2011 Season Recap

With the cycling season over for the year and before you start training for next season I would like to send out a news letter informing all our members of the successful year that was had by Western Lakes Cycling Club members.

The year started of very strong with large numbers taking part in both the spinning classes and circuit training that takes place in the club house. These classes are opened to both members of the club and to the public, the classes also help pay for the rent, in times like these  we don't know how lucky we are having a club house that we can use for training.

This year the club has organized two weekends away to cater for both the leisure and racing groups in the club. The spin to Clifden in January was a great way to see how your training was going over the winter and showed up  anyone who had been taking it easy. While Ballina in October was on the other end of the scale and gave everyone a chance to get together and enjoy the night life of Ballina. While most people in Ballina used the night as an opportunity to let their hair down some decided it was a chance to get their hair waxed!

Before the hard season of racing and leisure events began the club embarked on two trips overseas. Murcia February and Majorca Easter offered anyone a chance to get big miles into their legs while experiencing good weather, not something we have had to contend with here all year.

The major success this year has been the local club league. This league was established between Westport Coveys and Western Lakes as a chance for its members to experience racing in a controlled environment. Both disciplines are covered with racing and time trialing and here they get to learn the art of racing before they branch out to the open races, Connaught League etc.. The league has gone from strength to strength over the past number of years and has been a great success again this season with Western Lakes Taking the majority of top spots over the Coveys!

On the bigger racing scene WLCC are also to the fore. The Ballinrobe 2 day is now seen as one of the biggest races on the national calendar with riders coming from both Ireland and England, this year there was even an Olympian contesting for the title. Our Germany associate member Gert Hack won the last stage this year.

The other racing 2 day event staged is the Bog Week 2 day Tullycross. A difficult route set in stunning scenery has helped this grow in popularity ever year.

Our racers left it late to shine but when they did they did it in style, having a one two at the  All Ireland A3 championship, wins in Loughrea and Sligo to add to a whole host of placing in races throughout the province and country. The club MTB Racers picked up a whole host of medals at the Connacht MTB champships.

On the leisure front WLCC members have outdone themselves once again. With the club jersey being spotted at every sportif throughout the land (thank god for the team bus) they also have raised over €2,000 for local charities with “the Lap of the Mask” and “the Polka Dot Challenge”. These local sportifs are quickly becoming the clubs crown jewels, from beginners to seasoned pro’s taking part, both events have something to suit everyone.

And with that I will leave you to start your planning for next year. At the moment there are club spins leaving every Saturday and Sunday from Cornmarket meet at 9.50am leave at 10am sharp and it won’t be long again until we resume our Thursday night spins which were a major success last summer with numbers regularly reaching over the 20 mark.

The club is aiming to highlight the activities of its members so if you have any photos, stories or ideas you want to promote please pass them on to the PRO.

If any of you want to contact any of the club officers see list below.

At the club AGM the following officers were elected:
Chairman David Mac Dermott
Secretary Padraic Hughes
Treasurer Andrea Heneghan
PRO Padraig Marrey
Youth/ BMX Norman Walsh and Martin Jennings
Ladies Rep Marie Fraser
Leisure Rep Breege Ryan
Racing Rep JJ Flaherty
Committee: Breege Connolly, Kevin Ryan

The club endeaveurs to do everything  it can for its members but its is up to the members to give back as well, as the saying goes "its not what the club can do for you its what you can do for the club"