Shimna cyclists face tough Dublin conditions

Shimna cyclists face tough Dublin conditions

15 April 2015

THE Shimna Wheelers mountain bikers continued their positive start to the season at the second round of the Vitus First Tracks Enduro Cup.

The lads headed down to Ticknock Forest just outside Dublin and like the first round in Castlewellan the racing was fast and furious over the various stages in the forest.

The only obvious difference at the second round was the weather. Horrendous was the word repeated numerous times over when describing the conditions! 

Unperturbed by the conditions, the Wheelers put in some strong racing on the challenging stages in Ticknock Forest. In both the Pro and Junior categories 30 riders competed for the positions. Club member Jimmy Mac was sixth in the Pro category with fellow member Aidan Hawkins sixth in the Junior category.

In the Vet category there was a massive turn out of 70 riders and club member Eddie Hawkins finished well placed in 12th position. 

On Friday night the Mourne Cycles-sponsored Time Trial League started on the Maghera circuit and there was a large turn-out of guest riders and Shimna Wheelers club members.

Stevie Cunningham continued his strong start to the year with a quick time that secured first place. New club member Edward Shannon followed up his impressive debut at the Try-a-TT event with a strong second place on the night.

The racing against the clock was furious all night with less than five minutes separating the top eight riders. It is clear from this first race that the TT League is going to be very hotly contested this year. All competitors are reminded that they are required to marshal at one event and need to register online.

At the TT race club members proudly displayed the long awaited new club kit! All club members are in agreement that the new kit looks ace and it will be worn with immense pride at events all around the country and abroad. Members who have ordered the new kit can collect it from Mourne Cycles. 

The Thursday evening clubs rides are now in full swing with the longer stretch in the evenings. The ride leaves from the Barbican, Newcastle at 6.30pm sharp and caters for all abilities with a more relaxed Latte group and a faster paced Espresso group. New members are welcome. A working rear light is essential on this ride. 

There are a limited number of spaces available for the Sprocket Rocket Series. The course will be run every Saturday from 10-11am starting on May 2 at St Mary’s Primary School, 31A Elmgrove Park, Newcastle. The school grounds provide a secure and safe environment. Please get in contact with club chairman Peadar Curran.

Members are reminded of the Pizza Night on Saturday in Toscanos, Newcastle, at 8pm.