Twelve Bens Leisure cycle Sportive September 9th

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Western Lakes Cycling Club

First 150 entries receive a special commemorative medal.

March 2017 saw the launch of a great new cycling club for Connemara, the Twelve Bens Cycling Club. The club took off at speed with over 50 people signing up. Since its creation the club has held weekly cycle meets as well as taking part in a number of cycle events including Tour de Connemara ,Westportif,Tour de Burren,Wicklow 200,Tour de Lough Corrib,Great Western Lakes Sportif and Western Lakes Ladies Sportif.

They have now set their sights even higher as they are busy organising their inaugural sportive, Tour de Bens. The event, taking place on Saturday September 9^th 2017, is suitable for all levels of cyclists with a 80km and 57km route available.

Cyclists will be treated to some of the most beautiful scenery that Connemara has to offer as the routes encompasses the majestic Twelve Bens mountains, bringing them through Inagh Valley, Renvyle and along the Sky road. Clifden will be the event headquarters with the first cyclists leaving at 10am that morning.

Entry into the sportive includes a souvenir t shirt, refreshments along the route and a unique once off medal designed and created in GMIT Letterfrack furniture college.

The event costs just €30/€35 (for non Cycling Ireland members) with any profits going to local charity Connemara Therapeutic Riding. You can find out more details and enter online at www.tourdebens.ie. Or follow them on facebook.

Western Lakes Cycling Club News 24-07-2017

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Western Lakes Cycling Club

Lesiure and MTB Report

Hi cycling folk, it has been a busy few week on the bikes, the club spins are going well on Tuesdays and Thursdays and longer spins on Sundays, Martin Joyce is back out and about and going well.

The WLCC Ladies Sportif was a great success and well run by the Sportif Director Ken McCarty. Thanks to all who took part and helped out on the day. Full reports and pictures can be seen on Facebook pages including the WLCC Facebook page and the Ladies Sportif Facebook page.

Just a reminder if anyone wants to stay in clifden the night after the Twelve Bens sportive could you book it today as they can’t hold the rooms any longer

As ye all know Twelve Bens Cycling Club have their sportive on sept 9th and the committee have decided to make it our end of year spin and make a night of it after by staying in Cliften after the event

MTB spin are taken place each week and keep an eye on the Facebook page for details and route etc.

Racing Report

It have been a busy few week in racing front, congrats to Sean O Malley who won the Mayo league recently, great stuff Seanie. Western Lakes cam 3^rd in the league overall, well done to any who took part in theses racers throughout the summer.

The next round of the WLCC league will take place in Tullycross, it will be a new race venue and be great to attend this race by club members, remember 10 points are issued for attendance and make make the difference at the end of the league.

Congrats to Scoot Towey on great result in Connacht Championships this weekend

This years Mayo Club Cycling Championships are on August 2nd hosted by Western Lakes CC in Hollymount

This years winner will also recieve the Sean Stagg Shield

Race Details as follows:
• Sign on: Hollymount Hall 5:45-6:45
• Sing on Fee: €15
• Race Start: Mass Start at 7pm sharp outside the Hall
• Course: 6 x 10km laps through Hollymount
• Eligible Categories: Club, Junior, Ladies, M40, M50, A4, A3, A2, A1, Team (best 3 across the line)
• Prizes: Top 3 overall and top 3 in each category
• Presentation & Refreshments in Hollymount Hall straight after, Also presentation for Mayo League….

Western Lakes Cycling Club Ladies Sportive 2017

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Western Lakes Cycling Club

Western Lakes Cycling Club Ladies Sportive 2017

In Aid of NCIB Centre Athlone

Registration times & Location

Date: Saturday 15^th July

Location: Western lakes Cycling Centre, Kilmaine Road Ballinrobe

Registration: 08:30 to 09:45

Briefing: 09:45

Start time: 10:00

Entrance fee: €25

Please leave plenty of time to get to the cycling centre and for registration and pre-Sportive briefing.

What you need at sign on

Your Cycling Ireland licence.
1. A One day Cycling Ireland Licence is available on the day for €5.
Your Entrance fee.

Event car parking

There is free car parking provided at the cycling centre.

What to bring with you on the Sportive

Your bike must be in good working order to cycle the Sportive.

You are also recommended to bring the following with you on the Sportive.

Helmet (Compulsory, No helmet No cycle!)
Water bottle(s)
Spare tubes/Pump
Mobile phone / Cash / Identification.
Rainproof top and/or Suntan lotion (It is Ireland after all)

Route Signage

The route will be signed at all major junctions.

Marshalls

All major junctions will be marshalled.

Event Food Stop

There will be 1 food stop during the Sportive which is located at just past Tourmakeedy At Maire Luke’s bar.

