April 2010

RAY SHINES THROUGH THE RAIN IN FERMOY

He signalled his intentions with a blistering time in the Liam Rossiter on Wednesday night and last Sunday Ray Dwyer turned up for his first race of the season and rode away from the rest of the A4 field to record a brilliant win at the Silver Pail GP in Fermoy. The A4 race was over 3 laps of a 20km circuit. Ray was attacking from the gun and on the first lap got away with 2 others. By the start of the last lap it was down to Ray and Comeragh's Michael McGrath. Both worked very hard together to stay away, made all the more difficult by the wind and downpours of hail. With neither the Dungarvan or Comeragh contingent contributing to the chase effort in the bunch it was set for a sprint finish between the 2 with Ray proving the stronger over the last 200 metres to take the win. We also had Keith Walsh, Anthony Dwyer, Sean Dwyer and debutant Colin Organ lining out. Keith was involved in a couple of early moves but unfortunately punctured at the end of the first lap. Anthony, Sean and Colin finished comfortably in the bunch. It was a double celebration for the Dwyers with Ray's nephew Cian winning the Under 16 race for Dan Morrissey Carrick Wheelers. Brian Hallissey was our representative in the A3 race, 4 laps of the same circuit. In a fairly uneventful race Brian tried to get in a few breaks but nothing was sticking and the race went down to a bunch finish won by Barrow Wheelers' Hugh Byrne. Damian Travers went off in the A1/A2 race over 5 laps. The circuit was a draggy lap with no real climbs so his hopes were high. As usual the race got going right from the gun (once the lead car gave them a chance). Attacks were coming thick and fast and Damian was active in both the trying to get away and chasing down, but as the fishing adage says "the one that got away" was the one he had no part in. The break went towards the end of lap 1 and stayed away to the finish. Damian rode strong throughout with the Dan Morrissey and Edge teams rolling through on the front to ensure that at least a good days training was had. Keith Gater Comeragh CC won the overall and Damian tried to finish with a flourish but after riding hard all day the tank was empty. Roll on the Corkman 3 day next weekend where there shall be a full Dungarvan CC team.

LIAM ROSSITER PYT:

Believe it or not, once again the art of predicting time reached a new level. Maurice Hickey, cycling his 'Team Telekom' Time Trial bike crossed the line in exactly 36.32 (his predicted time). This was also one of the fastest on the night. Hugh Mulhearne finished in 35.09 which was the fastest on the night. 4 weeks into the competition, regular competitors have seen their times improving each week with plenty of sub 40mins. This should make for some interesting racing in the upcoming league. Thanks to Liam and all his helpers for looking after proceedings.

Week 4 had 26 people sign-on, lets hope we can have record numbers turn up for the final week, sign on 6.30, John Foley's Garage.

WEEKEND SPINS

Aside from the normal weekend spins we had club members attending a couple of sportives last weekend. On Saturday morning Damian Travers, Emma Walsh, Keith Walsh and Sean Dwyer rode to Waterford to join Comeragh CC's Copper Coast sportive which was 100km up the coast road to Dungarvan and back to Waterford by the main road. As the lads had already completed the Dungarvan=Waterford piece they availed of the cake and sandwiches at the food stop in the burgery and went home.

On Sunday Mark Power, Vincent Feeney, Richie Power, John Coffey, Frank Browne, Eamonn O'Doherty, Kevin O'Sullivan and Maurice Fennell travelled to Kilmallock, Co. Limerick to take part in the hub challenge. It was a well organised event with 4 “nice” climbs early on, a lively run in to the finish and plenty of good grub.

Congrats to both Comeragh and Kilmallock clubs on their successful events.

There were plenty of riders on the roads locally as well, including a Saturday spin that turned out to be a bit more epic than was intended. It looks like we'll have to increase the order for the sat navs Mark.

Join us every weekend, Saturday, 9.30am from John Foley's garage and from The Square, 9.30am Sunday.

