A combination of weather and socializing played havoc with group activities this weekend with numbers down on Sunday, however the murky damp conditions suited the Cyclocross boys hard at work or play in Cork! Here are the notes from the road….
G4:On a windy December morning with the clouds gathering it was an initial dash for shelter to avoid getting wet before we started. Following a risk assessment and tapping into the local knowledge the it was decided to avoid the exposed road from Newcastle to Cappoquin with the stong winds and the threat of rain or even snow on high ground. While deciding on the best route to take John from Group 3 shared his route for the day which in the circumstances was the best option. With a few missing from both groups we joined forces and set off out the Bog road to Kilmolash and onto Cappoquin. There was a headwind but the road was sheltered and the group of 11 making it easier on everyone. From Cappoquin we turned left heading over the Bridge and into Lismore via Deerpark. We continued through Lismore and onto the top of Tallow hill turning right for Ballyduff and back to Lismore again. At this stage G4 decided to stop for a break and G3 continued back to Dungarvan. Thanks a million John for sharing this route with us. We avoided the next shower by extending the coffee break and once the rain cleared it was a fast spin back to Dungarvan with a little aid from a tailwind. We welcomed Paul to the group joining us from G23K. A dry but mucky spin of 75.7Km. Not a day to worry too much about the average but we ended up at 25Kmph. The trip to Newcastle for another day!
G5:At the outset, there was much debate on Sunday morning, as G5 were huddled at the bus shelter, as to whether the spin should actually go ahead. It was indeed very tempting to just cross the road to The Creamery for coffee. However, the rain quickly dissipated and a decision was taken that Groups 5 and 23k would join forces and set out together along the coast road with 12 riders. Thanks to a tailwind and being accompanied by 23k cyclists, a strong pace was set as the groups rolled out towards five cross roads. Ballyvoile incline unfortunately was to separate the troops following which it was decided that both groups would split and do their own spin. A good pace was sustained by G5 with lots of roll ups and pole counting making it a fun journey along the route to McGraths Cross, Mahon Bridge and Carrick Road. Applegreen in Lemybrien was Sunday's coffee stop catching up here once again with G23k. The group were joined by Captain Marion who was celebrating a significant birthday so cake, candles and singing were the order of the day before mounting the bikes once again for the homeward journey. An executive decision was made at Durrow to take the shelter of the Greenway. Storm Atiyah did its best to challenge the group facing into a headwind of strong gusts and sleet slapping the faces of the cyclists. Spurred by the desire to get back to home comforts, the group pushed against the wind and returned safely to Dungarvan having clocked up 45 winter kilometres @ 20kph.
G23k: The Planned route was deviated due to the incoming stormy weather. A late start due to a heavy shower G23k joined with G5 outward bound until Durrow . The group then headed off on their own turning at the 5 cross roads for Griffins Garage and then onto Mahon bridge .Turning left the group headed back on the Carrick road for Leamybrien stopping at the garage for coffee and meeting an incoming Group5 who where celebrating Marion's 60th birthday . Refueled the group headed for Home along the coast road against a strong breeze and before the rain hit us Dis 45km at a comfortable pace
Racing News
It was a big day out today for DCC at the cyclocross Munster championships hosted by the Over the Hill CC.
Up first David Gaffney took a fine win in the U13 race claiming the Munster gold medal.
In the U14 race we had 3 riders Cal Tutty, Eoghan Lattimore and Padraig Byrne riding in his first competitive cycling race. On this occasion Cal took the silver Munster medal with Eoghan and Padraig racing strongly to the finish just outside the medals. Fair play to Padraig finishing strongly in his first competitive race.
In the Senior B race Jason Travers and Gerry Lattimore wore the club colours. Jason has been improving week on week having fallen in love with cyclocross this season and today was certainly his day getting on the podium for the first time in his cyclocross career claiming 3rd overall. Gerry rode well throughout the race despite battling with injuries of late.
Not a bad day out for the DCC boys claiming three Munster podiums in wet and muddy and cold conditions in Watergrasshill.
Xmas Party
Our annual Christmas party was held last Friday night and a great night was had by all. Thanks to Ray and staff in the Anchor for decking the halls and creating such a festive atmosphere for us. Sincere thanks to all who donated spot prizes...Velorevolution, Anne O Loughlin, Summerhouse Lismore, Foley's on the Mall,, Mulligan's Pharmacy Ardkeen, The Coach House, Garvey's SuperValu,
Capelli Hair Salon, New Images hair salon,Crobally Soaps, Hanoras Cottage, Siobhans Hairsalon, Brendan Ryan Dublin, Murray's Pharmacy, Aerhaus and Nutrilicious.
Club Chairman Mike Wall officially launched the yearbook and a brisk trade in copies followed. A presentation was made to the group captains as a token of thanks from the Club for studying weather charts each week, picking routes, taking the photos, writing the reports and minding the troops on the road. We as a club are very grateful for their dedication each week.
Following the formalities the DJ pumped out the festive tunes and members enjoyed themselves til late!
Lions Club Christmas Appeal
Next Sunday the 15th is our annual Lions Club Xmas appeal and we are delighted to be associated with the event. This year the lads and lassies at Tried and Tested will join us on the plaza for the photoshoot and bucket collection before all groups roll out on their own spins. We ask that you be as generous as possible for such a worthy cause and dont forget the tinsel for the bike!
Yearbook 2019
The yearbook was officially launched at our Xmas party and sales on the night were brisk. This book is a beautiful keepsake to remember our anniversary year and would also make an ideal present for friends of the club at home and away. Copies are on sale at Bob Troy's, O'Mahonys Cycles and Kevin Fordes Circle K. With increasing insurance costs proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards funding our activities next year so all support would be much appreciated.
Health & Safety Message
In the interest of health and safety we would request that members not use a hand held device to take photos or record cyclists while on DCC spins. The use of such devices poses risks to other cyclists in the group and should there be an accident they are not covered by Cycling Ireland Insurance.
Memberships
Most club members should be receiving email reminders from Cycling Ireland to renew memberships on the 1st January. It is very important to your fellow club members that you do not allow your membership to lapse so mark the reminders on your calendars. We also suggest that in order to run some fun club events that a club competition licence be taken out, as due to limitations on insurance members are not allowed to take part in hill climbs, time trials, guess your time events on a leisure licence.
Other News
Congratulations to popular club member Margaret Coffey and her team at Deise Day Care on winning an award at the pride of place awards recently in Kilkenny.
That's it for another week folks…..
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