Tea, Coffee, Sandwiches, Cake, Buns, fruit and water will be provided at the food stop.

Cycle nutrition / Accessories shop

Marrey Bikes, Ballinrobe will have a stall at registration. They will also be selling cycling accessories in case you forget anything.

Bike Mechanic

Marrey Bikes, Ballinrobe will be on hand to resolve any last minute mechanical issues on the morning of the Sportive. Remember: You are responsible for ensuring your bike is safe and in good working order.

Event safety

The Western Lakes Ladies Sportive is not a closed road event and you must adhere to the normal rules of the road.
You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of others on the road.
Western Lakes Ladies Sportive is a leisure cycle and not a race.
Cycle no faster than your ability or weather conditions allow, the West of Ireland is known for strong gusty winds.
Cycle no more than 2 abreast when cycling in a group to facilitate passing cars.
The route selected for The Western lakes ladies Sportive is on quiet roads but you will encounter some traffic and road junctions.
Marshals will be visible on the route, but remember that they are only there to assist. It is your responsibility to check for traffic at junctions.
Cyclists should be prepared as weather conditions on the Sportive can change and you should bring the right type of clothing to keep warm and dry such as a waterproof warm jacket.
- No earphones permitted on the Sportive
- No Tri bars permitted on the Sportive

Emergency Medical and/or Mechanical assistance

If you have difficulty on the Sportive that STOP’S you from completing the course or if you are involved in an accident or if you come across an accident please call the emergency numbers provided.

There will be an Order of Malta supporting the Sportive.

There will also be a neutral service car available to fix any mechanical issues or punctures you may have during the Sportive.

There will be a number of Western Lakes male cyclists taking part on the day to offer encouragement, guidance and assistance along the way if required.

In the event that you feel unable to finish the Sportive for any reason there will be a Broom Van available to bring both you and your bike to the finish line.

The Finish Line

The Western Lakes Sportive starts and finishes at the Western lakes cycling centre.

Showers

Showers are provided at the Lakeside Sports and Fitness Centre which is situated across the road from the cycling centre.

Post Sportive Nourishment.

Refreshments will be available at Inches bar on main street Ballinrobe after the sportive. Please join us after toe sportive for some refreshments.

And finally….

On behalf of Western Lakes Cycling Club and the NCBI we thank you for taking part in this years ladies sportive. We hope everyone enjoys this ladies Sportive and are blown away by the scenery en-route. Mayo is known as the adventure capital of Ireland and with gems like Tourmakeady, Maumtrasna, Finny, Clonbur, Lough Na Fooey, Partry Mountains, Joyce Country and Lough Mask, it’s a spectacular tour of what Mayo and North Galway has to offer so we hope you enjoy it.

Cliften Kings take the Crowns in Hollymount

Posted on July 3, 2017 by Western Lakes Cycling Club

The second round of the WLCC club league was held in Hollymount on Friday night last, the local riders did not know what to expect when a van load of 12 Bens riders showed up, led by A1 racer JJ Flaherty, one suspects they did a lot of spinning over the winter. Never the less the assembled riders were split in to groups with John King the eldest of the out of townees in the first group with an 8 minute advantage. There was a fierce stiff breeze blowing but the roads were dry. John King took off like a cut cat and had dropped his companions by the end of Roundfort, if he kept that pace up he would be hard caught. Scoop who has retired from racing to work at lead car driving and commentary could hardly keep up.

The rest of the groups set off in to the side head wind, at such a pace that a few were dropped at the top of the village. The next group set away and local favorite Noel Jennings in this group with a eye on the top prize.

The scratch group and John Gill was under pressure the win his local race, another favorite John O Holleran retired after a few KM with the red engine light badly flashing.

After the first lap John King had a commanding lead followed by Anne Flynn (Stagg), Dave Connolly another local favorite pulled out due to engine management system failure.

The scratch group caught the next group after the first lap in the village of Hollymount and this group held together for most of the next lap. Anthony O Toole, Tomas Hughes and Noel Jennings doing well to stick the pace.

The marshals waited in holly and were doing a great job and expected a bunch sprint at the finish, when the lone figure of John King rounded the corner in Hollymount to secure the top spot on the podium and full points, the next group around the corner was made up of Hollymount and Cliften lads and the two Cliften lads showed a clean set of cleats to the local lads and filled the remaining places on the podium. It looks like the handicapper was well and truly hood- winked. The Cliften lads spoiled the local party but this is bike racing.

There was tea and food in the village hall afterwards and prize giving. Special thanks to Anne Flynn who made the Chocolate Biscuit cake, it was worth all the cycling torture for this cake.

