Wheelers Blown Around Beara

14/09/2025

Wheelers Blown Around Beara

One of the most scenic and challenging sportives in Ireland was held last Saturday in what can only be described as “mixed” weather conditions. Lakeside Wheelers was represented by seven riders who made the long trek south to take on this epic cycling event.

With over 2,600 metres of climbing, the Tour de Beara is not for the fainthearted cyclist and as the name suggests, it covers the Beara Peninsula from north to south and east to west. Starting in Glengarriff, it winds its way initially up over the famous Caha Pass through the famous rock tunnels before dropping into Kenmare in Co. Kerry. From here it turns south along the shoreline of Kenmare Bay which gives some recovery before the riders turn left and onto the lower slopes of the Healy Pass. This is a very difficult climb but worth the effort as it arrives up to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the entire peninsula. The descent of the Healy Pass is not easy either as it requires great care and attention to negotiate the several sharp hairpin bends along the way.

Having descended safely, the riders continue south through Castletownbere and onwards to Allihies where once again they are treated to another stretch of magnificent coastline with several smaller hills to contend with. After a well-earned break for refreshments the Tour starts out on the homeward leg heading north but there is a sting in the tail, the now weary cyclists must tackle the Healy Pass once more before arriving back to Glengarriff where, no doubt, they celebrated their achievement in completing a very tough day on the bike.

The weather conditions on the day could have been a lot worse going by initial forecasts, but it turned out to be a mixed bag with sunshine and showers with strong winds which can be a help or a hindrance depending on your direction. Well done to Lakeside Wheelers members Padraig and Ger Moore who were accompanied by Martin Nally, Paddy Gorman, Mark Cunningham, John Raleigh and David Fagan.

Weekend Spins

Last weekend the weather Gods threw everything in the locker at us with wind, rain and sunny spells being the order of every day. The Saturday crew braved what was a terrible forecast but miraculously they seemed to stay ahead of the rain all morning and had a great spin. They stopped for coffee in a new shop which they said was very good and with a name like the Bog’s Dollops, it is safe to say the Wheelers will be back.

On Sunday morning it was no different and this was reflected in the small numbers with most deciding for the “softer” Zwift session indoors. However, there is always a few, so a hearty well done or “are ye mad?” to those who did venture out.

Wheelers Wine-Tasting

The socialites in the club are in overdrive these days between pizza nights and planning for the Christmas party. Next Saturday evening we are having a Wheelers Wine-Tasting event in Wines Direct from 5pm to 7pm. This novel idea will include a Prosecco reception followed by a tasting session of four wines paired with BBQ meats prepared by Seamus Bracken and there will be some discount available if you wish to purchase any wines on the night. Places are limited to twenty and there are five spots left at 40 Euro per person. If you are interested, please contact Ulrika ASAP.

AGM 2025

This year’s AGM will be held on Sunday evening, November 9th in the Back Room in Caffery’s Bar on Mount Street. It is a change up from recent years as the AGM is traditionally held on a Friday evening so the decision to move was taken in the hope that Sunday evening might suit better and the meeting will hopefully attract better numbers. The AGM is a very important club event and the committee put a lot of work into preparing presentations. With next year being the club’s 50th anniversary, this year’s AGM will include some discussion around ideas to celebrate this milestone so please save the date and attend your annual meeting.