this w/e on the hiways and by ways of our land for FCC members. Several of you were at the TdeF in London and judging from tv pictures it was quite a spectacle. Hopefully, Simon, Fergal and Peter all had a great time. Best of luck to Peter who is journeying on to France for more tour times.
Saturday’s club run although lightly subscribed was an enjoyable spin out. Taking in the 3 lakes circuit we held a good pace throughout this sometimes testing circuit. With Charlie and Mark B leading the way we refused to let the infrequent showers dampen our enthusiasm. Good to see Patrick back in the saddle again after his Italian adventures.
Also, seen on our travels was sometimes member Stephen Mc making on of his well known secret training runs to Buncrana. Please come back soon big man, we still love you!
Sunday turned out to be a super day for cycling and a friendly crowd of 8 FCC riders with guest Noel C turned out for Ciaran’s pre-nuptial cycle and Raymond’s au revoir trip.
Per Ciaran’s request we headed down a familiar and favourite road for Castlederg, Castlefinn and Lifford. Maintaining a friendly pace was always on the agenda but with Frankie D making a somewhat infrequent appearance the pace was upped on the challenging Castlederg col and on down in to Castlefinn. The good weather had everyone in great and all rode back together until the Carrigans redoute where ex chairman Ciaran came out of his shell(lots of poetic licence !!) and stormed up the hill to easily summit first with Charlie following in his wake.
A great day’s cycle, reasonable pace maintained, good send off for Ciaran and Raymond, new man brought home safely, where would you get it!
Would also like to advise all members that we will have a club ride on Thursday 12/07 at 0900 from the complex. Format is Saturday run.
Best wishes to Ciaran and Joanne on their upcoming wedding from all at FCC!
See you on the road
Mark
e July 11, 2007
p.s. anyone seen the king of Carn recently. We need him and all other absent riders back...soon
Granfondo Pantani trip June 24, 2007
What a fun week-end!!
Once more another successful FCC odyssey has been concluded as 16 enthusiastic, satisfied cyclists have returned from Aprica, Italy after participating in the epic challenge of the Granfondo Pantani cyclcosportive held on June 24, 2007 over the Dolomite climbs of Gavia, Mortirolo and Passo Christina.
Assembling at a local car park around midday last Thursday in beautiful sunshine, a foretaste of what was to come, we were disappointed to be minus legal eagle Paddy Mc who had just buried his mother in-law, RIP, but delighted to welcome late replacement Kevin M fresh from a winter training regime on his dvd turbo.
The anticipation and enthusiasm among our 14 strong group was palpable as our bus driver ferried us through the heavy traffic on the road to Dublin airport. Taking advantage of the delay in Ryanair’s flight to Bergamo a number headed for the bar for a token pint of the black whilst a secondary quorum took time for a friendly java.
On arrival we were pleased to reconvene with our young compadre, now resident in Edinburgh, Andrew string bean Nicell. Also, at the ready was our curly haired bus driver signor Tonino or Ayrton Senna as he became known and as he loaded up his slightly battered bus we gauged his ability to navigate the mountain roads which we knew were ahead on the road to the ski resort of Aprica.
God was on our side, the roads were quiet, the crash barriers untouched and we reached Hotel Aprica in under 2 hours safe and well, eager to quaff a few celebratory ales with our old friend USA Lane who had settled in well having arrived the previous day. Lane had sussed it out well and his running description of the highlites of the area sent us to bed eager to check it all out in the coming days.
Breakfast although basic satisfied all and thus sustained we headed for the basement and a bike assembling class lead by master mechanic Fergal Mc and his able spokesman ex-chairman Ciaran. A restful cycle was planned and shortly after we headed off resplendent in our FCC gear eager to show the Italians that the paddies had arrived.
The best laid plans etc and after a short downhill we found ourselves heading sharply uphill on the way to Monte Padrio via roads with gradients rising up to almost 25%. Undaunted we resorted to our 30x27s, 34x29s and even our well heeled shoes as we tested our abilities on similar terrain to that of Sunday’s GF. We don’t experience climbs like this in our town TG but after 8km we reached the summit and took the exhilarating long downhill over freshly tarred surfaces back to Aprica for a pleasant lunch stop at one of the local trattoria’s recently discovered by Lane.
The post lunch ride was over the Passo Christina and a smaller group headed on this investigatory ride eager to learn more about the final 20 km section of Sunday’s GF ride. Easy it was not but all who made the 7km long ascent at an average of 8% gradient felt it was eminently doable. Little did we know!!
Dinner that evening was generously and unexpectedly sponsored by Lane. (Thanks for that!!) After some excellent antipasta, steaks, and salads, all washed down by superb local wine we headed down to our favorite spot for our now customary dessert of ice cream and several beers. Italian beer has much to recommend it and our cosmopolitan group were eager to savor all its flavor before heading for the athlete’s late bed!
Saturday dawned bright and sunny. Awakened by the nearby church bells our group breakfasted satisfactorily determined to have a restful day after last year’s adventures in neighbouring Feltre. Some went on a bus trip to Edolo, several headed for the registration hall, and many took in the excellent exposition of all that is good about Italian cycling.
The GF ride
Rested and refreshed(??) 16 eager, enthusiastic, and somewhat trepidatious FCC cyclists headed to breakfast at the ungodly hour of 0600 on Sunday morning adorned like all other competitors in the polka dot shirt made famous by Marco Pantani himself. Oil enriched pasta, a recognised source of carbohydrates, was the order of the day for many of our crew and there were many squeamish expressions as we tried to stomach this unfamiliar food at such an early hour. The start line was crowded as we arrived in our appointed pens at 0710. With numbers in the 2000 range we were well back from the front but could still hear and see the razzmatazz which was taking place furter up the line. The confetti was let loose, the cannon sounded, the music crescendoed, and at 0750 we were on our way speeding downhill to Edolo.
Surviving that first breakneck 8 mile spin to our rendezvous at the water fountain in Edolo was our first success. There many of our crew reconvened and set about the gradual, only 6%, climb along the road to Ponte Legno(PL). Lead on by Patrick, a revealation all day and a worthy addition to any group with his unending good humour, and the inscrutable Tony O we cut a fine pace as we did our FCC routine all the way to the base of the Gavia at PL.
PL is where the Gavia starts its rise to a snow capped summit of 2600 metres or 8500 ft, almost 8 times as high as the Mamore Gap and steeper in many parts. The pace slowed noticeably on this the first really hard section of the trip. With Charlie, Danny, Andrew, Boyd, and Kevin, already well up the road, Lane in limbo land between us and them, we were now a group of 11 content to keep an even pace knowing that we had 20 km of climbing on our plates.
