Lower Ormond Cycling Club on Tour de Conamara

The last weekend in May traditionally means the Tour de Conamara cycling event, and Lower Ormond Cycling Club are usually in good attendance, as it is the kick-start to a Summer of Cycling.

This year was no different, as twenty members from the club travelled to Clifden to partake in the annual pilgrimage around the beautiful Conamara coast and hills.

What was different this year (apart from being the clubs largest contingent ever) was that seven of the group had never done this event before, but more importantly, four had only taken up cycling last year as part of the Couch to 50k program, all initiated with Bike Week 2023. What an achievement to go from pedalling properly for the first time, to Tour de Conamara in twelve months.

All tales of previous years with 25° heat and glorious sunshine were not changing the fact that Saturday looked like rain. But at least the morning was forecast to be dry with some light wind.

At the start of the event, we all gathered in preparation, pumping tyres, and checking brakes, while debating what gear to bring. Rain gilets, long sleeve cycling tops and clear glasses were the order of the day, with spare rain jackets in the back pocket for the afternoon.

As the cycle rolled out of Clifden, the mass start was cancelled and competitors were allowed to start at their own leisure, to allow people get out and back before the worst of the weather hit. The riders moved nicely through the Conamara coastline, even though strong side winds were whirling, the groups kept moving nicely and it was lovely to see so many cyclists looking out for each other, if anyone was stopped or pulled in, everyone passing checked were they ok, or needing assistance.

All the way past Roundstone and Dogs Bay the wind picked up and kept us the riders on their toes, but were reassured in the knowledge that when turning after the midpoint it should be a tailwind. At the 40km food stop, the main group doing the 140k cycle continued onwards while the 80km challenge group refreshed and took on board some well-deserved sandwiches, tea/coffee, and the essential banana.

Once the water bottles were filled, the riders set off again, as the showers began to gently catch up with the rain jackets now removed from the back pockets and donned in hope of resisting the water.

Turning in Recess, came the tail wind and sailed along nicely through the Lake section of the course, with the Twelve Bens to the left and the Maumturks to the right, passing beautiful Lough Inagh, but no time to stop and admire the views. Up ahead there were dark clouds gathering in anger for the rain and boy did it fall.

Turning in Kylemore, the riders didn't even see the stunning Kylemore Abbey as heads were down and legs were pumping trying to get through the rain. Thankfully just before Letterfrack the rain abated and the climb that approached. All through training for this event, riders had prepared the new cyclists for a tough, long climb. Not overly steep but continues for about four kilometres. So, get in gear, prepare, and just keep spinning the legs.

It was a glorious sign as one by one, the Tour de Conamara first timers and new cyclists emerged over the top of the climb, grimacing from the effort, but smiling at the achievement.But, Conamara had one last card to play.

Usually after an uphill, there is a lovely downhill, where you can freewheel and recharge the legs, but when a 30km/h headwind decides to fight you, it becomes hard work. Throw in pelting rain and slippery roads and what you get is a very difficult and technical descent for the last 7kms. Finally, as the riders turned the winding sections past the church in Clifden, the cyclists could finally see the finish line and the end of a difficult cycle in extremely difficult conditions.

What must be one of the hardest medals ever achieved, everyone should be extremely proud of what they accomplished, especially the four new cyclists.

LOCC also had youngest member, Ava McGrath, and oldest member, Bawny Hayes complete for the first time, a very proud moment for them. Our four cyclists from Bike Week last year, Mary Hill, Claire Starr, Gill Flynn, and Marie D'Arcy now need to look for a new challenge for 2025.

Lower Ormond Cycle Club runs a leisure cycle group, specifically for short coffee leisure spins, with no pressure on speed or racing. If you are interested in getting fit, having fun, completing challenges and would like to join, check the clubs Facebook page.