Paths to Peaks 28-Jun-2025

Come on Eileen, Rocking all over the World, Mandinka, where do these guys get their energy from the young DJ wondered as he was constantly asked to roll back the years in Farmers Brown, into the wee small hours on Sunday morning.

What a great way to finish the Paths to Peaks programme after a twelve week training block that culminated in the Orwell’s rocking all over the roads and byways of counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow on Saturday.

The magnificent new Orwell Wheelers colours were on show in strength with over 120 members rolling out ably led by the ride leaders who planned to test the strength and most importantly endurance of all the riders.

Some had a Two Gaps plan were as others headed for West Wicklow and the towns of Manor Kilbride, Blessington, and the aspiring tidy town of Ballymore Eustace. Coffee & Cafe was sipped in Laragh, Hollywood and the quiet little village of Dunlavin.

Apart from putting in big mileage and climbing there is always the lure of winning the photo competition, sure how else would you cover the costs of a tray of baby Guinness, (Did that really happen - “What goes on tour, … and all that”).

Well some great entries were received by Judge Sean Walsh who mulled over them ad nauseam till he crowned the winners in Farmer Browns that evening. Thinking back on it the An Post driver nonchalantly driving into Blessington did not know what hit him when a group of Orwell ladies descended on him looking for a photo, “ No, not of you… of the side of your van please”

What a great day was had by all, leisure cycling at its best, but as we all know these events don’t just happen without the a lot of work and meticulous planning on the first part by all the leaders throughout the months but more specifically the leisure committee but especially on this occasion by Anne Doyle and the maestro himself Sean Walsh.

Chapeau, Chapeau to Anne, & Sean, and DJ any chance of one more song, just one, an oldie for the oldies.

Safe Summer Cycling

CF