Looking for a cycling club in Dublin?

buffalo

...this feels like I'm posting spam, but it's useful, I swear!

Orwell are starting their winter spins this Sunday, so it's an ideal time if you've been thinking about joining a club, and getting into any particular aspect of cycling. There are groups to suit all levels, and this year we will have designated support for novices - keep an eye out for the riders with yellow armband, they can teach you the basics of up and overs, how not to half-wheel.

For women, there's a course of introductory spins on the six Saturdays starting on 12th October.

http://www.orwellwheelers.org/news-and-events/540-winter-faq.html

I'm here for any questions, or to take any cries of 'Affluence!'.

funkyjebus

A couple of quick questions. Will you still be doing Sunday spins from the Phoenix Park this year and any idea when the first one is on?

Does membership run Nov - Nov. Is Cycling Ireland the same?

seamus

Membership is concurrent with your CI membership, Jan - Dec. Though signing up in November basically means your membership starts from then...

Sunday spins from the park are usually only for the fast group and usually run every second Sunday, afair. The odd time, the other groups will go from the park, but the regular ones are only the fast group. But buffalo can correct me.

funkyjebus

seamus wrote: »

Membership is concurrent with your CI membership, Jan - Dec. Though signing up in November basically means your membership starts from then...

Sunday spins from the park are usually only for the fast group and usually run every second Sunday, afair. The odd time, the other groups will go from the park, but the regular ones are only the fast group. But buffalo can correct me.

So if I want to join from November I'll have to get 2013 CI licence for the last two months? Am I right in saying they don't pro rata the fee.

quozl

funkyjebus wrote: »

Am I right in saying they don't pro rata the fee.

They don't but if it's your first CI license then it's only 15 euro - goes up to 25 euro after that.

buffalo

funkyjebus wrote: »

So if I want to join from November I'll have to get 2013 CI licence for the last two months? Am I right in saying they don't pro rata the fee.

The roster with the Phoenix Park spins will be up by the end of the week hopefully, but this weekend is Dundrum only.

For membership, if you join from 1st November onwards, it will cover the 2014 season.

seamus

funkyjebus wrote: »

So if I want to join from November I'll have to get 2013 CI licence for the last two months? Am I right in saying they don't pro rata the fee.

Just....just don't ask questions, alright?

That's one for the committee. The club insurance will cover you for 3 spins, but going by the FAQ it appears that yes you would need to get CI insurance to cover you till January.

Which is a bit crap I would have thought the club insurance could bridge that gap if someone signs up for 2014.

buffalo

seamus wrote: »

Just....just don't ask questions, alright?

That's one for the committee. The club insurance will cover you for 3 spins, but going by the FAQ it appears that yes you would need to get CI insurance to cover you till January.

Which is a bit crap I would have thought the club insurance could bridge that gap if someone signs up for 2014.

That shouldn't be the case - there's an overlap of the 2013 and 2014 memberships in Nov/Dec 2013, whereby you'll be covered by either year's licence. Your license is valid from the point that you're approved (and get an email from CI stating so), until it expires on 31st Dec. You've sown some doubt in my mind though, so I'll confirm that to be sure, and then add it to the FAQ.

buffalo

buffalo wrote: »

That shouldn't be the case - there's an overlap of the 2013 and 2014 memberships in Nov/Dec 2013, whereby you'll be covered by either year's licence. Your license is valid from the point that you're approved (and get an email from CI stating so), until it expires on 31st Dec. You've sown some doubt in my mind though, so I'll confirm that to be sure, and then add it to the FAQ.

Confirmed - if you've got a 2013 licence, you're covered until 31 Dec 2013.

When you take out a 2014 licence, you're covered from whenever it's approved (possibly 1 Nov 2013) until 31 Dec 2014.

edit: And thanks for pointing out it's not clear, I'll try re-word it.

Blowfish

buffalo wrote: »

Confirmed - if you've got a 2013 licence, you're covered until 31 Dec 2013.

When you take out a 2014 licence, you're covered from whenever it's approved (possibly 1 Nov 2013) until 31 Dec 2014.

edit: And thanks for pointing out it's not clear, I'll try re-word it.

