Cycling clubs

laura2006

Hi folks looking for a bit of advice on joining a cycling club would you recommend joining one?Its just me and my friend hitting the roads at the minute. We are only about 30km in so newbies really.Should we wait until we reach a certain distance to join?
Thanks

Fian

I am quite curious about this as well tbh.

I do a roughly 80km cycle every weekend, if I get a chance I might go for a second (probably shorter) one too. Normally Sally gap - Laragh - home to Dundrum via Enniskerry.

I normally have a pair of headphones in my ears and I am happy enough to head out alone. However if there is a headwind in particular I do think about how nice it would be to be in a group, would also be nice when stopping for coffee/food in laragh and just from the social aspect of things. Aside of course from learning group riding skills, though tbh I have no real ambitions towards racing and enjoy going at my own pace.

The big deterrent from joining a club is the loss in flexibility.

I have four kids who each have several sports on the go, so getting out for a cycle normally involves identifying a window between or after matches on Saturday or Sunday and grabbing it. If I need to get back for another match in the afternoon/evening (basketball is often played after 5pm) I might take a shorter route to make sure I am back on time.

So basically I can't commit to heading out at a fixed time every weekend and if I went on club spins at all it would only be very occassionally.

Given all that would anyone think it would still be worth my while to join a club? I suspect not but I would be interested to hear any advantages I might be unaware of.

My youngest child is going to give up Soccer in the new year, which would mean that every second Sunday morning would be free (currently he has football one sunday and soccer the next), so that might change to dynamic, though I think the kids expect to colonise that new free time with more frequest games of pitch and putt.

Anyway - are there advantages to joining a club even if you can't make club spins? Anyone else in that situation who thinks it is still worthwhile to be a member?

laura2006

We are currently trying to master the Sally gap at present up to about 80km a week aswell.Like yourself I dont know how flexible clubs are but as you say the social aspect would be good.

nilhg

Most clubs will allow prospective members to go on 3 spins (you'll usually have to sign in for insurance purposes) before they have to commit and join, I'd suggest both the OP and Fian contact their local clubs and ask about this, all the advice you'll get here won't be as useful to you as the actual experience of doing one or two club spins, it may or may not work out but at least you'll know how it went for you.

In general it'll be easier to go faster/ride further but there is a bit of a learning curve to the etiquette of riding in groups so be ready for a little gentle instruction.

laura2006

Thanks nilhg just need to find clubs in my area now.

Lusk_Doyle

laura2006 wrote: »

Thanks nilhg just need to find clubs in my area now.

Where do you live? We can help you!

paulgs

Fian wrote: »

I am quite curious about this as well tbh.

I do a roughly 80km cycle every weekend, if I get a chance I might go for a second (probably shorter) one too. Normally Sally gap - Laragh - home to Dundrum via Enniskerry.

I normally have a pair of headphones in my ears and I am happy enough to head out alone. However if there is a headwind in particular I do think about how nice it would be to be in a group, would also be nice when stopping for coffee/food in laragh and just from the social aspect of things. Aside of course from learning group riding skills, though tbh I have no real ambitions towards racing and enjoy going at my own pace.

The big deterrent from joining a club is the loss in flexibility.

I have four kids who each have several sports on the go, so getting out for a cycle normally involves identifying a window between or after matches on Saturday or Sunday and grabbing it. If I need to get back for another match in the afternoon/evening (basketball is often played after 5pm) I might take a shorter route to make sure I am back on time.

So basically I can't commit to heading out at a fixed time every weekend and if I went on club spins at all it would only be very occassionally.

Given all that would anyone think it would still be worth my while to join a club? I suspect not but I would be interested to hear any advantages I might be unaware of.

My youngest child is going to give up Soccer in the new year, which would mean that every second Sunday morning would be free (currently he has football one sunday and soccer the next), so that might change to dynamic, though I think the kids expect to colonise that new free time with more frequest games of pitch and putt.

Anyway - are there advantages to joining a club even if you can't make club spins? Anyone else in that situation who thinks it is still worthwhile to be a member?

I have the same situation as you kids activities, family commitments my wife and I try to get out 3 times a weeK her to the gym and me on the bike we mainly just try and fit in with everything else, but the main reason I took up the road cycling and gave up my aspirations to take up MTB again was that I can walk out my front door and off you go. I also have the same thoughts on going out with a group that I might up the average speed and increase the distance I do but I guess I am happy enough competing with myself for the moment.

onimpulse

I would definitely recommend joining a club. Most clubs now due to the growth in the sport have a race and a leisure section as well as beginner spins so you'll be well catered for as you begin and as you progress.