Once again thanks to all the locals who worked at sigh on, road marshals and drivers, without these hard workers the events can’t take place.

After the points are added up for the two rounds it looks like Hollymount man Ollie Kelly is leading the league with Anthony O Toole, Conor Gill, Sarah Canny and Aiden Flynn filling out the Top 5 placings.

The next round of the WLCC league will take place in Tullycross on July the 26^TH, keep an eye on FB for details, hopefully the South Mayo lads can return the favor to the Galway lads.

Last round of Western Covey League July 6th

Posted on June 27, 2017 by Western Lakes Cycling Club

Thursday July 6th is the final round of the Western Covey league.

Sign on at Partry soccer club from 6.30pm, first group off at 7.15pm, the route is 5.5 laps of the Srah circuit. (45k)

The club need to get as many members out as possible to have a chance of winning the league and team prize.

Prize giving afterwards in the Village Inn Partry.

Here is the Overall after Rd 2

Position	Name	Club	Total
1	Anthony O’Toole	WLCC	48
1	Niall McLaughlin	Covey	48
2	Lorraine Mulchrone	Covey	44
3	David McDermott	WLCC	34
4	John O Halloran	WLCC	33
5	Mike Kelly	WLCC	32
5	Liam O’Suillibhean	Covey	32
6	Noel Mulroy	Covey	31
7	Eoghan Carr	Covey	29
7	Mike Flynn	Covey	29
8	Keith Mulroy	Covey	25
9	Colin Loughrey	WLCC	22
10	Martin Jennings	WLCC	21
10	Yannick Scheerer	Covey	21
10	Robert Coakley	Covey	21
11	Noel Gibbons	WLCC	20
11	Eammon Marrey	WLCC	20
11	Brian Glavey	Covey	20
11	Aidan Gill	Covey	20
11	Sean O Malley	WLCC	20
11	Philip Staunton	WLCC	20
12	Neill Wilson	WLCC	18
13	Paul Feeney	WLCC	16
14	Shane Gilligan	WLCC	12
15	Anthony Murray	Covey	10
15	Padraic Furlong	Covey	10
15	Noel Jennings	WLCC	10
15	Pat Flannery	WLCC	10
15	Jerry Towey	WLCC	10
15	Scott Towey	WLCC	10
15	Padraig Marrey	WLCC	10
15	James McGreevy	Covey	10
15	Shane Gill	Covey	10
15	Martin O’Donnell	WLCC	10
15	John Hughes	WLCC	10
15	Keith O’Connell	Covey	10
15	Ryan Scott	Covey	10
15	Declan Gallagher	Covey	10
15	Joe Moran	Covey	10
15	Francis McGreal	Covey	10
15	Darren Foy	WLCC	10
15	Walter Lyons	Covey	10
15	Patricia Harte	WLCC	10
15	Keith Hastings	Covey	10
15	Karen Regan	WLCC	10
15	David Conway	Covey	10
15	Yanis Blinov	WLCC	10
15	Mark Gannon	Covey	10
15	David Connolly	WLCC	10
15	Mark Kelly	WLCC	10
15	John Murphy	WLCC	10
15	Tom Hughes	WLCC	10

Great Western Lakes Sportif June 25th

Posted on June 23, 2017 by Western Lakes Cycling Club

The Great Western Lakes Sportif take place this Sunday the 25^th of June, Sign on open from 7.45am at the cycling centre, Kilmaine Rd Ballinrobe.

The cycle leaves at 9am sharp.The route is 85k Ballinrobe, Partry, Tourmakeady, Ail Duil, Kilmilkin, Maam (Food stop 55k) Cornamona, Clonbur finish back at Cycling centre.

Entry fee is €20 and proceeds will go to the Ballinrobe branch of the Order of Malta who provide great cover for all our events and races in the West. If all members could attend it would make it a Great day out, we will try and keep the group together for the first half of the event if traffic permits.

Western Lakes Cycling Club Report 23-06-2017

Posted on June 23, 2017 by Western Lakes Cycling Club

Lesiure and MTB Reports

Hi Folks, we are slap bang in the middle of Sportif season and there are a great number of events around the area and in the west. A good few members took part in the Explore Mayo and Cornamona 50 mile cycles in recent weeks.

The Great Lakes Sportif take place this Sunday the 25^th of June, starting in the cycle center at 09.00. Its €20 to enter and proceeds will go to the Order of Malta who provide great cover for all our events and races in the west. If all members could attend it would make it a good day out, we will keep the group together for the first half of the event if traffic permits.