Donal was feeling his breakfast, Paul was wishing he had eaten Donal’s, I was feeling queasy, Lane had just been brought in to our fold when we were brought to an abrupt halt by a massive agglomeration of cyclists dead stopped in the middle of the already restricted road. The narrowness of the road coupled with the steep incline at its side caused one to believe that perhaps an unlucky Marco look alike had fallen to his doom. However, our speculation was unrewarded as we clambered off our steeds forced to take to shanks’s mare for almost 1 km. It was still early in the day and our good spirits were undimmed as we ambled forward in the sunshine entertaining the unsuspecting eyties, two men from Eglinton and a lone English entrant with the highest paddy humour.
All good things etc and we were soon back on our machines of torture climbing upward once more beyond the tree line and into some magnificent mountain country. The pace was beginning to tell and with Tony, Raymond, Patrick, Gavin, Fergal, Paul, Shaun, and Donal driving on into a 1 km tunnel to the roar of the passing motorcycles, Lane, your scribe, and Ciaran brought up the rear eager top reach the summit and our first food stop.
Rewarded by a superb view and feeling that we had indeed accomplished much of our goal we pushed on down the other side and took the road for Bormio and the mighty Mortirolo on down a piece.
The descent from Gavia is spectacular in places and with Ciaran back to his old form (quel brave!!), Lane demonstrating excellent downhill technique, Tony showing his usual inscrutability, Donal and Fergal on their best form, we flew from 2600 metres to below 1000 metres. Passing thru Bormio we latched on to a fast group of white mufti clad locals and kept a slick pace as we faced into a heavy breeze all the way along the road to Grossio. There, after a brief detour by three unfortunate ones for phantom Cokes we pushed on to Mazzo and the food stop at the base of big M!
Now was the hour. There could be no dodging. That mountain which Lance declared was the most savage climb he had ever done was now our challenge. The Mortirolo was before us. Wishing each other luck we headed off up the 12.5km climb eager to get it done.
Our group rapidly split up with Tony, Paul, Donal, leading, Shaun not far behind, Gavin, Patrick, and your scribe next in to the breech, and Raymond, Fergal and Ciaran making up our quorum. Quickly we learned what was in store as the changing gradient was announced on a board at the start of each kilometre. Such information would normally be welcomed but when the gradient goes from 10% to 20% the notification was found to be almost frightening!
Still we ploughed on up the ever toughening slopes our spirits seemingly undimmed. Patrick kept the humour going, Tony continued to make it look easy. Gavin thought of his next client lunch. Ciaran thought of his upcoming wedding. But none of us could disguise the fact that it was hard work. Four kilometres in Ciaran, Gavin and Raymond pulled in for a drink. Raymond suffering from his back and his Rabat sojourn was feeling the climb. Gavin quickly pushed on knowing that time was now of the essence.
Up the road Patrick and your scribe were sharing a bad joke when overcome with humour and fatigue I lost control of my super duper Time and plunged head first over the side of a steep cliff, 30 feet down in to a bed of rocks and nettles!! Luckily I quickly came to my senses and, finding that all my parts were in order, with the help of a friendly local hauled myself and my Time up the cliff. My resolve undimmed, my back in agony I quickly remounted and resuming my earth shattering speed of 6 kph headed up the road in search of my mate Patrick, now nowhere to be seen!
Eventually reaching the top of a mountain I have now renamed Il Bruto I was disappointed to discover that there wasn’t an FCC compadre to be found at the food stop. Thus after a brief stop I continued quickly down the road towards Aprica eager to get there before cut off time. Charging on reward was mine as I soon saw the familiar figure of Gavin who had passed me as I lay sprawled in the abyss and shortly after we came upon a slowing Patrick, my king of humour. Now it was my turn and my resolve declared I left my mates in the dust and sped on down the final hill and in to Aprica, a welcome sight to all riders.
At this stage all that lay ahead was a 20 km circuit round the San Christina pass. Nearing our hotel I spied the yellow clad Donal taking his ease and shortly after came upon Paul and Fergal resting at the finish line. They had finished some course and I had a whole circuit to do!! I could not believe it. Still I kept going down the long descent and on to the right turn which signaled the start of the SC climb. (7km long, 8% average in case you have forgotten).
I crawled around this circuit passing or being passed by a few desultory Italian riders, motivated by an instinct that having come so far I was going to do the total 172 km course. And it was soon over as I sped under the finishing banner on the main street of Aprica.
Who was there already? How had all the FCC battalion fared. Lead by Andrew, Charlie, Danny, Boyd, Tony, Shaun (what a great ride!!), and your scribe seven of us had completed the 172 km long course. Nine including Kevin, Fergal, Paul, Donal, Patrick, Gavin, Lane, Ciaran, and Raymond had done the medium 152 km course. All had suffered but all had triumphed. Memories are made on a ride like this!!
All that remained was a great meal that night. Lots of wine, great food and excellent repartee. Followed by the usual ice cream and a few beers we had the craic as we relived the day’s adventures.
Great trip, great event. Let’s do it again.
week ending July 29, 2007
A week-end of mixed weather saw some interesting and testing miles put in by some persistent FCC club people.
Unfortunately there is no news from the LoG this week. Hopefully they also had a good cycling experience.
Saturday’s 0900 hours run was an opportunity to welcome back young Peter, older Peter and Peter senior. With Terry D at the helm and planning for the upcoming I100 our group of 8 headed for the hills of Dunree and Pinch hill.
Having said goodbye to older Peter in Buncrana we were driven on by a resplendent Evelyn in her borrowed pink socks and making light of some early inclement weather we reached the first climb at Dunree with everyone’s honour intact.
A resurgent King of Carn (also welcome back!) and a feisty Terry D attacked the first hill at Dunree but they were soon reigned in by young Peter fresh from some excellent Alpine training and your honest scribe, fresh from Kerry. The downhill side of Pinch saw a regroupement and we headed back to Derry with everyone in fine fettle.
Terry, however, was loath to allow us rest on our laurels and drove the pace ever forward on the homeward trip aided by those other two fine rouleurs, young Peter and the king of Carn.
A good run out, no holds barred, everyone home safely.
Sunday’s weather was also fairly unwelcoming but our group of 8 were unphased and headed too Magilligan seeking a fair crossing of the Foyle estuary.
Once again we were missing several stalwarts, e.g Fergal (Paris), Ciaran (USA), Danny x(Austria), Tony??, Raymond (Rabatt), Kevin M (somewhere in Ireland), Pat McCaf(Portugal), Shaun??, Pat McC(Portnoo). Donal (Dunfanaghy), Paul??/, etc, etc. When one reflects that we have over 50 members, 8 people on a Sunday run is disappointing. What do we need to do to attract more people out??
