Non Club associated cycling groups

richieg

Just wondering if there is anywhere that lists cycling groups that are more about a weekend spin at moderate pace rather than cycling clubs (more focused on training & racing)?

Looking for something around Galway

Is there anywhere you can find small groups doing this

couerdelion

richieg wrote: »

Just wondering if there is anywhere that lists cycling groups that are more about a weekend spin at moderate pace rather than cycling clubs (more focused on training & racing)?

Looking for something around Galway

Is there anywhere you can find small groups doing this

Don't rule out cycling clubs because you think they are race/training focused. Plenty have what they call beginner (or leisure) groups too which are more focused on the social side or getting people up to an ability where they can move onto other groups if they want. Our beginners group do 30-50km and avg about 25km/h so nothing mental but we're Dublin based so not much use to you.

PeadarCo

couerdelion wrote: »

Don't rule out cycling clubs because you think they are race/training focused. Plenty have what they call beginner (or leisure) groups too which are more focused on the social side or getting people up to an ability where they can move onto other groups if they want. Our beginners group avg about 25km so nothing mental but we're Dublin based so not much use to you.

I'd strongly agree. Most cycling clubs especially the bigger ones will have a mixture of racers and leisure cyclists. You can look at the club website or email/phone the contact person if you're unsure.

http://cyclingireland.ie/getdoc/4558313d-75c7-41cb-b1e4-fdfa0452347e/default.aspx

Also most of the cyclists in Ireland are leisure cyclists I think there was about 3000 race licences given out so far(Someone can correct me). In comparison somewhere in the region of 10,000 people do the Ring of Kerry at the beginning of July. So I wouldn't be put off joining a club.

Brad768

Check out West Coast Wheelers. I've only been cycling since around December and felt fine pace wise. They leave at 9.00AM at Kingfisher NUIG every Sunday. Although there will be a very small number next week because of the open race which is happening in Loughrea. We averaged 24kph over 60km today. On my own I only average around 21/22kph over that certain distance.

richieg

Thanks brad. Are there many in your group and do all groups roll out together no matter what ability?
What route do you take?

Brad768

richieg wrote: »

Thanks brad. Are there many in your group and do all groups roll out together no matter what ability?
What route do you take?

This was my first time this weekend and there was around 20 that turned up. I don't think that's out of the ordinary numbers wise on a good dry day.

Yes we were all 1 group until we got to Craughwell when the people who wanted to do the longer route carried on while we took a break at the petrol station and went back. When we split, there was still around 8 of us though so it's not like you'll be going back on your own

The route we took today was this: http://www.strava.com/activities/41223515

richieg

Good to see some of the routes are out the east side of Galway. Would suit me nicely.
How did you find the first spin?

Brad768

Yeah just by looking over some of the previous facebook announcements about sunday rides, they seem to go east quite alot.

It was easier than I expected (although far from mastering riding in a group). I wasn't nervous about bike handling and riding in close proximity as I've been on bikes pretty much my whole life. I was more worried about pace and keeping it up after distance but I soon realised how much easier it is riding in group. Overall I was pretty pleased with how it went and will definitely be looking into getting membership.
How far are you cycling at the moment?

richieg

Generally get 1 spin every weekend but sometimes 2. Try to do 50-60km for the spin and a little on a trainer during the week time permitting.

Brad768

Ah you will be well able then. The longest ride I did before this was 55km of hell with torrential rain and scarily strong crosswinds around 3 weeks ago. I usually do around 40km at around 22kmh at the weekends but I'm trying to build this by around 5km or so every week. You should be completely fine