We are very lucky in this area to have an abundance of clubs and groups to keep us busy. From major interest such as the GAA and Soccer, we have a richness of clubs looking after some of the minority sports. As a resident of Cahir, it’s wonderful to see the river Suir in use again through the local rowing club. Good friends of mine are involved with young children through Karate. It’s a sport I fully believe in, teaching self-discipline and self-defence, especially to young children. We have a thriving golfing community out in Cahir Park, which goes from strength to strength. Add in the local horse and pony riding community and it’s safe to say that most, if not all, tastes are catered for. For generations, children in particular, only had one or two choices, when it came to sport. As parents of a young child that has no sporting interest of any sort, it’s brilliant and much appreciated to see that he has a few more options.
One local club in particular, are going from strength to strength though. They are raising the bar when it comes to their sport and show just what is possible through hard work, interest and dedication.
I’m talking about South Tipp Cycling Club. A few weeks ago, I approached the start line for The Grand Fondo, Northern Ireland, in Belfast. About 50 meters or so away, I spotted a few of the lads, representing the area and of course, their club. At the Ring of Kerry, the lads are there. The Rebel Tour, The Kelly Tour of Waterford, The Emergency Services Cycle, in fact you name it, any event, big or small, the lads are there.
A few weeks ago I was out on a training spin and as I headed for the Vee, I heard the chatter and laughter at the school yard in Clogheen. It was national bike week and sure as hell, the lads were running a course for children. They run regular events, taking children out on the road, teaching them the basic but vital skills of road awareness, bike control and safety.
They have a few young lads racing (and getting results) every week, all over the country. If these lads were getting similar results in other sports, they would probably be lauded all over the community, but alas, in minority sports, recognition is hard to come by.
Mountain biking is one of the newest forms of biking to come along in recent years. It’s on the increase here in Ireland and South Tipp Cycling Club are at the forefront in the locality, taking advantage of the wonderful woodland and hills that we have on our doorstep.
A link up with Cahir Media, concise use of social media and a strong sponsorship with Morrisons BMW, the lads have a very strong brand and they are not ashamed to show it. More power to them for it.
So, the future for the club is very bright though and I for one applaud them, for their vision, hard work and ideas.
So, with all this stuff going on, you’d expect the lads to sit back and take it easy, right? I’m afraid not, nothing of the sort in fact. If anything, the lads are even looking for more things to do, more involvement, more work and ultimately, more stuff for the rest of us to enjoy.
This week, the lads have announced a round of the Enduro Series. Taking part in Scaragh Wood, just outside Cahir, on October 8th, this promises to be a sensational event.
It’s the Polygon Enduro Series Round 5 event, run by local clubs and the aim is to encourage everybody, regardless of age or gender to give it a try. The success of the event is measured, based on the feedback received from those who participate.
Enduro in its most basic definition, is a type of mountain bike racing where the downhills are timed, and the uphills are not. Riders are timed in stages that are primarily downhill, with neutral “transfer” stages in between. The transfer stages usually must be completed within a time-limit, but are not part of the accumulated time. (My huge thanks to Alan Kennedy for this bit)
As a total “noob” in mountain biking, I definitely plan to head out for a look. I must be honest though and say that I’m a total chicken, when it comes to mountain biking. Like any sport though, you get out what you put in and I’m looking forward to giving it a try.
So far a number of clubs have hosted rounds of the series for the first time. The events in Galway MTB and Bree MTB were a huge success. In between, there was a round of the series at the World renowned Ballyhoura, again to huge success. So, there’s no doubt that the South Tipp Cycling Club event will be just as successful.
Talking to one of the lads this morning, he told me that the event had 50% sold out overnight, so I think that says a lot.
I’m a firm believer in supporting local, whether it’s goods and services, or whether it’s in sport. I think we could all do a lot worse than head out to Scaragh Wood on the 8th October and give the lads a bit of support.
It wouldn’t be possible to organise and run an event of this magnitude, without the huge help and co-operation from Coillte.
Can I take this opportunity to wish the lads all the very best in their endeavours and roll on the event.
The Unknown Bike Rider 