Our journey to the ferry was uneventful save for the fact that Dr Dave, unaccompanied by his usal acolytes, kept his distance at the back of our peloton refusing the offer of gentle conversation from Terry and your humble scribe. Damp but not drowned we reached Magilligan in fine order and with Charlie having delayed the ferry for our advantage (????) we headed on board for some revivalist Donnelly humour and a heat up in the men’s toilet. (my hands were frozen!!).
Newcomer Noel was questioning the sanity of having just paid a membership fee to a group who would cycle in such unfavourable conditions but soon changed his mind as we headed for an unscheduled coffee stop in Moville where the goodly Dr Dave shook the moths from his wallet and treated all and sundry to a welcoming cup of warm beverages (note this is a feature of our club rides which Jim Jackson has tried to introduce for years. Pity you missed this first time event, Jim!).
A quick pose for further photos taken by Charlie, a.k.a Lord Snowdon, and we were on the road again. Fuelled by caffeine (not really a drug, IDT!) we picked the pace up substantially and were soon making 20 mph in to a very strong wind. Prominent at the front were Terry, Charlie, Kevin McG and young Mark B, soon to be wed, as we headed on to Quigley’s Point and the road to the Pollan Dam. Inner most secret longings were there revealed when Evelyn, Noel, Terry, the king of Carn, young Mark, dr Dave, left us in no doubt that an early shower was a more favoured option and kept their heads down for Derry whilst your unsuspecting scribe and chairman Charlie headed up the hill towards the climb at the Pollan Dam.
Charlie did moderate his pace but having earlier revealed to me that he is now training at 0545 every Tuesday with a 1 hour run to and from Buncrana I knew that it would be impossible to match his well known talent and excellent speed.
However, not known to shirk a challenge I used all the diversionary skills at my disposal and kept him occupied with as much intellectual conversation as I could muster as we winged our way in to Buncrana and on down the road to Derry. We made good time, the sun came out and dried us up, we reached Muff together. Charlie headed for home while I breathed a sigh of relief and went in to recovery mode!
A good cycle, some great craic, good company. Hopefully next time numbers will return to more usual levels.
Entries are still needed for the I100, our flagship event. We also need helpers for the I100. Terry does most of the organizing but we need about 16 people to help out on the day. Please let Terry know or email me back.
Also I am attaching an update from Raymond presently residing in Rabatt. Looks like he is keeping the training going. Look forward to seeing you on Saturday, Raymond.
I arrived back in Morocco got my bike with me this time and back on the road meet up with
a group of cyclists every weekend pace is near our Sun. run and we have a tea stop along
the road show you a few photos when i get back i will see you all next week i will be home
for 2 weekends tell all boys i was asking for them
Take care
Raymond
See you on the road.
Mark
p.s. congrats to Galway member John Geaney who has announced his engagement. last seen on the first stop of the Wicklow 200, John is sure to upgrade his cycling kit with his new responsibilities.
Also, welcome to latest USA member Sammy Hilali, San Jose, Calif. Sammy is an avid cyclist who will be here in September to join a club ride. DeleteReplyForwardMove...
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The Mourne Sportive- A Serious Challenge.
On Sunday 12 August 2007 Dromara CC host the Mourne Sportive, an event
covering
100miles through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Kingdom
of
Mourne. The course offers over 3000m of climbing, a serious challenge
for
local cyclists and those from further a field. Registration will be
£20 for
the event, securing participants, three feed zones on the course and
technical assistance if required.
(Embedded image moved to file: pic18174.jpg)
Those wishing to take part in the Mourne Sportive are advised to
pre-register through the club website
http://www.dromaracc.co.uk/sportive/home.html or by contacting the Club
Secretary Trevor Annett on 07714382158 by Tuesday 6th August. The event
has
a restricted entry so early registration will secure your place.
Hilly 60 – 80 - 125
Dromara CC is keen to cater for different interests and abilities and
will
be offering three other events on the 12 August. With distances from
35-80
miles on a variety of terrain, from the established Hilly route, to the
more relaxed Moderate and Leisure Tours, there will be something for
everyone. With the prospect of a post event barbecue and refreshment
available from the club bar at the finish, this is a day for the whole
family. Details of these events are on the club website. There is no
need
to pre-register, just turn up on the 12 August and sign on for one of
the
best days cycling you can get
important dates for FCC members
the season is really hotting up and I forward some dates which you might like to note in your calendar and follow up with some actions,
First is August 19th the date of our flagship event, the Inishowen 100. We still need riders to sign up. This can be done via the web page www.foylecycling.net . As Terry rreminded me last night entry will rise to £25 pp in the next few days. Enter now to avoid a £5 surcharge. There will not be exceptions.
We also need helpers to run this event. The hard work is now being tended to by Terry and his team but we will need a minimum of 16 helpers on the day beginning at 0745. If you haven't given your name to Terry, would you please do so. This is a club of volunteers and needs your help as well as everyone else.....thanks!!
Wednesday next, 7p.m., August 08 we will have round 5 of the inter club race series. This is a handicapped road race on the Burnfoot cct near Dungiven. We need riders if we are to win the 2007 shield. We are well in contention but Wednesday's race is crucial. Please come and ride for your club, FCC!
Wednesday August 15 is round 6 of the inter club series. This will be a 10mile TT on the L'kenny road 5 miles past Bridgend. FCC is hosting this round and once again we need riders and helpers, please. If you're not riding please come to help run this event.
Sunday 12 August is the date for the Dromara cyclosportive. Dromara is south of Belfast and a few of us are heading down to be ready to start the event at 0800 from the soccer pitch in DRomara. This is a very challenging event and as Peter, Donal, Tony and I know from last year really sorts the men from the boys. Hope to see you there!! More details can be found on the Drmara web page or call one of the above people.
This w/e club rides as usual. Saturday a ride around Inishowen lead by Terry. Designed to cover much of the I100 terrain this will be a fun session. Leave yourself a little extra time for Saturday's ride.
Sunday normal club ride at 0900 once again.
I'm away Sunday. Hope to see many of you out on Saturday.
Mark
p.s. best wishes to big W for a prompt recovery after his recent swimming mishap in Turkey
Aug 11, 2007
The weather was certainly uncooperative for Saturday’s club run but it didn’t stop a 9 strong crowd of FCC men and women from enjoying an excellent morning’s ride thru Moville, past Noone’s Bridge(thanks king of Carn for the local geography), on to Culdaff and home over the crooked onion climb down in to Redcastle and home to Derry.
