With unpredictable weather anticipated (this being the understatement of the year!) there was a disappointing turnout for the 2nd annual tour of Loch Gorman. An elite group of hardcore riders battled the effects of global warming to complete the course in reasonable time. It was easy to spot a Tour of Loch Gorman rider. The rider was normally moaning, sun burnt, wind burnt, wet and suffering from frostbite.
After surviving pneumonia, heat stroke, a Tsunami at the Hook head and a hurricane, the majority of riders feeling that they were lucky to make it to Wellingtonbridge decided not to push that luck and headed home on the short route. A few riders obviously carrying rabbits feet decided to brave the tidal wave in Kilmore Quay and opted for the long route. If you made it home please let us know!!!
The highlight of the tour was an unexpected kiss from Sylvia on the presentation of the certificate. If we had of know this we would have completed the route in 2 hours!
The club is very grateful to all those who took part, especially those who travelled from around the country to join in. We hope you make it back next year to the sunny south east!!
We would like the thank the following for making the day possible:
Martin Gill for driving the broom van and running a crèche service, Mick Burke for throwing Kinder Buenos and abuse at the riders, Pat Geoghegan for running the event and Sylvia for the best part!
A special thank you to Paddy Kinsella for supplying the food and those Kinder Buenos missiles and the Whtiford House Hotel for the use of their facilities.
2006
The first “Tour of South Wexford” took place on 28th
May on what was a breezy but pleasant day through Ballinaboola, Sliabh
Coillte, Campile, Hook Head and back through Saltmills to Whitford
House Hotel.
In
total 34 cyclists set out at 9.30 sharp following a humorous brief by
Pat Geoghegan, club chairman of Wexford Wheelers. We even got a lesson
in spelling…W-E-X-F-O-R-D…just in case we got lost! A steady Pace was
maintained all through the tour until Sliabh Coillte, the scenic point
of John F. Kennedy Park Arboretum. A checkpoint hosted by Patrick Dobbs
provided refreshments for those that wanted it – others tried to get
their breath back. The stiff breeze managed to fragment the group on
the road to the Hook but another checkpoint allowed for a welcome rest.
The
return leg proved to be difficult despite the tail wind as several high
speed bursts on downhill stretches left a couple of groups on the road.
A slight collision between Alan Donoghue & Liam Bennett coming out
of Wellington Bridge left Liam with a lighter bike – several spokes in
his front wheel to be precise and that ended both of their efforts for
the day. The challenging run in to Wexford and the mileage already
ridden again fragmented the group with the usual suspects reaching home
first. All in all it was a good day and thankfully the weather held off.
Wexford
Wheelers would like to acknowledge the support of Paddy Kinsella and
the Killeens Service Station for the sponsorship and the welcome
refreshments, Whitford House Hotel for their facilities, Denis for the
sweeper van and the checkpoint crew (ahem!). Appreciation is also
extended to all those who participated – it was your day, guys.
The drag to Carrigbyrne - a thumbs up from Willie...he's happy!
Don't know about you but these guys on the front look too comfortable!
George, our GPS for the day, leads the group around Ballinaboola.
Liam...with a lot more spokes in his front wheel than he finished with!
Stephen and Pat...looking good, guys.
...and last but not least...
Yes, it is Mick Burke. Vinny enjoys the scenery.
Trevor in his new club colours - he just can't resist coming home. Willie has his eye on the sambos!
Ray started from home in Fethard-On-Sea...so his day is almost over.
The tour was originally known as the "Tour if the 3 Rocks"...looks like John, Bill & Mick found them!
Brendans impression of the Ivan Basso grin. He'll even wear a pink jersey...just don't ask him to shave his legs!
Apologies for the poor quality of the photos - we'll be better prepared next time. Some more will be posted in the coming days.
FEEDBACK:
Hi all
I don't have everyone's e-mail address so maybe you can pass this on to the other's involved.
Just wanted to say that I had a great day yesterday and I think from the sound of things in the group so did everyone else.
I think the route was very good for both the non-competitive and fitter riders and it had great scenery too!
Thanks again (especially to they guys who had to drive the vehicles) and see you in it next year!
