These 15
Waterford representatives, were tackling the 200km for the first, second and
third time. With each cyclist secure in the knowledge that they had their own
personal goal. That might just be to complete the 200km or to better a previous
times, set on these same, most torturous of routes, over some of Wicklow’s and
Ireland’s toughest, steepest and longest climbs.
At 07:00
the first packet of Biscuits set off in what could only be described as “winter
conditions”. In fact it was so wet, dark, misty and miserable that the pop-up
stall selling cycling clothing actually ran out of waterproof apparel!
Joyous,
polite conversation soon stopped as the first hill appeared out of the gloom.
The beginning of many leg burner and lung buster climbs, soon spread the
cyclists into a thin thread of multi-coloured fluorescent nodding donkeys. With
gritted teeth we ploughed on, some wheezing and coughing at this early stage,
up the hill. Clearly, by the time the summit was crested, some had realised the
enormity of the challenge and many were deciding to take on the 100km option
and avoid the punishing Full Monty 200km.
As we spun
ever forward, the arduous Wicklow Gap, which was indistinguishable due to the
low cloud and torrential rain, beckoned us like a Siren luring a nearby sailor towards
the rocks. Once again the silence was deafening and some cyclists were
dismounting at this early stage and pushing their bikes up the Gap. The strange
thing was that as the whole hill was not visible, the climb seemed to be over
very quickly and the summit suddenly appeared out of the mist. It was a cold,
treacherous, rapid descent towards the first food stop where a warm cup of tea
was waiting to recharge our batteries.
On and on
we pedalled, kilometre after long kilometre, making friends as we went. The
“Cookie Monster” jersey branding, making a conversation piece and catching the
eye of many a cyclist. Even more impressive, when you would pass a larger group
on the flat or overtaking whilst climbing a steep hill.
Flying the
flag for Waterford, we pressed on to tackle Slieve Mann and Shay Elliot. Two
challenging climbs that literally come as a pair! These two ball breakers
appear after 120 km of tough hard cycling and test your mental and physical
resolve. Box ticked! It was onwards to the final pit stop to refuel for the
last 55km push to the finish line.
The last
55km would challenge those who set a personal time goal. I myself was trying to
cover the 200km in less than 7 hours. I had to travel the last undulating 55km
in circa one hour and 36 minutes to beat that goal. I pushed as hard as I could,
but alas the 7 hours ticked by on my GPS computer with around 5 kilometres to
go! Nearly made it – maybe next year!
Strangely
enough my memory of the first 145km was quite clear and yet I had completely
forgotten about all the ups on the last home section. The Avoca climb and
Ballinacor/Barndarrig hills burned my legs like never before – Jane would have
been proud! I don’t think we stopped going up and down until the last 2 or 3
kilometres. All in all another great days cycling and some memories to last
forever.
 |
| Ooops!!!! |
As cycling
ambassadors for Waterford, the Biscuit Club flies an “odd flag” with many a
look of “what the ....”, especially when passed, and yet the reaction from most
is priceless and unique. At the finish line the “Cookie Monster” top, was one
of the most photographed, of any of the clubs taking part.
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