Once again the large number of FCC members taking to the road over the past w/e bore testament to the excellent cycling weather we continue to enjoy here in the sunny North West!
Saturday looked the least promising of the two days but although those who were still on summer steeds would have had extra cleaning chores at the end of the ride the conditions were good and we enjoyed a dry, relatively wind free day.
As we headed west towards L’kenny we were over 20 strong on the beginning of a route which took numerous twists but ended up passing the famous dry arch roundabout, Stranorlar junction, Raphoe, Galdonagh. Manor and Derry.
Arriving at the foot of the only serious climb of the day several of our group decided to take their leave. The two Diarmuids had sworn to do low heart rate training and retraced their bike steps at a pace suited to their needs, accompanied by Eamonn who was due at base before the noon hour. Lucia and Maureen also turned about face feeling perhaps that a more flat based adventure would suit them better..
Traffic and road works made the long ascent somewhat precarious but all managed to summit successfully. Ciaran O and Terry were next to take their leave as somewhat without warning they turned around just as we attained a flat section of road. Our reduced peloton sped on regardless and took the left turn to Convoy and Raphoe taking advantage of favourable wind to increase our speed.
At the Raphoe cattle market Ritchie, fireman Chris and neophyte Michael A headed to Ballindrait for further challenges. The rest of us charged on over the drumlins which barred our path to the main Lifford-L’kenny road before being brought to stop by drummer and speed merchant Billy D’s suffering a puncture just as we attained the busy cross road.
Luckily Charlie was at hand and using all his engineering experience made the required repairs ensuring Billy’s dilemna only caused us a mild delay(sic)! Rhonda and Olive here took advantage of the interrupt to head over the Galdonagh road, recent scene of our racing triumph, and were not brought back in to our midst until Burt chapel was reached.
Once remounted Billy drove us on relentlessly in an effort to make up for lost time. Passing Manor he continued on alone as the larger group settled in to winter training pace. Shortly after Olive and Rhond settled back comfortably in our ranks and the whole group finished together just after the noon hour.
All that remained was a post ride prandial and so a small number repaired to the favored waterside coffee house. Here we were pleased to meet the two Dermots, and fireman Chris accompanied by his peloton. As Eamonn had suffered two punctures on the return journey our conversation soon turned to the merits of Schwalbe versus Continental tyres. Your scribe’s high regard for Schwalbe(it’s the price you know!) was well in the minority. However, it struck me that we missed the input of Ciaran H and his familiarity and love of all things Conti!
Sunday was another great day for cycling and when we gathered at the complex it was good to see the return of Jim D after his epic round Ireland adventure. Looking in fine fettle Jim was accompanied by nephew Matthew who is now part of the Irish 2020 initiative. Matthew is already getting serious about this challenge and he headed off with Jim astride an elegant fixed wheel m/c for some fine tuning of his pedal stroke.
The rest of us took off at a good clip for an adventure in South Derry/North Tyrone. As we reached Tullyally Fergal was first to break off, under pressure as he was for family duties. Ciaran was not to be distracted and he kept the pace high, all the time maintaining conversation with Simon and Aaron, as we drove along the road thru Ardmore. Ascending the lengthy Ballycarton hill. Shaun, just recovered from a puncture(what tyres does he use?), was the victim of some chain mechanicals but he quickly recovered and was present at the regroupment at the junction with the Donemana road. We all continued southward but Ciaran, Aaron and Simon committed themselves to the attainment of Plumbridge and so we let them have their head.
Our seven strong group made the right turn which lead us back over rolling roads, to Donemana. We then headed for Strabane on familiar ground and although hampered by diverted traffic we made good time on this section of our journey.
Swinging northward at Lifford we were aided by a strengthening wind but our rapid progress was soon halted by Stephen’s suffering a puncture(Schwalbe tyres!). Aided by Billy’s recently gained knowledge we soon had Stephen back on two wheels and our group worked well together until we reached the always exciting Carrigans brae. Here your scribe suffered a severe hunger knock and was left to watch from afar Billy, Brian and Terry Mc contest the KOH points on this short but steep summit.
All that remained was the run down to the old dairy where a sprint for final points was taken by Terry Mc.
Coffee was eschewed as time had conspired against us. We headed home having enjoyed a good mornings fun with some excellent cycling companions.
Some news in informs that injured member Joe M is making good progress and having completed several hundred virtual miles is now completing runs to Buncrana on his mtb. Hopefully we will soon have him back in our midst, sharing our fun.
Reminder that the FCC annual general meeting takes place Tuesday at 8p.m. in DaVincis. Please come along to support and listen to officer’s reports. If interested in standing for office that would be great. We need volunteers to help run your club.
See you on the road,
Mark