Our pace was always challenging but we made sure that all levels were accommodated with frequent regroupements. As ever Charlie was keen to push on but he was often matched by the Rabatt rabbit(thanks webmaster) who was making a final outing this w/e before returning to Morocco. Peter McL and Aidan showed their readiness for the upcoming I100 test by putting in some excellent front line riding whilst Richard and Brendan made light of their sometimes infrequent attendance by also performing very strongly.
Final push up the Ture straight included some “up and over” riding. This takes a bit of practice to get right but progress is good so far.
Sunday was certainly a better day and the good weather brought 12 riders out ready for a good morning’s exercise.
Turn out was excellent for a challenging ride down via some hilly country to Barnes Gap, Gortin and N’stewart.
We were pleased to welcome back ex chairman Ciaran fresh from an enjoyable honeymoon, secretary Pat back from a warm session in Portugal, Martin back from exams in NY city(congrats MW!), Jim D out to help and encourage, Evelyn out to warm up before her first spin teach session, Danny there for some easy training!!, Raymond(were you really out?), Tony back from Ballindrait and of course Peter M eager to race all available hills.
Despite a few punctures and several regroupements for ailing riders everyone managed a good workout. With the ascent of Dart mountain at 450 metres, some beautiful scenery round the Glenelly valley, and some challenging climbs up to Gortin everyone found some type of challenge in their outing.
Wednesday’s time trial on the L’kenny road is the last inter league event of the season. Start time is 7 p.m. 5 miles out from Bridgend. Once again riders and helpers are needed. Please come along. If we win on Wednesday we tie the league with Roe Valley.
Several of the club are eager to make a bigger impression on the Uster open racing scene. If you’re interested please let me know, talk to Danny X or set up a blog session on our web page. This is your club and its success depends on your involvement.
Inishowen 100 k.o. is 0830 on Sunday. Terry has been doing some special prep work in Newcastle and his well oiled machine is all set to go. All we need now is for you to turn up whether you are riding or helping. Sign on begins at 0745 at the sports complex. This is our flafship event and Terry has done sterling work in preparing for a smooth running event. Please say thanks and support him!
See you on the road,
Mark
week-end Aug 24, 2007
last week-end culminated in another highly successful Inishowen 100 cycling challenge. Once again FCC members organised a highly enjoyable, challenging and safe cycle around the hiways and biways of our beautiful neighborhood. This event took a great deal of planning, organising and downright hard work. It took all kinds of effort from many different people and like all well run events it took one central supremo. Chapeau to Terry Donnelly without whose diligent, attention to detail things would not have run as smoothly as they did. Once again Terry pulled it off and we owe him a debt!!
Thanks also to all the other FCC volunteers and to all the riders who came along to complete the cycle in a friendly, adventurous spirit. A greta event, a great day!!
Check out the FCC web page for the latest photos from the I100 courtesy of Charlie and Brendan.
The season has still many weeks left to run and I would like to bring to your attention some of the upcoming events.
This week-end we are having normal club rides on Saturday and Sunday at the usual start time of 0900 at the complex, Buncrana road. Sunday's run will take in Eglinton, Claudy, Park, Donemana and Derry...about 60 miles.
The following w/e a few club men are heading to north Cumbria for the 165km Cumberland challenge. A new event for us this promises to be quite a late season test.
On Sunday 9/09 we are having our Glenveagh escape. This is a 65 mile trip around Gartin Lough and Glenveagh. Superb countryside.
On Sunday 16/09 we are holding a joint cycle with our friends at Roe Valley CC. Leaving Burnfoot near Dungiven and heading for the Sperrins this tour is in aid of cancer research and will finish with a bbq.
On Sunday Sept 23 we are having our Fanad tour around the peninsula of the same name.
Also, please also consider taking part in the RVCC hill climb on Wednesday 5/09. This is a good test for the hill climbers as it takes in the Bishop's mtn climb.
Lots to keep the interest going and gresat weather to out there.
See you on the road,
Mark
30/08/2007
congratulations to FCC members Brendan Duddy and Larry McGowan on turning in some excellent times in last week's TT at the Woodgreen course. Brenda's 22m.00s was a PB and Larry's 24m25s was also something out of the top drawer. Well done to both and thanks for flying the FCC flag.
No news back from Danny X who competed in last week-end's open CU road race.
Club PRO Billy D has submitted a newspaper article aimed at recruiting neophyte riders on to the road and hopefully in to our ranks. Watch out for the article in the local press and if new members do show up for club rides please make them welcome, introduce yourself, encourage them and wait for them during the ride. We have targeted September as a month for bringing out more people on to the road as we strive to build FCC in to an even better club!!.
Club rides as usual at 0900 from the complex on Saturday and Sunday. Routes will be a la carte! Look out for Kevin M, Simon, Boyd the king of Carn, and several Peters who are all back from holiday. Also, Waren is rumoured to be making a comeback from injury and who knows Donal D and Paul are bound to resurface soon. So lots to look forward to!
Charlie and Paddy McD are on holiday, Ciaran, Fergal, Gavin and I are off to the Cumberland Challenge this w/e,, to ride a 105 mile sportive round northern Cumbria and southern Scotland. Frankie is probably down at the Dublin tri??
Terry continues to receive very positive feedback on the I100 and is already planning improvements for next year!
Enjoy the remaining days of summer.
See you on the road,
Mark
September 09, 2007
WAs it the world cup!?
FCC club rides were lightly subscribed this week-end. Maybe everyone was off watching the world cup?
Saturday's run around the L'keny roundabout, Lifford, St Johnson circular route saw 9 riders take the challenge and the return of Raymond on a week's break from Rabat. Also back in the fold were Evelyn, looking well tanned from Cyprus, Peter, not so tanned from Culdaff, Brendan, our own webmaste fresh from his usual sterling work on FCC pages, Terry, fresh from his hard work organising I100, Waren back after recent injury, and new man Stephen, who contributed two flat tyres to the morning's fun.
A good Saturday morning run. All enjoyed the outing evrn though some heavy traffic did make life tricky by times.
Today's run over the Glenveagh circuit was held under dull, dry conditions and with 10 riders leaving the bus depot at L'kenny at 0918 a good outing was enjoyed by all. We were pleased to welcome Mairead and Sandra along courtesy of club man Dr Dave and although they were surrounded by lots of male testosterone the two women gave a good account of themselves.
The sometimes hilly course took us round by the beautifully scenic Gartin Lough, thru Churchill, over Muckish Gap and back thru Dunfanaghy and the road works at Kilmacrennan.
