After a fast-paced Rás an Laois on Easter Sunday, it was time to get some quality training in at the annual Deenside Wheelers Ladies Sportive on Monday.

Deenside Wheelers

A great turnout of over 70 ladies made their way to a sunny Castlecomer, with the majority of them opting for the longer of the two routes on offer (50 km or 70 km).

Everyone set off together, but smaller groups formed along the way as riders settled in to their own pace.

By the time they had reached the halfway food stop in Durrow, talk was turning to the popular and challenging climb which lay ahead after Ballyragget.

After that, it was downhill all the way back to a fabulous spread at the headquarters in Castlecomer.

Thanks to Deenside Wheelers for putting on such a safe and enjoyable event, which was also used to help raise funds for aiséirí (recovery from addiction).