Hi Everybody,
Today's tour was series two in the IVCA leisure league.This was a 70kms tour of North County Dublin brough us familiar territory with a steady climb of the Nag's Head, an a reurn leg around the coast Evelyn and Teresa did a great job as tour organisers, even going over the course the day before to check for any potential problems. 43+ riders participated despite the frosty start. Swords was very well represented today with 9 members riding.
The first half of the tour started at a leisurely pace. The conversations were good and there was a strong sense of the new season being just around the corner. After the halfway point the pace quickened considerably. All Swords riders responded well to the change in pace. In fact Ken Brennan who is in good form had a controlling influence for the majority of todays spin. Thanks to all who took part. Please remember to check the touring page link on Swords club website for regular updates. Regards John

Next IVCA outing the '50 in 4' on March 16th

Upcoming Touring/Leisure Events
Events listed below are not too difficult and should give riders some ealy season goals
- all achievable with regular steady training !

For info re tours contact John Ward 01-8436301 (h) 087-6458184
e-mail : touring@swordscc.com

Welcome to the Swords CC Touring page:
We are currently trying to develop and strengthen the touring section of our club.
This will be done firstly through leisure riding, and partaking in touring events.
We are delighted to welcome new members.

Equipment:
In the interest of safety it is mandatory to wear a helmet.
In addition the following items are essential.
Bike in good working order. Tires and brakes in good condition.
Pump, tyre levers, two spare tubes. Food, water bottle, money.

Sunday Group:
At present there is a leisure group departing from the Lord Mayors pub in Swords on Sundays at 9am.
The distance is aprox 80k with a tea stop.
The avg speed is 25/26kph.
Contact John Ward 087-6458184.

Saturday Group:
There is also a group departing from the Lord Mayors on Saturday morning at 9:15am.
Distance 50-80k with a tea stop.
The average speed aprox 22kph.
Contact Dave Blake 086-8539332.

Aims:
Regular participation with these groups will improve fitness and cycling skills to enable you to take part in the bigger tours during the summer.
Any queries to John Ward 087-6458184

PS We will be developing a dedicated touring page & section for this webite while will include information regarding the tours & events that our touring section intend participating in. We will also include reviews & reports from these tours and possiblly previews so that intending participants have an idea what they are taking on. Most tours are quite challenging, yet sociable and distances often are quite long compared to racing distances. Another major plus is that you actually get to see the countryside! All tours are within the ability of reasonably fit riders, but it is during the winter months that this fitness level is achieved, so that your touring is enjoyed rather than endured!

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First Tour of the Season - Report
A group of riders left Swords at 9am and cycled over meet up with the IVCA 'East Meath Tour' which was departing from the Pope's Cross at 10. The Tour started at a relaxed pace and most riders seemed to have good condition and the large group of approx 40 riders pretty much stayed together on the outward leg. The pace lifted ever so slightly when the group turned right heading for Dunsany, and the return leg was brisk (to put it mildly!). All Swords riders were in good condtion and showed good form for at such an early stage of the season. Special  mention to Tommy Markham, who rode very well, welcome back. Congrats to Ciara and best of luck with her new bike. This lightweight special seemed to sprout wings when the road went up! Swords was well represented on the tour considering the weather and so early in the season. Rumour has it that Victor Hynes was away on an early spring training camp, and was sporting a great pre-season tan. We believe he is buying mudguards................for whoever was riding in front of him on the way in!
Please keep an eye on the Swords touring page for up and coming tours.      
Regards John

Touring Links
Paul Kavanagh's Touring website (incl callendar of events)
Wicklow 200 Website (Ireland Premier Touring Event)
Ride the 2008 Etape Du Tour (OnYourBike.ie)
Cycling in Italy (Cycle specific Hotel in Bologna)

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Details of some upcoming events
Malin - Mizen (29th May -1st June)
Hi Everybody, Please see attached details of the Malin Mizen cycle challenge I'm organising on behalf of the Neurofibromatosis Association of Ireland.  Neurofibromatosis is a little know but serious genetic disorder and like many other rare conditions publicity about sufferers tends to get swamped by the vast amount of exposures in the media received by the larger charities. If anybody would like to join me or receive further information about the cycle please email me at griffgriff@eircom.net or call 01-8452195 mobile 087-2373269.  
Your support is much appreciated   Kind regards and a Happy New Year to  everyone.   
Paddy Griffin <details>

The Marie Keating Foundation Cycle (3rd - 6th Sept)
For the Fifth year The Marie Keating Foundation joined together with Co Operation Ireland, Ulster Cancer Foundation, and An Garda Siochana and the PSNI to host the Castle to Castle Cycle which will take place from the 3^rd to the 6^th of September 2008.  The cycle will start at Stormont and finish at the Dail.
Fiona Sullivan Phone: 01-6283726, Mobile : 087 9657144 <Entry Form>

Group Photo from 2006 Weekend Away