Club Tour A Success
Club Tour on Saturday 7th October 2006
The club tour to Castlebar took place over Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October. On the first day, the 15 riders left Enniskillen at 10.00am en route for Castlebar via Blacklion, Manorhamilton, Dromahair, Collooney, Tobercurry and Charlestown - a total distance of 93 miles.
Weather conditions were not ideal, thankfully the rain held off, but the strong headwind made harder work of the journey than most would have liked. There were a number of punctures on the way but the tour van support crew had a supply of spare wheels to allow for a quick change, keeping the tour rolling.
The support crew consisted of the club's Spanish director sportif Antonio McGirr and two team mechanics Jean Dunlop and Geraldine Lyons.
A lunch stop in Tobercurry was more than welcome. Hot food and a warm welcome rekindled our spirits for the last leg of the journey. Just after 5.00pm, we arrived at the hostel in Castlebar where we were joined by a car load of WAGS. Hot showers, a quick rest and a great meal, or two in Wesley's case, left us all just a little thirsty.
With the season's events over, this tour was a chance for team-building and enjoying ourselves. A suitable establishment was found in the town centre and the quality of the local guinness was checked and double checked. Garryowen Rugby Club were also in the establishment, and when it was announced that it was Jean Dunlop's birthday, she received kisses from the squad of hunks, some of them only partly clothed. Cecil Arthur, or 'slippy', as he is known, or should that be 'strippy', provided another birthday treat but he just didn't measure up to the rugby players. A good night was had by all but the next morning came too soon for most.
Again the hostel provided us with a great meal to set us up for the day ahead.
The return journey to Enniskillen went via Charlestown, Tobercurry, Collooney, Sligo, Manorhamilton and Blacklion - a total distance of 97 miles.
Weather conditions were better, which made for good progress.
A lunch stop in Sligo provided the fuel to keep the pace up and everyone was more than glad to see Enniskillen.
It was a great tour, which everyone enjoyed and there is already talk of a return trip for pre-season training. Most of the riders were regulars at the club races, but Ciaran Campbell - a club touring member - had also taken part and more than kept pace with the group.