Thursday 5th March

[shea]

It's that weekly question again..... what are we doing....
Towpath for a last blast of winter pain and suffering (hoping spring is just around the corner)?, or some other semi-insane route ?

[manuel6b2]

A beautiful March evening, no wind, no rain, cool, clear skies, stars, half moon..... A perfect night on the tow path but a shame that so many missed it. Stewart was across the water, Alan wasn't well, Dennis had no transport, Trevor was babysitting. The others are out doing elite training for the DRRT.

Dromara Road Racing Team ;D [Some great results from last weekend especially first time racer BL!]

We therefore ended up with a total of 3, Stephen H, Peter S and me. The three musketeers set off at 7 sharp at a nice steady pace along the path, Stephen setting the tempo. After the rest stop I took over the lead to the footbridge. We crossed over but (I) decided not to do the Ring as it was a bit mushy underfoot and I was spoilt that night it was dry

We headed straight on with Peter doing the leg work up front. Over the bridge I took over the lead through Shaw's bridge and into Belvoir. Steep climb, fast descent then up through the crossroads to the car park. Onwards and up another climb before turning and going through a gate. Up ahead I seen the lights from other MTBers enjoying the forest. We headed up the next climb and went right as normal but instead of continuing I suggested checking out another route (towards the lights of the MTBers). Peter and Stephen agreed and we headed into the trees. We met up with the MTBers (and their dog) and they lead us back out to the path again (through some very thick mud )
We parted company and continued our normal route. For those who know this route, there is a path which looks like it goes straight into the river, but instead it sweeps left. I was leading, took the left and then heard a crash. I stopped and headed back to find Stephen lying on the ground, dazed, watching blue tweety birds fly in circles above his head ;D. Peter and I watched over him as he took his time to recover before getting up and back on the bike again.

We set off at a sensible pace out of the forest and back onto the tow path. A steady pace down to Stranmillis before turning and heading into Lagan Meadows. Peter was charging his way through this section and then I took over. I did some charging myself but was missing Alan snapping on my heals going through the dips.

Back onto the path again and we headed for Shaw's bridge. Stephen said that his head felt too woozy to tackle the climb up to Malone House. Peter and I couldn't leave him so we too skipped the climb. By this stage the 'cool' night had turned into a 'cold' night. We set off for home only stopping after the metal bridge to fix Peter's seat. After the second road crossing Stephen started slowing down as his injuries was starting to kick in. We made it back for 9:10. Great night (apart from the fall).

Let's hope more will join us next week.

[shea]

well still alive, sore neck, tennis ball sized lump on hip, slightly smaller lump on head, bruises on leg, and busted helmet- great evenings work.

Thanks for the support on the way back,much appreciated.

should be ok for next week.