Cycling Ulster Article on FCC Youth Programme

Click here for photos from the FCC Youth Programme

Click here for the report from the Dublin to Derry run

Congratulations go out to Ying, one of our newer members, who in searing heat
completed the Etape du Tour. With a climb of the 2115 meter classic Tourmalet
featuring this was a truly epic achievement. Well done to him!

In somewhat more benign conditions FCC held two very enjoyable club runs around
the local area on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday's run featured the neighbouring Inishowen terrain and with a 12 strong
contingent in attendance, riders had a choice of climbing either the iconic
Mamore gap or the equally challenging Pinch Hill. Fireman Chris, making a
welcome return from holiday, and mountain goat Eamon, were strongest in the
climbs, although Chris did appear to falter on the return over Carn mountain.
The other Terry (Mc) lead the charge for home up thru Buncrana and was ably
supported by champion drummer Billy D, now featuring in C+. Some relief was
offered in the run when several of the more veteran members were seen to be in
difficulty and in best FCC tradition the Saturday peloton finished a great ride
all together.

Sunday was also a great day for cycling and with the wind blowing SW an 8 person
peloton headed for the out and back climbs of Dart and Sawel mountains. With big
W "fresh" from night shift our pace was always steady but never silent. We were
also pleased to have Martin and Paul B in our midst and whilst Paul had to leave
us early on, Martin stayed the full course, just like bygone days!
The climb up Dart, one of the highest roads in the area, proved as challenging
as ever. Charlie rattled the cattle grid first, closely folowed by Eamon(again)
and ever powerful Alastair, fresh from recent triumphs in Pyrenean climes.
Down the beautiful Gleneely valley we kept the pace hot and reaching Sawel's
foothills we quickly stretched our peloton on the ascent, eager as we were to
get ahead of the fearless duo, Alsatair and big W, before the treacherous
downhill to Fenney had begun. Now we were powering into Claudy and Martin and
Charlie fought it out for a "30" with Charlie's true form just showing first.
A brief respite whilst big W succumbed to the big z's and took the direct route
home and left our now 6 strong group to forge over the hills again thru Ardmore,
up Church Brae and down to Derry's walls. It had been a great Sunday outing,
lots of miles, lots of hills, lots of fun!

Please remember to support Thursday's inter club league race at Burt chapel,
l'Kenny road. i still need riders and also marsahalls. I am not asking I am
begging, please!

On Tuesday August 3rd at 7p.m. as part of our youth program the club is holding
a cycle from Sainsbury's for youths aged 10 to 16. Please bring your kids and
also yourself, ready to ride in club colours.

We also need marshalls to help with the I100, our flagship event. Please email
Terry at above address if you will help on Sunday 15th August. Your club needs
you!.

On Sunday 25/07 several FCC riders will be participating in Omagh Wheelers
annual tour of Western Hills. It leaves at 0900 from the leisure centre,
Omagh and if interested meet at the complex at 0730 ready to drive or take a
lift.

WHY CYCLE

There are many benefits that are available from cycling. Here are just a few!

To get or stay fit.
To help loose or control weight.
To fully enjoy the countryside on our doorsteps
To have a bit of fun with a good bunch of people
To get out of the house and away from your chores on a Saturday morning! (Some say this is the most important.)

OK, SO IT'S GOOD TO CYCLE, BUT WHY JOIN A CLUB?

There is no better way of 'learning the ropes' than by joining a club.

Experienced members will be able to show you how to ride a bike more efficiently and safely. Many of our members have spent years exploring the vast network of smaller roads that cover our beautiful countryside and new members are bound to learn new routes. They'll pass on tips on maintenance and equipment (and the best places to buy new stuff) and a club is often a good source of second-hand equipment.

You are only one e-mail away from starting a whole new way of life

STOP PRESS:

The club run continues to be the life blood of any cycling club. FCC club runs leave at 0900 each Saturday and Sunday from the Sports Complex, Buncrana Road, L’Derry. The runs cater for all levels and usually cover distances ranging from 40 to 70 miles. Helmets must be worn and bikes must be in good, safe working order.

We need new members and that’s you!! Please contact us and let us have your e-mail address. To find out more about us feel free to browse the rest of this site. A page dealing with frequently asked questions is also available for those of you who are relatively new to cycling. We look forward to seeing at 09.00 on Saturday/Sunday. So get your bike out of the shed and come and join us.

For instructions on how to load your photos to the FCC Flickr photo site click here.

For instructions on how to use the FCC blog click here.

For instructions on how to access your FCC web based email account click here.