Pockets filled, 2 big bottles, and a morning that promises a fine day. There is a sense of excitement as you're riding out to meet the group. How many will be out? Who will be out? Where will we go? You arrive to see a gang of 10 ready to go. You roll out like a professional outfit (we can pretend for one day only anyway!) heading into the West Cork countryside. The speed is kept high but the effort remains steady. Hard when you're at the front, easing off as you move back through the group, then back around to the front again. A left turn just before Macroom brings you, and the group, quite literally into bandit country. The Kilmichael Monument is a reminder of the famous ambush led by Tom Barry against the British Army. There is no such danger today as the riders speed down the hill further into the wilderness. As the group turns right to Dunmanway, you realise this will really be a long one, almost an epic. Zipping through Bandon, Crossbarry, and Ballinhassig, you speed closer to home. You are running on fumes but the scent of the Sunday roast keeps you speeding along the river bank and back to where you started. You analyse your garmin. 4hrs 20, 140km, and 32kph average means that was serious training spin. But more than that, it was an adventure.
With the advancement of coaching science, and specific training plans, long group rides are becoming less of a necessity. However they are the basis for a strong, healthy cycling community. While more efficient and specific training plans are great (and we strongly advocate them!), don't forget the pure joy and adventure of a long ride! Don't forget we are now on instagram @st.finbarrscc!
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October 2017
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