Lakeside Wheelers Parade in Style

Members of Lakeside Wheelers were delighted to be part of the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day parade last Monday. On a particularly cold but dry day over twenty members including some of the fabulous younger members who make up the Sprocket Rocket division took to the main streets of Mullingar to proudly represent the club.

Following an invite to participate and uphold the theme of this year’s parade which was to promote local sport and heritage, club Secretary, Eugene Duffy swung into action and put a plan in place. He was assisted by club President, Mark Horohoe and Sprocket Rocket mentors Steve Franzoni, Neil McDermott, Cathy Horohoe and Mary Marshall.

The group met at 2.30pm and made their way to the Fair Green where all participating groups were asked to gather. At this point it was clear that the cold was going to be a factor but everybody was in very good spirits, especially the crew from Mullingar Arts Centre who entertained as we waited to set off. Once the parade started the Lakeside Wheelers group walked and cycled from the Green Bridge to the Dublin Bridge and it was amazing to see so many people from Mullingar lining the entire route who gladly took the goodies handed out by Dan Horohoe.

Lakeside Wheelers committee would like to thank all members who turned up to represent the club, the organisers of the Mullingar St. Patrick’s Day parade for their hard work, the Gardai and Civil Defence who always ensure everyone gets home safely and the people of Mullingar for coming out to cheer on all the various social, cultural, sporting and commercial groups that participated.

Racing

Last weekend Richie Lenehan travelled west to compete in the Galway Classic which is a road race with a difference. This event includes several off-road sectors which is not that common in Ireland, it’s a Strade Bianche of sorts, if you like. It was a journey worth making for Richie who held on to the leading group until the 5km to go mark but just faded out of contention in the run in. He managed to finish in a fantastic 12th place overall so well done Richie. Neil McDermott, another regular racer went to the Lucan GP on Saturday afternoon where he raced in the C2 category.

Weekly Spins

The last few weeks have been very good for cycling even if it has been cold at times. Dry roads are a real treat for cyclists as it means less cleaning of the bike which is a very welcome change from filthy wet and greasy frames and chainrings. Lakeside Wheelers groups have been very active each weekend with the C’s well into their training for the trip to Portugal in May. The D’s are also turning up in big numbers and will, no doubt, be targeting several sportives around Ireland this summer.

On Sundays the A and B groups have had very good numbers during March so hopefully this trend continues in the coming weeks. The B’s are gradually increasing the distance with Martin Nally heading up affairs but waiting patiently for the return of fellow leader, John Malone, who suffered an unfortunate crash earlier this spring so get well soon John.

The A’s continue their weekly spins and training plan in preparation for the Midland League which gets underway on April 24th with an individual TT from Horseleap. Distance, intensity and gradients have been steadily increasing with last weekend’s spin taking on 105kms of hilly roads around the Collinstown, Castlepollard, Mullaghameen Forest, Granard and Multyfarnham area.

Membership

As March prepares to go out like a lamb and is hopefully followed by a warm summer with lots of good cycling, the committee would like to remind everyone to please renew their membership if you have not already done so.