MUNSTER LEISURE NEWS and UPDATES

Kilmallock’s Cycling Hub Tour, (Ticks All the Right Boxes!!) 

Etape Ras Mumhan Sat. 23^rd, Dingle Peninsula 30th April,   plus ‘The Coast Run’ Series Extends into Clare.  

Kilmallock’s Second Cycling Hub Tour, was a tremendous success, numbers were up on last year, perfect conditions for cycling, simply put, a brilliant day! Majority of cyclists opted for ‘The Hub Challenge’ a 125km Sportive.  Leaving Kilmallock the riders headed towards Ardpatrick, into the first climb of the day up through Glenenaar then towards the main Kildorrery to Ardpatrick road over the second climb, then a tester through the village of Ballyorgan, into Ballintubber, to the fourth climb of the day, followed by a long decent, into Ballylanders, heading for Galbally, through the Glen of Aherlow, crossing into Tipperary with the Galtee mountains on the right hand side, and up over the fifth and last climb of the day, Christ the King, all this before the food stop in Lattin!!.

The club really looked the part on the day, wearing their new gear that incorporates the traditional Kilmallock colours.

The Hub Experience, a 60km Leisure Spin, left Kilmallock heading for Kilfinane, whilst the club’s web site mentions that the route is mostly flat terrain, gentle drags, (but folks Kilfinane is a testing 160 meter climb!!) Here the group split up a bit, overall road conditions to Lattin aren’t great, but admittedly after the food stop, they improve significantly.

No sign of the Lisdoon Lady (Long black hair and a smile that would melt countless hearts, see last weeks edition)

Anyway back to the cycling, 10km from Kilmallock, fell in with a group of three riders, two of which were from SWW, (Southside Wheeley Wheelers) straight away had a hunch, this could be interesting, nearly all of us are vets!!

First off a share of good natured bantering, then a train, followed by a bit of sizing up, once yours truly hit the front, the comments started flying, speed picked up a bit, 5km to go, the attacks started, each one was hauled back, 1km to go, no sooner had the water bottle raised another attack, again hauled back, as to what happened at the finish, I’m claiming Null and Void, others may differ, but at least we all agreed that it was thourably enjoyable.

Overall an excellent tour, everything that is great about cycling, this has it by the bucket full!! testing climbs, brilliant scenery, plenty of food, and camaraderie.

Full credit is due to Kilmallock Cycling Club, for the tremendous effort, (Marking all the potholes, road turns, tee-shirts, pig on spit etc.) not forgetting of course, marshals on motor bikes, plus everyone else who helped out on the day.

  NEXT UP

Etape Ras Mumhan, 23^rd April, Dingle Stage.

Ride the 2^nd stage of the 2011 Kerry Group Ras Mumhan, with a summit finish on the Conor Pass, the highest mountain Pass in Ireland.

This challenging course will appeal to all cycling enthusiasts who wish to test themselves against the racing best, conquer the Conor Pass, or simply experience a fantastic day out on the roads of beautiful West Kerry.

Course Options:
Participants have a choice of 4 different options that have been designed to both challenge and facilitate a broad variety of cyclist abilities. For Further Details see, www.etaperasmumhan.com

Cumann Rothaíochta Chorca Dhuibhne.

Dingle Cycling Club

Dingle Peninsula Challenge

Approx. 110km - figure of 8 route

April 30th (Sat) 2011

Route:         Dingle To Camp & Return Via Conor Pass              Approx 64km.

                    Slea Head  (via Ventry  - Home Via Ballyferriter)    Approx 44km.

An impressive and challenging event.

This cycle includes the infamous Connor Pass Hill and takes in the Scenic Slea Head whilst passing through Dingle town.

‘THE COAST RUN’ EXPANDS INTO CLARE.

          Recognised as one of the Best Cycling Routes in North Kerry / West Limerick, ‘The Coast Run’ which hugs the Shannon Estuary is now Extending into Clare, again the route will follow the Estuary on the Clare side.

Starting in Clarecastle, head towards Kilmer, via Ballynacally, Kildysarty, food stop Kilrush, (from here the Leisure Cyclists go to Kilmihill, Kilmaley, Ennis) for the Sportive follow the coast all the way to Lehinch, taking in Garruan, Carrigaholt, Kileneagh, Kilkee, Miltown Malbay, Lehinch, towards Ennis, and finish up in Clarecastle.  

This new event is being supported by West Clare Cycling Club, Dolmen CC and South Clare Wheelers,

Cyclists are encouraged to register immediately,

(€10 for Cycling Ireland Members)

For Details See

www.TheCoastRun.Com 

To Forward Leisure Cycling Articles, email

Munsterleisurenews at gmail.com