The local training group is probably as fit as it’s going to get, so every training ride is now our miniature “Classic” or “Grand Tour stage”. We have all the necessary requirements to make each spin memorable.
The road to Clogheen from Burncourt would match the Pavé of France for roughness and even the best carbon fibre frame will struggle to absorb the vibrations. We have a few hills to struggle over, which are our miniature Pyrenees or Alps. Talking stops on the hill up by the mushroom farm, replaced by panting and gasping for breath. A few riders tried the Colonels Hill recently, their heart rates are slowly returning to normal.
The speed has increased too and we’re now averaging close to 30kph over a 60km route, which for a group with a combined age almost as old as the Rolling Stones, isn’t too bad.
We have the different groups within the group. Everybody wants to be a sprinter, as first past the finish line, which is the signpost on the Cork Rd, just outside Cahir, gets bragging rights for a night or two. There is no champagne, or pretty podium girls, but that feeling, arriving back at the square in Cahir, knowing you’ve kicked a few arses, more than compensates.
Climbers are a breed apart and I think we have one or two. Somebody will always make an effort on Mocklers Hill near Cashel, or on the Vee. Immediately, allegations of mechanical doping are made.
Domestiques are in short supply. Ask one of our lot to get you a water bottle, you’ll get your answer and you’ll be a laughing stock in no time. Somebody will stand you a coffee at “The Bean” if you forget to bring money, but that’s about as far as it goes. There’s no room for fancy stuff I’m afraid.
New bikes have arrived this summer too. Old bikes are being kept, as they will be “my Winter bike”, as nobody in their right mind will take a Giant Propel out onto the road, once the Summer is over.
We have flashy Di2 set ups, extra speedy wheels and some people have availed of a bike fit. Recommendations have been made however, that certain individuals need to invest in a new pair of bib shorts. Less said about that the better.
Recently, a new rider turned up, with a Specialized S-Works. “Jaysus, he must be good” was the overall consensus. We’ll manage to catch him one of these nights.
Another rider turned up recently with a full TT set up. We sat on his wheel for 60km and nearly got a few “Strava’s” in the process. “Who needs a tractor when this lad comes along”, somebody quipped.
This summer in Ireland, we’ve been spoiled with exceptional weather. Clear blue skies, light winds and temperatures more akin with the south of France have greeted the group. However, that came to an end last Sunday morning. Opening the curtains, riders were greeted with a more normal sight, as it was “p*ssing down rain”. A diminished group headed out regardless, although care was taken as the roads were lethal.
A lot of events have been completed this year, but there is one notable exception. Every year at this stage, all the talk would be about “the Kelly”. Held in Dungarvan, Co Waterford on the final Sunday of August every year, it was our local event and the one we all looked forward to.
Decisions would be made around now, about which route to take, would it be the 100 or “will I attempt the 160”. Even the children’s event on the Saturday was always a great occasion, for families and something to look forward to.
Alas, this year there’s no Kelly Tour and its left a huge void in local cycling. Personally, I’ve completed the Ring of Kerry, The Grand Fondo in Belfast and the Wicklow 200, but nothing compares to the Kelly Tour. If, by any chance the organisers of the event read this, all I can say is please………..
Anyway, as I finalise this article, the WhatsApp is flickering into life here beside me, as tomorrow night’s training spin is being organised.
To me, that’s the best part about cycling, the common interest, the fun, the friendship and the little bit of competition.
The Unknown Bike Rider 