Month: June 2023

Sunday Cycling 4th June, 2023

Terrific cycling weather. In fact, terrific even when not cycling!

Oh, what a glorious morning! We had a long journey to north Cork/Kerry border yesterday for a lovely Christening, and it was late when we arrived home.

In any case, the mercury was high, so I downed several litres of water before our cycle to Tramore. Just seven of us, it was great! Are we a great group? Well, that’s a debate for another day! We all have our individual faults, but we support one another through high temperatures and warm easterly sea breezes.

I substituted a chilled orange drink for coffee, and later we stopped for ice cream. All this before a relaxing g afternoon with wine and cashew nuts in the garden.

Here’s the official group report:

On what can only be described as a glorious summers morning a group of 7 cyclists headed down the Coast road (aka the Roller Coaster) into a north easterly breeze towards Tramore. The nice steady pace ensured everyone was able to admire the spectacular coastline scenery of our beautiful county… it was decided to skip ice cream in Tramore and head on to Kilmeaden for our first stop. Once fuelled up we headed onto Portlaw. Many thanks to the kind and courteous motorist who left us back onto a very busy road in Kilmeaden 👍. It’s amazing the difference a little courtesy makes… just outside Kilmeaden we picked up another group member who stayed with us until Kilmacthomas. On through Portlaw and up Chapel Hill the group swiftly got to Kilmac aided by the welcome tailwind. At this stage a big shout out to 2 group members… Firstly to John for insisting we stop for ice cream 🍦and secondly to Seamus for insisting on paying for it👍😎back home via 5 cross roads. Overall a great spin in perfect conditions. 100km covered at steady pace…🚴

G3 Captain’s Log

Route: Trá Mhór via coast road (Optional 🍦stop 😇), Kilmeaden, Portlaw, Carroll’s Cross, Newtown Kilmacthomas ☕️, 5X Roads, Home. 102km at steady pace.

During the week, I joined the Tuesday Gang for a nippy 50km to Five Cross and Mahon Bridge. It’s a flat route and six of us knocked out a decent pace. Gorgeous evening to be out. Note: very dangerous loose chippings on the Ballyvoile descent.

On Wednesday, despite my intention to cycle easy for the Tried & Tested Triathlon Club 20k time trial, I pushed harder than I thought possible. Very important to go gently next week, or my knees/legs/body will not cooperate.

Blue Socks

Scene: Marion brings up the subject of the 20km Cycling Time Trial. Páraig doesn’t want to know.

Scene: Marion brings up the subject of the 20km Cycling Time Trial. Páraig doesn’t want to know.

Marion: I’m telling you, Páraig, you’d love it. Love it, you would.

Páraig: No, I’d rather be knitting blue socks.

M: Time enough for blue socks when you turn 65, Páraig.

P: But that’s in 6 weeks. What sort of eejit do ya take me for?

M: There a prize for over 60’s. Bicycle bell, I think. And a special prize for the fastest baldy man. Would you risk it for a biscuit?

P: Maybe I’ll give it a lash. Do you really think I’d have a chance?

M: Páraig, boy! You’ll be top of the podium. Grab the prizes while you’re able. You’ll be knitting socks soon enough!

Moral of the story: Marion knows best.

P.