I really couldn't recommend joining a club strongly enough, I wouldn't worry about flexibility, once you join you'll find others who are on similar timetables so you'll never be on your own for a spin (unless you choose to be).

Where are you based and someone here will recommend a good club locally for you?

laura2006

Im in blessington

Zyzz

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Where do you live? We can help you!

Don't fall for his trap, next thing you know you'll be competing in the nats!!!

Rua_ri

laura2006 wrote: »

Im in blessington

Reservoir coggs is your local club. Naas cycling club is close to you too. They cater for beginners and ladies groups. All relevant info is on their Facebook page.

laura2006

Rua_ri wrote: »

Reservoir coggs is your local club. Naas cycling club is close to you too. They cater for beginners and ladies groups. All relevant info is on their Facebook page.

Cheers appreciate that will look into both !

Lusk_Doyle

laura2006 wrote: »

Cheers appreciate that will look into both !

Laura, twenty past six is an ungodly time to be on the internet. You should be out on your bike at that time if you are up!

Sr. Assumpta

laura2006 wrote: »

Cheers appreciate that will look into both !

Hi Laura2006,

Naas CC (I'm not a member) have a well established women's section http://naascyclingclub.com/ncc/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=59&Itemid=162

Can I also direct you to the website of The Women's Commission of Cycling Ireland http://womenscycling.ie/ .... here you will find useful information to help you improve your cycling experience (well, that's the general idea anyhow!), as well as details of up-coming events that might interest you.

laura2006

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Laura, twenty past six is an ungodly time to be on the internet. You should be out on your bike at that time if you are up!

Totally agree and wish I was but unfortunately with a 7year old sound asleep its not possible

laura2006

Assumpta,
Thats great thanks you so much.Would I be right in saying this is cycling season?? So I think I might wait till September time to join when everyone starts to slow down.It will give me and my friend a chance to increase our speed and distance.

Lusk_Doyle

laura2006 wrote: »

Assumpta,
Thats great thanks you so much.Would I be right in saying this is cycling season?? So I think I might wait till September time to join when everyone starts to slow down.It will give me and my friend a chance to increase our speed and distance.

Ah...procrastination! I think Hamlet said something about that.

Don't wait. Get out and do it now. What reason have you not to? there is ALWAYS somebody at your level and worse. The only way to improve is to ride with other stronger riders. Don't be afraid of it.

BTW, cycling season runs all year round. In the winter we have Cyclocross (which is off road stuff and is muddy). Road racers and leisure cyclists alike all use winter to keep the training going. Don't wait for everybody else to slow down because that will not happen.

laura2006

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Ah...procrastination! I think Hamlet said something about that.

Don't wait. Get out and do it now. What reason have you not to? there is ALWAYS somebody at your level and worse. The only way to improve is to ride with other stronger riders. Don't be afraid of it.

BTW, cycling season runs all year round. In the winter we have Cyclocross (which is off road stuff and is muddy). Road racers and leisure cyclists alike all use winter to keep the training going. Don't wait for everybody else to slow down because that will not happen.

Haha you have my cards marked dont ya ! Ill get in touch with Naas cc today and see do they have anybody at our level its doubtful though.

loinnsigh

If you're based in Blessington Reservoir Cogs is the handiest club for you. There are spins suitable for all levels. The Beginner group (called the 'Nice Guy Eddie' group) would be perfect for you.
8.30 Sunday morning, meet at Dunnes and see how you get on. Or call into Tom's Bike Shop and he'll give you more info about the club.

magicbastarder

is there any central 'register' of clubs so it's easy to find one near you?

kuro_man

Reservoir Cogs run an intro into club cycling every September. It runs for 8 weeks, and teaches you to ride in a group with emphasis on technique, not speed or distance. Friendly, inclusive atmosphere guaranteed.

Lusk_Doyle

laura2006 wrote: »

Haha you have my cards marked dont ya ! Ill get in touch with Naas cc today and see do they have anybody at our level its doubtful though.

Trust me on this one. The above in bold print does not matter and should not matter to you. It would be a terrible reason to not try it out.

Lusk_Doyle

magicbastarder wrote: »

is there any central 'register' of clubs so it's easy to find one near you?

http://www.cyclingireland.ie/page/membership/clubs/club-locator

quozl

That may place cycling clubs based on the contact address given? I'm guessing that based on exactly where some of them are located.

There's no Orwell Wheelers in Dundrum for example - not that I can find Orwell anywhere else on it.

Posting up here and asking for advice on clubs in your area is a good approach too.

laura2006

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Trust me on this one. The above in bold print does not matter and should not matter to you. It would be a terrible reason to not try it out.

