Happy Christmas

Just to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a Happy, Healthy and Wealthy New Year. With a bit of luck Santa will ensure everyone has a great time. For those with new bikes and those just getting back on them for the New Year, cycle safely. Don't forget to get to bed early Christmas day, I'm sure there will be some sadistic suggestion that everyone needs to loose a few pounds with a short 100k cycle Stevens day. I hope at least some of the cars come away clean and not too many helpers remain dry. Wishing everyone the very best and looking forward to loosing a few pounds in the New Year :-(

Cycling Ireland On Line Registration

Ok all we want everyone to register for Cycling Ireland on Line. If everyone follows the link and registers for the renewal of their licence we stand a chance of winning some CASH. It will also save on some paper work. So let’s all give a hand and renew our own licence. If anyone needs a hand send us an email or check it out at one of the cycles. Click on this Link to start and follow the process below.

Register Now
Go the top left hand side of our website and hit "Register Now!".
On the next screen you select to either register in a club, or without.
Follow the instructions.

You will then get an email asking you to confirm that your email is correct.

Once your details have been verified by Cycling Ireland you will get an email sent to your email address, this will have your password.
Signing into your profile
At the top of our home page you will see a button saying "log in".
When you hit this you will see the log in section.
Enter your email address as your user name, and the password that you have received.
This will bring you into your profile.
You will be advised to request a licence type. Select the licence you need by filling in the details required.

Once you have submitted this request you will be advised that you are awaiting club approval.
Awaiting Club Approval
Contact your club secretary and ask them to approve you licence.
Once they have approved you licence, Cycling Ireland will approve the request.
Once we approve your request, you will be able to pay online.
Paying online
To pay you must log into your profile
Under the title "Licence and Licence History" you will have the option to pay
Hit the last word on the line with your licence "pay".
You will be brought to the credit card payment screen.
You will receive your licence within two weeks of payment.

Note that during our busiest season (Nov - April) this may take longer to process.
If you have questions please approach your club secretary before approaching Cycling Ireland.

Move over DINKYS

The men of the Double Income No Kids Yet brigade are now known as MAMILs. Or so the story goes in the Sundays Independent. Well maybe not quite the story they portrayed but it could be. There seems to be an opinion out there that a number of somewhat portly men in their middle years (35-45) are intent on strutting their stuff clad only in lycra. Not only that but they have hood winked their partners into letting them spend the shopping money on overpriced bikes and the latest cycling gear. But let us not forget that the partners are only too willing to see these MAMILs off on their bikes. After all 3-4 hours pushing themselves along Irish roads and they return happy to have survived that last hill and after a shower collapse into the armchair too exhausted to annoy anyone for the rest of the day. So now the partners of these MAMILs can go about their merry way and rearrange the house, purchase that long argued about item and guess what – he’s too exhausted to argue. All I can say is thank God I’m past that. I’m older, rounder, past the stage of exhaustion, require help to get out of the lycra, have difficulty noticing the changes  and the better half is only too glad of the peace and quiet when I’m on my bike. Isn’t life grand? By the way MAMIL was coined by Michael Oliver and if the shoe fits - Middle Aged Men In Lycra

Pedal Fever

Pedal Fever a Cycling Ireland conference takes place on 17^th November in the Radisson Blu (Dublin City Centre).The conference is aimed at coaches, managers, cyclists and anyone with an interest in cycling. At present it is timed to run from 9am till 6pm. You can check out their website by clicking here

MS Cycle Longford to Carrick on Shannon and back

Saturday 13^th Registration from 9:30 to 10:45. Depart 11am sharp, round trip of 62.5k. They are expecting a large number of cyclists this year so get there early. The route this year will stay on the main Longford to Carrick on Shannon road both ways. Shower and meal facilities will be provided at Longford RFC. It’s a great cause and I know everyone enjoyed it last year so hopefully we will get a good turn out for Kilteevan again this year. I had hoped to be there for the start but unfortunately I need to get an NCT. I just might get the car looked at as well. For a link to their Facebook page click here.

Nightmare in Kilteevan

It’s back The Sergeant Major shouts “Change UP” and every one groans. SPINNING. Sorry all it’s that time of year again. The Sergeant Major is calling time again and the rest of us suffer. I missed Thursday so I can’t say if any of the newcomers turned up again for more punishment. I can only hope so; it might keep the SM’s eyes off me while I take it easy. Last year those that managed to attend spinning sessions made cycling look easy when they took back to the spring roads. Yes it’s painful but if you can keep it up it’s well worth the effort.

