Wheelers to host Mullingar Grand Prix next weekend

Lakeside Wheelers club notes

Lakeside Wheelers Mullingar are delighted to once again be back hosting the Mullingar Grand Prix. Fans of Irish cycling will know that this is one of the main races on the domestic calendar every year, and as usual, the event will be well marshalled and a good racing surface will be presented on the day.

The 2022 race will be based out of Multyfarnham Community Centre (Eircode N91 AX5A) with all races being staged over a 34km undulating route. Route map here.

We are promoting four separate races detailed as follows: A1/A2 will compete over four laps for a total distance of 136km. Prizes allocated 1st to 8th with a prize for the first unplaced A2.

Ladies will compete over two laps totalling 68km with a prize structure matching the Men’s A1/A2 event except for the unplaced prize. A3s will face three laps totalling 102km with prizes for 1st to 8th.

There will be a prize for the 1st unplaced A3 OR junior. A4s will race two laps totalling 68km and once again prizes will be awarded 1st to 8th. All of the above is contingent on sufficient numbers signing on.

Racing will start at 11am and is strictly pre-entry only. You can now enter on the Cycling Ireland Event Master portal. Registration for all races will close at 9pm on Friday July 15.

All official club spins are cancelled next weekend. All club members please make yourself available to marshal or help out on the day if around.

Killarney

After a break of two years due to Covid, a large group from Lakeside Wheelers descended on Killarney for the 180km charity cycle last weekend.

Some of the group had done the event on a number of occasions but for a large number of the group, who had taken up cycling through the club’s “introduction to cycling programme” this was their first experience of cycling such a distance, all in one day.

The group departed Killarney at 5.45am on Saturday in wet conditions. The weather was unkind for most of the section to Caherciveen. When some of the group heard there was a tea stop they were not long in heading for a welcome cup of tea and sandwich.

A hardy group continued to Waterville. where a lovely pub had been sourced and a warm fry, home made brown bread and a pot of tea was the order of the day. Once refreshed, it was the dreaded climb to Coomakista.

It’s hard to drive up in a car, never mind cycle a bicycle up it. The reward is the amazing views of the Atlantic.

From there it is a nice steady descent to Caherdaniel and onto Castlecove. The dreaded rain came back to haunt us and the rest of the cycle to Sneem was in a torrential downpour.

Thankfully, there was a well deserved tea stop to warm the body. Some of the group even went for an ice cream.

Within 15 minutes of our departure from Sneem the weather began to clear up, and while the skies didn’t brighten, the thought of no more rain was a comfort.

On arrival in Kenmare, the Brook Lane Hotel had a buffet table set up and a warm plate of chicken and pasta which was enjoyed by one and all. The chance for a quick rest also had its merits.

The hardest part of the circuit lay ahead. Once you leave Kenmare you have the dreaded 9km climb to Moll’s Gap. By this stage the limbs are tired and the body fatigued. With great credit to everyone the group reached the summit.

There are two extremes in reaching Moll’s Gap. The ascent is a slow drudge at 15/18km an hour. However, the remaining descent is downhill at speeds that can be crazy if you’re not careful.

Once we arrived back in Killarney, the crowds were lining the streets to show their appreciation for their endeavours and their heartfelt thanks to all the participants who had contributed to all of their worthwhile charities.

To all of the Wheelers and particularly the first timers, well done. When the saddle sores and muscle strains have recovered, they might consider next year in the hope that the weather might be kinder.