Mourne Sportive & Hilly Leisure
Tours
2008
Report
2008
Report
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Mourne Sportive & Hilly Leisure
Tours
2008 Report |
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Sunday 10
August 2008 The next toughest route today was the famous 'Hilly 125' which has been going for two decades. This was a 125 km, 78 mile route taking in a lot of the big climbs in the area. It was the most popular choice on the day with 72 riders signing on. The 'Hilly 125' shares the same starting route to the main tea stop as the Sportive and slightly easier option, the 'Hilly 85'. Once at the Leitrim tea stop, held in the impressive marquee erected recently at Leitrim GAA club, the riders could change their mind about which route to take back to the football club. They could follow the route taken to the tea stop by those signing on for the 'Hilly 60', a route favoured by the new cyclist and the juniors, which would make up the 'Hilly 85' or they could push on and complete either the 'Hilly 125' or Mourne Sportive. Given the nature of the ever-changing weather, there were quite a few riders who chose the easier distance. At the Leitrim GAA club, riders were able to enjoy the food kindly donated by the distributors of KitKat, Lucozade, Müller, Walkers and Wilson country foods. There was adequate seating in the enormous marquee that had held 950 people the night before. For those who did hang on in the tea stop they were able to enjoy a welcome break in the weather and head off into warm sunshine. Although there were a few more sharp showers about, generally the afternoon was dry and riders were able to enjoy the barbecue back at the football club. For the Sportive riders, they headed off for some more hills and the tea stop at Meelmore Lodge. The hilly routes took their toll on both the riders and their bikes with a few having to call it a day earlier than expected. There was only one major incident in the day when Dromara rider, Gary Gray, came off his bike on the way down the Yellow Road. The riders with him quickly called an ambulance and Gary was taken away for examination. Thankfully we can report that Gary has not broken any bones but will be kept in overnight for observation after receiving a head injury. Thankfully Gary's helmet protected his head, but given its state he will need to purchase a new one. Perhaps someone will buy him one as today was his 40th birthday. We all wish Gary a speedy recovery.
This event takes several weeks of preparation and the club would particularly like to thank the following members for their help.
Photographs below are from Derek, Bob and Martin. |
Many thanks to
Leitrim GAA  Food kindly donated by...      |
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| Note: Any amendments to the above please email
me: martin@dromaracc.co.uk |
