Loop Head Cycle Challenge – Kilrush – 02.10.2011

Today was my first experience of cycling with a Cycle Club in West Clare.  I was talked into doing this race yesterday, and I thought – 85k – how hard can it be ;-)

Me and another out-of-towner were lulled into a false sense of security as we pushed up behind the pace car between Kilrush and Kilkee.  As we turned onto the front at Kilkee I winced as I cycled past the Bandstand and remember my worst swim in recent memory.  To my horror, we turned up the hill – you know the one – the run from HOTW.  

Well all I remember was a woosh of Claret and Gold as the West Clare Cycle Club got up out of the saddle and left me and a fellow triathlete for dust.  I pushed it out past the 5k run mark and continued to climb up to Loop Head.  The guys stopped at the top for water, but of course they were ready to leave by the time I got there!  I stuck in the middle for the rest of the climb; up into low cloud and 10m visibility.  A shame, I imagine the view must be spectacular. 

I had been warned that on the return ‘the guys’ would turn up the pace, so I stuck with it – but having to stop for two cattle drives meant I lost the back of the leading pack.  Some of the locals stayed back with the only other woman – June – also a member at Ennis Tri. 

I really enjoyed it but have to ask the question how can a circular route be up hill all the way!!! Congrats to Brian N and June from our club – who both completed the journey