That'd actually a bit annoying too. I'm planning on heading out on Sun, which means I'll be covered for 3 trial spins, but would then need to skip a week before I'm covered again from 1st Nov.

quozl

Blowfish wrote: »

That'd actually a bit annoying too. I'm planning on heading out on Sun, which means I'll be covered for 3 trial spins, but would then need to skip a week before I'm covered again from 1st Nov.

Look on the bright side. Maybe you'll hate Orwell and then you'll actually have 2 trial spins left

buffalo

Blowfish wrote: »

That'd actually a bit annoying too. I'm planning on heading out on Sun, which means I'll be covered for 3 trial spins, but would then need to skip a week before I'm covered again from 1st Nov.

Treat yourself to a lie-in!

Blowfish

buffalo wrote: »

Treat yourself to a lie-in!

pfft, I'm not joining the wimp list that early.

Doesn't matter too much though, will probably just head to the Nicolas Roche Classic and skip the spin the day after.

buffalo

A taster of what we have planned for the next while, and the 2014 season: http://www.orwellwheelers.org/forum/8-miscellaneous-club-chatter/4120-dates-for-the-diary.html#5506

godtabh

I started off doing this last year.

I have to say it was the best thing I did cycling related. I learned how to cycle in a group and gradually picked up speed and distance and learned some nice routes.

If you are interested in cycling and are local you would be mad not to join up. Some great people out there volunteering their time. I know that DG isnt around this year but there was a good group of people helping last year who I am sure will be around this year.

Unfortunately due to college/family I wont be out this year (well maybe once or twice!). I'll miss my sunday morning scone/coffee!

buffalo

godtabh wrote: »

If you are interested in cycling and are local you would be mad not to join up. Some great people out there volunteering their time. I know that DG isnt around this year but there was a good group of people helping last year who I am sure will be around this year.

DG isn't around in an official capacity any more, but he hasn't gone far! And he's trained a team of volunteers to take his place - because no one person could replace him!

seamus

If you are a beginner and thinking about going out some weekend but aren't sure about just turning up on your own, chances are on any given weekend someone from here will be leading a beginners' group. So post up to find a friendly face

godtabh

I think I've meet Buffalo but are/where you a regular as well Seamus?

godtabh

LAst years list

seamus

godtabh wrote: »

I think I've meet Buffalo but are/where you a regular as well Seamus?

Last year not so much, my daughter was born in October so I got out I think 4 times all winter. Even the thought of getting out of bed at 8am after only getting to sleep at 5am still gives me the chills.
Thankfully our sleep is more predictable now, so I plan on being out a lot.

rollingscone

I really need to bite the bullet and join a club too. Orwell sounds tempting, won't be able to make the next two sundays though.

buffalo

rollingscone wrote: »

I really need to bite the bullet and join a club too. Orwell sounds tempting, won't be able to make the next two sundays though.

Don't worry, you can jump in any time over the winter.

quozl

Thanks a lot for the spin today. It was very enjoyable.

A truly shocking number of people there. I heard there were 50 signups from people who'd never been out with the club before and there might have been double that number of regulars.

flatface

quozl wrote: »

Thanks a lot for the spin today. It was very enjoyable.

A truly shocking number of people there. I heard there were 50 signups from people who'd never been out with the club before and there might have been double that number of regulars.

Yep good spin today. Lots of fellow first timers and enjoyed the group I was in. Will go back for more.

Kurtosis

Can I just check, as a newbie to club cycling is it just a case of turning up to Joe Daly's for 9 in the morning to go on a trial spin?

buffalo

penguin88 wrote: »

Can I just check, as a newbie to club cycling is it just a case of turning up to Joe Daly's for 9 in the morning to go on a trial spin?

Have a read through the FAQ from the first post, and the linked pages about club spins and etiquette. You just need to sign on before the spin for the trial, and find one of the lads with armbands - they'll give you all the pointers for group riding.