The Ladies Sportif will take place in the coming weeks so like and share the poster on Facebook to all local clubs. https://www.facebook.com/WLCC-Ladies-Sportive-797159530403528/

Racing Report

Well its back to the local scene for Sean o Malley after his heroics in the RAS in recent weeks, Sean even managed the break in the final stage in to Skerries and his name was heard over Radio Tour, Chapeau to SOM in his great efforts.

The Galway Bay Criturium took place over the last weekend and WLCC had a few podiums and a great 2^nd place for Gerry Towey son Scott Towey in the under U12 race, a budding racer in the making like his dad eh, who himself came 5^th in the A4 category.

The Mayo league is coming to the last few races and round 7 took place in Ballyhaunis on Wednesday night. Seanie O Malley is leading the proceedings and will look for a few club members for help him in maintaining his lead in the league.

As it happened WLCC had two members on the podium, with Tom Hughes and Anthony O Toole taking 2^nd and 3^rd place. Tom a budding club racer form the fields of Hollymount, a part of the Hollymount Wheelers group, young Tom’s racing career is finally taking off. Sprint King Anthony O Toole is also a A4 in the making.

The Hollymount round of the WLCC club takes place on Friday the 30^TH of June, this will be two 19km laps of the local area, a great turnout is expected. Keep an eye on FACEBOOK for details of the race.

http://www.strava.com/routes/9263178

#Fullgas

Western lakes Cycling Club-Upcoming events

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Western Lakes Cycling Club

Hi all, please see list below of upcoming events in the local area, there is a good mix of Sportive’s and race events for every club member to enjoy.

Western/Covey League Thursday 01^st June-Sign on in Partry 06.15

Please note the dates on this have changed to suit TT league, Check FB for details

Croi Cycle-Sunday June 4^th-Group cycling to Galway, check Facebook for details

https://www.croi.ie/event/tour-de-lough-corrib-2017

Monday 5^th June 2017-WLCC TT League hosted by Hollymount Wheelers-Sign on in Hollymount Dressing rooms from 5 o clock, first away 6pm

Cornamona 50 Mile Cycle-Saturday 17^th June 2017- https://www.facebook.com/Cornamona50mileCycle/?fref=hovercard

Sunday 18^th June 10.30am-Family Cycle

Great Western Lakes Sportive June Sunday 25^th June 2017

Second round of WLCC Club league in Hollymount, Friday 30^th June-Sign on 06.15 Race start 07.15

Check Facebook for details of all these events

Western Lakes Club League R1 “Robeen”

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Western Lakes Cycling Club

Marrey makes it two in a row in Robeen

Robeen was the location of the first round of the WLCC club league in which 30 riders togged out. The handicapping was carried out by P.Marrey and the bunch was broke up into five separate groups. The first group consisted of 7 riders with a few new racers in the group Eimear Flannery, Martin McDonald, Sarah Canny and Karen Regan. This group was given 9 minute on G2 and and 12 Mins on G3 14 Mins on G4 and 16 mins on the scratch group. The racing was fast and the first group was down to 4 riders by the end of the first lap. The second and 3^rd group joined forces to make a big bunch. By the last few Km’s it looked like the first group would stay away but as they approached Robeen crossroads the big bunch came over the hill. In the last KM Sarah Canny pushed on and Ann Flynn and Dave Connolly tried to fill the podium but in the final 100 meters the bunch caught and passed the group, Padraic Marrey took the sprint to take another victory in the Robeen race, he sure like this circuit,

Special thanks to John Conroy who put on a great race and to all the road marshals and thanks to all the Conroy family who put on a great feed after the race in Fr Paddy House. It sets a hard precedent for the next race directors.

Please see league table and pics in Facebook and on the website

WLCC Summer League 2016 R1 25-05-2017

Western Lakes Summer League 2017

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Western Lakes Cycling Club

The WLCC Club League consists of 5 races and these are all well handicapped so everyone has a chance to win or finish in the points. Everyone that takes part get 10 points for attendance and this helps to ensure everyone has points on the board. Points will be issued to the first 10 across the line. This league will carter for everyone in the club from beginners to seasoned pros. All safety precautions will be put in place to ensure everyone will be safe. All participants must hold a LC Limited Completion Cycling Ireland license or greater. If you only have only a Lesiure license and wish to take part you can upgrade on the cycling Ireland website. All participants shall have a race number and wear safety helmets.

The Western Lakes Club leagues begins next Wednesday the 24th of May, with the first race in Robeen, the Race Director is John Conroy, this will be a two lap race starting in Robeen. It is a nice course and suitable for all abilities. All participants should wear Club or Group cycling gear, this is a good way to show the club on the road. There will be sign on in Robeen from 6.30 pm and the race starts at 7.30 pm Sharp. There is a 5 euro entry fee and refreshments will be available afterwards.

Check Facebook for updates.