Castlecomer Cycle a Massive Success
Friday, October 29, 2010 at 10:18PM After a successful debut in 2009, the Eurospar Castlecomer 100 was staged again on Sunday 17th. Organizers predicted a turnout of over 100 and despite a very crisp, cool morning, were stunned to see 170 hardy cyclists turn up at the Discovery Centre for the 100km trip while another 85 came out for the 50km option.
The event, which raises funds for the local day care centre took in lots of scenic countryside around north Kilkenny, Carlow and Laois. It must have been the cold conditions that instilled a sense of urgency among the 100km group as they set a blistering pace through Carlow, barely taking a breath until the food stop at Stradbally. Prominent among the front group were speedsters from Marble City Cyclers, Waterford Sportif, and Naas Clubs making the most of the last event of 2010. The quality of marshalling was superb with volunteers on duty at every junction and motorcycle riders working with the Gardai to ensure that the event passed off safely.
A tasty sandwich washed down with a cup of hot tea was provided at Stradbally NS and most were back on the bikes within minutes, front wheels pointed towards Abbeyleix. As always the biggest challenge on the ‘Comer 100 is the climb out of Ballyragget on the way to Castlecomer and many tired bodies were very relieved to reach the top before cruising down into ’Comer where the volunteers had prepared more delicious sandwiches and copious mugs of chicken soup.
The event has since become a hit on YouTube as one of the riders had a helmet camera and uploaded footage of the entire 100km journey. There have already been hundreds of views in just the first week. Thank you to "TheMichael196" for posting the video's up on YouTube - Links below....
The organizers of the ‘Comer 100 wish to acknowledge the support of Eurospar Castlecomer, all participants, the volunteers, the Gardai, and the Marble City Cyclers Club in making the event a success. Over €5,000 was raised for the Castlecomer Day Care Centre and the organizers are already planning a bigger and better event for 2011.