All stayed together until we reached Dunfanaghy where someone, was it returning grimpeur Kevin M, said something to the inseperable duo who headed down the road chasing a tractor and were never seen again. The rest of us kept in synch till we reached Creeslough where it was agreed to leave David in charge of Mairead and Sandra, Jim was to head after Ciaran and Fergal and the remaining four of Kevin, Shaun, Pat (back from Offaly hospitality at the Tullamore fleadh) and your scribe followed after Jim along the road to L'kenny.
We four kept a merry pace back in to the bus depot and were pleased to see the summit after Kilmacrennan as although this road is being updated the climb has not gotten easier.
An enjoyable run through some excellent country and enxt year we might consider doing it in reverse to avoid the heavily trafficed areas.
Note\; next Sunday's combined run with Roe Valley CC starting from Burnfoot, near Dungiven. Please watch for directions.
See you on the road,
Mark
p.s.happy 25th anniversary to Chairman Charlie and Janette!
The old reliables
While some of us spent part of the w/e in foreign parts supporting the rugby team at the world cup and hoping for a miracle (one can only hope!) many of the club turned out for some fun late summer, early autumn riding over the w/e.
Saturday’s run was lead off by Terry and Charlie and with Charlie heading for an early finish with Simon, Terry was left to welcome the return of infrequent rider Eunan and to lead a disparate group of cyclists round some challenging roads in Inishowen,
Some new female athletes had been inveigled along and token female member Evelyn took some time to explain the vagaries of riding with a testorone loaded bunch of FCC members as the course headed for Quigley’s Point, Moville and Carn at a not so sensible pace. The beauty of group riding was soon apparent to everyone as the group turned for home in to a strong southerly breexze. Frequent rotations at the front helped to lighten the load for all and the complex was reached around noon with spirits intact and undimmed.
Sunday’s run featured our now traditional end of season foray around Fanad head. Club veterans Terry, Charlie, Ciaran, Fergal, Kevin, Danny X were joined on this scenic run by more recent recruits Pat, nimble fingers McCaf, Pat, smooth tongue McC, Peter, runner and triathlete, McL, Evelyn, I love spinning, and Noel, keep those dogs away, Callan.
The weather stayed fair until we got to the head but the dark clouds proved temporary as we rolled along over the undulating terrain towards the climb at Knockalla and the infamous bends. Seen in all their glory these corkscrew turns are a beautiful sight and as the late summer sun poured down on our little group making the short burst up this 12% climb some superb pictures were taken by a group of tourists making a short stop at the summit.
Our pace varied by times but we worked hard to keep the group together and called for a regroupment at Rathmullan to tackle the last few miles back to L’kenny in to the strong southerly wind in an orderly fashion.
Order only lasts for so long here in FCC and heading up the rise from Ramelton it was devil take the hindmost as Charlie, Danny and Fergal attacked each other on the run in to the Errigal hotel. Race experience was the decider and Danny pulled away easily over the rise at the Silver Tassie and lead the bunch the final few miles home. Several veterans swept up at the rear and ensured all arrived home safe and in good order after a lovely mornings work out.
See you on the road,
Mark
W/E October 07, 2007
Much has been happening at FCC club level over the last few weeks.
First, news from the League of Gentlemen shows they are getting some good miles in and enjoying the superb fall weather. The following is an update from LoG stalwart Tony Moore.
The LoG continue on their early morning trailblazers. 54 mile covered today average speed 15.8 mile per hour (slow enough for winter training ?). Took on the Dryarch hill Letterkenny to Stranorlar back via Raphoe.
Having a great time, luncheons and camera stops included free. Craic 90 !
7:30 at the complex - home and eating bacon butties by 11:20.
A FCC off road section is more than a twinkle in Ciaran’s eye and the gestating mountain bike section took in the hills of Loughermore forest, near Claudy this morning. With Fergal also in attendance some good climbing practice was completed by the two compadres.
Regular road sessions were also held this week-end and were well attended as many geared up for the upcoming winter period. Terry was in command on both w/e sessions and lead more than a dozen riders round the 3 lakes circuit on Saturday whilst enjoying the excellent October temperature. Jim D brought along his young son and the youngster ably demonstrated that hard riding runs in the Doyle family. Also making a first appearance was fireman Joe and his overall fitness helped to make light of a fairly speedy session.
Sunday’s club run was well attended despite the adverse weather. We were pleased to welcome the second coming of new man Alan, the return of Danny X after a hard race season, riding a new winter steed, Peter M, back from Cork, Simon back from Amsterdam, and another Nicell, Paddy eager to keep big brother honest!
In line with the season Terry had a flat run planned for us but somehow got sidetracked as he lead us up the climb at Redcastle towards the Gleneely highlands. Whilst Charlie and Paddy jousted for the family honour at the front of the pack, Terry, Shaun and your scribe stuck to their aim of winter pacing and scaled the heights at a non red zone pace. The descent in to Culdaff saw the departure of Phoenix stalwart Paul Mc G as he headed for home leaving us in the care of veteran triathlete Frankie!
Our pace was always steady and as we rode thru Carn and back over Glentogher to the Point we took the opportunity to discuss upcoming plans for the winter and how we might develop the club for everyone’s advantage. After a final dash in to Muff which was taken by Peter M we went our separate ways having enjoyed a good run out.
Next w/e USA club man Lane P is in town and to celebrate Brendan has planned a meal out on Sunday evening. Keep Sunday open and details of time and place will be provided.
Club AGM is due in the next few weeks. Time and date will be confirmed shortly. If you have ideas on how to improve FCC this is your chance to bring them forward formally.
See you on the road,
Mark
Combined RVCC ride and more
Another great w/e of summer like weather saw more excellent late season riding enjoyed by over 20 members of FCC.
Saturday’s run followed an old familiar path around the Pollan dam and back home by the heart stopping challenge provided by Grania’s gap. We were pleased to welcome back veteran club man Eunan who has been busy setting up his new enterprise in Buncrana but is now promising to be a regular on our w/e adventures and mountain man Martin making a double appearance this week. We were also graced by a visit from sometime Phoenix man big John M astride his beautiful carbon laden Cannondale and had prospective member Joe M showing weekly improvement as he continues to try out his new found friends at FCC.
Saturday’s route is always a challenge and the climb up to Glentogher saw Kevin, Charlie, Peter Mc, Simon and Martin lead the way at zone 3 pace all the way up this 8% climb. However, with Terry doing his bit to keep it together a mixed pace was maintained for all who wanted it and regular regroupments saw others get in some pacy riding but yet come together at the stopping points.
A good morning’s work was completed by all as we went our separate ways at the junction near the Rock bar.
