Over The Hill Cycling Club Notes 12th August 2018

Hill climbing was on the menu for the club cycle last Wednesday evening. The group headed for Kearney's Cross, and turned off the Leamlara road. The hill started at the gravel pit and climbed to the water reservoir at Coolquane. The climb was tackled eight times, each cyclist pedaling at their own pace. Dermot Brosnan and Peter Power put in some very impressive times. Saturday saw a small but talented group take to the road in damp weather conditions. The group headed for Dungourney, Tallow and on to Lismore for coffee. The Route headed uphill for Ballysaggart and Araglin and on to Mountain  Barracks. The road home took in Glanworth and Ballyhooly, completing a tough 122kms in the saddle. 


Saturday night saw members don their glad rags for the club barbeque. O'Mahony's of Watergrasshill was the venue. Such was the anticipation for the event, Nigel Carroll turned up an hour early. The kids were fed first before members and their partner's were served with delicious food. Bellies full, members retired to the long room where Donal Scannell made a presentation to each member that completed the recent Malin to Mizen cycle. Donal spoke of each member in glowing terms, with the best praise reserved for his wife, Breda. Brian Atkinson presented Donal with a token of appreciation on behalf of all cyclists, for organising and directing the Malin to Mizen cycle. It was certainly well deserved. The evening was most enjoyable and the club would like to thank O'Mahony's of Watergrasshill for being such fantastic hosts. Also, thank you to club chairman Pat McHugh for organising the barbeque. 

Peter Curtin was the only member to show for the Sunday morning cycle, having attended the barbeque the night previous. Another member of the committee did show up for the 9am start, but was in no fit condition to cycle. Indeed, such was his poor condition, he struggled to remember details of the after party in the Hut, Club members, Brendan Coakley, Colin O'Brien and Emmet Fennell are finalising their training for the upcoming Race Around Ireland. The lads are part of a four man team which will tackle the 10th edition of Race Around Ireland starting on Sunday 26th August 2018. 
The Race Around Ireland is a 2,150 km non-stop cycling event. People come from all over the world to take part in what has been listed as one of the  “World’s Toughest Endurance Events “.  

Trevor Healy represented the club in the Blackwater Triathlon, which was held in Fermoy last Sunday. Trevor put in some very impressive times and achieved a season best performance. Well done to club members, Niamh, Pat, Martin, and Nigel who assisted with stewarding and water safety at the event. Well done also to Kevin Fennessy and Eleanor Fennessy who completed the Tour de Munster cycle. This event is a demanding four-day 640km charity cycle which raises funds for Down Syndrome.  


Wednesday evening cycles continue departing Watergrasshill at 7pm. All are welcome. Club cycles will continue on Saturday and Sundays. Details will be posted on club Facebook page. New members are always welcome. On Sunday mornings at 9am, all levels of cyclists are catered for, with the group split into 3 levels. New members are very welcome to turn up and cycle provided they have a racing bike, a helmet, and are over 18. For further information, check out our club Facebook page or contact us by email info@overthehillcc.com