Wheelers Signal The Start Of Summer Cycling

Last Wednesday evening Lakeside Wheelers introduced the first of the midweek spins for 2025. These rides are always very popular with members once the weather is favourable as they are a great opportunity to get some extra miles in, especially if you are preparing for any upcoming events.

The usual routine is a 6.30pm start from the clubhouse with routes and stops to be decided by whoever is there on the night. Unlike weekend spins, the Wednesday evenings are not leader led so pace and terrain can vary depending on who, and how many, turn up. So, don’t forget, every Wednesday evening from now until late September there will be a good spin going and it has been known for these rides to divert for a little “refreshment” from time to time if the weather is really nice. Come along and enjoy the summer cycling.

Club Events

With the summer cycling season practically upon us the organisers of the various club events are now in full swing doing the important preparation work that goes with these competitions and sportives.

The Midland League got underway last Thursday evening with an individual TT in Horseleap and as usual, there was a good representation from Lakeside Wheelers on the night. There will be more updates from the MiL over the course of this 15 round competition.

This year’s Tour of the Lakes will be on Sunday, June 22nd, so Pete Rimmer and Eddie Hynes, who took on the organisation of this year’s sportive, are busy finalising risk assessments, routes and catering stops. Rumour has it there will be a slight change to some elements of this year’s Tour so keep an eye on emails and keep the date free in your diary.

Hot on the heels of the Tour will be the Elite National Time Trial Championships. This prestigious event will be staged on a 25km route from Kilbeggan to Moate and back on the evening of Thursday, June 26th. This will be one of the biggest events the club has hosted in several years and only the second time it has done so. It will see all of Ireland’s top cyclists, including Ireland’s top professional riders, who will return from Europe, coming to Kilbeggan to compete for right to wear the National TT jersey over the next twelve months. The evening will also see the country’s top paracyclists participating in their respective categories for the same reason.

The organising committee led by Race Director, Shay O’Toole, Jack Nugent, Eugene Duffy and Mark Horohoe are delighted to announce that the race HQ for this race will be at the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery and wish to thank the management and staff of this facility for their cooperation. So, once again, keep the date free in your diary and come along on June 26th to see some top level cycling action.

The final big event of the summer, the 2025 Lakeside Wheelers Mullingar GP will be staged on Sunday, August 3rd in Multyfarnham. This annual race is one of the top races in the country and is part of the Cyclling Ireland National Grade competition so several of the top domestic riders will be making their way to Multyfarnham on that Sunday.

Sandwiched between all of these big events will be the Sprocket Rocket programme which, since its reintroduction a few years ago, has been going from strength to strength ever since. Sprocket Rocket is an initiative to try and teach basic cycling skills to kids from roughly 6yrs up to 12yrs old. This programme will run through June, July and August with an exact starting date and location to be confirmed. It is normally held on a Monday evening and is open to non-members too. There will be a nominal charge per child to help with associated costs so keep an eye on emails, notes and social media pages for further updates and info regarding Sprocket Rocket 2025.

As is the case with all well organised events, volunteers are always required so, if you are free to help out or are asked to assist at any of the above, please try to give a hand as it will be greatly appreciated by the organisers and it can also be a fun way to spend a day, or evening with fellow club members.

Sportives

The Donegal Bay Sportive was held last Saturday in glorious sunshine which made it a little easier to ride this very difficult event. It is based out of Donegal town and stretches north all along the Wild Atlantic Way before turning inland to the mountains at Kilcar. Over the 140km ride there is spectacular scenery to distract you from the hardship of the draggy roads and difficult climbs. Four Lakeside Wheelers members took it on and were happy but tired men and women by the time they arrived back to Donegal Harbour. Well done to Tess Martin, Darya Mattimoe, Brendan Kiernen and Charlie Sheridan.

Our good neighbours at Shannonside CC will be holding the annual Tour of the Heartlands on Sunday, May 11th starting at 10am from Castledaly GAA Club (N37VY64). There will be three route options on the day with a 55km @ 15Euro and a 55km and 110km both @ 25Euro entry fee with proceeds going to local charities. The 110km route will bring riders into the Slieve Bloom Mountains and cross two climbs with the 90km option doing more or less the same but, without the climbs. There will be refreshment stops on all three spins. Registration is open from 08.30am and there will be more details available on Shannonside CC facebook page and Lakeside Wheelers WhatsApp groups.

Grand Canal Wheelers will host the Tour of the Peatlands on Saturday, May 17th from the Town Hall, Daingean, Co. Offaly. This tour consists of two routes, a 40km and an 80km starting at 09.00am. Check out Grand Canal Wheelers Facebook page for more details.