Cold snap hits Wheelers' spin

For the first Sunday so far this winter the Wheelers spin was cancelled due to the icy cold weather.It was good timing that the first fun mountain bike club race was scheduled for this Saturday giving club members an opportunity to get a spin in off road. Here is a report from Robbie Kenny our Youth Officer:“We had the first of our mountain bike events for the over 12s of the youth section of the club at the scenic surroundings of “Teach Lir” on the shores of Lough Derravaragh, otherwise known as Dave Fagan's house. Now I had promised a course, that Paul Crowley had promised me would be more fun than difficult. Well, Paul is from Cork and has a quirky meaning of fun. Yes it was fun but only after it was over. It was painful fun if there is such a thing.“Fifteen hardy lads turned up and wrapped up with their mountain machines ready to tackle a 2 km course with superb opportunities for the lads to improve their bike skills. There were slow technical bits through a wooded trail by the river with fast downhill bits out on the open fields where the lads showed absolutely no fear. After some consultation with the boys a decision was taken that two laps of a race were enough. And it was enough, judging by the heavy breathing and bright red faces after it.“After 20 minutes of racing it was the three 12 year olds that took the podium spots. In a closely contested finish Evan Eivers pipped Shane Hughes and Ryan Sheridan. They were closely followed by Luke Eivers, Cathal Tone, Shane O'Keeffe, Eoghan Fagan, Conor O'Keeffe, Brendan Keaveny, Daragh Tone, Andrew McDunphy, Eoin Ashe, Eimhin O'Donnell. Ruairi Fagan and Roisin Fagan.“Tea and biscuits were a deserved treat for the lads efforts afterwards and in fairness they did leave some for the adults albeit the nicest ones were gone. Overall it was a great work out for the lads and will stand them in good stead for the next event on December 18. “A big thank you goes to the lads themselves for making the effort to come out in 0 degrees weather conditions and for their support and encouragement to the adults in their race. A big thank you to the parents for shipping the boys and their bikes out and for making this a successful outing for the first of these new additions to the Lakeside Wheelers calendar. An equally big thank you to Paul Crowley for organising and designing a very enjoyable course and for the non-cyclists who contributed to the event on the day.“The biggest thank you has to go to Dave and Anne Marie and the young Fagan gang for allowing us to invade their home for four hours. Their hospitality and welcome for us all is greatly appreciated from all members of the club.”This week I have interviewed Peter Rimmer one the Wheelers top racers to give a insight into the sport. Unlike most he not only competes on the road but in various off road disciplines too; mountain bike racing, endurance off road and cyclocross. Peter races in the A2 road racing category and will be looking forward to the 2011 season to gain some points to move him up to the A1's. Although he usually places well in most races (winner of the 2009 Midland league) he would be more suited to time trialling, preferring the ‘race of truth' against the clock and at present would be the Wheelers number 1 Time Trial specialist.Most of us have been off the bike lately, resting after a hard season or doing some steady miles. Peter, however has just completed the ‘Stevens bike shop cyclocross league' in Dublin (four races over a 2 month period). He finished a commendable 20th overall (over 75 competitors each week) despite some mechanical issues! So with this in mind I asked a him a few questions….What is Cyclocross? - an hour or so long race off road but on a road bike with chunky mountain bike type tyres. It's really fast and the courses are usually technical, in and out of trees with some faster open sections oh and logs to jump over!How did you get on in this year's Cyclocross league? - I was very happy about 20th overall and beat most of the other roadies that have a go at cyclocross each year like me. My main objective was to finish on the same lap as Robin Seymour (Ireland's Cyclocross Champion for the last 10 years) and beat the girl, Cait Elliott! I did both so I'm happy! (I must add Cait is an exceptional mountain bike handler, MTB National Champion and would show most of us how it's done!!-Sarah)What is your biggest achievement in cycling? - Well winning the midlands league in 2009 was good. It was hard work I even had to re-schedule a holiday so I didn't miss vital points! Getting promoted to the A2's was a good one too. It took all season and was a relief when I got the last points in Ballinrobe with a 3rd place on stage 1. Ballinrobe was good that year (2009) - I finished 5th overall, but that would have been 3rd if I didn't puncture on the last stage! Had to swap bikes with Paul Crowley with about 15km to go to hang on the 5th, so it was eventful.What are your goals for 2011? I want some revenge in the Kanturk 2 day - another race where I punctured in a good position, did a good Time Trial and then punctured in the following stage losing my top 10 in the overall General Classification. Would be nice to get some results in the 1 day races too, but they can be difficult with big bunches and good sprinters.Finally, who is your cycling hero? - Lance Armstrong I guess!Thank you Peter and hopefully I will get to speak to some more Wheelers who take part in a variety of events over the coming year..CondolencesLakeside Wheelers club members wish to send our condolences to Tommy Casey and his family due to the recent loss of Tommy's father.Change in timeThe decision has been made to change all club spin start times to 10am, this will be ongoing till January when the times will be reviewed.Mullingar Bowls ClubWestmeath LeagueMullingar's bid to reclaim the Westmeath League title faltered somewhat last week when the side suffered a narrow defeat. The team played an away game last Thursday night against Tyrrellspass (B)and we went down 3-2 in a close match.The team was Dolores Mc Cormack, Andy Boyle, Glen Ridsdale and Fran Dillon skip, along with John FitzSimons, Sean Harraghy, John Fitzpatrick and Kevin Nolan, skip. Owen Corrigan was the travelling reserve.The side will be hoping to get right back in the grove when they play their next match against Streete BC next Sunday night at 8.30pm.Christmas SinglesThe Christmas competition continues apace with Sean Harraghy overcoming John Menton and Dolores McCormack saw off newcomer, Paddy Montgomery. In the only second round tied played at the week-end, Sean Harraghy had his interest in the competition ended by Fran Dillon.The competition continues next Saturday night.Tyrrellspass Bowls ClubIt was a great week for both teams in the Westmeath League with two good home wins. On Wednesday night our ‘A' team took on a strong Streete ‘A' team. In a high scoring contest we claimed four points.Team: Kevin Crombie, Aaron O'Brien, Seamus Daly, Pat Feery, Sean Harte,Frank Ryan, Johnny Feery and Gerry O'Neill.On Thursday night our ‘B' team welcomed League leaders, Mullingar. In a ding dong battle throughout we collected three valuable points which leaves it all very close at the top of the table as we near the halfway break.Team: Molly Feery, Bridget Daly, Frank Feery, Mick Lynch, John Finn, Teresa Feery, Mark Farrell, Paul Harte, Ger O'Toole and Tom Fitzpatrick. Thanks to all who provided food for both nights.This Wednesday and Thursday night its back to club action with both our trips and pairs competitions getting underway, so best of luck to all.On Friday night we had our Table Quiz in the Esker Inn, thanks to Mal for the use of his premises and the lovely food he provided. Thanks to all sponsers who gave us many lovely prizes for the raffle and thanks to all who came out on a cold night to support us.