Good showing for first DCC Leisure ride of 2014
Sunday 2nd February saw a promising turnout for Dromara CC’s first Sunday “Lazy Sunday” ride of 2014. In total 11 cyclists assembled at Square One in Dromara for the 10am set off, with a good mix of more experienced club members (Davy, Jim, Eddie, Bernie and Graham) and newer female riders just getting into the sport of cycling (Aoife, Linda, Tayra, Beverley & Ruth). A surprise and welcome addition to the group was A1 rider and DCC stalwart Gavin Magowan, who rode with us for the outward leg of the ride to Oxford Island.
Conditions were cold but dry, and soon after setting off towards Hillsborough the light cloud lifted and the riders were blessed with blue skies and spring-like sunshine; ideal conditions for an enjoyable day on the bike. The long drag through Drumlough provided the first challenge of the day, but leisure group leaders Davy and Jim made sure the pace was kept steady by the front riders and no-one was dropped. After a gentle descent through Hillsborough and into Culcavy, the route turned westward again towards Moira and into a biting headwind. Some sensible road choices by route master Davy helped to keep us out of the worst of the wind and away from main roads, although there was obvious evidence of the previous day’s heavy rain, with some of the minor roads partially flooded.
After negotiating the busy Moira main street we took the Old Kilmore road and joined the National Cycle Network route 9. A few more quiet back roads led us past the outskirts of Lurgan and over the M1 before entering the tranquil loughside wildlife reserve of Oxford Island where a keenly anticipated rest awaited at the visitor centre. The cafe here is ever popular with cycling groups and day trippers, and on such a bright and sunny day it was no surprise to see lots of other bikes already parked up outside when we arrived.
After severely denting the cafe’s stocks of coffee, scones and caramel squares, we saddled up again. The homeward route took us back through Lurgan town centre, and along the main B2 to Dromore. Although we now had the brisk winds now mostly on our backs, with over 35 miles on the clock at this stage the rolling hills of the Lurgan Road took their toll on some of the new riders, and legs and lungs started to tire. A final slow but steady push along the Ballynahinch road and across the hilly back roads brought us back into Dromara, and made the total distance covered approximately 45 miles. A well earned cup of tea (or pint of Guinness) in Square One was the reward for the day’s efforts.
For some of the novices in the group this was their most challenging ride to date, so well done to all who pushed themselves out of their comfort zone. Thanks also to the faster riders for their patience in leading the group and keeping the pace steady.
Sunday leisure rides will be a regular fixture throughout the season, weather permitting. Keep an eye out for details of the next ride at the DCC forum: http://dromaracyclingclub.proboards.com/board/28/weekend-run
Newcomers are always welcome.
Graham B
