On Saturday last the An Post Cycle Tour took place, starting in the picturesque town of Glengarriff and travelling around the Beara Peninsula, taking in some spectacular scenic routes, but there wasn’t much time for admiring the views, as Desmond Sportive CC members reported that there were some challenging climbs to get over within this 160Klm cycle.
The day started out of Glengarriff with a climb immediately over the Caha Pass, so not much time for warming up on flat run. The climbs over the Healy- Pass did not pose much of a problem for the Desmond Sportive CC members, but many felt that the small 1km climbs with gradients of between 14 and 18 percent came as a surprise and really tested the legs of even the hardened climbers from the club. Nevertheless all club members completed the cycle and said that they would be better prepared for next year’s event, now that they are familiar with the territory. The event was well run and marshalling was excellent at the junctions, and we must not forget the excellent food which was available at the food stops. This food was very welcome indeed to nourish the body in preparation for some of the great mountain roads of the Beara peninsula.
The Rebel Tour was the first event where members got the opportunity to wear the new club outfit (see photographs). Now that the club have taken another step forward by firstly securing sponsorship and getting all club members a full cycling kit, they well established and are very hopeful that numbers will grow in the coming years. Finally congratulations to all who completed the Rebel Tour and indeed all the other tours and cycling events so far this year.
Up Coming Tours
The Burren TLC4CF will take place on Saturday 22nd September in county Clare. The Tour of the Knockmealdown mountains Sunday 23rd of September which will start from the North Cork town of Fermoy. The Four Counties Challenge takes place on Saturday 29th September, starting from Limerick city. The Nicolas Roche Challenge will take place on Sunday 6th October in county Meath, . All the above events will have different distances ranging from 30km, 50k,, 80km, 100km, 120km up to 160km. See irishcycling.ie for more details or contact the club for information on any of these events.
Just a reminder to all that training spins continue from the Courtenay Lodge Hotel on Saturday mornings for the more experienced at 9am sharp. Sunday mornings is for beginners to intermediate, 8.15am sharp. All are welcome. The club caters for all levels of cyclist, so come down for a training spin, bring your racing bike and a cycling helmet is mandatory on club spins (no helmet, no spin). Follow us on Facebook for times and details DesmondsportiveCC or email desmondsportivecc@gmail.com for any info required.