Amateur spins

Missyd

Hi there, I recently purchased my first road bike, a lovely Giant SCR1.5 (woman's).
Anyway, I don't particularly like heading off out on my own at the weekend, so was wondering if anyone would be interested, or perhaps already does, a 1-2 hour cycle of manageable pace? (ie the 20-25k/hr speeds that I'm seeing posted is a bit beyond me still over any decent length of time).
I do a fair amount of spinning in the gym, but want to build up some decent fitness on the bike, and am free most weekends in the am!
Any takers to join me?
Oh, I live in city centre but can drive to meet up somewhere!

ROK ON

Hi. A boards gang meets almost every Saturday. Usually leaving Dundrum at 10am (under the Luas bridge). (But they have been know to leave a little earlier / or later).

I have been on a few spins, and they are well worth while. Very friendly and you learn a huge amount. Would recommend it.

bcmf

they usually involve the hilly parts though.

emty

There will be weekend spins soon enough that won't involve Wicklow.We would usually meet at the pope's cross in the park so keep your eye on here on a Fri/Sat.

blorg

emty wrote: »

There will be weekend spins soon enough that won't involve Wicklow.We would usually meet at the pope's cross in the park so keep your eye on here on a Fri/Sat.

But they go very fast, you just can't win

emty

Not if Hurin comes along :pac:

ROK ON

To the OP.
If you can do an avg of 25k on the flats and 20k over a hilly section then you will be grand.
The folks are easy going and patient.
My advice would be to make sure that you can do say 70k in Wicklow and 70k on the flats. On that basis, you will be able to do 100k with a group.

I suppose that the worry that many newbies have (myself included) is that you will end up holding back stronger cyclists who are maybe training etc.
However I have come to believe (maybe erroneously - if so please advise), that if stronger cyclists were worried about being slowed down by newbies and fatso's then they would not advertise boards spins as being open to all.:)

victorcarrera

I used to go on this one (its flat, nice bunch and should suit your speed).
Here is their ad.
Dunshaughlin / Kilcock / Enfield Sunday Morning Group
A group of us meet up every sunday morning in dunshaughlin / Kilcock & Enfield. The three groups meet in Kilcock to make up a decent size group.

The Dunshaughlin time / meeting place is 8.45 at GAA Grounds on Drumree Rd.

The Kilcock time / meeting place is 9.30 at Ulster Bank, Town Square, Kilcock.

The Enfield time / meeting place is 8.45 at Enfield Train Station car park.
We also pass enfield again at 10.30 to pick up cyclists that are looking to do a shorter spin.
The overall spin is 70 to 100km. We are always looking for more people to come out with us so all you have to do is turn up.

For further details contact

John Ryan 085- 7053742 or johnryan100@gmail.com

Also Sun Morning 10Am Maynooth Square Veterans group.
Also Sun Morning 10Am Dunshaughlin Drumree Rd Veterans group.
I found all above groups very friendly and welcome new members.

I do a 2hr flat spin on my own (most) Sat Morns 9Am South Meath / North Kildare 50Km @25Kph. You are welcome to tag along.

StudentC

Missyd wrote: »

Hi there, I recently purchased my first road bike, a lovely Giant SCR1.5 (woman's).
Anyway, I don't particularly like heading off out on my own at the weekend, so was wondering if anyone would be interested, or perhaps already does, a 1-2 hour cycle of manageable pace? (ie the 20-25k/hr speeds that I'm seeing posted is a bit beyond me still over any decent length of time).
I do a fair amount of spinning in the gym, but want to build up some decent fitness on the bike, and am free most weekends in the am!
Any takers to join me?
Oh, I live in city centre but can drive to meet up somewhere!

Hi Missyd

I'm also new to cycling, and in a similar position to yourself - just starting to build up the distance a bit. I've been thinking about tagging along on a boards spin (as mentioned by others on this thread) but the speeds / distances / hills that the folk on here are doing is a bit intimidating at the moment.

Maybe we could have a Boards sub-group spin - the slow newbies! I'd like to get a few longer weekend spins in with somebody of my own standard before joining up with the main group.

Any of the other newbies out there keen to join in?

Time-wise, I'm not sure yet about this weekend, but the following one would be good.

Lumen

Missyd wrote: »

Oh, I live in city centre but can drive to meet up somewhere!

Having tried this myself for a while (driving from Clonsilla to Dundrum for boards spins), I'd recommend trying to get your distances up to the point where you don't need to.

It feels much more rewarding cycling from your house, and is more time efficient - sitting in traffic on the way to a bike ride is just stupid.

If you live in the city centre, it shouldn't take more than half an hour to reach anywhere.

That said, don't push too hard too soon, and look after your foot.

