Darnell smashes Slieve Croob Hill record

Darnell smashes Slieve Croob Hill record

20 September 2017

FROM reading on the internet I had heard that winter is coming; in fact, they have been talking about it all summer. 

At Dromara CC we are a club who care not about the weather although I may have suggested that Saturday was due to be 25 degrees with the sun splitting the trees and to make sure to pack your sun cream. 

To start the day we had the children’s gymkhana at St Michael’s Primary School in Finnis. A host of young stars took on several courses from limbo to slalom and of course fish tailing the rear down a mucky hill. All the children got a medal for completing the challenges and some sweeties.

Many thanks to Phoenix Natural Gas for stepping up to the plate and putting their backing to this event that is currently in its infancy.

We hope it grows from strength to strength in the coming years and we certainly appreciate the offer to use St Michael’s Primary School. I have no doubt their were several stars in the group having seen several boys and girls race down a greasy, mucky hill, lose the back end and correct it with a beautiful foot tap before putting the power back down that wouldn’t have looked out of place at professional Cyclocross race.

Once the gymkhana was cleared away it was time for the Slieve Croob Hill Challenge to be completed, which is hard enough when the weather is with you, but due to a double booking the sunshine had another event to cover, leaving a decent downpour instead. 

I am certain we will get that resolved for next year. The great thing is that if you only did events when they were dry you wouldn’t be out on the bike too often. 

With both record holders not making it to the event this year we would have a new male and female winner and surely no one would break last year’s record of 15 minutes and two seconds.

As the riders started to arrive the debate started as first, Roger Aiken appeared then Darnell Moore followed by Lindsay Watson with James Curry creating a great discussion on who would win.

Rumours that Aiken demanded the gate at the car park be closed to force everyone to carry their bike are not true as we all know cyclocross doesn’t start until next week.

The riders took off from 2pm in one minute intervals into the depths of the mist to tackle Slieve Croob.

At Dree Hill car park there was a large crowd that would cheer each rider on knowing the final climb up to Slieve Croob would see your heart rate limits reached as the riders would dig deep to reach the finish line. 

As the riders came over the line Darnell Moore from Caldwell Cycles smashed last year’s record and complete the climb in 13 minutes 37seconds. In fact, it was so quick the time keepers had to double check the watches to make sure there wasn’t a mistake. 

Lindsay Watson was next home in a time 14:48 to claim another second place at this event. To complete the podium James Curry appeared out of the mist to miss breaking the 15 minute barrier by five seconds.

The ladies’ competition was won by our own Wannita Broome, who blew away the competition away with a determined ride from start to finish.

Dromara also took second place with young Elizabeth Bradshaw putting in an awesome performance, considering she had never cycled up Slieve Croob before. Eileen McKee completed the podium and her performance commanded complete respect, considering she has only taken up cycling in the last six months.

With everyone finished it was back to the James King bar in Finnis for the prize giving and the BBQ and spot prizes. 

All the prizes were presented by Williev Clarke, deputy chairperson of Newry and Mourne District Council. Many thanks to Phoenix Natural Gas, Mourne Cycles, Powerhouse, Abernethy Fudge, Protamino Nutrition, Dave Kane Cycles, Zak Hanna Massage, Bike 7, Carnebrooke Meats, Karen Flowers and Cafe Velo Magasin for supporting the event with their sponsorship. 

Naturally, the unsung heroes who marshalled/help set up/time kept the event, deserve the most thanks as without them this event wouldn’t happen. I am sure i will miss someone in the thanks, but Dromara CC look forward to welcoming everyone back next year for the Slieve Croob Hill Challenge when I am told it will be 25 degrees and sun will be out all day.