SLIEVE GULLION WHEELERS
AUTUMN NEWSLETTER
This weekend brinks the change in the clocks and as the leaves turn a rusty gold cyclists everywhere seek out their winter woollies and winter bikes that will see them throughout the forthcoming cold spells.
Sunday Runs
Agreement has been reached within the club that the members should once again meet at The Mountain House at 10.00am each Sunday morning and, as before, complete several tours of the Mullaghbawn – Forkhill- Lislea circuit before pedalling off to do their own thing. So, we hope to see everyone on this Sunday coming for a leisurely spin around this popular area.
Presentation Night 2009
The annual Presentation Night will take place on Friday 20th November in The Mountain House beginning at 8.30pm. A hot supper will be served before the ceremonies and Joe Kenny will provide music afterwards. Tickets will be distributed to members shortly and you are asked to support the club on this annual event. Representatives from our two nominated charities will be present to accept a donation from the club.
Limivady Weekend
It’s generally agreed that the weekend away inthe Roe Valley Radisonn was thoroughly enjoyed by all both from a cyclist and a socialising perspective.
Friday evening saw the arrival of members of the WATCH Club with Kevin Kenny transporting the tandems in his ‘caravan’. Several of the tandem stokers and pilots stayed over on the Friday and enjoyed a few beers in the bar surrounded by guests of a large wedding party with obvious Scottish connections – kilts all round.
Saturday morning saw the arrival of Gabby Murphy and Martin Mc Verry who travelled up by car and as soon as tyre pressures were checked five tandems headed out on a fine morning through Dungiven and onwards towards the Glenshane Pass. The pace was slow but steady and the gradient proved to be less challenging on the northern side than anticipated.
Shortly after noon brought the arrival of our solo riders who has left Newry at 8.00am that morning and battled against a strong breeze to arrive more or as expected at the top of the pass. Some riders enjoyed a coffee in ‘The Ponderosa’ , reportedly Ireland’s (or one of) highest pub, before the high speed chase back down to Dungiven. From there it was a fast sprint back out to the hotel with Kevin and Ownie being piped at the post by Gabby and Bernie on the first tandem back. The solo bikes followed closely behind with the riders glad to see the end of their ninety mile ride.
Saturday evening was thoroughly enjoyable from the beautiful meal through to the crack and the quiz in the lounge afterwards.
Sunday morning saw several brave souls mount their solo bikes for the long trek home. It turned out to be an enduring run rain and a cold wind depleting the rider’s energy along the way. However, all arrived back home safe if tired. Many thanks to Gabby and Raymond for their support along the road.
It’s hoped photos will soon be posted on the web site for all to enjoy.
A final thanks to Bernard Murphy for his work in liaising with the hotel on behalf of the club.
Tours 2010
The club has already put forward dates for its 2010 tours to Cycling Ulster and these should be approved shortly and be available on their web site.
Mini Clarke Tour
This year’s numbers were down slightly on last year due probably to the variety of sporting events now common at weekends in the area. However 85 cyclists enjoyed the fine weather and enjoyed what was fast run around this scenic but hilly route. Ownie Gallagher was in fine form and along with pilot Kevin Kenny were the first tandem back in, closely followed by Paul and Elizabeth Farquahar. As usual the final catering was tasty and welcome but this year a short food stop at The Mountain House provided some sustenance after the sharp climb from Whitecross.
Sean Morgan was the lone club attendee at the 85ml Tour of Monaghan which he described not so much as a tour but as a race.
South Derry Cairn Wheelers Tour
Several club members attended this tour held on Sunday 11th October including first timers Sean Morgan and Malachy Rafferty. It was good to see presentation for the club at this tour as Cairn members have attended our May tour in recent years. Photos on Cycling Ulster web site.
Anniversary Celebrations
Plans are currently being made hatched for an anniversary celebratory night in the early part of next year to include a historical look back at old club photos and videos and an invitation to all past members to attend, so keep your eyes peeled for more news before year end.
Club Clothing
A recent order of club clothing has now arrived and can be purchased from Kevin Kenny by arrangement Tel. 02830267421
Club Membership
December brings the time for renewal of annual club membership with most riders now affiliated to Cycling Ireland. Notices will be issued shortly so please contact Danny Mc Sherry or Raymond Mc Kenna as soon as you receive this.
AGM
This year the Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 3rd December in The Mountain House 8.30pm start.
All members are welcome to attend.
Next Meeting
Thursday 12th November 8.30pm in The Mountain House.