Vélo

victorcarrera wrote: »

I used to go on this one (its flat, nice bunch and should suit your speed).
Here is their ad.
Dunshaughlin / Kilcock / Enfield Sunday Morning Group
A group of us meet up every sunday morning in dunshaughlin / Kilcock & Enfield. The three groups meet in Kilcock to make up a decent size group.

The Dunshaughlin time / meeting place is 8.45 at GAA Grounds on Drumree Rd.

The Kilcock time / meeting place is 9.30 at Ulster Bank, Town Square, Kilcock.

The Enfield time / meeting place is 8.45 at Enfield Train Station car park.
We also pass enfield again at 10.30 to pick up cyclists that are looking to do a shorter spin.
The overall spin is 70 to 100km. We are always looking for more people to come out with us so all you have to do is turn up.

For further details contact

John Ryan 085- 7053742 or johnryan100@gmail.com

Also Sun Morning 10Am Maynooth Square Veterans group.
Also Sun Morning 10Am Dunshaughlin Drumree Rd Veterans group.
I found all above groups very friendly and welcome new members.

I do a 2hr flat spin on my own (most) Sat Morns 9Am South Meath / North Kildare 50Km @25Kph. You are welcome to tag along.

Victor,

I didn't know you were the same Victor, I used to cycle with you on this one. I had to stop after my wife had another baby as I have to bring my kid hurling on Sunday mornings.

If your on for an afternoon spin on weekends you can let me know.

I was the one on the blue and black Giant bike.

Cheers,


Aquinas

victorcarrera

Aquinas73 wrote: »

I didn't know you were the same Victor.
If your on for an afternoon spin on weekends you can let me know.
I was the one on the blue and black Giant bike.

W/end pm not on really. I race with the vets every Sun am tween now and Sept. Easy spin Sat am suits though. Will PM U later.

keano007

StudentC wrote: »

Hi Missyd

I'm also new to cycling, and in a similar position to yourself - just starting to build up the distance a bit. I've been thinking about tagging along on a boards spin (as mentioned by others on this thread) but the speeds / distances / hills that the folk on here are doing is a bit intimidating at the moment.

Maybe we could have a Boards sub-group spin - the slow newbies! I'd like to get a few longer weekend spins in with somebody of my own standard before joining up with the main group.

Any of the other newbies out there keen to join in?

Time-wise, I'm not sure yet about this weekend, but the following one would be good.

I like the idea of a sub group for beginners to, I'm new to cycling myself and I'm toying with the idea of going on a boards spin with a few weeks, anyway as of yet I'm out on my own with the last few weeks, so if you're looking to get a few out I'd be well up for it, just pm me or post here

littlemsfickle

victorcarrera wrote: »

I used to go on this one (its flat, nice bunch and should suit your speed).
Here is their ad.
Dunshaughlin / Kilcock / Enfield Sunday Morning Group
A group of us meet up every sunday morning in dunshaughlin / Kilcock & Enfield. The three groups meet in Kilcock to make up a decent size group.

The Dunshaughlin time / meeting place is 8.45 at GAA Grounds on Drumree Rd.

The Kilcock time / meeting place is 9.30 at Ulster Bank, Town Square, Kilcock.

The Enfield time / meeting place is 8.45 at Enfield Train Station car park.
We also pass enfield again at 10.30 to pick up cyclists that are looking to do a shorter spin.
The overall spin is 70 to 100km. We are always looking for more people to come out with us so all you have to do is turn up.

For further details contact

John Ryan 085- 7053742 or johnryan100@gmail.com

Eh yeah, this group was a nice bunch alright. Kind of defunct though I'm afraid. I don't think it has meet as a group like that in several months. A conflict of interests...:rolleyes:

Vélo

littlemsfickle wrote: »

victorcarrera wrote: »

I used to go on this one (its flat, nice bunch and should suit your speed).
Here is their ad.
Dunshaughlin / Kilcock / Enfield Sunday Morning Group
A group of us meet up every sunday morning in dunshaughlin / Kilcock & Enfield. The three groups meet in Kilcock to make up a decent size group.

The Dunshaughlin time / meeting place is 8.45 at GAA Grounds on Drumree Rd.

The Kilcock time / meeting place is 9.30 at Ulster Bank, Town Square, Kilcock.

The Enfield time / meeting place is 8.45 at Enfield Train Station car park.
We also pass enfield again at 10.30 to pick up cyclists that are looking to do a shorter spin.
The overall spin is 70 to 100km. We are always looking for more people to come out with us so all you have to do is turn up.

For further details contact

John Ryan 085- 7053742 or johnryan100@gmail.com

Eh yeah, this group was a nice bunch alright. Kind of defunct though I'm afraid. I don't think it has meet as a group like that in several months. A conflict of interests...:rolleyes:

Did you go out with this group also?

