Wheelers Launch 2026 Summer Programme

A big number of participants from Lakeside Wheelers at the Tour of the Heartands event on Sunday 10th May

With the 50th anniversary celebrations now a distant memory, it is time for the club to get back to normality and the serious business of running the main annual events which the club is famous for.

Last Thursday we hosted round three of the Midland League which is the first of two rounds we will be responsible for. Due to unexpected road works, race organisers had to make a last minute decision to change from the Dalystown circuit to a lesser used route around Streamstown, Ballinea and Loughnavalley. Thankfully the message got out in time and there was a decent turnout at the new sign on location in Dysart.

Racing got underway at 7.15pm with four groups on the road by 7.30pm as the A race was handicapped. The weather was perfect with roads on the 42km circuit bone dry and little or no wind so the significant number of Lakeside Wheelers participating were happy. Following an hour of frantic racing all groups finished safely with all Lakeside Wheelers members who raced happy with their lot.

Well done to all who took part and thanks as always to everyone who assisted in any way with the running of this event. The next Lakeside Wheelers MiL race will be on July 16th.

Couch To 50K

In conjunction with Westmeath Sports Partnership, the club commenced another Couch To 50K last weekend. This is an initiative to get non-cyclists or at least people who are not regular cyclists, to get out on their bikes and hopefully, within six weeks, be able to ride 50km.

This is an extremely enjoyable experience where you will be introduced to group cycling in a safe, controlled environment and learn how to be more confident on your bike. It is an adults only programme, a roadworthy bike and a helmet are compulsory and the start location is the Old Rail Trail carpark in Mullingar Business Park.

For anyone interested in taking part, check the Lakeside Wheelers sportive group on Facebook or call Gerry on 087 2557733 for more information.

National Bike Week

National Bike Week, the annual nationwide initiative supported by the National Transport Authority runs from May 9th to 17th this year. Lakeside Wheelers, supported by Westmeath Sports Partnership will be running an Ice Cream Spin on Thursday, May 14th which will be a perfect occasion to get out on your bike and maybe bring the kids. The start location is the Old Rail Trail carpark and there will be free tea, coffee and of course, ice cream along the way. This event is open to all adults and accompanied children with the only requirement being that you have a roadworthy bike and a helmet. So, why not come along and help us celebrate National Bike Week? As our motto goes, “It’s Easy, it’s Fun and it’s for Everyone”.

Tour of the Lakes 2026

The club’s annual sportive is now well and truly established on the Irish cycling calendar and is one of the best in the Leinster area. This year’s Tour of the Lakes will take place on Sunday, June 14th and is the next big event on the club’s busy schedule. The organising committee is busy with getting everything in place to ensure it is another very successful day out and there will be more details in the coming weeks so save the date and spread the word.

Mullingar GP

Following hot on the heels of the ToL is the Lakeside Wheelers Mullingar GP which is one of the best races in the country. Once again this historic race is part of the Cycling Ireland National Grade series of races which means it will attract the best riders in the country. The club will host this year’s edition on Sunday, July 5th and it will be run off on the usual 34km circuit taking riders from Multyfarnham to Crookedwood, Castlepollard, Coole and returning to Multyfarnham via the bog road. There will be four races on the day with the C1’s (136km) set to kick the action off at 10.00am followed closely by the C2’s and Juniors (102km), C3’s (68km) and Ladies (68km).

Race organisers are currently busy making sure everything is in place to bring another top class Lakeside Wheelers promotion to Multyfarnham and they ask members to please respond to requests for assistance with driving, marshalling etc if called upon. The GP BBQ is once again being held in The Chambers Bar on Mount. St. on the evening of the race with complimentary drinks and BBQ for everyone who helps out on the day. Spectators are more than welcome to come out and enjoy the fast paced racing so once again, save the date (Sunday, July 5th) and keep an eye on the club notes for further details in the coming weeks.

Tour of the Heartlands

Our good neighbours in Shannonside Cycling Club hosted the Tour of the Heartlands last Sunday and as usual it attracted a large contingent of Lakeside Wheelers members. This annual sportive raises funds for some very worthy causes in the midlands region and is always a very well organised and enjoyable spin. The weather was perfect as the groups set off from Castledaly GAA grounds on the 115km trip via the Slieve Bloooms in Co. Laois. For those who wanted a slightly flatter route there was an option to do 95km skipping the Wolftrap and Cut climbs.

Well done to all Lakeside Wheelers members who participated and thanks to the lads and girls at Shannonside CC for the great hospitality and a very enjoyable day out.

Lakeside Wheelers supporting a local school fundraiser at the Kinnegad Plaza on Saturday