A Tough Tour de Foothills for Forty Orwell Wheelers

Over 500 brave cyclists took part in the Tour de Foothills on Sunday and Orwell were well represented with over 40 members at the start line. It was a dull, dry, chilly morning leaving Dublin but as we gathered at registration in Naas cars with snow on their roofs were observed. Just as the local TD said a few words to get us on our way the wind and sleet started – was it a political sign from above?

The gang of Scott-Orwell Wheelers at the start (photograph with thanks to Eamonn Eaton)

We had a controlled start almost to Blessington which kept us at a steady 30kmph into the wind. It was hard to stay in a large Orwell group on the narrow roads in bad conditions so by the time the event opened up around the lakes smaller groups of hardy Orwell souls stuck together. An elite group of Orwell riders stayed up front and for most of us normal mortals we never saw them again.

As we progressed around the lakes all you could hear was ‘at the next bend the wind must be behind us’ but it never happened. At the split for the shorter route a quick decision had to be made – chicken out or go the full distance – I won’t name and shame! Anyway the thought of a warm cup of tea or coffee and a nice piece of fruit cake kept us going. When we reached Donard the weather improved – a bit, but shock and horror – no Jaffa Cakes or Fruit Cake! Just a welcome coffee and a cheese and ham sambo. Then back on the bikes and up through the Glen of Imail.

I was in the company of a happy little group. Ian paying us a visit from Portarlington, it was great to have Ann H out on the bike again and in strong form, Barry who had cycled form Dublin and still had energy to burn and then William on his first ever sportive who we found with a puncture on the side of the road. The weather had improved slightly so we had only the bitter wind to contend with. The snow tipped mountains were an impressive backdrop as we turned back towards Dunlavin before the long drag back through Kilcullen and into Naas. The 110k felt like 150k and was a tough day on the bike.

For all the first time Orwell sportive riders – well done on a great achievement. You finished a difficult one and they do get better than this. As usual Nass CC ran a well organised event and a good first outing to kick off the season. Looking forward to many more miles on the bike – in shorts and the sun.