week-end run 28/09/09

today's ride to Quigley's, Lough Inn, Carn, Clonmany and back home thru Buncrana was well attended with over 16 hearty FCC bods making the whole 85km trip.
The season may be reaching its end as fall approaches and trees begin to shed their leaves but our ride thru the beautiful hills of Inishowen was run at a pace more in tune with the middle of spring. It was remarkable to note the improvement of many of our newer members as Brendan M, Terry Mc, and Ciaran O' charged down the Ture straight at speeds approaching 25 m/h. showing the benefit of a season of group riding. Also making a late season impact were Martin, lovely new Kuota, Eunin, not really mixed up, and the ever reliable Belfast import Lawrence W.
Thru Carn several tracked down a fast moving tractor and using its draft to develop their fast twitch muscles powered on to Ballyliffin whilst the groupetto took its lead from Terry and arrived at that meeting spot at a more sedentary pace. All were together as we reached the turn for home and Ciaran and Simon kept it together on the challenging rise up to Dumfries. Eunin took his appointed place at the front as we raced thru his home town and declining his offer of ice cream, sorry Ciaran, we waved a greeting to friend Carl F and headed smartly back to base.
A great morning's run, spring like pace, all home safely.
Sunday was a different day for FCC as only 5 people assembled at Errigal Hotel in L'kenny for the traditional end of summer ride around Fanad Haed. The weather was dim and dull and this may have put many club men/women off but those of us who did show had a great morning's fun.
We welcomed a new man from Fahan, Gerard, to our ranks and carrying himself well around the 60 mile course he proved a man with much potential for the future.
Things almost went badly awry for your scribe when 3 miles in to the ride the saddle on the Time m/c fell off and a vital bracket was found to be adrift. Thankfully fireman Chris came to the rescue and with his eagle eyes tracked down the missing component, 1 mile back. A quick twist of an Allen key by Gerard, a blessing from Charlie and we were back on the road.
The ride took its usual course around the scenic Milford bay and up various undulations to Fanad and the turn for Portsalon. Young Cork man Kieran lead up most of the hills showing his fantastic engine but he was well tracked by Chris and Charlie. Approaching Knockalla Brae Gerard began to waver, doubting his ability to conquer the corkscrew climb. However, he was always encouraged by his new found mates and summited well.
A regroupment at the top and we pushed on towards Ramelton in to an ever strengthening wind.
Ramelton presented the final obstacle and here things heated up as the three stronger riders headed off up the hill and past the gas station. Gerard and your scribe brought up the van at a steadier pace. The final destination was now in reach and all of us reached home in good form, happy to be there and happy to have had a good day out.
A great end of summer ride..perhaps more will show up next time.

See you on the road.
Mark