Upcoming Weekend 14th, 15th & 16th

Well we have a packed weekend coming up. 1^st off we have Bowling on Friday night at Ros Bowling on the Lanesborough Road. This is in aid of Breast Cancer not the ISPCA (a long story). Teams of 4 €40 and a raffle on the night. I have to say it looks like a good night. Next we have Kavanagh’s SuperValue Cycle in Westport on Saturday Morning in aid of the Hospice. Teams need to be registered and travel arrangements put in place if we are going. Cycle starts at 10am. Then it’s back to Kilteevan for the Barbeque in aid on Our Lady's Children’s Hospital in Crumlin. We have a donation to make at this one and it is another worthy cause to support. The barbeque starts at 5pm in Paddy Finns, Kilteevan, so don’t be late. Lastly there is a sportive in Tralee for those wishing to test themselves. Details of all these events are further down in the blog so I won’t repeat them here. All good causes and events but we need to decide what or where we are going to divide our activities. Anyone with suggestions or looking for participants put something in the forum or email me and I will put it in for you. I have some youth sitting duties on Friday and Saturday but I hope to attend the bowling for a while and will be at the Barbeque for the presentation at least. It would be good if we had some in at least club tops for the presentation.

The 2nd Annual Tour de Breffni

The Leitrim Cycling Club will hold a Sportive on October 7^th. The 60k loop will do a complete loop of Lough Allen. It will pass through Drumshanbo, Dowra, Drumkeeran and back via Drumshanbo to Leitrim Village. Mostly flat with some gentle climbs.

The 100k route takes in a category 2 climb – Leitrim Village, Kil Clare, Drumcong, Ballinamore, Corlough, Glangevlin, Dowra, Drumkeeran, Drumshanbo and back to Leitrim Village.

The 140k will follow the 100k to Dowra and then head through Manorhamilton to Drumkeeran and back to Leitrim Village.

Parking at Leitrim Gaels Community Pitch with Changing and Shower facilities. There will also be food and water stops.

For more information visit their facebook page here 

Kavanagh’s Supervalue “Help us to Help Others” Cycle

For those of you that might have missed it you can get the Ireland Am promo for the cycle here You will get a couple of advertisements first. They are raising money for the Roscommon/Mayo Hospice, Cancer Care West and the Donegal Hospice. Well worth the support on Saturday 15^th September

Crumlin Childrens Hospital Barbecue

The funds raised from the trip to the Reek will be presented to Geraldine Feeley at the barbeque on Saturday 15^th September in Paddy Fins, Kilteevan. In a past life I lived close by this hospital and I know the work they do. I know from experience the dedication of the staff to both patient and family. I hope we can help make this event a great success and thanks to all those who contributed to the fund. It’s because of you that the club can help others that are not so fortunate. To see where your contribution might go click here  or like their facebook page here

The Reek

Ok, The Reek. Let me say a year ago I would not have believed I could have cycled that far, never mind attempt to climb the Reek as well. So let’s start off from Kilteevan : Twenty cyclists, 2 vans and drivers left Kiltevan at 9am. Twenty cyclists, 2 vans and drivers arrived at the Reek less several pounds in weight (the cyclists that is). Needless to say there were some who could have cut an hour or more off the trip. The rest of us may not have made it at all. One great thing about the club is the encouragement and help offered to one and all by one and all. The fitter, stronger cyclists gave advice, encouragement and a helping hand where and when it was needed. Without them I’m sure I for one would have turned back. So why didn’t I, well every time I thought enough was enough, some other nut would pull alongside and ask how I was doing. What else could I do but push the peddles round one more time? That’s one thing about this club, you need a thick neck (or the banter will do you in) but everyone pulls together and not only for the club but for the community. When I joined first it was just after the club had cycled into the west for breast cancer research. Since then the club has supported or assisted a number of fund raising events. So what happened the Christmas party, it got turned into a trip to the Reek and an opportunity to raise funds for Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

I’m not going to mention too many names because I would surly leave someone out. Girls if you want to know what your other half got up to I’m always open to bribes (and I have the photos to prove it). To get back to it, we stopped in Claremorris at the McWilliam Park Hotel for lunch. I have to say not only did they provide an excellent lunch (and a big thanks should be sent to the staff) but a certain part of my anatomy enjoyed the break (my big toe was beginning to feel the pinch). Unfortunately in what seemed like no time some bright spark decided it was time to mount up again and off we went.