True im gonna get in contact today and go from there.Is it hard to learn to cycle in a group?

laura2006

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Trust me on this one. The above in bold print does not matter and should not matter to you. It would be a terrible reason to not try it out.

True im gonna get in contact today and go from there.Is it hard to learn to cycle in a group?

quozl

laura2006 wrote: »

Is it hard to learn to cycle in a group?

No.

I did find it a bit tense at first but that passes quickly enough.

laura2006

quozl wrote: »

No.

I did find it a bit tense at first but that passes quickly enough.

Ah ok I just dont want to hold the group up or anything.Suppose everyone has to learn at some stage

magicbastarder

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

http://www.cyclingireland.ie/page/membership/clubs/club-locator

hmm. the one nearest me seems to be the dublin fire brigade club. not open to the general public, i'd assume.

daragh_

That map seems to be based on the address of whoever in the Club registered with Cycling Ireland. Not the best tool to find Clubs IMHO.

For example my club, St. Tiernan's, is marked as being in the City Centre, when in fact we generally run our spins from Dundrum.

eeeee

That map isn't great. My club isn't even on it and it is CI registered. I think? (Sundrive?). Magicbastarder where are you based?

Oh and Laura2006, learning to ride in a group is easy once you do it, and you have done some research so forewarned is forearmed as they say! I have only started in a club this year and it is a track club so I can't really advise what a road club is like, nor do I have massive experience of clubs in general. But I can say for definite that being in a club is great, really friendly and social and it brings you on so much being in a group.

magicbastarder

north glasnevin/south ballymun (depends on who you're asking).

eeeee

Well Dublin Wheelers meet at Santry, that might be one:
http://www.dublinwheelers.com/news.php

and there's one out of the Phoenix Park as well, I think they're called Park Wheelers?

Or Blanchardstown:
https://www.facebook.com/BlanchWheeliesCC

Or just see which kit you like the look of the most

kuro_man

kuro_man wrote: »

Reservoir Cogs run an intro into club cycling every September. It runs for 8 weeks, and teaches you to ride in a group with emphasis on technique, not speed or distance. Friendly, inclusive atmosphere guaranteed.

Update: starting date is 21 Sept. I will put up a separate thread later.

TonyStark

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Trust me on this one. The above in bold print does not matter and should not matter to you. It would be a terrible reason to not try it out.

Doesn't get easier, you just get faster. :-)

Member of Naas myself since Feb. There are all sorts of levels available. Would recommend the Failte spin.... Starts at a very gentle level and from there you can move to whatever group you feel comfortable with. Distance is moderate enough, focus is on group riding basics.

TonyStark

laura2006 wrote: »

Ah ok I just dont want to hold the group up or anything.Suppose everyone has to learn at some stage

From what you've said and the kind of spins you've been doing you should be grand.

laura2006

TonyStark wrote: »

Doesn't get easier, you just get faster. :-)

Member of Naas myself since Feb. There are all sorts of levels available. Would recommend the Failte spin.... Starts at a very gentle level and from there you can move to whatever group you feel comfortable with. Distance is moderate enough, focus is on group riding basics.

Thats the plan to get faster ! Heading out to get a new bike this weekend aswell.I think we are going to look into Naas cc as it has a ladies section.My main thing with a cc is to learn to group ride.

TonyStark

laura2006 wrote: »

Thats the plan to get faster ! Heading out to get a new bike this weekend aswell.I think we are going to look into Naas cc as it has a ladies section.My main thing with a cc is to learn to group ride.

Well here are the details if you are interested:

Naas CC Fáilte Spin Poster

BenEadir

Hi all,

Ex runner here new to cycling due to a knackered knee.

Just got a road bike and looking forward to building up some stamina. Did Stillorgan to Enniskerry and back for my first spin. 22km's in about an hour so that's my starting point.

I'd like to join a club in due course when I have a bit of endurance in my legs (and ar$e) so I don't embarrass myself!!

Two questions if I'm not hi-jacking the thread:-

1. What club should I be looking to join? I live in Stillorgan so Orwell Wheelers sound ideal as Joe Daly's is only 5 minutes away from me but are they right for a 45 year old looking to do fairly relaxed spins between 1-3 hours?

2. Is there a database of popular bike friendly routes I can search by starting point and distance? I'd like to try a spin out to Howth tomorrow which Google Maps says is a 52km round trip that will take just under three hours but it's routing me in the Rock Road, through Merrion Square, over the river by the IFSC and out through Fairview etc but that doesn't look like the most bike friendly route possible. Can anyone who has done Southside to Howth and back recommend a more bike suitable route or link me to one?

Cheers,

Ben

seamus

BenThere wrote: »

1. What club should I be looking to join? I live in Stillorgan so Orwell Wheelers sound ideal as Joe Daly's is only 5 minutes away from me but are they right for a 45 year old looking to do fairly relaxed spins between 1-3 hours?