StudentC

keano007 wrote: »

I like the idea of a sub group for beginners to, I'm new to cycling myself and I'm toying with the idea of going on a boards spin with a few weeks, anyway as of yet I'm out on my own with the last few weeks, so if you're looking to get a few out I'd be well up for it, just pm me or post here

Keano007

Myself and MissyD (the OP) are thinking of a beginners spin on friday morning maybe - would that suit you? Somewhere southside possibly.

AstraMonti

StudentC wrote: »

Keano007

Myself and MissyD (the OP) are thinking of a beginners spin on friday morning maybe - would that suit you? Somewhere southside possibly.

I could potentialy be up for that, my knee is really playing up on me and i would like a shortish flatish route

littlemsfickle

Aquinas73 wrote: »

littlemsfickle wrote: »

Did you go out with this group also?

Aye, I was the lone female.

fenris

I am up for beginner spins - haven't got the speed or stamina for a "normal" spin yet

Just out of curiousity what speed and distance would you be thinking of?

Missyd

Hey,
current plan is to head out on Friday morning, meeting somewhere in South county dublin/Wicklow border for one-two hours. Re speed, whatever we all find sustainable for two hours!!

We're all amateurs so willing to make concessions on speed and distance!

uberwolf

Missyd wrote: »

We're all amateurs so willing to make concessions on speed and distance!

everyone here is an amateur, don't mind these Freds.

You're a beginner

ROK ON

Missyd wrote: »

Hey,
current plan is to head out on Friday morning, meeting somewhere in South county dublin/Wicklow border for one-two hours. Re speed, whatever we all find sustainable for two hours!!

We're all amateurs so willing to make concessions on speed and distance!

I will be out that direction on Friday morning. Hoping to do abut 5-6hrs, but would be happy to hook up with ye're gang for the 1st 2hrs.

Missyd

That would be great Rok On, you can give us some advice on routes and etiquette and some moral support!
Will post details of meet up point on thu, or if you have suggestions let us know where would be a good start point & possible route!

DBCyc

What about something like this A challenging but worthwhile trip up to the Sally Gap which could be taken at a very manageable pace

When I was starting out I used to did this: http://tinyurl.ie/753. 40km route Rathfarnham to Rathfarnham. Depending on where you start from it would add on a good bit.

Stocking Lane is a bit of a shock if you haven't been up hills before but once you get up to the Viewpoint (with the carpark and possibly with an ice-cream van!) you've done the hard bit.

You can take a break at the Viewpoint, the turnoff for Glencree, Enniskerry (which also has ice-cream!) and then home if you're struggling.

Missyd

DBCyc wrote: »

What about something like this A challenging but worthwhile trip up to the Sally Gap which could be taken at a very manageable pace

Dónal wrote: »

When I was starting out I used to did this: http://tinyurl.ie/753. 40km route Rathfarnham to Rathfarnham. Depending on where you start from it would add on a good bit.

Stocking Lane is a bit of a shock if you haven't been up hills before but once you get up to the Viewpoint (with the carpark and possibly with an ice-cream van!) you've done the hard bit.

You can take a break at the Viewpoint, the turnoff for Glencree, Enniskerry (which also has ice-cream!) and then home if you're struggling.

They both look good, thanks! Think I'd like to avoid heading in towards town if possible though, but if we start around Sandyford either would work, with that extra bit from DBCyc thrown in. Liking (lots) the idea of ice-cream breaks!!

paddyb

I would be up for the easy spin on friday

keano007

StudentC wrote: »

Keano007

Myself and MissyD (the OP) are thinking of a beginners spin on friday morning maybe - would that suit you? Somewhere southside possibly.

Yep Friday morning sounds good guys, I'm living southside myself so meeting in Dundrum or sandyford suits me perfect!

Any final decisions made about times yet? I'm surprised with the take up on Friday morning, suits me though! If we had 5 or 6 it would be a good start to things

dave.obrien

hey, i would definitely be up for this. and, rok on, i might head on with you for a few extra hours too, if you'd like some company. i'm off from college for the week, so an extra few km's in a group would be great!

Captain Ahab

I'd be interested in this too. Would a hybrid be suitable for the spin (have been doing 20 miles a day for work)?

Missyd

Captain Ahab wrote: »

I'd be interested in this too. Would a hybrid be suitable for the spin (have been doing 20 miles a day for work)?

I think a hybrid would be fine. That's what I've been cycling up to the recent upgrade, and don't think the road bike is going to help me go that much faster...it's all in the legs!

Roddy23

I'd be up for this too. Currently cycling about 15miles every day, and would be quite similar to Captain Ahab above, bike wise.

alfalad

I could also be on for this as won't be around on Sat for the normal spin and only have time for a short spin.