After a photo everyone took off. I have to admit there was some dismay when we reached Castlebar and some realised they had not managed to lose me in Claremorris (I think they were getting camera shy). The fitter cyclists arrived at the Reek and immediately started to get ready for the climb. I have to say for my part the last kilometre seemed like ten and when I got off the bike in the car park, it was to the news that the vans were outside. I decided it would be advisable to take the bike for a walk to the van (now I know how John Wane felt). Thanks to John Gillian’s advice I spent the last few kilometres spinning and so managed to walk the few yards to the van. Now just imagine the sight the poor tourists got. Twenty grubby cyclists changing to take a stroll up the Reek (on second thoughts scrub that, I don’t want to put anyone off their food).

Well off we went, some like mountain goats (our own OAP among them). For the rest of us it was just about one foot in front of another. The comments on the way up put me in mind of the Goal add “are we there yet”. The best was yet to come “your almost there, round that bend and it’s only about 200 yards”. They forgot to say it was almost straight up. Once again a guardian angle came to my rescue. The camera bag that I would normally carry all day came close to going over the edge. John came down, whipped it off me and started to run back up with it. Things were so bad I offered to give him a photographic course on the side of the Reek. Well he refused and I had no choice but to head on up or lose my camera. Yes we got there and I have the photo to prove it. I’m sure the view was superb but to be honest I didn’t care, I took the photos packed up and started down (I just realised, the only way I’m going to get some photos of the views up there is if I climb it again). Did someone suggest a tiddlywinks club? Well to cut a long story short. We got down, we had dinner and then, well I will leave the rest of the evening to your imagination. Remember most of the lads are bigger than me (think I will burn the photos just in case). I must also mention the Westport Woods Hotel. A great meal, great facilities and a wonderful host in the manager and another big thank you as it finished our day superbly.

At last to finish up. Some of us used various excuses to avoid the cycle home but the rest of the die hards made it back in record time. To everyone who participated, helped, facilitated, arranged and those we left behind to man the forts Thank You for the opportunity. I will get the photos up soon. 

Thank You

Sorry all I had to finish the celebration when I returned it’s not every day you get to put another year behind you. First off I have to say thank you for Saturday. It was not only unexpected but vastly unwarranted. I have managed to combine two interests I enjoy (photography and cycling) with something I have a little knowledge of simply to help promote the club. I hope you realise that you have now managed to make me feel guilty for all the enjoyment I have had from the club and creating this blog. The photography I can do, the cycling I will keep up (I may need a kick now and then) but you provide the information and inspiration to populate this blog. You make the blog, I only put it up. Thank you, you have no idea how much it meant.

Kavanagh’s SuperValue “Help us to Help Others” Cycle

For all you TV3 Ireland AM fans out there. Keep an eye out on Wednesday morning at 7:35 for a taste of what's to come. The Mayo Rose Derbhla Kenny and Mayo Footballer Andy Moran will be on promoting the cycle taking place in Westport on the 15th September

At long last "The Reek Here We Come"

Well it’s official. We are nuts, meet 8:45 for 9 am start on Saturday. Bring some boots or sturdy runners, track suite bottoms or trousers and a warm jacket for the reek. A hat and gloves might come in useful with our fine weather. After all you will have had a good warm up on the way and we wouldn’t want you to get sunstroke. Some food and a drink will also help on the way up and down. Though I suspect there are some amongst us that will be thinking of the liquid refreshments to come. For those who could not make it for one reason or another. Don’t worry the rest of us will suffer in your place.

For anyone ordering club kit for the winter or for the younger cyclists, get your order in to Frank before Monday. There is good value to be had and the cost of shipping will be lower as will be the unit price.  A sizing chart can be accessed here and prices for 2012 here

ISPCA Oktoberfest Cycle

The Roscommon ISPCA has asked Danny Doyle to participate in a cycle from Prague to Munich on the 24^th September. 480K in four days, lots of padding required. Needless to say it’s for the aid of animals and he needs to raise €2000 to get on his bike. Danny has arranged a bowling night in Ros Bowling on the 14^th September to help him raise the funds. Teams of 4 at €40 per team and just to keep with tradition there will be a raffle on the night which will include a bike donated by Neilans bike shop and other prizes. I don’t think it would be beyond us to support him in some way I know he did a superb job for the Pink Ribbon Cycle. I hope to be there and I hope some others will be as well.

