Mount Leinster Challenge 2011

I decided to take on a different more difficult Sportive event this year, that being The Mount Leinster Challenge which took place in Enniscorthy last Sunday, organised by the Slaney Cycling  Club.

140km scaling Mount Leinster twice seemed like a good idea two months ago when I signed up for it, however as the time came closer I grew more anxious.  But the day came and 26 Sportif club members made their way down to take on the mighty challenge of cycling Mt.Leinster(twice).

The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and nerves at the start,  but we cycled as a group at a comfortable speed.  Everyone chatted and laughed along the way, however once I turned into the first climb of the day, my smile disappeared and all talking stopped. The line between staying on the bike or getting off when you feel your legs just won’t work anymore is VERY thin, But with words of encouragement from some, and shelter from others and even a push from one, I made it to the Corribut gap, the first summit.

Next was the nine stones which was a long drag traversing the peaks of the mountain to the second summit. A sense of elation came over me when I reached the car park at the top and met up with the rest of the Sportif gang, who were waiting with congratulatory comments.  At this stage my body was in need of a caffeine hit and some food, so it was on to Kiltealy for the food stop.  Well done to the Slaney CC on the food stop as there was an abundance of sandwiches, cakes, buns, tarts, sausages, chips, flapjacks, you name it.

After fueling up we took to the bikes again, all refreshed and head into the Third challenge of scaling the mighty mountain(Again).  To add to the monstrous climb(Again), the dark clouds that were hanging overhead all day, eventually opened up and emptied themselves on us as we slowly but surely made it up the nine stones from the Bunclody side this time.  It was tough going, with tired legs by this stage and 100kms already cycled, I made it to the summit of mt lenister(Again).

Now, at last,  down hill and the  wind behind us made the journey back to Enniscorthy that bit easier.  As the song goes “Oh, what a feeling…” when we came into the Slaney GAA centre.  There were refreshments and medals in the club and everyone chatted and shared stories of their day onMt.Leinster.  Well done to all and I look forward to many more outing with you over the Summer.

Well done also to Slaney CC for organising and running an excellent event, one which I and many more in the Sportif Club will be attending next year.

(View gallery for more pictures)