Glitterangel76

Hmmmm when you say Amateur spins, how amateur are you talking?

I cycle to work but its maybe 10/15 minutes max...and I've cycled to Howth (but we were a 9mth pregnant lady so it was a very leisurely cycle!) and again to the end of the Sutton bike path from Fairview so I like the idea of the amateur spins...I'm worried I don't cycle enough to keep up....

DirkVoodoo

I am having a gun held to my head here over heading west with the family for the weekend, which would mean no cycling.

If I am around I would love to head out, haven't been on the bike in a few days so a nice relaxed spin would be great.

brayblue24

I wouldn't mind doing this but won't know till tomorrow if I can

StudentC

Seems like we've got a good sized group together!

I'd say all welcome, even the slowest of the slow (like me) - everybody has to start somewhere

9am Friday morning - where suits people to meet?
Joe Daly's in Dundrum?
UCD?(parking if people are driving there)
Any other suggestions?

And then maybe one of the routes suggested above - out towards Wicklow and we see how we get on...

Missyd

Plan for tomorrow:


Time: 8.45 (for 9am start)

Meet: overflow carpark of Westwood Leopardstown.

For anyone not sure where that is - its just off the N11 - Sandyford Road/Newtown Park Avenue. Leopardstown racecourse (westwood is at the back of the stands) and overflow car park is the first one from this direction.

Off M50 - its the Carrickmines/Foxrock exit, head for Foxrock and signposted off the roundabout (I think).

Route http://tinyurl.ie/753

I think this route looks good, although we might avoid the Rathfarnham leg...? Can be decided tomorrow morning.

BTW can someone volunteer to be in charge of directions (read: know where we're going and how we get there!!!)

StudentC

Sounds good.

I can volunteer to print off a map and look at it in the rain until it disintegrates, and then I'll make somehting up

I know the Wicklow roads reasonably well, so if somebody else knows the roads around Leopardstown / Dundrum / Sandyford etc we'll be fine.

brayblue24

The first faller. I'm out.

Enjoy and good luck.

alfalad

So we go down the avenue to the racecourse itself? Know where the racecourse is alright just want to clarify!

blorg

I would suggest a small modification to that route, the other road through Glencree valley is a lot nicer, smaller, more picturesque and less traffic. Personally I tend to prefer it the other way around as well, e.g. heading out to Enniskerry through the scalp, but either works.

EDIT: Also, on your original route there are major roadworks on the big descent (in the direction you had it) into Enniskerry.

Missyd

alfalad wrote: »

So we go down the avenue to the racecourse itself? Know where the racecourse is alright just want to clarify!

Right - according to me - the overflow carpark of Westwood, Leopardstown, is directly behind the wall & ticket boots of the entrance to the racecourse. So you go in the main entrance, up the driveway, take exit for racecourse at the round about, racecourse on your left, golf shop on left, gated entrance to racecourse on left...road widens as you're now in the overflow carpark!!
(You should have a wall of ticket boots on left, barrier and entrance into main car park in front of you, and wall and trees with M50 behind that on your right!)

alfalad

Missyd wrote: »

Right - according to me - the overflow carpark of Westwood, Leopardstown, is directly behind the wall & ticket boots of the entrance to the racecourse. So you go in the main entrance, up the driveway, take exit for racecourse at the round about, racecourse on your left, golf shop on left, gated entrance to racecourse on left...road widens as you're now in the overflow carpark!!
(You should have a wall of ticket boots on left, barrier and entrance into main car park in front of you, and wall and trees with M50 behind that on your right!)

Great thanks, will prob see you there although not a def yet!

AstraMonti

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=53.263339,-6.190753&daddr=&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=15&sll=53.263673,-6.192255&sspn=0.014067,0.045319&ie=UTF8&z=15

Is it there? Or in the back side?

paddyb

what route are you taking from sandyfoard. I will meet you along the way in dundrum/churchtown/rathfarnham area

StudentC

So, changing the route that somebody else suggested to start from Leopardstown, that gives us something like this

with the option to head on to the Sally gap if we're keen, and can avoid the roadworks at Enniskerry easily enough by going over to the N11 if needs be.

Who's in?

StudentC
MissyD
PaddyB
Alfalad?
DirkVoodoo?
Glitterangel?
Roddy23?
Captain Ahab?
Keano007?
Astramonti?
Fenris?
ROK ON?
Dave.obrien?

DirkVoodoo

Any guesses on pace? I am tempted to take my singlespeed if its a short enouh trip.

StudentC

Slow!

I know I only average about 22kph on my commute, so considerably less on any sort of hill.

And given that we'll be a mish-mash group of beginners on different types of bikes etc etc, I'd say we'll be pretty slow overall.

DirkVoodoo

Good stuff, hopefully should be there. I'll be on a Felt singlespeed.