Kavanagh's SuperValue Help us to Help Others

Kavanagh’s Supervalue Mayo Stores are hosting a cycle in aid of the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice on the 15^th September. Two routes: Beginners 50K Westport – Castlebar – Newport and back to Westport; Advanced 100k, Westport – Castlebar – Kiltmagh - Clairmorris and back to Wesstport. On line registration €30, In Store €40 and Teams of 4 €100. For further details click here . Any additional information I get I will update this post. The Advanced cycle is 100k and you can get them on facebook here . Another one for the Hospice and at the rate I'm going I suspect I will need it sooner rather than later, especially as some cyclists are likely to be leading me astray in Westport shortly.

Four Villages Cycle Tour 18th August

We have been invited to participate in a 50k cycle round Roscommon, Longford and Leitrim. You will get a medal along with your certificate and times if you require. Registration 10am to 10:45am at Tarmonbarry, GAA Grounds. Off at 11am €15 per person on the 18th August, refreshments afterwards. Notice is a tad short but they are looking for numbers. Three choices: 1. Reply individually: 2. Reply as a club, use the forum to compile numbers: 3. Bit close to the Reek. On the other hand it might be a nice trip for the families and we could cycle to Tarmonbarry and participate. They could do with some indication of numbers so we need to reply asap to nrcf@eircom.net I’ll see if I can get some more information. Funds raised will go towards local projects and yes it is on Saturday. I think I will just go and sign the divorce papers now and save the expense.

Glenamaddy Summer Cycle Fest

Well what can I say? It was a great cycle, very well organised, and well marshalled, plenty of water stops and most importantly food. We even had some sunshine, what more could you want on a Sunday. In saying that a soft seat, barbeque, beer or soft drink, did I mention the SOFT SEAT. Well let’s face it I can’t fault the ladies and I have no doubt it was mostly the ladies of Glenamaddy looking after the community centre. There were soft seats and lots of good food to be had when we returned. On behalf of all the cyclists I have to say a BIG thank you. I must also give a well done to our own cyclists who took on the challenge of not only completing the Glenamaddy cycle but also cycled the 30K + over and back. I have no doubt it will stand to us on Sunday week when we take on the Reek. I must also thank our own juniors and ladies who also completed the Glenamaddy cycle. If all that isn’t enough two of the lads came home with a trophy for second place. Don’t worry I’ll not mention names; some heads are already big enough. Suffice to say we probably recognise them better form behind. Well done lads. To Linda and the rest of the organising committee I’ll be looking forward to next year BIGGER but not necessarily better Thank You

Glenamaddy Summer Fest Cycle

Ok Folks Don't forget the Glenamaddy Summer Fest Cycle on the 12th August. Registration 10:30 - 11:30 am at the Community Centre with the off at 12 noon. €10 from the 20k and €15 for the 40k. Funds raised will go to help with the expenses for the various parades and festivals in the town but more importantly to the Galway Hospice Foundation. We will hopefully have two groups going over. 1st group cycling over for the event and back. The second will go over and back by car or van if it can be arranged. Times will be posted next week. You can check out additional information here

Roscommon Pink Ribbon Cycle

From all reports so far the Pink Ribbon Cycle was an outstanding success. Danny and Doreen put together an event in two months that would normally take a year to plan. They pulled together help and advice from all over. On the day it showed and I believe all had a great time. On their behalf let me thank all that contributed with sponsorship, help and advice over the two months. Hopefully this is only the start and next year will be bigger and better. Thanks to a couple of photographers I have some photos and I will get them up over the coming days, but for now I would like to thank Mick Nolan for stepping in for me.  

The Cycle Show

TV show on cycling and its various formats. Might be worth a look, ITV4 8pm on Mondays

Chain Gang Cycling Club September 15

The Chain Gang are hosting a sportive on September 15^th. The Chain Gang CC, Tralee is happy to announce the 2012 edition of the Chain Gang Sportives: the Conor Pass Challenge and Blasket Blast - Kerrys Premier challenge/sportive cycles. 

These 110km and 150km routes traverse the Dingle Peninsula taking on Irelands highest mountain pass – the Conor Pass – as riders make their way through some of the most scenic, challenging and rewarding countryside in Ireland.

Entry for this years’ event has been set at a recession friendly online fees of €20 for Cycling Ireland members and €25 for non-members. There will also be registration available on the morning of the event but at a cost of €30.

