All roads lead to Belvedere

Lakeside Wheelers notes

Belvedere House and Gardens is the place to be on Sunday, December 15 as Lakeside Wheelers bring the great spectacle of Cyclocross back to Mullingar. For those who don’t know, cyclocross racing is a pretty extreme version of off-road or basically cross country cycling.

Once again, this year’s promotion will be part of the Leinster Cyclocross league and if the numbers that turned up last year is anything to go by, then cycling fans are in for another great day out. Lakeside Wheelers have been promoting cyclocross in various guises and venues over the last few years but Belvedere has become the jewel in the crown and is fast becoming recognised as one of the best courses in the country. It has everything which a good circuit requires in the terrain which comprises of forested trails, steep hills, open space and unlike a lot of courses, Belvedere is mostly dry which gives novices and experts a fair chance.

The team behind this event met last Saturday to commence planning and preparing for the 2024 race. Steve Franzoni, Mark Horohoe, Paul Gibney, Pete Rimmer, Paul Crowley and Paul Murtagh walked the venue and put plans in place to get the circuit into racing condition, however, after a lot of heavy work last year, it is hoped that there will be less hardcore course building needed this year.

As with most good cyclocross circuits there will be a lot of criss-cross sections, a forested sector and the obligatory stepped sector where riders have to dismount and carry their bike which is extremely difficult and saps the energy from already tired legs. Another feature of the Belvedere circuit is the ease at which for spectators can get from one end to the other to watch the action with only short walks in between.

The organising crew are keen to build on the family friendliness of last year’s race with an extended trail for underage racers and of course there will be fun prizes for all kids taking part. There will also be a food/coffee truck on site as well as toilet facilities. So, save the date, December 15th and make your way to Belvedere House and Gardens for the 2024 Lakeside Wheelers festival of Cyclocross. Racing will get underway from 10.00am with the underage events and will continue until approx. 14.00pm.

AGM

The Lakeside Wheelers AGM will be held on Friday, November 8 in Clarke’s Bar on Patrick Street. Members are encouraged to come along and participate as this is a very important event and one which affords members the opportunity to ask questions or get information about the club. The meeting will commence at 7pm so please be on time.

Weekly Spins

Several members have been taking advantage of the recent spell of calm, mild and dry weather with great numbers turning up for the weekly spins. Last weekend there was close to one hundred riders out over the two days and practically all turned out in club kit which is great to see. A gentle reminder to some, that a full wrap around mudguard is essential at this time of year to protect your fellow cyclists. Front and rear lights are also essential kit during the winter months to keep you and other road users safe.