Sunday Cycling 14th May, 2023

Wanted: bike mechanic. Full-time position.

14th May, 2023: I drove to Waterford to participate in the 2nd annual Sunny South Easy Cycle, organised by Waterford & South Kilkenny Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

They put on an excellent event and it was well supported. Unfortunately for me, within 500 metres I had to find Plan B as my di2 battery failed and I was consequently unable to change gears. I drove home to Abbeyside, changed bike, rested for an hour and met the DCC contingent from Group 4 at Ballinroad for food and coffee. Thanks to Sean, Nollaig, Theresa and the entire team there. They fed us and sent us on our way! We cycled the return section to Waterford along the scenic Copper Coast and finished in warm sunshine two hours later.

Jim had offered me a lift home, but, in my excitement at the SETU Arena, I circled the car park twice and became somewhat confused because I could not find my car! That’s what the hills from Bunmahon to Annstown did to my brain!

The Sunny South East Cycle 2023 in aid of Down Syndrome Waterford & South Kilkenny Branch was a super event. My thanks to all the fantastic volunteer stewards, officials, caterers and road assistance personnel.

Here’s the official group report:

It wasn’t quite the Sunny South East as Group 4 cyclists set off from Carriganore heading down the N25 and turning for Mahon Bridge. From here the group split some tackling Mahon Falls and others taking a diversion to Kilrossanty and over the Mauma Road. Rain made the descent tricky but everyone made it to Beary’s Cross. With assistance from the wind it was a swift spin back to Dungarvan and onto Ballinroad for the welcome food stop. The next challenge ahead the climbs of the coast road we headed for Tramore and then back to Waterford via the Ring road. A challenging spin of 125Km with 1224m climbing at an average speed of 23Kmph. Chicken curry awaited us in Carriganore – thanks to all the volunteers on the day from Down Syndrome Waterford & South Kilkenny Branch – a good day out on the bike!

Group 4 Captain’s Log

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UPDATE: Marion solved the Di2 issue. Cable disconnected, most likely while taking bike from the car. I’ve got my own full-time maintenance person!

While I was off with Group 4, my regular colleagues were headed West to Youghal and Tallow. Here’s how they rolled…

Group 3 had 6 starting out on a misty damp morning heading up Old Parish against a surprisingly strong headwind and heading onto Youghal Bridge. One headed on towards Piltown leaving 5 to face the climb up to Knockanore. At the turn for Tallow we had a rider miss the turn breaking hard resulting in a tumble. After a good assessment all seemed fine and most importantly the bike was ok! Coffee was had at Tallow afterwhich a tailwind to Cappoquin and home via Villierstown and the bog road to complete a 100km spin, all safe dispite the tumble.

More eventful happenings!

Route: Old Parish, Youghal Bridge, Knockanore, Tallow ☕️ @60km, Lismore, Cappoquin, Villierstown, Bog Road 100km.