Is it any wonder the Carrick lads have always been winning races when they've roads like this to train on? Conor Hennebry is one of the best up and coming riders in the club at present and here, he gives us a very detailed insight into his favourite training ride.
My Favourite spin: Conor Hennebry, U23 international
“My favourite training spin starts just outside Carrick-on-Suir and heads towards Dungarvan, the coast road to Bunmahon, Annestown, Fenor, Mount Congreve, Kilmeaden, Carrolls Cross, Kilmacthomas, Crehana and back to Carrick-on-Suir. lsjf”
“It’s a great spin any time of the year. In summer the views and sea breeze are fantastic and extremely relaxing.
“In the winter it’s a lovely endurance spin with some steep hills to get the heart-rate up.
“From door to door is about 120km and usually takes 4 hours but could take a lot longer if you’re not going well and if the wind is strong on the coast.
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“This route has about 1,308m of elevation gain. “The road I take is a main road for the first 30k towards Dungarvan.
The coast road by Bunmahon is absolutely spectacular, we think you'll agree.
“However, I do my best to find quieter roads and avoid the traffic. There is often a headwind here but the surface is good.
“In summer, if I was on my own, I might stop for a coffee in the heritage building in Bunmahon - weather dependant.
“A large proportion of this route would be used by Carrick Wheelers during the year but they often continue on to Tramore instead of turning at Fenor.
“I like this spin because it has a bit of everything; good surfaced roads, for most of it, some sharp climbs, tough draggy roads and the wind always seems to be against you.
“There is a really tough section of road from Bunmahon to Fenor. It about 12k long with some seriously undulating roads.
“Towards the end of winter, there's often a race to Fenor along this section of road where the rider’s winter training is tested to breaking point.
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“There is a few sharp corners along this route that can catch you out, as they appear rather unexpectedly.
“Once you get past Bunmahon, the road is exposed with no shelter.
Hennebry departs Carrick Wheelers after a breakthrough season and will ride for Aquablue in 2016 (Photo: Dc Images)
“If the wind is blowing it can be a very difficult section. The weather can change dramatically between Carrick-on-Suir and the coast road but it makes for interesting cycling. A little rain never hurt anyone.
“I usually do this spin on my own on a Thursday or Friday as an endurance ride. It’s not a boring route as there is always something to look at along the way and the traffic is usually non-existent from Dungarvan onwards.
“In Orchardstown, I continue straight across the crossroads onto the road for Mount Congreve which is the old Waterford-Kilmeaden road. This road leads onto a very tough hilly road towards Carroll’s Cross with sections of the road touching 15%.
"After this hard section, the road flattens a bit and continues to drag from Kilmacthomas to Carrick-on-Suir. This lumpy section features in the St. Patricks day race in Carrick-on-Suir, so anyone who raced there this year will know how difficult and unrelenting this road is.”
Distance: 120km
Total elevation: 1,308m
Best time: 3 hours 45 minutes (ish)
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