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The Bike Station League Round 18 - Fane Bridge to Dunleer and back. 26 km
By Rosemary Gibson - 27th Aug 2015
The last night of the league saw three Cuchulainn CC ladies taking part in what promised to be a fast decider for the final points standings in the table. Jan Conlon, Linda Stokes and Rosemary Gibson were there after a couple of very busy weeks racing for all of them which saw Jan crowned as Louth and Leinster Hill climb champion, and Linda as Louth Road Race champion. Plenty of ladies out too, marshalling and giving their support. Thanks to all the helpers, marshals, photographers and organisers tonight and for the season, you have all done a sterling job!
The weather was intermittently sunny and showery and I didn't know whether to wear the sunglasses or the rain jacket tonight (or maybe both?) having got soaked earlier. I opted for the former and as soon as we reached the start a black cloud covered the sun and it went dark. I'm sure the sun will come out soon now the kids are back to school, this random weather would drive you mad, it's impossible to plan anything!
So bereft of group 1 companions for the night, I set off alone into a headwind and immediately my legs complained. Shut up legs! The painful reality that I had not fully recovered from the weekend's excursions of an (albeit short) triathlon and the Louth Road Race was readily apparent and I knew then I was in for a hard session.
Nothing for it then except to plug away and at least make it to the Dunleer roundabout where a welcome tailwind home awaited. I was looking over my shoulder every couple of minutes for the dreaded orange flashing lights of the green van leading the chasing groups. You kind of feel the pressure when you are out in front on your own with several bunches of very fast, sweaty, determined blokes (calm down ladies!) all busting themselves to catch you for the points. It would almost make you paranoid. .. I knew from another time that if I could make it to Dorian's without anyone going past the other way then I was in with a shout, although you can never count your chickens. ..
I reached the Dunleer roundabout after what seemed like an age, and got such a cheery, excited and encouraging shout from Sandra that I swear it put some speed back into my tired legs. Thanks Sandra, you got me the whole way up that hill ! Finally going home with the wind on my back I cranked up the tempo and got the bike going again.
Back towards Dorian's and I saw the first breakaway rider from Group 2 streaking past the other way followed by the group. Time to get the head down and push on for Castlebellingham, plenty of time for resting later. Loads of friendly faces and shouts from the roadside to spur me on.
It's only about 7k from 'Bellingham to the bridge but it's a long, long way. It was surely just a matter of time before the bright colours and whirring wheels of the following groups came past at breakneck speed, taking my hope and my points with them like they invariably have done in past weeks, but time was not on their side this evening. The finish line came first to my immense relief, and I allowed myself a small celebration! Well done all!
