The wind could be heard from under the duvets and it was nothing to do with the number of cakes the returning Sandbagger ate on the Saturday morning bun run. The fear of strong headwinds encouraged a few to stay in bed but as for the 9 Square Wheels members who met under the tree at 9am, they were looking forward to a tailwind or two. Captain Marvel Andy Schleck stood up on the podium in the Square and announced that there was to be a last minute change to the already planned route. Instead of going towards Cookstown and Moneymore, a more attractive route was agreed towards Loughgall and Markethill with the aim of picking up a tailwind home rather than a headwind. The Oil Man sighed with relief as he personally thanked Andy Schleck. He was still worried about the amount of turkey and selection boxes that he had tucked away over the festive season. As for Black Rod, he couldn't hide his disappointment. He hadn't been out on the bike as much over the last few weeks and was keen to get in as many tough miles as he could but he was willing to go with the flow anyway.
As for The Tone he was happy enough just to be there. He had survived a Siberian type spin the day before up Keady Mountain where he said the snow was up to his saddles. “I like cycling in the snow” he said, “It makes my bike look clean.” There was still snow on his handlebars as he sat under the tree waiting for the rest of the cyclists to arrive.
The Rushmere Man led the group out of the Square towards Portadown. He was joined at the front by the Conoisseur who was smiling after having a bumper Christmas. He had sold that much Buckfast and Bucksfizz that he was able to take the family on a skiing holiday to Craigavon dry slope for 2 days in a row, making sure they wore helmets as they mastered the nursery slopes and off piste.
The Rushmere Man led the group out of the Square towards Portadown. He was joined at the front by the Conoisseur who was smiling after having a bumper Christmas. He had sold that much Buckfast and Bucksfizz that he was able to take the family on a skiing holiday to Craigavon dry slope for 2 days in a row, making sure they wore helmets as they mastered the nursery slopes and off piste.
It wasn’t long before the Duff took over at the front as the hill out of Loughgall temporarily claimed a victim or two. The Duff had a smile on his face too as he announced that he had just sold his Mondeo. He got so much for the car that he was able to buy a 100% waterproof and dirt proof cycling coat in his favourite Man Utd colours, even if he is a Suarez fan. Stevie G joined him at the front and was going well considering his backside hasn’t touched much saddle over the last few months.
The peloton turned from Loughgall to Richhill and then Hamiltonsbawn before slowing down to let everyone regroup near Markethill. The hill climb to Keady was the next challenge. Captain Marvel reminded all that the Giro will be covering much the same route when it comes to N.Ireland in May. “The pros probably won’t be able to climb the hill as fast as the Square Wheelers but they will give it a go anyway.” The main chat going up the hill centred on the Giro and what the Square Wheels will be doing to mark the event. There was plenty of conversation too about the trip being planned to Milan and Bosco Marengo to watch a few of the stages. Captain Marvel explained that in his hand luggage the only thing he will be bringing with him will be his favourite Speedos which all viewers will be able to see when he runs after the peloton in the Italian hills near Turin.
We were all glad to see the coffee stop in Keady after enjoying the downhill in to the town. The Oil Man ordered a fry of Master Craftsman proportions as he sought to recharge the battery after the hills. The Duff resembled an eagle as his eye spotted the bargain of the day in a “buy one doughnut get one free” sharing the free one with Blackrod and a hungry Captain Marvel. There were other chocolate rolls and snack bars as everyone refuelled before the quick run home.
From Keady we headed towards Armagh taking a left where the willows sheltered us from the elements. Before we knew it we were near Tullysaren and heading for Benburb and Blackwatertown. While the Tone and Black Rod took a left to get some extra miles and hills on Strava, the rest of us veered right and landed back in the Square after polishing off 40 miles with very little tailwind at a pace to suit all!
Don’t forget the spinning session on Tuesday evenings at 7.45pm in St. John’s primary school and the Bun Run for newcomers every Saturday morning under the tree at 9.30am.
We were all glad to see the coffee stop in Keady after enjoying the downhill in to the town. The Oil Man ordered a fry of Master Craftsman proportions as he sought to recharge the battery after the hills. The Duff resembled an eagle as his eye spotted the bargain of the day in a “buy one doughnut get one free” sharing the free one with Blackrod and a hungry Captain Marvel. There were other chocolate rolls and snack bars as everyone refuelled before the quick run home.
From Keady we headed towards Armagh taking a left where the willows sheltered us from the elements. Before we knew it we were near Tullysaren and heading for Benburb and Blackwatertown. While the Tone and Black Rod took a left to get some extra miles and hills on Strava, the rest of us veered right and landed back in the Square after polishing off 40 miles with very little tailwind at a pace to suit all!
Don’t forget the spinning session on Tuesday evenings at 7.45pm in St. John’s primary school and the Bun Run for newcomers every Saturday morning under the tree at 9.30am.