STEADY GROUP EXTEND DISTANCE

Last Sunday, our steady 15mph (25kmph) group completed a longer distance than usual. They cycled at a very steady pace to Lismore and went on to Tallow and turned left to Camphire Bridge and home by Cappoquin. All members of this group are now cycling very well and have improved their fitness levels considerably in recent weeks. Whereas we had Lismore as our target distance up until Easter, this group has extended the distance to 40 miles (60k) in recent weeks and were happy to try out 50 miles today (80k) All completed the route comfortably. Also, on our return to Affane, it was decided to split the group as some wanted to finish the spin at a faster pace. That's what we call progress! Well done to everyone.

This group is composed of cyclists who started in the autumn or just after the new year, and they are now enjoying the benefits of the consistent cycling they have done since then. Some have set themselves a target to cycle the Ring of Kerry in Killarney in July, and the Sean Kelly 100k in August. These goals are realistic and very achievable for consistent group cyclists.

BEGINNERS GROUP

Just because most of our group have moved on to a longer distance, this will not mean that we will not cater for newcomers. We provide 3 options every week: a short 6 mile spin, a 15 mile route and a 30 mile route. (10k, 25k and 50k) The first is Carriglea, the second is Whitechurch and the target for this beginner group is to be able to cycle to Lismore and back. We are determined to provide a spin suitable to the pace of each newcomer, and are confident that anyone who commits to 10 consecutive weeks of cycling at a suitable pace will be able to complete these target distances above. Some newcomer cyclists will be able to do so much sooner. Just come along to the Square on Sundays for a 9.35 start. Helmet compulsory. We will be happy to help you get started.

CLUB LEAGUE RACES – SPONSORED BY O’MAHONY CYCLES

Our league races will be starting next Wednesday night (May 5th) at 7.00pm sharp with sign on from 6.45pm at the lay by approximately 1 mile up the Clonmel road after the Master McGrath monument. The series will run for 10 weeks with a rider's best 7 scores counting to their overall result. The route is again over the Millstreet circuit with the finish in Ballinamuck. Benny Flynn is the defending champion and has been studying Mark Cavendish's autobiography for inspiration.

Thanks to Frank Browne who has once again volunteered to look after proceedings. To take part in this competition it is essential that you hold a ‘club competition’ license, please bring it with you to the sign-on. There is a €2 sign-on fee to club members and €4 to non-members. With the popularity of cycling increasing, we have no doubt that our races will see record numbers sign-on. To make this a safe event for everyone we will be requiring marshals and drivers to lead the groups around the circuit. If anyone can help us out over the series please contact Emma Walsh or any committee member.

BEST WISHES TO EDDIE MOORE

We'd like to wish a speedy recovery to popular clubman Eddie Moore who is recovering from an operation. Hopefully you'll be back on the bike before too long Eddie.

CYCLING QUOTE

“The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart.” Iris Murdoch

19 April 2010
LIAM ROSSITER PYT:

Newcomer Kevin O'Sullivan closest on week 3.

Week 3 had a fantastic 30 people sign-on to test themselves against the clock! The sun came out and with the wind a bit more favourable to cyclists, some fast times were recorded. Thanks to Liam and Ray for timekeeping.

WEEKEND SPINS

As the fine weather continued there was big turnouts for club spins again last weekend.

Saturday's spin was a long one taking in Cappoquin, Lismore, Ballysaggart, Araglin, Fermoy and Ballyduff. Sunday saw more than 40 cyclists assembled in The Square. Resisting the temptations of the food festival they headed down the coast road to Bonmahon with some riders going across to Kill and others going to Fenor before coming home on the main road.

Join us every weekend, Saturday, 9.30am from John Foley's garage and from The Square, 9.30am Sunday.

BEGINNERS WELCOME

Each week we are welcoming new faces to the Beginners' group. Some of our regular participants have moved on in leaps and bounds from our 6 mile spin to the regular Whitechurch 15 mile (25k) route. The pace of the short 6 mile spin is usually set at around 11 or 12 mph, but is always suited to whoever is in the group. A little slower or faster? Not a problem. We promise you will enjoy the spin and hopefully come back for more. As soon as a basic fitness is built up we will advise participants to complete 2 laps of this six-mile circuit, and then it is only a short jump again to complete the Whitechurch route. The final option at present is the longer trip to Lismore and beyond. Riders in this group have been very consistently present for the past number of weeks and are now enjoying a dramatically increased level of fitness.