This morning’s ride was the combined ferry run with our friends from Roe Valley CC. Once again although a little cooler than yesterday we enjoyed some excellent weather as 16 club men and women left the complex joined by other local cyclists including Jim flyer D, local cycling legend Paddy Carr and son Michael, triathletes Paul and Garry, Tony M and several others.
Riding to Limavady we picked up friends Marty R and Colin and used the combined efforts of all to maintain a healthy pace as we began to pick up RVCC riders all the way to the roundabout by Limavady central. There safety guru Terry called for a split group to minimize frustration to passing motorists and we didn’t come together until we reached terminal 1 at Magilligan, assembly point for all making the Foyle crossing.
A hasty negotiation was begun by George B and Martin with the lovely ferry coordinator and she was eventually beaten in to a one for all £2 price for the ferry crossing.
We were all well cooled as we disembarked but Charlie and Keith insisted on more photos and Shaun and your scribe took the opportunity to take lead positions for the climb out of Greencastle and on to Derry.
After a brief stop at Moville for a funeral a front group of 20 or more enthusiastic riders kept the pace going at the front with such as ace TTer Paul Mc, Jim D, Danny X, Charlie and Mary B ensuring that things never slackened all the way up the Ture straight. Sensing an opening Jim and Charlie took a flyer as we approached Muff’s “30” but were quickly chased down by Ciaran, and Danny and Colin fought for the honours at the critical point.
Our FCC contingent regrouoped at Muff and headed for home together whilst our good mates from RVCC continued on the road home.
All enjoyed a good Sunday outing and reinforced old cycling friendships under excellent conditions.
As a matter of interest there were 21 FCC members out for the two reported club rides this w/e. There were also probably 4 LoG colleagues, Tony, Billy, Kieran and Paddy on the road making a total of 25 or so out on their bikes. There are over 50 club members and this makes a 50% participation rate. Food for thought!!
See you on the road,
Mark
W/E Oct 28, 2007
Saturday was certainly not as pleaseant a day as Sunday but it did not deter 8 intrepid FCC riders from braving the strong wind and drizzly conditions for an enjoyable fall run down to Raphoe and Lifford by old familiar roads.
We were joined by some of the local tri lads from Phoenix for the early stages of our trip and they did their share at the front until we got to the Manor roundabout where they discovered their passes had run out and they turned for home.
Our FCC group kept going with Evelyn, new man Alan, returning young vet Boyd, and neophyte Joe maintaining a steady pace down the back road past Tony's house at Ballindrait.
A halt was necessary at Lifford as Terry found that the saddle he got from his grandad had finally given up the ghost and running repairs were necessary if his manhood were not to be permanently affected. A few rolls of duct tape later and we were on our way again through St Johnston, up Carrigan's brae, or "king's" hill, and down to the old dairy for the final sprint home.
A good run out for all concerned and early preparation for the soon to start winter training season.
No news yet of today's run or of the mountain bike session at Banagher.
Remember agm on November 14 at 8 p.m. in the complex. Please keep it free.
See you on the road,
Mark
w.e Nov 04, 2007
Attendance records for FCC club rides reached record levels this week-end when a combined total of 38 riders showed up for the Saturday and Sunday outings. Great to see it!
On Saturday 16 showed at the complex to enjoy another fine fall day. We were pleased to welcome a rare appearance from Tony and Eugene taking a break from the LoG to see how the rest of the club was faring. Judging by their pace setting efforts the League of Gentlemen has moved to a new level and is not the relaxed, easy going ride of past and distant days.
Our peloton was kept in order by big W(great to have you back!) and made good winter time up Glentogher and in thru Carn where we took a right turn up the quiet bog road to Lough Inn. One mile before the summit disaster struck when Peter, otherwise known as “the accountant “(to distinguish him from the other Peters, “the engineer, the power man”, etc) got a severe blow out making the final descent before the summit. Those in range gathered around to lend support and assistance in his hour of need as we knew Peter was still recovering from his superb effort in last Monday’s Dublin marathon. (It was a running race but well done to you Peter!!) The craic was mighty and advice was not spared as Jim Flyer and Pete’s able cousin Eunan toiled to repair the flat. We were down to our last tube when erudite Terry D and his ultimate wisdom arrived to resolve our problems. The puncture was finally repaired and Peter was ready to resume activity.
The descent down to the main road was taken with more caution than usual as the road surface was muddy and slippery and a regroupement was organized for the final push up Ture straight to Muff.
Minus the absent Tony, who had despaired at the inability of club members to maintain their m/cs and had headed home alone vowing to consider lessons for all from the LoG. our 15 man/woman rump pulled ourselves together and managed a good pace all the way home arriving back at base a little after noon, tubes lighter but craic enhanced!
Sunday saw 22 eager cyclists show up at the appointed hour and after the usual banter the group took off on the Strabane, TV mast, Plumbridge, Donemana, New Buildings course and some challenging hills!
The weather mirrored our disposition as we cycled along in summery, mild conditions making it hard to believe we were one week into November.
With such a group a good pace was easily maintained and infrequent attendees Stephen, Larry, Gavin and Frankie had little difficulty keeping up. Reaching Strabane we bade farewell to Evelyn, Stephen and our two triatheletes Gary and Paul and headed for the first of the day’s climbs up to the tv mast and the hills of the Gleneely valley.
On this first ascent Waren and your scribe questioned FCC’s winter pace as we kept our distance well to the rear of the pack!! From afar we could see Jim, Danny, Larry, Charlie and Frank jostling for the lead, not far in front of Ciaran, Gavin, Pat, Martin, and Alan. From there our somewhat disconnected group enjoyed the rolling hills all the way to the Plumb and were lead down the final slalom by the king of Carn himself.
Now we were on the turn for home and big Waren’s exertions from Saturday were becoming apparent as he struggled up past Plumb school, on over the undulating countryside towards Donemana and the welcoming steeples of Derry’s walls beyond.
For such a disparate group we kept together well and everyone played a part in ensuring all reached New Buildings in sound order for the run up the straight and the designated “30” sprint.
Charlie, Jim, Danny, Ciaran, Fergal, the king, Frankie, Larry, Paddy were to the fore in the final tussle and some one from that group took the honours!!
A great morning’s work, superb weather, excellent scenery, winter training started, miles in the bag.
Congratulations to our friends at North Pole CC on the success of last Sundays 100km ride around Inishowen in aid of the Irish Wheelchair association. A large sum of money raised for an excellent cause.
November 14 is the FCC agm in the complex at 8 p.m. Would you please try to make it.
See you on the road,
Mark
Dec 2, 2007...characters and character building!!
