Ardee CC's Ferdia 50km and 100km.

By Deirdre Armstrong

 

Cùchulainn CC turned out in force today to participate in Ardee CC's Ferdia 50km and 100km. A total of 30 club members representing the Leisure and Racing Sections gave their support. All the action started from Ardee Parish Centre. A few of the Leisure lads cycled over and were able to cut short the spin on the way back. It was overcast throughout the day but we had a warm breeze, with only one shower.

Racing lads must have discussed tactics beforehand as they disappeared into the distance straightaway- never to be seen again. They were led by our very own 'Wiggins' aka Aaron McCann. I wonder how long Padraic managed to avoid the subject of the Bike Station League!!

A red light going through Ardee town split the peloton up straightaway. We were on the wrong side of it which resulted in us upping the pace from the word go. This pace continued over the Ardee link road to Dorians, Annagassan and Castlebellingham. Not sure who was at the front... The pace eased off slightly by Sextons. I looked back to see who was following behind at Felda...no -one! (Bugger)

They must have opted for the 50km turn off at Byrnes. Either that or we were so far in front.

Down the by-pass, then straight to Jenkinstown Hill (I must read the routes from now on!). The group got slightly split up from here to our food stop at the turn for Benagh.

Down Benagh at top speed, we quickly arrived at the main Dundalk road. We regrouped and set off again. Bananas kicked in and we upped the pace. We got to the racetrack in no time. A few peeled off from here as they had already done 100km.

Last section was the right turn at Sextons, over to Haggardstown, Knockbridge, Louth Village, Tallanstown and back to Ardee. Our numbers had reduced slightly but we were still pushing on. The last 20km was full of roly-polys and a few speedbumps. I was so glad to see the Parish Centre.

Plates of sambos and biccies were a very welcome sight.

Thank You Very Much to Ardee CC for such a great event. Marshalls everywhere, lovely reception at start and finish. We'll be back next year.