Saturday 31st March

[swallace1]

Peter B., Fritz, Noel, GaryG., Marcus, Hamilton & myself met at the square. With a brisk NE wind it was decided to go over to the Peninsula, and possibly see the Tour of Ards race. Marcus led the usual warm up, 20 - 25mph from Ballynahinch via the lovely undulating roads to Saintfield Lads, "Steady" Oxford English Dictionary Definition - "moving, acting, happening in a uniform and regular manner, abstain from erratic or boisterous behaviour, not changeable". Note it does NOT mention "accelerate as hard as possible up every incline and blow the group apart!!!! (and in particular leave me in bits & trying to shout barstewards)
From Saintfled over to Donaghadee via Comber & Newtownards with Peter getting some excellent practice as lead out man for anyone at the 30's ;D We timed the finish of lunch perfectly to watch the race come through D'dee and give the boys a cheer. From there it was a team time trial, at a very high pace, down the coast with the wind at our backs. An impressive sight with everyone lined out, (me in my customary position as protected rider at the back ) all in the Dromara kit, and moving at speed- fantastic!!! Although I got the impression the two ladies in Millisle didn't agree - something they said in answer to Gary On the way to Portaferry Fritz came to the back, I couldn't work out why as there was no way he was in trouble. It turned out he was having a wee huff because he was told to get off the front for going too fast ;D Usual route home - Strangford Quoile pondage - team time trial again then Annacloy to Bhinch. Peter decided to blow things apart at Annacloy and then suddenly turned off for home Thanks Pete Marcus Fritz and Gary hammered on while Noel and myself did our best to limit our losses. I had 74m door to door with an av at around 20mph. Great weather, great company, great day ;D ;D ;D

[frostythesnowman]

Should come out on suday for an easier ride.
Paul, Trevor and Saint Davy, left Dromara at 10 from next week will be 9.30 as hour has changed. Headed for Banbridge , Donaghcloney, and on to Newry canal towpath and on to Oxford Island for coffee and scones, that was the first 35 miles and very civilised.
Meet up with the Downshire branch of Dromara CC, who leave Hillsborough at 11am on Sunday's [or whenever John Ward has finished the Milking].
Followed cycle path round to Martins Bay to watch numpty, nigel, Bob, Darren and Davy racing 15 laps of a three mile circuit. Nigel after a Hard Saturday and riding over for the pace to hard but joined the juniors who were fighting hard to stay away from the chasing pack, having been given a 5 minute start. numpty rode when and the fitness is improving. Darren and davy tried twice to get away on the finishing laps but were reeled in by the bunch. It all came down to a bunch sprint and after the crash on Saturday, therirs hearts were not in it. The surprise of the day and highest Dromara Finisher, was Bob. His cycling to work all winter on the ultra heavy bike has paid off. Not only was he able to hang in, although a touch purple at times, but using his cyclo-cross skills took to the grass on the last corner and finished abount 15th.
Trevpr, Paul and davy headed on home at a brisk pace, through, Aghalee, Moira and Hillsbrough, before the pace slowed down on the climbs back to Dromara. An excellent 70 miles, but not home until 4.15! Who knows the average as Paul was still in Majorcan Kilometers.

[peterbryson]

Great report Badger.

Point of order though....to continue the lunch time conversation...is it that people "blow the group apart" or are they merely taking their turn at the front as matter of courtesy to fellow riders, ;D (it was down hill and I remember fritz coming past me before I turned, drinking a cup of tea and smoking a roll up such were the benefits of his week in Majorca!)

[garyg]

Excellent report Stevie (a future in journalism is assured if you tire of your day job!).

Had an absolute ball, best club run I was ever on. The weather, the company, the pace and the crack. Best personal bit was beating Marcus to the 30's in the 'Dee' whilst he referred to my parentage.

Everyone looked excellent in Club kit - think we should make it a club rule that training on recognised club runs should be in Club kit only? (Or is that my day job influence!)