Kurtosis

buffalo wrote: »

Have a read through the FAQ from the first post, and the linked pages about club spins and etiquette. You just need to sign on before the spin for the trial, and find one of the lads with armbands - they'll give you all the pointers for group riding.

Brilliant, thanks very much buffalo.

buffalo

Did you make it this morning penguin? How'd you find it?

Blowfish

buffalo wrote: »

Did you make it this morning penguin? How'd you find it?

He did indeed. Well, either that or someone was claiming his username.

buffalo

Blowfish wrote: »

He did indeed. Well, either that or someone was claiming his username.

Good stuff. How were the spins for everyone?

I spotted two boards jerseys, but I'm afraid I was little the worse for wear, and not feeling the most sociable. Next week!

Kurtosis

Yeh I made it out thanks buffalo, no imposters! Really enjoyed the spin, was in a nice little group which took in a couple of extra hills towards the end. Will definitely be out again!

Blowfish

buffalo wrote: »

Good stuff. How were the spins for everyone?

Spin was grand, friendly bunch out there, though I think a good few of us from the group were a little too strong for some of the others so will be joining the Yellow group next time.

buffalo wrote: »

I spotted two boards jerseys, but I'm afraid I was little the worse for wear, and not feeling the most sociable. Next week!

One of the pink ones would have been me, though spotted another pink one and a green one at the coffee shop.

quozl

I'd a green boards jersey on.

Had another very pleasant sociable spin and a top quality rice crispie square with Orwell today. Did 45k with the white group then headed to Wicklow to get some hills in on my own. Feeling pleasantly wrecked now :-)

buffalo

Nice to meet quozl and seamus today, and then get dropped by Hmmzis heading down the Embankment, right after he complained about not being able to descend!

Blowfish

buffalo wrote: »

Nice to meet quozl and seamus today, and then get dropped by Hmmzis heading down the Embankment, right after he complained about not being able to descend!

Ah, were you on that spin too? I was there in the red DHB top and Focus bike.

buffalo

Blowfish wrote: »

Ah, were you on that spin too? I was there in the red DHB top and Focus bike.

I was only there at the top of Embankment. Think I was riding with people from four different groups throughout the morning.

twinges in the hinges

I was dropped by a yellow group today who disappeared into the distance! Had to find my own way home - very disappointing! My pace was my issue but in over 25 years in another sport where I and others have taken beginners and improvers we always always looked after the weakest in the group. Some issues for OW to resolve I think.

buffalo

twinges in the hinges wrote: »

I was dropped by a yellow group today who disappeared into the distance! Had to find my own way home - very disappointing! My pace was my issue but in over 25 years in another sport where I and others have taken beginners and improvers we always always looked after the weakest in the group. Some issues for OW to resolve I think.

Sorry to hear that twinges. I think you've been in touch with the club sec, so we'll see if we can figure out where it all went wrong and avoid the same in future.

Lumen

buffalo wrote: »

Sorry to hear that twinges. I think you've been in touch with the club sec, so we'll see if we can figure out where it all went wrong and avoid the same in future.

Putting aside the specifics, can you clarify what the club policy is? (if any non-Orwell people want to chip in with their club rules that would be interesting too).

My understanding is:

1. If you're in the lowest group (white?) you should expect to be taken care of (i.e. not left on your own except by consent).

2. If you're in any higher group you have a responsibility to pick a group you're able for, and if you get dropped you make your own way home. It's County Wicklow not the Mekong Delta.

3. Leaders should nonetheless make efforts to stick to the target average speed limits and counter the winter warriors lining it out 'cos they've finally found some form.

Someone being too slow for a group causes serious problems for everyone else, like hypothermia induced by freewheeling for 50km.

buffalo

Lumen wrote: »

Putting aside the specifics, can you clarify what the club policy is? (if any non-Orwell people want to chip in with their club rules that would be interesting too).

My understanding is:

1. If you're in the lowest group (white?) you should expect to be taken care of (i.e. not left on your own except by consent).

2. If you're in any higher group you have a responsibility to pick a group you're able for, and if you get dropped you make your own way home. It's County Wicklow not the Mekong Delta.

