Pavlova Run for Coalisland

Approximately eighty riders showed up this morning at Gortgonis Centre for the Island Wheelers Reliability Trial. Riders from Four Masters in Donegal, East Tyrone, Omagh, Dromara, Phoenix and Roe Valley made the journey to Coalisland to line up for the run. Many said that they were only there for the famous Wheelers spread of food which follows all their events.

For the first time in many years the day, though cold, was free from rain and snow and everyone was in good spirits. Unfortunately Sheena O'Neil suffered a mechanical at the start so offered to drive me around instead. Many thanks Sheena.

The route took the riders through Moneyneena, Cookstown and Toome with the long drag up past Lough Fea where it turned misty for a while.

The event was well patrolled by James McLaughlin and Eddie Polin among others although the pace was high. The climb up by Lough Fea saw the bunch split up as the draggy road took its toll. The men from Donegal will be ones to watch this season as they were fighting fit. Martin Tohill (Spires CC) was well up among the leaders and it may not be too long before he exchanges his brand new A4 licence for an A3.

Young Jake Grey from Orchard Wheelers was a revelation and had no problem negotiating the hills.(He must have found his glasses). Island Wheelers were out in force and it is pleasing to see how this club has grown in the last number of years. They now have almost seventy members and interest is growing in the club within the local community.

Back at Gortgonis, the real workers had a magnificent spread of food on offer with the by now traditional pavlova. The riders certainly appreciated it and were quick to express their thanks.

Tommy Lamb managed to get around sixty miles in his new 'granny block' fitted as a priority job yesterday by Andy Slane of Slane Cycles who was afraid he would have a heart attack with anything less. The fact that the Centre was locked up by the time Lamb returned is neither here nor there. He blames Darren Boyd of Juiced Orchard, who insisted he in call into his house for a cup of coffee before they finished. The coffee must have been good for them to take so long to come back......

The Challenge is still a long way off.

Many thanks to Island Wheelers for a good day out.

For a few more pics of Island Wheelers RT click the gallery link below

VIEW GALLERY ISLAND WHEELERS RELIABILITY TRIAL 2010 BY MARIAN LAMB


Marian Lamb Club Development Officer