Next to Last for this years RAS Cycle

Well all good things come to an end and so did the RAS. Just to say congratulations to all those participants of the RAS Charity cycle. Whether it was the quarter pounders or those that went the whole hog. Each and every cyclist deserves our congratulations on a job well done. But let us not leave out the organisers, sponsors, marshals and supporters who all contributed to making it such a success.

Just a few photos to be getting on with. Over the next few days I will try to get another set of photos up and for those unlucky cyclists not in the Kilteevan Wheelers Cycling club, if I have any photos of you I will include them in the next set or two

RAS Stage 5 May 23rd

Well the trip is starting to take its toll. 739k behind them and I suspect it’s their most painful part. The thoughts of sitting even in a SOFT armchair must at this stage bring tears to their eyes. The good news though is that they are all still going strong even if the cycle is starting to tire them. They had a long hard cycle today with a couple of big climbs and wind to contend with. Still they made it and without doubt they will mount their bikes tomorrow and continue the cycle.

Three days to go and 441k, it’s still a long way but once they get tomorrow out of the way they will feel like they are on the home run. Saturday will hopefully bring out some more supporters to cheer them on and Sunday will see some of our own lads join and encourage them over the last stage.

Tomorrow will be no joke though. They have 145k and 5 category 3 hills to climb. 4 of the hills are in the last 40k of the cycle. Let’s hope that if there is any wind tomorrow it will be behind them, I’m sure they could do with a bit of a push.

RAS May 22nd Stage 4

Just to let everyone know, the lads are still hanging in there. A couple of big climbs throughout the day but everyone managed to survive. I hear that Adrian is pushing hard and is 3^rd man to the top for the day. That was 8 climbs and none of them easy. For my part I think I’ll go back to walking. Though I did hear there are good deals to be had on electric bikes. That’s about the only I’m doing one of those climbs never mind eight.

Well that’s 589k down and only 591k to go. Should be a doddle for these lads they are on the home straight now. How about we arrange a trip on Sunday to support them on the last leg?

In case anyone thinks me remiss I should also point out that there are some ladies among these intrepid cyclists. All I can do is offer my sympathy to them for having to put up with the lads for eight days.

RAS Tuesday 21st

Well from what I hear Tuesday went well. All the lads are in good form and looking forward to today’s climbs. As one wise cyclist said the best part of climbing a hill is that you get to come down it on the other side. However after 4 category 3’s, 3 category 2’s and a category 1 today I wonder if he will feel the same way about hills and I almost forgot its only 153k. I hope someone bought a LARGE tub of sudocrem.

One thing I forgot to mention in a previous blog. Each and every one of these lads & ladies, have put in significant efforts to get fit for this. That’s long hours on bikes and trainers, they could only do this with the help and support of their partners and families. So on their behalf I would like to say THANKS.

While I’m in the mood for giving thanks. I would like to mention an incident I witnessed on the journey into Granard on Sunday. One of the cyclists having obviously put in great effort earlier in the day was running out of steam on a hill. Low and behold two other cyclists, one to either side put their hands to his back and gave him a helping hand. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a photo as I was driving but just to witness the help given without request or compliment shows the generosity of the majority of cyclists. They have big hearts, they are willing to help, they are willing to put in the effort and we should be offering them all the support we can.

Now on a lighter note can anyone identify the legs in the photo? I will give you one hint. They do not belong to a lady.

RAS Day 2

Well from what I hear the lads all made it in good shape. 160k today and they were still ready to carry on to the pub. Just not on the bikes. I suspect armchairs (SOFT ONES) are the order of the evening. The turbo training is already paying its way as is the sudocrem. Tomorrow they start into the first of the real hills. That’s when they will really see the benefits of all the hard work over the winter months.

I have also been asked to thank everyone for the support today. The organisers couldn’t believe the turnout and I have to say it was great to see all the support for the lads they well deserve it. I’m only sorry that we couldn’t be there for the eight days.

Next Sunday they get to finish up the cycle and I’m sure they would be delighted to see some friendly faces at the finish line

RAS Cycle for Kilteevan Wheelers

Yes some of our “boys” are off cycling the RAS. What a way to go, when you consider the club only started in October 2010 and now we have five members cycling a professional course over eight days all for charity. That’s 1180k and a lot of pain. OK they might not be quite as fast as the pros but what the heck there is always next year. These “lads” are not all necessarily in the prime of their youth so let’s give them another year to go up a gear.

The day started off in good spirits if not a little apprehensively for some. After all it is a long way and there are some tough climbs ahead. But all the lads made it to the finish in good form. I did overhear someone say that one of the lads either was or had a pain in the a--. I think the Roscommon water supply has some answers to give. Just to compound matters I heard on the grapevine that some of the lads had one or two too many in the Hatch. I’m sure the first hour on the bike will cure any problems.

Needless to say this blog is based around the Kilteevan Wheelers. Still I would like to say THANK YOU to all the cyclists that have given up so much and raised so much for Breast Cancer Research. It is a credit to all those taking part whether it is for one day or all eight days. I should also say thanks to the organisers, support staff and sponsors without whom it would not be possible.

I hope I have a mole in the team and that he will keep some photos and information coming in. If so I will post any information I have as I get it. I will get some photos and hopefully video up in the next few days.

RAS Photos

Just something to get you started