Despite winter’s showing its full force this w/e here in the NW a full squad of FCC members were on the roads as they continued their winter training regime.
Saturday was cold, showery and very windy and a crowd of about 18 cyclists gathered at the complex before heading for a weather shortened run up to the Illies and the Pollan dam.
Our normal group, swollen by several triathletes and two eager members of the Doyle clan(more power to them for coming out in such adverse conditions!), took off with less than our usual enthusiasm but we held it together thru the rain and wind as we flew along the flat Swillyside road.
At Buncrana Jim “flyer” was seen thru the haze and the two young people headed off with him for some surge training whilst the rest carried on thru the town and on towards the ascent at the dam. As expected a separation occurred on this challenging part of our trip and several disparate groups rode together all the way over the dam and down to Quigley’s. Sweeping up at the rear with new man Ciaran and helped by ex-chairman Ciaran we passed a group fixing a puncture before organizing a 12 man/woman possee for the final surge in to the strong SE wind up the Ture straight.
With Terry, the king of Carn, Evelyn and Peter really coming into their own on this final lap we made light of the adverse conditions and swept in to Muff battered but not beaten.
Sunday dawned bright and early, as it always does, and those expecting improved weather conditions were disappointed. Making a last minute decision to head for the complex your scribe rushed out, without breakfast( a bad move!), to determine if any other members of FCC were as keen!
The scene at the complex was unexpected as 7 other brave riders were seated on their steeds in the heavy downpour ready for the road, undeterred by the seasonal weather!(note to self: there’s always someone more mad than you!!)
Our group of Fergal, Peter, Donal, Jim(resplendent in his golf gear), Danny X, the king of Carn, and Chris S, headed for the Strabane road and Stranorlar’s Christmas lights.
It was quickly apparent that this was FCC’s racing group as driven on by Chris, Danny X and Jim D(you guys should try late nite training at Earth!!) we made good time to Strabane and our first turning point. At this stage the rain was still pelting down and with no let up in sight we quickly decided on a modified rout thru Clady, Lifford and Manor roundabout.
Shortened routes are always welcome in such conditions but the racing men were also on the trip and the pace in to Clady and beyond never lessened as we dodged the normal potholes now camouflaged by the driving rain.
Turning left at Lifford we headed for Manor. At this juncture Jim and Chris took their leave to be soon followed by Danny, Fergal, Peter, and Donal. Kevin and your scribe reduced the pace as the absent breakfast was beginning to make a difference to energy levels and I was glad of the escort.(thanks King!!).
The last lap from Manor was tough and Fergal and Donal were rejoined at Murray’s garage making it a little easier for our four man peloton to drive the last few weather beaten miles back to the sports complex.
We were soaked, we were weather beaten, we were tired but we had put in a good session. Almost 60 miles done, home to our hot showers, warm cappuccinos. As Donal said..”character building”!
See you on the road,
Mark
Some comments on the recent 2008 Tour of Ireland from an Englishman who guested on the Foyle Express.
Tour of Ireland Cycle Challenge 2008 – as viewed from the Foyle Express.
Day 1. Lisburn to Cavan, 114 miles, 2331 metres of climbing.
Friday 9 May 2008, about 0830. Close to 200 cyclists of various shapes, sizes and abilities are lined up at the Lisburn Leisureplex awaiting the start. It’s an impressive sight, and if the rest of them are anything like competitor 130 they’re a mixture of excitement and slight apprehension. 500 miles in four days is a long way by my standards, and if you throw in close to 10,000 metres of ascent it’s going to be a tough one.
We start, and are escorted through the town by the police. This is a new experience for me, and the policing and marshalling of the event, on both sides of the border, are to become one of its best features. Escorts through town, traffic held back at junctions to let us pass, it all adds hugely to the safety, as well as the enjoyment, of the riders.
About thirty miles in I’m feeling pretty strong. A few minutes behind the fast group – this is not a time to entertain delusions of grandeur, so I’m going at my own pace – when disaster strikes in the form of a broken chain. Worse still, it drags the rear mech into the wheel and snaps the hanger as well as trashing the mech. Gerry the mechanic rolls up in his van and it takes him about a millisecond to recognise that there’s nothing he can do for me.
For a while it seems that my tour is over after just a couple of hours, and my mood might charitably be described as irritable. But with help from Leo in the broomwagon I locate a bike shop in Newry, and Gerry – my hero – drives me there in the mechanical support van. A few minutes later he, I and the staff are poring over every hanger in the shop, but without success. None of them fit my frame.
I’m not going to abandon, though, so we scour the shop for a bike that will fit me. The only affordable option (though I’d have liked the LaPierre at about two grand!) is a cross bike that is a shade too small but rideable. A few adjustments later, and a fair few quid lighter, and I’m on my way to riding the ToICC on a cyclocross bike (with cyclocross gearing) that doesn’t quite fit me.
Gerry drops me back in just ahead of the last group, and I have a pretty lonely chase in the rain for a couple of hours. At the second feed station, though, I hook up with Sue, Nicholas and a couple of others and we pace one another over the last 25 miles into Cavan. Rich, Matt and Nigel (we met over a Guinness in Dublin on the eve of the event and were now, of course, a team) looked at the new bike and politely concealed their burgeoning doubts about my sanity.
(Postscript: I discovered something new today, when my heartrate touched 186 on the climb after Newry while I tried to catch up. I’d thought my maximum HR was 185.)
Day 2. Cavan to Galway City, 124 miles, 1339 metres of climbing.
We roll out of Cavan shortly after eight. Once again we are escorted through the rush hour traffic, and the flatness of the terrain means that the early pace is pretty electric. I’m averaging 22 -23 mph for the first 15 miles or so, at which point I come to my senses and remember that even if I had been here to play with the big boys, there’s not a chance of my doing so on a bike that is already beginning to give me an aching back. So I drop off what is still a very large leading group and cruise along for a while with Margaret, a fine woman who is using this tour as a final stage in her training for the race across America!
Margaret and I are just beginning to find it quite hard work pacing one another along when a bunch of about a dozen sweep up behind us, and we are aboard the Foyle Express for the first time. Mark and a few of his clubmates from the Foyle cycling club have acquired a posse of hangers-on and have them organised into a perfectly functioning unit. Mark has a bell on his bike. Every few minutes he rings it, and we move through and off; every single rider taking their turn at the front, an even pace being maintained, everyone calling for holes and generally helping one another out. There are riders here who have rarely if ever ridden in a bunch. Twenty minutes with Mark and you’d swear they’d been on club runs every Sunday for the last ten years.