Orwell will work for you, in September they start their clubs spins again which have four levels of difficulty ranging from absolute beginner to race training. The beginner level (and the one above it) are very relaxed spins lasting 2-4 hours and usually involve a stop for coffee and a bun.
http://www.orwellwheelers.org/membership-2/club-spins

But most clubs do this, it's not something that only Orwell do.

BenEadir

seamus wrote: »

Orwell will work for you, in September they start their clubs spins again which have four levels of difficulty ranging from absolute beginner to race training. The beginner level (and the one above it) are very relaxed spins lasting 2-4 hours and usually involve a stop for coffee and a bun.
http://www.orwellwheelers.org/membership-2/club-spins

But most clubs do this, it's not something that only Orwell do.

That's perfect for me Seamus. Getting up to 60km between now and the start of September is a perfect goal for me to set so I can then join the white or yellow group and go from there.

One other thing if you don't mind. Is winter cycling just a matter of changing the tyres from slicks (I'm sure that's not the correct term) to threaded tyres designed for winter? Can the same bike (I just bought a Cube Peloton Pro http://www.cube.eu/en/bikes/road-race/peloton/peloton-pro) do both summer and winter training?

Cheers.

Ben

quozl

Bike tyres don't need treads to stop aqua-planning due to the much higher pressure they exert on the ground - as the contact area is so much smaller relative to the weight of bike+rider compared to car tyres/weight.

You can use the same bike for winter and summer - I do. If you can afford a really fancy bike then you might want to keep that for the summer as winter weather and grit is much harder on the drive train.

You also likely would use more puncture resistent tyres for winter training than for racing or even summer sportives. As the small speed decrease doesn't matter when training and changing punctures in the rain and cold is miserable.

You may also want mud-guards on in winter and not in summer.

That's about it, IMO.

BenEadir

Thanks Quozl,

I'm using the B2W scheme so the bike is costing me circa €550 net and it's my intention to use it all year round. I'll probably invest in some puncture resistant tyres for the winter all right but I'm not sure there's any room or fittings on the bike for mud guards.

I'll check it out though.

Ben

quozl

There are mud-guards that can attach to pretty much any road-bike. Raceblades are one of them - they wrap around the chain stays instead of attaching to mounts. I've no experience of them so can't recommend any in particular.

Some people don't ever use mud-guards but I'd say a large majority do in the depths of winter.

daragh_

BenThere wrote: »

1. What club should I be looking to join? I live in Stillorgan so Orwell Wheelers sound ideal.

+1. Orwell are lovely bunch of people.

You might consider St. Tiernan's who are also close to you. We are a small, friendly club with lots of Racing and Leisure members. Our beginner spins kick off in the Autumn. Every Saturday from Park Vale.

quozl

You could even try both clubs. The Tiernan's beginner spins are on a Saturday and the Orwell ones on a Sunday. I went to both last year and would have been very happy joining either club.

seamus

quozl wrote: »

Some people don't ever use mud-guards but I'd say a large majority do in the depths of winter.

It's all for nothing though when you get the one muppet who doesn't and sprays everybody in cold, wet, black road goop

I fitted race blade longs last winter, and they're the right job. They also clip on and off dead easy and don't damage your frame like the normal raceblades do.

Now is the time to buy winter gear, it's always discounted in the Summer (and vice-versa for Summer gear)

BenEadir

Thanks Daragh, I'll look at the St Tiernans website later.

Ben

QueensGael

laura2006 wrote: »

Thats the plan to get faster ! Heading out to get a new bike this weekend aswell.I think we are going to look into Naas cc as it has a ladies section.My main thing with a cc is to learn to group ride.

Naas CC has a great ladies' section, good choice (I'm not a member, but I know some of the girls there).

Here are some tips on group riding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK5MPtMrMqU

Don't over think it, just let folks know it's your first time in a group, and they'll help you get the rhythm of it. Enjoy it, you'll be flying it before you know it!

thesimpsons

just wondering why some clubs do ladies only spins - we get everyone out together and we've found sometimes the new ladies say they've actually got better tips from the lads than from the other ladies. conversely the new fellas often say the girls are more willing to share advice and tips with the fellas.

laura2006

thesimpsons wrote: »

just wondering why some clubs do ladies only spins - we get everyone out together and we've found sometimes the new ladies say they've actually got better tips from the lads than from the other ladies. conversely the new fellas often say the girls are more willing to share advice and tips with the fellas.

Thats a good point ! I wouldnt mind a mix spin the more the merrier but it would be nice to be with a bigger club with more variety