The Paddy Martin a little gem of a spin
Run by Bray Wheelers this Randonnee is another of the cycling club gems that never get the numbers or attention of bigger charity run events. Usually they are run by bike people for bike people. This is reflected in the route and the resources along the route. The routes often being more scenic, challenging or interesting. Food stops, marshals, directions and support more accessible.
I had made a commitment to a cycling buddy that I would be waiting on the Stillorgan dual carriage way at 8am to cycle out to Bray to do the 120 and the cycle home would spin out the trip to the magic 140 for the all important R point. The fact that it was raining and the most optimistic interpretation of the weather forecast was rain for at least the first few hours and clearing later might have made me confirm but I didnt bother because I knew Joe would turn up. Half the reason I was waiting was because I knew Joe would turn up.
It was spitting all the way to Bray and it was humid too, by the time I got to Bray Wheelers clubhouse I was feeling like boil in the bag rice wearing my light weight, breathable rain gear. While queuing I heard this familiar voice in front of me, it was Sonia O'Sullivan who had just turned up with the 15 euros to the surprise of all the Bray sign on staff. They were actually very sheepish about asking her for a photo and she was only happy to oblige. I never thought I would be in the same event as an Olympic athlete, so another first. As so often at the sign on you start chatting to others so Joe and I along with Joanna and her friend Lizzy decided to start together in light rain which turned to really heavy stuff for the trip down the N11. The first few Ks to Ashford which was a little scary as it was bucketing down, with the spray from the cars and trucks speeding by, along with the head wind, well It really was like have a tepid shower head in your face while cycling.
Turn off at Ashford and then it was onto Wicklow roads less traveled up and down quite country lanes with farms and house both derelict and prosperous. Fairly scenic with a good view of the Sugar Loaf from a side I had not seen before. This road ultimately brought us out to the bottom of the hill leading up to Rathdrum. A small climb and the down the road that brought us to Avoca and Aughrim along the river of the same name with some amazing specimen trees and plants along the way at various gardens and grounds. The scenery was lush and really vibrant, the recent warm temperatures and ample rainfall has made for good growing conditions. We singled out on the good road mainly to save energy pushing into a stiff breeze picking up another rider Stephen from Bray Wheelers. The road followed the river valley as it twisted along its course and we came upon a lady who had taken a tumble on a wet surface as the road crossed a bridge. Fortunately she appeared okay and more shaken by the experience then anything else. The organisers quickly tending to her needs.
Shortly before Augrim we had a conversation that it was nearly two thirds of the route before the food stop which we thought a little far, then cycling round a bend and there was a mini food stop with water, cake and any amount of fruit etc to keep you going. Perfectly placed by the organisers, bike people knowing exactly when participants will need a boost. From Aughrim We headed towards Ballinagash, into smaller roads and some steep hills that popped out of nowhere. I was well lost with only the vaguest idea of where we were. These roads brought us through local communities with a Church or hall being a focus for local activities. The lanes and roads led us to the Glenmalure Valley which was just so quite compared to the busy towns we had passed through. At this point after a few climbs Lizzy was a little anxious about what lay ahead. We have all being there wondering if we could or how hard will it be? Turn right at the pub and its into The Shea Elliot a stiff climb to bring us back to Laragh and the stop we were discussing earlier. Lizzy well passed the test of that hill and although quite new to cycling you could see the cycling bug was starting to bite. I spent the rest of the day trying to convince her to get in touch with Ann Horan for racing info.
The food stop lived up to Eugene's publicity and The Bray Wheelers did a great job with a amazing collection of home made cakes. With the wind and rain Joe had claimed a big cup of tea with his name on it. Of course stuffing yourself with several types of cake was not the " best prep" for the two savage climbs meters down the road, the hilly back road to Roundwood. My legs felt like two lumps of Rice Crispy Chocolate Squares, which coincidently I had just consumed, I struggled up the hill. Finally moving to the more familiar road of The Old Long Hill and down towards Enniskerry and a drop into Bray and more tea and food at their club house. After a horrible start weather wise we finished in sunshine and heat, another good day on the bike some new people to talk to and parts of Wicklow I had not seen before. Then cycled home to get the point for "Eugenes Medal". I was tired I had to work a lot harder then I expected when I first glanced at the course, a very scenic, rewarding challenge. Well recommended thank you Bray Wheelers for a good day.
Andrew during the Paddy Martin(photo with thanks to Sean Rowe)