That’s all the news for now folks,
Safe Cycling,
John Mc Elroy
CHAIRPERSON
SLIEVE GULLION WHEELERS
AUTUMN NEWSLETTER
This weekend brinks the change in the clocks and as the leaves turn a rusty gold cyclists everywhere seek out their winter woollies and winter bikes that will see them throughout the forthcoming cold spells.
Sunday Runs
Agreement has been reached within the club that the members should once again meet at The Mountain House at 10.00am each Sunday morning and, as before, complete several tours of the Mullaghbawn – Forkhill- Lislea circuit before pedalling off to do their own thing. So, we hope to see everyone on this Sunday coming for a leisurely spin around this popular area.
Presentation Night 2009
The annual Presentation Night will take place on Friday 20th November in The Mountain House beginning at 8.30pm. A hot supper will be served before the ceremonies and Joe Kenny will provide music afterwards. Tickets will be distributed to members shortly and you are asked to support the club on this annual event. Representatives from our two nominated charities will be present to accept a donation from the club.
Limivady Weekend
It’s generally agreed that the weekend away inthe Roe Valley Radisonn was thoroughly enjoyed by all both from a cyclist and a socialising perspective.
Friday evening saw the arrival of members of the WATCH Club with Kevin Kenny transporting the tandems in his ‘caravan’. Several of the tandem stokers and pilots stayed over on the Friday and enjoyed a few beers in the bar surrounded by guests of a large wedding party with obvious Scottish connections – kilts all round.
Saturday morning saw the arrival of Gabby Murphy and Martin Mc Verry who travelled up by car and as soon as tyre pressures were checked five tandems headed out on a fine morning through Dungiven and onwards towards the Glenshane Pass. The pace was slow but steady and the gradient proved to be less challenging on the northern side than anticipated.
Shortly after noon brought the arrival of our solo riders who has left Newry at 8.00am that morning and battled against a strong breeze to arrive more or as expected at the top of the pass. Some riders enjoyed a coffee in ‘The Ponderosa’ , reportedly Ireland’s (or one of) highest pub, before the high speed chase back down to Dungiven. From there it was a fast sprint back out to the hotel with Kevin and Ownie being piped at the post by Gabby and Bernie on the first tandem back. The solo bikes followed closely behind with the riders glad to see the end of their ninety mile ride.
Saturday evening was thoroughly enjoyable from the beautiful meal through to the crack and the quiz in the lounge afterwards.
Sunday morning saw several brave souls mount their solo bikes for the long trek home. It turned out to be an enduring run rain and a cold wind depleting the rider’s energy along the way. However, all arrived back home safe if tired. Many thanks to Gabby and Raymond for their support along the road.
It’s hoped photos will soon be posted on the web site for all to enjoy.
A final thanks to Bernard Murphy for his work in liaising with the hotel on behalf of the club.
Tours 2010
The club has already put forward dates for its 2010 tours to Cycling Ulster and these should be approved shortly and be available on their web site.
Mini Clarke Tour
This year’s numbers were down slightly on last year due probably to the variety of sporting events now common at weekends in the area. However 85 cyclists enjoyed the fine weather and enjoyed what was fast run around this scenic but hilly route. Ownie Gallagher was in fine form and along with pilot Kevin Kenny were the first tandem back in, closely followed by Paul and Elizabeth Farquahar. As usual the final catering was tasty and welcome but this year a short food stop at The Mountain House provided some sustenance after the sharp climb from Whitecross.
Sean Morgan was the lone club attendee at the 85ml Tour of Monaghan which he described not so much as a tour but as a race.
South Derry Cairn Wheelers Tour
Several club members attended this tour held on Sunday 11th October including first timers Sean Morgan and Malachy Rafferty. It was good to see presentation for the club at this tour as Cairn members have attended our May tour in recent years. Photos on Cycling Ulster web site.
Anniversary Celebrations
Plans are currently being made hatched for an anniversary celebratory night in the early part of next year to include a historical look back at old club photos and videos and an invitation to all past members to attend, so keep your eyes peeled for more news before year end.
Club Clothing
A recent order of club clothing has now arrived and can be purchased from Kevin Kenny by arrangement Tel. 02830267421
Club Membership
December brings the time for renewal of annual club membership with most riders now affiliated to Cycling Ireland. Notices will be issued shortly so please contact Danny Mc Sherry or Raymond Mc Kenna as soon as you receive this.
AGM
This year the Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 3rd December in The Mountain House 8.30pm start.
All members are welcome to attend.
Next Meeting
Thursday 12th November 8.30pm in The Mountain House.
That’s all the news for now folks,
Safe Cycling,
John Mc Elroy
CHAIRPERSON
21/10/2009
21/10/2009