Dave McCall Inaugural Sportive
A pleasant September morning greeted the hardy for this the inaugural running of DMcC Sportive, start time was advertised as 9 to 9 30 am but as the eager participants began signing on from 8, the mood for the challenge gained momentum. It was envisaged that a variety of groups would form in the car park to take on their respective routes with those of similar experience and ability. However, as the clock struck 9, they had all mounted up and by 9 15 the car park had emptied of the 109 cyclists who had signed on.
Almost as one unit they snaked away from the Lisburn Recreation Centre to confront their chosen 80 km or 130 km course. It was a very steady start, lending itself to everyone getting a good warm up. The one thing that all the riders had in common was the ascent of Slieve Croob which provided a good test for even the most seasoned of campaigners. As the main group turned onto the Dree Hill Rd there was the distinctive rattle of the proverbial granny rings being engaged, further into the climb a few resorted to more natural measures, well!, that's what the good man above gave us feet for.
No doubt, as always there was a struggle for some to stay with the front runners, going up, over and down the far side, speeds in access of 40mph where recorded but for those who took their time, they were rewarded with the splendid views of the surrounding countryside which on a day like today are simply breathtaking.
The tea stop at Dundrum provided a good opportunity for everyone to catch up and take on some refreshments for their personal journeys. Unlike the apprehension at the start car park there was an obvious jovial and up beat atmosphere at the tea stop as many shared their experience so far. For many the worst was behind them as they left but for a few the infamous 'Cyclists Knock' was lurking further up the road.
Approximately 40 riders took on the challenge of the 130km route which made good progress around what was for many probably unfamiliar roads. At Quoile Park it was time to fill up with some much welcomed nourishment, it was noted that some needed much more than others. As the legs started to feel the pace there was a few riders looked as if they had settled here for the rest of the day, in fact, one of the quotes of the day was "as long as you're here feeding us we're staying".
From an organisational point of view it was very rewarding to be met by so many smiling faces, it made the organisation of the event very worthwhile and time passed by very quickly at the various marshalling points.
The well trained cyclist was finishing the longer course in just over the five hour mark. The leisure cyclist and enthusiast were also finishing their respective routes in good time. Of course there was a few who appeared to be getting their monies worth spending more time out there then others. Anyhow, the days events closed at around 2.30 pm with the safe arrival of all who had taken part, many of whom were going to enjoy their tea but not as much as their beds.
It should be remembered that the David McCall Cycling Foundation was established to keep alive the name and ethos of David McCall and on a practical level to raise funds to support the development of cycling in Ulster. Hamilton Topping from the DMcC Foundation was delighted by the response and support the event had received. He stated, "The Foundation has been able to support several projects to date-the latest being Dany Blondeel and the great success of his "Belgium Project", which has done so much to encourage the next generation of cyclists in Ulster". As Dany said, "We could not have gone ahead with the Belgium project this year without the financial support for the Foundation". We all hope that the David McCall Sportive can continue and grow in the years to come.
The Sportive chief organiser Gerry Lundy, welcomed the positive feedback that he had received so far, he said," It has set a good standard which we really can build upon next year". He is already considering some small changes which hopefully will improve the event, for cyclists taking part and for those who voluntarily gave of their time to assist and insure that cyclists enjoyed their experience. He has noted down his thoughts on how he seen things unfold on the day.
Routes:
The 80k route, though challenging, proved manageable for all those who undertook the ride. We have already identified a small change for next year which will see the cyclists route inland from the tea stop to avoid Dundrum, en route to Spa.
The 130k route was the choice of about 40% of the cyclists with most availing of the opportunity to stop and take refreshments at Quoile Park en route to Downpatrick. Again we have identified a small change of route with the cyclists by-passing Ballynahinch heading to Spa and joining the last part of the 80K route.
Tea Stops:
The food and refreshments were amply provided for in the two stops and we were particularly grateful for the sponsorship of John Hanna Cycles Lisburn for this aspect of the sportive. Due to the fine weather, we had no need to erect our additional marquees for protection but we will keep this aspect under review as larger numbers would require more formal arrangements in this regard.
Marshalling:
We ran the event as a challenge, not as a reliability, so we did not provide marshalls at all junctions. We will keep this under review for next year. A potential problem was the early signing of the route as many of the direction signs we erected in the previous week had been removed. . The practice of using a number of vehicles travelling between points as well as going back across the routes enabled us to track the progress of all the riders. Some riders did avail of the telephone numbers we provided to receive assistance but there were no major mechanical or accidental mishaps.
The decision to use qualified first aiders/medical cover from within the club's resources proved equal to the task on the day but again this is an area we will keep under review for the future
Start/Finish Area:
Due to logistical problems at the last minute with Lisburn City Council we could not gain access to the changing facilities before 8.45. They were fully available from 12.30pm for the return but few cyclists availed of them. We will review the start finish arrangements for next year as we have access to a number of potential host venues in the Lisburn area.
Time of Start:
There was some confusion in respect of this. The aim was to allow riders to start in their own time at any point between 9.00am and 9.30am. This was to allow riders to form their own interest or ability groups and ensure that large bunches of mixed ability and experience did not present safety issues. This aspect proved very successful but better communication about this is required for future events.
Certificates:
Approximately 50% of the entrants took up their certificates. If any rider did not do so but wishes to have one posted out, then contact Gerry on gflundy@btinternet.com with your name and address.
Photographs:
A large gallery of photographs of the day is available, it must be clearly pointed out that this was not a professional service and not included in the event entry fee, however, if you would like a particular photograph sent to you via email, you may contact Mark on greerso2004@yahoo.co.uk giving a brief description of the photo you would like. Photographs may be viewed at www.marylandwheelers.com
And finally:
Many many thanks to all those who gave up their time and energies to make the day run as well as it did, particularly Maryland Wheelers members and Phoenix CC members. Our thanks are also due to our sponsor of the event John Hanna Cycles, Lisburn. Maryland has run five 'open events' this year which for a small club is a remarkable achievement. Each event has only been possible due to the commitment of our members but as always we are very open to suggestions and advice on how we might improve things for the future.