THE MARK FLOOD MEMORIAL CYCLE

 This Sunday the MARK FLOOD MEMORIAL CYCLE will see southeast cyclists head for New Ross. Ahead of them will be a serpentine route through south Kilkenny. It is a fun but challenging cycle, with a few hills thrown in to test the legs and show you the countryside.

But don't be afraid! Really this event is a lot more besides. Firstly, it's for Mark Flood. If you knew him then I don't have to say anything. If you didn't then just take it that he was a pillar of the Barrow Wheelers, a pillar of  the community, a family man and simply put, irreplaceable. His passing last April has left an unfillable void in our town. And what is the best way as a cycling club to commemorate him? On the road, as a club and taking care of each other. Because that was Mark. As a cyclist he loved the road, was all about his clubmates and always took care of everyone around him.

Still need another reason to rock up on Sunday? Well, the Winter is just about over! Everyone needs an outlet to vent their fitness. Or needs to catch up because it's been ages. Or just wants to feel the camaraderie of the cycling community again. We all started with a club or group or collective and it is part of our DNA. Chatting in the car park waiting for the off on Sunday will be a nice feeling. Hey, look...it's been a long time since we've seen each other!

Next, the route is sublime. You'll chat over Glenmore hill, then cruise down to Waterford before turning roughly north. The roads go relatively rural. And you'll tick off the villages quickly through the GAA heartlands. And then by way of Stonyford you hit the lanes through horse stud country and you could even go glamping if you weren't on a bike! Then you are spat out of that twisting labyrinth into the middle of Bennett's Bridge. You catch your breath because you feel like you have the bends. Then you point her towards home. Thirty kilometres of roller-coaster drags and climbs follows. Even though you'll be feeling it, you'll be smiling too as home gets ever closer. When picturesque Inistioge hoves into view there's only ten miles left!

And while you are ticking down those KMs you are surrounded by your people. Of course you'll have the lean-as-a-Pepperami gazelles that bound off up the road. But there are the sporting folk too, out to challenge themselves. There'll be those who Wintered well and those who, like myself, wined well. But what harm? We'll all keep an eye on each other and roll back into New Ross for something hot and a sit down to relive the whole thing all over.

And you'll go home tired but smiling and glad you got off that couch!

Go on, you know you want to! We are looking forward to seeing you!


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