3. Leaders should nonetheless make efforts to stick to the target average speed limits and counter the winter warriors lining it out 'cos they've finally found some form.

Someone being too slow for a group causes serious problems for everyone else, like hypothermia induced by freewheeling for 50km.

Leaving aside twinges' case, generally speaking:

1. Correct. We have dedicated volunteers (separate from the group leaders, who are there to set the pace and give route directions) who will help any slower riders around and get them home (perhaps without completing the spin). They're there every week for the White spins.

2. Also correct. For bigger climbs (like the Embankment), the bunch will usually pause at the top to regroup, or roll along gently if nobody's /really/ struggling - similar to when someone punctures. But like a puncture, the rider who's in danger of being left behind needs to call out. If you puncture out the back of a group and say nothing, it's nigh impossible for a spin leader (who's usually somewhere near the front) to know you've been left behind. Generally the groups will wait for someone who's slightly slower, but if someone is being constantly dropped, it starts to affect the entire spin - see #3 below.

Ideally we would have a broomwagon rider with every group, but we don't really have the manpower to assign more than one leader to a group with the numbers coming out at the moment. Each of those riders is giving up their Sunday morning to help out, and the club will only ask members to give up so many mornings. I think it's two as standard, but people will often help out for a couple more spins, or to cover clubmates. Ideally you want a group to be max. 12 people - yesterday we had 2/3 Orange, 2 Yellow and 4 White.

3. That's the main role of the spin leaders - keeping the pace steady. We had problems in the Orange group (which doesn't have any designated leaders) going too fast in the opening week, and we try to ensure this doesn't happen in Yellow or White.

If the pace is too high, let the spin leader know, but she/he has to take the group into consideration. If you've maybe moved up too soon, or are having an off-day, there's always a slower group behind. Likewise, if you're finding the pace too slow, you're free to clip off and see if you can catch someone ahead, or join in with a punctured group from a faster spin.

Raam

If some cycling club was kind enough to allow me, as a presumed noob, to cycle with them whilst they give up their free time on a Sunday, I wouldn't be on the internet straight away giving out about them. If you have a grievance, air it to them privately only and see where that takes you first.

Hmmzis

buffalo wrote: »

Nice to meet quozl and seamus today, and then get dropped by Hmmzis heading down the Embankment, right after he complained about not being able to descend!

Thanks for the company.
Btw. what happened? At the beginning you were there and then a few minutes later you were gone. Didn't mean to drop you, hence the lack of pedalling.

Regarding the fear, it's still there and even on a wide road like N81 at the embankment I felt bit iffy in the corners. Thankfully there is still the whole winter ahead to fix that.

Green&Red

Where did you go Hmmzis, half of our group seemed to go missing before the coffee stop in Blessington?

joker77

twinges in the hinges wrote: »

I was dropped by a yellow group today who disappeared into the distance! Had to find my own way home - very disappointing! My pace was my issue but in over 25 years in another sport where I and others have taken beginners and improvers we always always looked after the weakest in the group. Some issues for OW to resolve I think.

I’m not sure how this happened yesterday – myself and another rider were leading a yellow group – one near the front to direct and one near the back to make sure nobody got dropped. We took turns with each of those roles. 

Whereabouts were you dropped? 

As a beginner – why did you opt to go with a yellow group and not white? 

Did you call for assistance when getting dropped? (seems odd that the last man didn't spot this)

We hit a puncture midway way up the Embankment – the other leader stopped with the guy (a first year junior) and his Dad, I continued on with the group to get to the safe spot up the top to pull in. Once there, I went back down to make sure they were ok, the 4 of us made our way back to the group and we all went to head off again. Immediately the same wheel punctured, so the group continued while I fixed it – there were more Orwell from a white group there also (the groups were mixing at this stage). When finished, myself and another rider paced the guy and his son up to a white group, and we went on with them safely to Blessington. I rejoined the original yellow group there – so we had 2 leaders again and our full complement of riders that we started with.

