Shimna Rockets:
There was another great turn out of Rockets at the weekend in Castlewellan Forest with two groups heading off. The older of the two groups headed for the red and blue trails with Marcus, Ollie, Susan and Co whilst the younger ones went with Sean, Rodger, Fiona, Peadar, Rachel, Barney and Phil.
The smallest and youngest of the Rockets, Aidan, lead the way around the lake and then back to the car park before the young Rockets headed for some natural trails. They followed a path around the boundary wall and the campsite with all of the children demonstrating some outstanding skills on how to approach the corners and roots.
The group leaders had placed some obstacles for the Rockets to negotiate along the route. These obstacles and the bad weather did not deter the young Rockets as they kept up the good work all through the session. Finally, all Rockets must remember to do their homework for next week!
Quiz Night:
The Shimna Wheelers are holding a fundraiser to help support junior club member Aidan Hawkins who will represent Shimna Wheelers at the World Enduro Series in Wicklow on the weekend 13-15 May.
Despite being one of the youngest competitors in his category last year, Aidan posted some terrific results and got unto the podium on several occasions. With this experience now under his belt it is sure to be an exciting year for Aidan and the club is confident he will enjoy plenty of success!
The Quiz Night takes place in The Anchor Bar, Newcastle, on Thursday the 14th of April from 9pm sharp.
Vitus First Tracks Enduro Cup Round 1: Castlewellan
The first round of the Vitus First Tracks Enduro Cup took place in Castlewellan Forest over the weekend. The trails were muddy on the Saturday for the practise stages following the week’s rain however the heavens opened on Sunday for the racing proper to leave the already technical course a mucky mire of roots, puddles and rocks!
The Wheelers were well represented with riders competing in all categories. Unfortunately at the time of writing this report a full set of results had yet to be published so a full breakdown of the results will be provided on the club website and Facebook page during the week.
In the Junior category the ever improving Aidan Hawkins was heading for 2nd place on the podium until a bad crash on Stage 4 cost him significant time. Despite this crash Aidan still managed to finish in 3rd place.
Not to be outdone by his older brother, Caolan Hawkins thrashed his bike around the stages and posted an excellent 12th place finish. And finally Shimna Wheelers newest recruit Harry Thompson was sandwiched between the two Hawkins brothers in 8th place. Hopefully the lads’ mothers have washed their cycling gear ready for more mountain bike action this weekend!
Cork to Dublin charity cycle:
On 15-16 April four members of the Shimna Wheelers will be cycling from Cork to Dublin to raise funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, Dublin.
The hospital provides care for sick children from the North and South of Ireland. The hospitals’ mission is to protect and improve the healthcare of all children on the island of Ireland, through the provision of funding and leadership, to help deliver improved care today and better cures tomorrow. If anyone wishes to sponsor our club members please contact Neil McLaughlin or visit the club website for a sponsorship link.
Time Trials:
The Inter-Club Time Trial league commenced this week with a large contingent from the Wheelers competing in the Killinchy Cycling Clubs’ 2-Up Shrigley race. A full race report is to follow next week.
Weekend club rides:
The weekend club rides continue to go from strength from strength with over 20 cyclists out over Easter on a ride lead by Sean Warnock. The club rides are the life blood of the cycling club and help to promote health, fitness and well-being in an enjoyable environment for all. The club rides continue throughout the week with something to suit every cyclist. Please consult the club Facebook page and website for further details.
