At IrishCycleSport we have always been supporters of various cycling events around the country . We are all familiar with the big events where numbers are usually high, food stops inadequate for demand and not so much of a personal experience. That is why when we hear of a smaller local club promoting an event especially a new one we are always very interested in attending. There is something special about the club organised events . The warm welcome at sign on, the on route marshaling the overstocked food stops the banter throughout the day not to mention stunning routes all make for an enjoyable and memorable day on the bikes for all.
Last Sunday we signed up for the Gorey Cycling Club inaugural 9 Stones Cycle Challenge in aid of The Irish Cancer Society and headed for event HQ which was located at Gorey Rangers FC. After a very smooth and welcoming sign on process we got the customary safety brief from both Event Director Jason and a member of An Garda and in no time we were rolling out of Gorey and heading into the beautiful sunny southeast countryside.
There were 2 Route to choose from on the day 86 k or 118 k we chose the longer and were looking forward to taking in the stunning scenery that Wexford has to offer. As the temperatures started to rise so did the speed and as per usual the main peloton fragmented into several groups out the road this is where as we all know the element of KOP ON is required do you go eyeballs out with the fast lads and die before halfway or ease off the gas and enjoy the day , I have realised the hard way many times the latter is by far the best and most sensible option . We drifted in and out of the second and third groups on the road through the early part of the day being guided safely through intersections and junctions as we went by Marshalls and Garda with additional directional signage to confirm we were on the right route . We also noted that the route is clearly signposted with permanent 9 Stones signage the whole way around which is also great benefit to all who cycle the loop at other times
As the highlight of the day came ever closer we were looking forward to the view from the crest of the famous Mount Leinster and it didn't disappoint the view was stunning on reaching the top we had a welcomed water stop to refill the bottles a quick munch, zip up the jersey and head down the fast decent and onward to the food stop
As I said previously the smaller club run events are usually guaranteed to have well stocked food stops and this certainly didn't disappoint all the usual goodies cakes sandwiches bars tea coffee water it had it all . After a quick refuel a catch up with a few other riders we were off again homeward bound back to Gorey . The last 40 k or so was spent mostly solo except for a spell with some of the lads from neighboring South East Road Club.
The final stretch had some really nice terrain and some surprise kickers in places but as with any event you always get that little bit of a spurt in energy as you hit the last 20 k or so and ended up finishing fresh enough into the football grounds and across the finish line.
More refreshments and food were laid out for us back at the Club house where we swapped stories of the day with other finishers and relaxed in the glorious sunshine which we were lucky enough to have had for the whole day.
I cant thank the guys enough for the lucky return of my saddle bag which I had lost earlier in the day on the route. Thankfully one of the crew found in on the road and brough it back to the finish It could of been awkward getting to Dublin otherwise as my car key was inside. The thoughts of an additional 85 km cycle home didn't really appeal to me if I'm perfectly honest.
So yeah a big Thanks once again to Jason and his crew of Gorey CC volunteers all those at sign on and finish the marshals at the junctions the lovely ladies at the food stop Garda Siochana and of course all the sponsors without whom none of these events can take place.
Hopefully The 9 Stones Cycle Challenge is an annual event going forward , its one I will be looking forward to doing again next year and will certainly be singing its praises to all my clubmates and friends in the cycling community.
Well Done Gorey CC you gave us all a great day . Thank You
Event . See you in 2025.
Adrian McLeavey IrishCycleSport / KALAS Cycling
Photo Credit : Joseph Dixon