Cyclists’ fundraiser

Cyclists’ fundraiser

6 June 2012

LA Lanterne Rouge Cycling Club hosted their Over The Quoile cycling Sportive on May 27 in support of Romanian Helpline and it proved to be a fantastic day for all concerned.

Many members of La Lanterne Rouge CC, their supporters and indeed other local cycling clubs, annually give up their summer holidays, travelling to Romania to continue their building projects for Romanian orphanages. The annual success of this event has always had a solid foundation thanks to the support of our local clubs, although with so many other cycling events scheduled in the area, there was a sense of nervous anticipation as members opened the doors of their race headquarters last Sunday.

Their concerns proved to be unfounded as at least 150 cyclists rolled in eager and itching to get started in the early morning sunshine.

With local clubs again turning out in force, it was particularly pleasing to notice that clubs from as far afield as Clogher, South Armagh, and Belfast made a really big effort to support the event.

Indeed, seven brave hearts from Dave Kane Cycles in Belfast cycled down, completed the 75 mile section and cycled home with 115 miles on the clock.

La Lanterne Rouge CC were particularly pleased to see many cyclists without affiliation to any particular club making the effort and with many of these cyclists trying this event for the first time, it is hoped that it may enrich their experience of cycling, adding a new dimension and demonstrate the advantages the support a cycling club can offer.

From Loughinisland the huge multicoloured caterpillar snaked its way towards Dromara, the bright warm weather matching the upbeat buzz of the cyclists, as they chatted and renewed old friendships.

Gradually, as the hills soared ahead, so did the temperature, quickly hitting 25 degrees and it was with some relief that competitors rolled into the scheduled water stop at Leitrim, providing rest, shade, bananas, chocolate bars and most crucially water.

Dusty throats quenched and with renewed vigour, the sweeping descent into Bryansford awaited, a favourite blast of speed for the roadies and with the Mourne mountains shadowing their every move who really needs the Pyrenees?

Castlewellan, Clough and onwards towards the coast, with the fresh salty air from the sea luxuriously cooling overheated bodies. What a welcome sight to see the ocean twinkling in the sunlight, as the riders rolled along on their way to Killough and Ardglass.

With the breeze blowing from Strangford, thoughts of refreshing nourishment became paramount and it was a fast pace into Strangford where all enjoyed the luxury of a well-earned rest.

Slowly but surely limbs were stretched and with minds galvanised, slightly reluctant groups of weary cyclists puffed their way up the long drag out of Strangford, heading for the Quoile Bridge in Downpatrick, where, via some lovely little back roads it was on to Crossgar.

With the breeze now on their backs, every breath of air was laden with the familiar smell of melting tarmac, as the searing heat bounced back off the road, taking its toll on the cyclists. With brave hearts and the finish line on our radar, it was heads down for the last lap back to Loughinisland, where the sanctuary of O’Toole’s Bar provided shelter, cooling drinks and more tasty food to replenish tired muscles.

So many people contributed to probably the most successful event ever, it would be futile to list the names, but needless to say without their individual effort this fantastic day for charity, sporting endeavour and the forging of new and old friendships could never have taken place and has created memories which will last a lifetime.

The club meet up at Brennan’s every Sunday morning about 9.15 and cycle anywhere from 40 to 60 miles with a different route every week.

If you think you would like to have a day out with the club you would be very welcome and well looked after, so please come along. Visit the website Lalanternerougecc.com where you can see what our latest ventures are by logging into our guest book.