RACING – Carrick, Tommy Sheehan Memorial

4 members made the short trip to Carrick on Suir for the Tommy Sheehan Memorial race last Sunday. Brian Hallissey and Maurice Hickey lined out for the A3 race which was over 3 laps of the tough Kearney's lane circuit. Both lads were very active in the bunch throughout the race but it all came together at the end with Comeragh's Thomas Lavery just holding off Conor O'Shea of Killorglin. Anthony and Sean Dwyer took part in the A4 race which was 2 laps of the same circuit. With the bunch still together on the second lap Sean took it upon himself to try and blow the race open at the start of the climb. However by the top the only real damage he had done was to himself. With a fairly large group still together Anthony had a go off the front just before Sky hill but no-one was being allowed to escape and a bunch finish was inevitable. Sean rediscovered his legs slightly too late but managed to get a top 10 finish with Anthony just behind proving that a hard run in the Marine Climb on Friday night had taken nothing out of his legs. We must also mention a third Dwyer, Cian, who made his debut in the U-16 race in the colours of Dan Morrissey and got 4th place. Good stuff.

UPCOMING EVENTS

There are 2 events next weekend and the following are the arrangements for anyone going:

COMERAGH CC SPORTIF 100k, Saturday 24th April 10am. Sign On: Butlerstown GAA Grounds. Anyone interested in cycling to this should meet in The Square at 8:30 to cycle to Waterford and join this, coming back via the coast road.

KILMALLOCK CYCLING HUB TOUR, Sunday 25th April 9am. 10k, 60k, 120k

Full details: www.kilmallockcyclingclub.com Members are meeting at John Foley's at 6:30am to drive to this. Note that it's €25 euro to pre-enter online and €35 to enter on the day.

STEPHEN ROCHE TOUR DE CURE, Midleton, 8th May, 15k, 50k, 100k, 160k

Full details: http://www.stephenrochetourdecure.com/

CLUB LEAGUE RACES – SPONSORED BY O’MAHONY CYCLES

Our league races will be starting soon and with the popularity of cycling increasing, we have no doubt that our races will see record numbers sign-on. To make this a safe event for everyone we will be requiring marshals and drivers to lead the groups around the circuit. If anyone can help us out over the series please contact Emma Walsh or any committee member. Thanks to Frank Browne who once again has volunteered to look after proceedings. To take part in this competition it is essential that you hold a ‘club competition’ license, please bring it with you to the sign-on. There is a €2 sign-on fee to club members and €4 to non-members.

CYCLING QUOTE

“De las Cuevas is so far down on GC you could time him in with a calendar.” - David Duffield

12 April 2010

WEEK 2 LIAM ROSSITER PYT - Colin & Jason spot on!

Week 2 saw an increase in people signing-on to take on the clock, 24 in total!

It is very unusual to have one rider predict their time to the exact second, never mind two, which was the case this week when Colin Organ finished in 44.00mins and Jason clocked in at 42.00mins. Well done to both.

Thanks to Liam and Justin for time keeping. Sign on this week is at 6:30 with the first rider off at 6:45.

DES HANLON MEMORIAL – CARLOW

Dungarvan CC was represented in all categories. In the A4 race we had Keith Walsh and Rory Moloney; this was a one lap race covering 62k of very challenging terrain, with plenty of splits in the hills Keith escaped with the winning bunch finishing in 6^thplace.

In the A3 race Maurice Hickey and Brian Hallissey had two laps to complete, both finishing comfortably in the bunch. In the A1, A2 race Damian Travers had to complete 3 laps of this gruelling course, he finished comfortably in the bunch. Well done to all, next week racing is in Carrick. more photos available here.

CLUB LEAGUE RACES – sponsored by O’Mahony Cycles

WEEKEND SPINS

Fantastic weather over the weekend saw large numbers out on the roads. Join us every weekend, Saturday, 9.30am from John Foleys garage and from The Square, 9.30am Sunday.

BEGINNERS SUNDAY!

Every passing Sunday new faces arrive into the square to join in with the beginners group, led by Padraig. This week two groups left the square, one went to Affane and back to Dungarvan with group 2 to aiming for a bit more distance travelled to Lismore, Deerpark, and back to Dungarvan. Well done to all.

