The Christmas holiday season has been a busy one for the club. Saturday 21st December saw our annual joint cycle with the Lee Roadies. The cycle headed east with a food stop at the Village Greengrocer in Castlemartyr. The cyclists were provided with complimentary food and refreshments by the Walsh family. A collection for Penny Dinners was taken up in lieu, and raised €300. Also on the 21st, the annual club spinathon took place at Ross' Centra in Watergrasshill. Cyclists took one hour slots to turn the turbos from 8am to 9pm. The spinathon raised € 3,000 for Cork Penny Dinners, a most worthy charity. Cork Penny Dinners are based in Little Hanover Street. Cork Penny Dinners was founded during Famine times as a soup kitchen. Well over 1000 meals per week are served, compared to around 150 a week a few years ago. The aim is a simple one – to give everyone who calls a hot nourishing midday meal. In addition, the service users get sandwiches and fruit to take away as an evening meal. There’s an open door and a warm welcome.
The annual slow bicycle race was held in Watergrasshill Community Hall on Saturday 28th December. The winner is the cyclist who takes the longest time to cycle across the hall. Stephen O'Connell took the victory again this year, having been pipped by Joanne McHugh in 2018. Once the "racing" was finished, the contestants headed across the road to The Hut bar for the prize giving. Brian Atkinson was voted as club person of the year. Brian was a most worthy, if somewhat belated winner. Alec Smith was crowned most improved cyclist for the year.
Youghal Cycling Club held their cyclocross race at Claycastle beach on the 29th. Tyrone Kennedy, Mike Gowen, Peter Power, and Pat McHugh pinned on their race numbers for what was a very fast and tough course. The course took in sand dunes, loose gravel, concrete footpath, and, a section of timber boardwalk. The lads put in very strong performances and finished well up the field. Kilcullen Cycling hosted a benefit race in Ennis, Co Clare on the 4th January. Brendan Coakley and Tyrone Kennedy traveled to the event, and put in season best performances, both securing a top ten finish.
Turbo training commences on Thursday January 9th at 7.30pm at the First Fruits Arts Centre. Turbo training is open to both members and non members. Club cycles will continue on Saturday and Sundays. Details will be posted on club Facebook page. New members are always welcome. On Sunday mornings at 9am, all levels of cyclists are catered for, with the group split into 3 levels. New members are very welcome to turn up and cycle provided they have a racing bike, a helmet, and are over 18. For further information, check out our club Facebook page or contact us by email info@overthehillcc.com.