From Blessington – we went to Rathcoole and home, people were going their separate ways from Tallaght onwards but one or two weren’t sure of the way home so I led the remnants of the group (about 5 riders) back to the shop in Dundrum. They thanked me for taking care of them and showing them a good spin – I’d thought everyone was happy with the spin as there was nobody hammering it and the times there were one or two struggling on the hills we made sure they were back safely with the group after. 

After giving up the Sunday morning to go out and do this, as RAAM says, it’s a little disappointing to have thought you’d done a good job to get told about this thread.

buffalo

Hmmzis wrote: »

Thanks for the company.
Btw. what happened? At the beginning you were there and then a few minutes later you were gone. Didn't mean to drop you, hence the lack of pedalling.

Regarding the fear, it's still there and even on a wide road like N81 at the embankment I felt bit iffy in the corners. Thankfully there is the whole winter still ahead to fiz that.

I was about 50m behind you, you just went away from me. Tried to catch you for a while at the bottom, but got caught out by those lights halfway through that awful chicane with the concrete bollards.

quozl

joker77 wrote: »

From Blessington – we went to Rathcoole and home, people were going their separate ways from Tallaght onwards but one or two weren’t sure of the way home so I led the remnants of the group (about 5 riders) back to the shop in Dundrum. They thanked me for taking care of them and showing them a good spin – I’d thought everyone was happy with the spin as there was nobody hammering it and the times there were one or two struggling on the hills we made sure they were back safely with the group after. 

I was one of those 5 you showed the way back to. Thanks for that.

Our yellow group was excellently chaperoned. It was good craic and there was someone minding us all the time. The only time I felt at all uncomfortable was when Buffalo asked me if I wanted to try his jacket on.

I hope that your experience doesn't put you off Twinges - it seems to have been an unfortunate but rare aberration based on the lack of other similar stories over the last few weeks.

Hmmzis

Green&Red wrote: »

Where did you go Hmmzis, half of our group seemed to go missing before the coffee stop in Blessington?

A few of us went back to check up on the guy who punctured, then at the stop a few of us decided to press on for home. Some went around the lakes, me and buffalo went along the N81.

Blowfish

joker77 wrote: »

We hit a puncture midway way up the Embankment – the other leader stopped with the guy (a first year junior) and his Dad, I continued on with the group to get to the safe spot up the top to pull in. Once there, I went back down to make sure they were ok, the 4 of us made our way back to the group and we all went to head off again. Immediately the same wheel punctured, so the group continued while I fixed it – there were more Orwell from a white group there also (the groups were mixing at this stage).

I was in that same group and I think that's about the only thing that could have caused a bit of confusion or people being left behind. Both yourself and niceonetom? were marshalling it fine, but going up the embankment we ended up overtaking a few who had fallen off the back of a white group. When we pulled in at the top to wait for the puncture group, the whites we had overtaken pulled in and tagged onto the back of our group. Given the 2 leaders were helping out with the puncture, when they tagged on and counted numbers, there would have been more than started out so it would have been difficult to tell if anyone else from the original group had fallen back.

joker77 wrote:

From Blessington – we went to Rathcoole and home, people were going their separate ways from Tallaght onwards but one or two weren’t sure of the way home so I led the remnants of the group (about 5 riders) back to the shop in Dundrum. They thanked me for taking care of them and showing them a good spin

I was one of those 5 too and it was much appreciated. I grew up in and around Dun Laoghaire so have always ended up coming home from the East side of the hills rather than from Tallaght/Blessington direction.

backinexile

I was in the same group as joker77 quozl and the rest.

Can't speak highly enough of the two leaders.

There was a rider on the back who I realise now was joker77 who was looking after us and another the middle of the group organising us and directing us for up and over's and so on.

I hope this experience won't put you off twinges in the hinges or anyone else who is looking to join a club

funkyjebus

Looking to join Orwell and have printed the application form. Do I just post it off with a cheque and if so where do I post it to?

Can't see it mentioned on the website.

buffalo

funkyjebus wrote: »

Looking to join Orwell and have printed the application form. Do I just post it off with a cheque and if so where do I post it to?

Can't see it mentioned on the website.

The application form is for 2013. For 2014 it'll all be online, and details will be released veeeerrrry shortly! Watch this space!