Tip for beginners: do not cycle in a gear that is too difficult for you. The simplest thing to do is to watch the gears that others are using. If you cycle too hard a gear, you put more pressure on your leg muscles than is necessary. You may be able to do this for a short while, but it will eventually catch up with you. So, for easier cycling, pedal an easier gear.

THANKS

Thanks to Paul Lonergan, Rory Wyley and the Dan Morrisey Carrick Wheelers team for helping Enda out in Ras Mumhan with service etc.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Anyone considering a spring challenge to put the training miles to good use should check out the following events:

COMERAGH CC SPORTIF 100k, 24th April 10am. Sign On: Butlerstown GAA Grounds.

KILMALLOCK CYCLING HUB TOUR, 25th April 9am. 10k, 60k, 120k

Full details: www.kilmallockcyclingclub.com

STEPHEN ROCHE TOUR DE CURE, Midleton, 8th May, 15k, 50k, 100k, 160k

Full details: http://www.stephenrochetourdecure.com/

QUOTE

“The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its engine”. ~John Howard

6 APRIL 2010

SIOBHAN DUNPHY TAKES WEEK 1 OF LIAM ROSSITER PYT

Week 1 saw 21 people sign-on to take on the clock! With very strong winds and looming rain showers times were predicted and proceedings got underway promptly at 6.30. Most accurate on the night was Siobhan Dunphy, out by 7secs. Hopefully next week will see better weather and more will support this event. Thanks to Emma and Liam for time keeping. Check out the photo gallery on the website. Sign on this week is at 6:30 with the first rider off at 6:45.

WEEKEND SPINS

The fine weather ensured big turnouts for club spins last weekend. On Saturday a large group headed for Cappoquin and Lismore before splitting at Tallow with some riders going to Camphire and the others going on to Youghal and home. As is the norm these days, Sunday saw a large crowd assembled in The Square with a number of routes on offer. A big group went to Ballymacarbry, Clogheen and over The Vee while another group took on the Sean Kelly 100k route, going to Carrick, Clonmel and Ballymacarbry.

BEGINNERS WELCOME

On a beautiful Easter Sunday morning, our ever-increasing group of steadier cyclists completed a lap of Whitechurch while others continued on to Lismore and Deerpark. It is very nice to see new faces arriving each week, and furthermore, returning week by week. Some of our regular participants have moved on in leaps and bounds from our 6 mile spin to the regular Whitechurch 15 mile (25k) route. The pace of the short 6 mile spin is usually set at around 11 or 12 mph, but is always suited to whoever is in the group. A little slower or faster? Not a problem. We promise you will enjoy the spin and hopefully come back for more. As soon as a basic fitness is built up we will advise participants to complete 2 laps of this six-mile circuit, and then it is only a short jump again to complete the Whitechurch route. The pace of this spin today was again suited to those in the group and we completed the circuit in 1hour 6 minutes at an average of 14mph. The final option at present on our Option C Steady Spin is the longer trip to Lismore and beyond. This group at the moment is cycling really well, led by the ever-present Eddie Moore, and today they went on a bit further to Deerpark giving a total of 35 miles in all. The pace of this group is just a bit stronger at about 15 mph. Riders in this group have been very consistently present for the past number of weeks and are now enjoying a dramatically increased level of fitness. Many thanks to Eddie for looking after this group on the road.

RACING UPDATE

Damian and Enda took part in the Easter stage races in Gorey and Kerry respectively last weekend. I hope to have some reports next week on how they went.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Anyone considering a spring challenge to put the training miles to good use should check out the following events:

COMERAGH CC SPORTIF 100k, 24th April 10 am. Sign On: Butlerstown GAA Grounds

KILMALLOCK CYCLING HUB TOUR,  25th April 9am. 10k, 60k, 120k  

Full details: www.kilmallockcyclingclub.com

STEPHEN ROCHE TOUR DE CURE, Midleton, 8th May, 15k, 50k, 100k, 160k

Full details: http://www.stephenrochetourdecure.com/

CYCLING QUOTE

“Successfully completing a challenging event gives a sense of achievement and satisfaction seldom found in everyday life. The experiences you have, the people you meet and the places you ride will stay in your mind long after the muscle soreness has faded."