Six NDCC men took part in the tough Sperrin Sportive yesterday. There was a choice of 60 or 90 mile routes, with the 40 or so 90 milers having to do one of those infamous ‘extra loops’. All of us chose to do the long run. This was hard in itself but heat on the day was an equally debilitating factor, with gallons of water having to be consumed.

 Starting in Cookstown, the first 30 mile section wasn’t too bad with modest climbs and any steepness fairly short. The 10 minute stop just outside Sperrin was welcome, but no sandwiches - which we have become used to on such runs! Shortly thereafter a right turn into a long steepish single track road deep into the mountains, very scenic and a nice descent, with not a car in sight - great. A few more modest climbs and a fast descent took us into Plumbridge, the only village of the day. Then climbing again back in single track roads before one of the stiff ones - Barnes Gap, which broke things up a lot. MORE »

Went with 10 others from the club - North Down, for our annual jaunt to the Tour of Mayo, one of the lesser known cycling tours. Our group and the regulars from Phoenix made up about half the field that did the full course. Its one of the best tours on the callendar with a good mix of quiet flat roads then some testing hills through spectacular scenery before finishing on flat roads home - not the best publicised run, but maybe thats what makes it so different. 4 stops along the way and endless supplies of sandwiches and tea. Mrs Doyle would have been proud. MORE »

One of the hardest events in the NI sportive callendar, the Tour of the Glens took place today. Organised by the Castlereagh club the course covered the same 127 mile route as last year. Unfortunately the weather forecast took its toll on the entry, being much reduced on last year. However, close to 100 hardy riders did take part. Although wet for long stretches and very misty in the high Glens, at least the temperature was fine for cycling and we were blessed by a stiff tailwind for the first 50 miles or so, which thankfully, eased for the homeward run. Starting in Belfast the first checkpoint was at Ballygalley, followed in a few miles by the first climb, Glenarm Glen which is nicely graded 3.5miles and not too steep. The descent back to the coast, down Ballyvaddy Road was wet, as were most of the long descents, and care had to be taken, which spoilt the fun a little - not a day for 120psi. MORE »

Sunday, May 6th 2007, Belfast City Hall @ 8:00am 

This Sunday the famous Tour of the Glens ride takes place.  A 200km ride through the Glens of Antrim this is enough to test any cyclist of any ability with it’s course of rolling roads and some steap climbs.  It will follow it’s traditional route for the 6th year, starting at Belfast City Hall at 8am.  It’s one of the first major touring events of the 2007 season and with quite a number coming up over the next couple of months this one is ideal for those looking a serious challenge.  It’s fair to say that if you get round this you’ll get round any of the others.  MORE »

The Cycling Ireland Draft Calendar is now on line on the Cycling Ireland website.  Follow the Schedule link akong the top to be taken to the calendar or alternativly click the link below.  The Schedule section on the site will include a quick view of upcoming events as well as reports and photos from previous events we’ve covered.

2007 IRISH CYCLING SCHEDULE

From CyclingUlster.com 

Irish cycling legend Sean Kelly was in Lisburn today accompanied by Dame Mary Peters and former Time Trial great Dave Lloyd to launch the Tour of Ireland Cycle Challenge. Joe Barr and Marc Barr, two brothers from the north west of Ireland, are the driving force behind this event and they feel the time is right to address a shortfall within Irish leisure cycling.

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Haven’t been taking many photos recently. I’ve been doing all of the cyclo sportive rides, inflicting some pain on myself - round the Lough, Dromara Hilly and Inishowen 100 over the last 3 weeks. Its a toss-up whether the Dromara (75 mile course) or the Inishowen was the hardest event. Dromara has no let-up in climbing or descending with Slieve Croob, Windy Gap and Spelga being the hardest climbs. Great organisation by the Dromara club, thanks to Trevor and others. Inishowen was 30 miles longer with some flats between climbs, but Mamore Gap was the steepest hill I’ve even gone up. Many ended up walking but thanks to my triple I just managed to pedal up. More climbing around Malin Head - not too bad, and then the killer at 70 miles, not quite as steep as Mamore but very long and stepped. Everybody seemed to come over this alone. Foyle Cc should have some photos up on their site soon on www.foylecycling.net . Over 200 did the Inishowen and over 100 the Dromara. These events are a tremendous challenge and great training for both road and MTB racing. The last killer one I think is the Tor Head challenge later in September. Have a go.

Eric

Here’s a link to a really good touring event coming up on 27 August.  www.lapthelough.org and if you require a little practice for it there are a number of other challenging touring events detailed on North Down’s touring calendar - Touring Events

The annual coastal challenge taking in a 60 mile circuit of the Ards Peninsula took place today in excellent conditions. 700 riders (+-100) took part in the event organised annually by Mickey Forbes. He has raised many thousands of pounds for charity and turned this event into the 3rd biggest mass participation event in Ireland. Well done to Mickey. Some photos taken near the start of the event, prior to me joining in, are on the photos page.