Over The Hill Cycling Club Notes 25th June 2018

The past week has been an extremely busy one for the club. We were all extremely proud on Saturday morning when Donncha Cuttriss completed the Trans Am Bike Race. 
The Trans Am Bike Race began on June 2nd at 6AM PST. The race is self supported and covers 6,800km from Astoria to Yorktown. Donncha completed the race in
20 days, 16 hours and 49 minutes. This was a full 2 

days faster than his 2015 time, which is some achievement. Not alone did Donncha set a new personal best, he also secured a top ten finish in a race where just completing the course is a phenomenal physical and metal achievement. Everyone is looking forward to meeting Donncha on his return home, and to hear about his next adventure.  

On the home front, congratulations to John Magner who achieved a top ten finish in the recent Dingle Adventure Race. The Dingle Adventure Race is acknowledged as the toughst one day event of its type in the country. The  48km course included a cycle over the spectacular winding Conor Pass, following in the footsteps of St Brandon climbing Ireland's second highest Mountain range Mt Brandon, running country roads of the peninsula and kayaking in Dingle Harbour. 

 
Last Wednesday night saw thirteen cyclists take to the road for predict your time. Brian Atkinson was the winner on the night. Brendan Coakley clocked the fastest time on the night, thanks in no small part to his arch nemesis Alan Heffernan puncturing. Eleanor Fennessy was the fastest female on the night with a blistering time. Thursday night saw a group head for Glenville and Whites Cross, and back through Templemichael. 
There were big numbers on the road on Saturday morning for a tough route. Cyclists headed for Kilworth and on to Arglin. The first climb of the day brought the peloton to Ballysaggart before descending to Lismore. The second climb took  the two groups over the Vee before a welcome coffee break in Clogheen. There was some rolling kilometres covered before reaching the last big climb of the day, from Ballyhooley to Chimneyfield. Both groups reached Watergrasshill safe and well, with plenty of sore bodies on display. Sunday morning saw cyclists leave the village and head for Youghal. The route home took in Tallow and Conna to complete a fast 110km. 
On Monday night Aaron Delaney visited the juvenile evening at Kartworld. Aaron is a local lad who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy. Having attended turbo training during the winter, Aaron had promised us he would catch up with us again, and he was true to his word. Aaron was in his element showing off his new wheelchair. Club chairman, Pat McHugh presented Aaron with his very own Over The Hill Cycling jersey. The ice cream van even made an appearance to ensure all the kids went home happy. The club was delighted to have Aaron as their guest and he is certainly a young man who does not let his disability stop him enjoying life to the full. 
Wednesday evening cycles continue departing Watergrasshill at 7pm. All are welcome. There will also be a club cycle on Thursday evenings for the next few weeks. Club cycles will continue on Saturday and Sundays. Details will be posted on club Facebook page. New members are always welcome. On Sunday mornings, 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