Island Wheelers Cycling Club, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone. Northern Ireland Official website for the Island Wheelers Cycling Club
On Saturday 1st June, the Wheelers Saturday group put in some training for the Tour of Tyrone when they set out for South Armagh. The bunch left at 8am and made their way through Loughgall, and onto Richhill where they were joined by two other Wheelers; Martin Fox, and Micky B. The group rolled through Markethill and climbed steadily to Newtownhamilton for the first stop of the day. Here, Paddy tightened a loose saddle and everyone got a refuelled. A bit of banter later, and it was back on the road again in towards Dundalk, 6km before Dundalk the group made a turn for Forkhill, and just as the group headed into the Village, Micky suffered a broken chain. Thankfully, chief mechanic Marty had Micky back on the road in no time, and onto Meigh, and Camlough for the last stop of the day. Fry ups and sandwiches were the order of the day in the café, with plenty of tea and coffee, not to mention craic. There is never a dull moment with Micky at the table, with all topics covered. Sheena found out that Micky is a keen cinema fan, and his favourite movie was Black Swan!
After the café stop, it was back on the road through Mountnorris and onto main Newry-Armagh road, unfortunately the rain had decided to show up too. The rain, combined with the head wind, and a steady five mile climb along this road resulted in a few tired legs as the group reached Armagh, so it was decided that a more sheltered route home via Loughgall would be the best way home. Soon after, the group made their way back to Coalisland with a solid 90 miles on the clock. Well done to everyone who came out; the usual vets, and a few new comers including Phoenix man Raymond Herron (see his Garmin log of Saturdays ride below), G Ferrity, M Early, young James, and our lady cyclist Sheena. See you all at the Tour of Tyrone next Sunday.
Paddy