We keep this up, with pauses for feeding stations, for the next 80 miles into Galway City. Nobody is dropped, nobody breaks the rhythm or hides, it’s an absolute pleasure to cycle with this lot and I resolve to stick with them for the remainder of the tour.
In Galway City most of the riders are staying in the same hotel and I get a stronger impression of what a varied and sociable crowd this is. From the real professional through to the most inexperienced “leisure cyclist”, everyone seems determined to enjoy themselves and make it a social as well as sporting occasion. Nice.
Day 3. Galway to Kilkenny. 140 miles, 2765 metres of climbing.
The day begins with good news. The mechanical support team have scoured Galway’s bike shops for me and have found a hanger to fit my bike. Unfortunately there isn’t time to effect repairs, switch rear mech, etc before the start, so I am again on the cross bike. But at least there’s the prospect of riding my own bike on the final stage.
We set off promptly at 0800, ahead of the fast group – a state of affairs that lasts only about twenty minutes, when one of the bunch punctures. We wait – the Foyle Express leaves nobody behind – and the main bunch sweeps past us. In fact we find ourselves just in front of the broom wagon for a while, until we catch the final bunch – a group which, like ours, has developed its own identity and seems to have a distinct social scene. Rumour has it they stop for coffee and doughnuts when they pass a likely-looking café.
We’re making excellent progress in the same style as yesterday – word is getting round, and there’s now about 20 of us – but today’s stage is decidedly lumpier than yesterday’s and as soon as we are into any half-serious climbing it is clear that I’m in trouble. Trying to put power through what is too cramped a riding position turns the discomfort in my back into acute pain, and by the time two hours have passed I’m barely able to maintain the bunch’s pace. They look after me until we get to the first feeding station at just short of 60 miles, and I take stock. The big hills of the stage are still ahead, and if I continue there’s a real prospect that tomorrow morning my bike will be fixed, but I’ll be injured and unable to ride it. So after consulting a few fellow-riders, and with a real feeling of failure, I abandon the stage.
I’m not the only casualty, so there’s no room in the broom wagon or the mechanical support van. As a result I become a passenger in the refreshment van with Peter and Richie. This experience becomes more interesting than I’d bargained for when, because of the hot weather, we have to establish an unscheduled feeding station about 30 miles from the finish; a task accomplished only with a police escort and truly astronomical speeds over appallingly unsuitable roads to get ahead of the first group. We pass them, at close to 100mph and with the police motorcyclist clearing the way, with minutes to spare, screech to a halt in a parking place in Templemore, throw up the tent, set up the tables and try to look as if we’ve been there all day when the fast men breast the hill about thirty seconds later.
Today has clearly been a seriously tough day, summed up by the remark of a very senior cyclist as he spied the unscheduled stop. “Thank f*** for that, I’m seeing double. I don’t remember going as hard as that when I was racing.”
Today is also Sunday, so the police have completely closed the roads in Kilkenny for the finish. A fabulous experience for the early finishers, and especially the first group, sprinting for the line among noisy crowds as if this were a GT.
Incidentally, an honourable mention for the Hibernian, Ormonde Street, Kilkenny. A magnificent traditional bar serving, of course, magnificent traditional Guinness.
Day 4. Kilkenny to Dublin. 129 miles, 3474 metres of climbing.
Just to add insult to injury, this stage was lengthened by about 6 miles at the last minute.
It’s a beautiful day, so we’ll have a chance to make the most of the scenery in the Wicklow mountains. It also means that sunscreen and lots and lots of water are in order. Most of all, though, it’s a beautiful day because the mechanic has worked a minor miracle on my bike, cannibalizing the 8-speed rear mech from the cross bike and rigging it up so that I have a full range of gears – albeit with a few missing in the middle. I’m on my own bike, and the bliss of being in a comfortable riding position is extraordinary. It feels as if I’ve been given a new set of legs.
So it’s off again in the Foyle Express, which has now grown to 24 riders. Like clockwork, as ever, with the newcomers picking up the routine. But very soon we’re into the first serious climb of the day and it’s every man and woman for themselves – bar the occasional push for those who are struggling. About 60 miles in, my incident-packed week takes yet another turn. We’re turning right-handed at the bottom of a brief descent when Johnny loses his rear wheel on a patch of gravel and goes down in front of me. Lacking the bike-handling skills to jump over him, I have no chance of avoiding a collision and describe what I am told is a very elegant parabola, still clipped in, hitting the tarmac on the far side. Everyone clearly thinks I’m seriously hurt and keeps telling me to lie still. I, as is usual in these circumstances, am worrying about the bike.
No major damage to either of us, though my elbow won’t be bending all that much for a few days. Onward, this time to the big climbs of the day. Slievemann is the worst – one of those climbs that looks as if it is levelling out but is just waiting to demoralise you further. But we all make it, and the views, and the descents, are great. Finally we start the long drag up to the Wicklow Gap, and it is a long drag. The second feed station is at the top, and this is supposed to be the last serious climb, so I bury myself and give it everything I have left. At the top I’m having to hold Nigel’s wheel because so much sweat has run into my eyes that I can’t see more than about ten feet in front of me. But once there, eyes wiped, the scenery and the sense of achievement are fantastic.
The descent is great too, but at the bottom I discover that it is not downhill all the way to Dublin. The road round the reservoir is up and down, up and down, a series of short sharp climbs with descents too short to allow recovery. An hour or so of this and I am beginning to get truly tired. But eventually things level out again, the Express gets back into rhythm, and we take it home, finishing as a group with nobody left behind.
So, been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Will I be back? I think I will, partly because I feel I have unfinished business on stage three, partly because I’d like to ride the whole event on my own bike, but mainly because it drew such an engaging bunch of people. I’d certainly recommend it unreservedly to any serious sportive rider – it takes the concept to a whole different level. Sign up.
Thanks to all who sponsored me, and of course to the support team who got me back on the road. But thanks also to Matt, Rich, Nigel, Dave, Mark, Fergal, Margaret, Katie and a host of others who made the whole experience one to remember from a social as well as a sporting perspective.
Charles Marshall
13 May 2008
Sunday 8th December 2008
The weather may have been unseasonably cold and frosty but it did not deter the mountain bike crew from making a foray to the snow covered hills of Loughermore Forest.
Lead by those doyens of the baggy short brigade, NOT, Fergal and Ciaran, our small group had some great fun practising our slipping and sliding skills on the often 22% gradients of this magnificently secnic area.
Hopefully the weather will ease off soon and normal road bike service will resume.
In the meantime consider getting in a mountain bike run. It's great fun and your hill skills will improve.
Sunday was great Fun in Loughermore For those of you with Mountain bikes you did miss a good day!
Ciaran
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