A sign of weakness.
Weakness is not a word usually associated with cyclists. But it’s there. Sometimes it is a physical reality, other times it is a visible display that portrays a ‘sign of weakness’.
Last Saturday evening the forecaster warned of icy conditions for Sunday morning. Half plans were made for the Sunday spin. At 10 pm the phone beeped, a spinning class in Rathgormack was presented as a safer option. I didn’t reply as I was still on the fence. I wasn’t sure just how bad the following morning would be.
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At 8am the phone beeped again. One training partner was not going to risk the early morning ice. Time to log on to Facebook and see what the general concencous would be.
The Rathgormack spinning class was on. One hour with Tara would be as good as 3 rolling around with the group.
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Dungarvan CC had road captains out checking the conditions and the decision was made to cancel all spins. On frosty mornings the Carrick gang go straight to Dungarvan for better road conditions. If Dungarvan weren’t heading out the roads must be bad. Youghal CC had also arrived at the same conclusion. Time to make up my mind.
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I was sitting in the kitchen thinking out loud when my 2 daughters spotted a sign of weakness and pounced. Quick as a flash they were both over, sitting on my lap, one knee each coming up with all kinds of alternative suggestions to heading out on the bike. Who was I to argue.
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A relaxed brunch followed before part 2 of their suggested plan went into operation. The dog needed a walk. I had mentioned mountain biking around Careys’ Castle with Anthony the day before so we were on the road, which was now ice free.
The Cross was mentioned so we headed up there first. Charlie the dog dragged Kate up the hill whilst I dragged Laura as she side stepped the sheep droppings in her immaculate shiny pink wellies.
At the summit Kate pointed across at a few snow covered peaks convinced we were looking at Iceland. Who was I to argue.
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Charlie walked across a frozen puddle which cracked beneath him a gave a yelp. We laughed until he jumped up on me soaking wet. The girls found this funnier still.
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The descent was fast until Laura almost landed in a thorny bush. As we returned to the car, a van with a trail bike had parked alongside. The girls insisted I warn them of the thorny bushes. I don’t think the fully decked out trail bike rider was too concerned.
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A shop stop was next where a few small ingredients for the insisted upon picnic were purchased.
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A frosty bench in Careys Castle became our dining room, but in the sunlight it was actually quite pleasant. The messing of the two excited girls made it even better.
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A loop in around the castle with the obligatory ‘don’t climb up there’s’ being totally disregarded as they explored every nook and cranny.
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Back to the car park once more and a trip to the playground was suggested, before being demanded, so on we went. I hadn’t expected it to be busy on such a cold day but Clonmel has enough inhabitants who hail from colder climbs nearer the artic to fill half the playground on a frosty Sunday afternoon.
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By the time we eventually arrived home everyone including the dog was exhausted and Bressie the biker on The Voice of Ireland was a welcome wind down before bedtime.
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I had shown a sign of weakness that morning. The unmissable bike ride had been missed but a great day was had. Sometimes it’s good to be weak !
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Barry
2 COMMENTS
Páraig Pat Burke
Well said, Barry! There’s strength in weakness sometimes. There’s sense too, because we all want to arrive home safely. In particular, if someone has the responsibility to call a spin in tricky conditions, it really must be in accordance with some sort of risk assessment.
Road captains is a great idea, and is working well for Dungarvan CC. They take responsibility for ensuring the safety of their group members as best they can.
Barry
Dungarvan CC seem to be leading the way at every level this year Pat. By all accounts its like the Sean Kelly Tour every Sunday in the square these days. Keep up the good work !