Basic route and start/sign on details for each route are on the event flyer (attached here) but for more information and for online entry check out our event website www.thechaingangsportives.com. While every effort has been made to include as much information as possible, if you have any queries about your route of interest don’t hesitate to drop a line atinfo@thechaingang.cc and we will do our utmost to answer your question.

We hope to put on a great set of cycles this year, with all the stops being pulled out to put on what we endeavour to make a brilliant day on the bike. So come to Tralee and take on what we feel are some of the best challenge cycles, in some of the most spectacular countryside both Kerry and Ireland has to offer.

Sunday Cycle 22/7/12

Well once again thanks for the effort made by everyone to get on their bikes. Make no mistake for some it does take more effort than for others. A few weeks ago I could shoot ahead of the pack to get a few photos. This is getting harder and harder. Isn’t it suppressing how in a few weeks of effort so many can go from struggling through a 10k cycle to powering through a 40k+ cycle? All I can say is that I hope everyone keeps it up (including me). Unfortunately cycling is weather dependant, but we have been relatively lucky and managed to get out more often than not. Fear not for the winter months though. We will not let you down. All the good work you have put in getting cycle fit will be put to good use. There is one among us, whose name I will not mention (for fear of the agony he will put me through). Let me say that no doubt CC will drive us through the dark winter nights with even more relish and pain than he does on these early morning cycles. Will it be worth it? Only you can say. Till then let us encourage even more to get on their bikes and join us for these Sunday outings. Now when do we head to Athlone for morning coffee?

Pink Ribbon Cycle Sunday 29th

Just a little reminder for everyone to get their bikes ready. It’s a great cause and gives everyone something to aim for. Remember registration starts at 8am for the 100k cycle and 9am for the 60k cycle. It will cost you the princely sum of €20 but on the other hand you will be helping towards the cost of research that may benefit you or someone close to you. Don’t forget the family cycle in the afternoon. This is at least as important as it gets the kids out with Mam & Dad and everyone has s great time. We will need to be around to chaperone this cycle as well. Remember registration for this will be 2pm with the off at 3pm (10k €10 per family)

Lotto Syndicate

Those wishing to join in the fortunes to be made in our Lotto Syndicate should contact John Dolan by Saturday 21^st July to renew their subscription, change their numbers (if they have a better selection) Or indeed join up if they missed the previous opportunity to donate to this great cause ( The Irish Government slush fund)

Tuesday cycle

Well thanks to all that turned up for this evening’s cycle. Fortunately for me the majority of cyclists were of the not so fit variety and the pace was kept to a nice 26k average. I have to say Conor’s initial txt suggesting it was a bit wet fell on a hopeful mind (never mind the body). But some bright spark decided it was worth a try and so we all headed into the west and it was a grand spin. Yes it did rain but then what else would you expect these days. At least it waited till we were on the home run. Thanks to everyone for the evening and especially John who suggested there might be a more modest pace set for some of us.

Kilteevan to the Reek

To answer a comment on a previous blog. The trip is for club members. However anyone that wants to tag along is most welcome. You do need to have your own insurance and arrange accommodation. I would suggest you contact Pat or Conor to see what arrangements are in place and to let them know your intentions. Just to let the lads know some of your better halves are thinking of joining the club just to keep an eye on your behaviour.

While I’m at it and to ensure everyone is up to speed. For the foreseeable future there will be two speeds on a Tuesday and Thursday night. So if you are not up to 40k+ then come along anyway, some of the rest of us will be going considerably slower. It’s time to put some extra time in on the saddle as there will be a trip to Athlone one of these Sundays just to give everyone something to aim for. 

Sunday Cycle

Thanks to those who left the GAA to its own devices and braved the weather. Not as large a group as last week but hopefully that was just the day that was in it. I have been cycling for the last couple of months and I am as fit as I have been in years. However this family cycling business is putting me to the pin of my collar to keep up. All I can say is congratulations to all, your cycle fitness and ability has improved immensely. One thing that needs to be said and in saying it I know that we can’t always plan for everything (punctures etc.). Today was grand there was only a small group but if we had visitors then they would expect us to be off at 11:30 not 11:50. In future maybe we can arrange that if the early cycle is running late we start off in a direction that will meet up with them. In case I have put the cat among the pidgins, I suggest everyone get’s their piggy banks out again. Lanzarote is a great place to cycle and who knows where next year’s party will be.

Glenamaddy Summer Fest Cycle

Cycle from Glenamaddy Community Centre on Sunday 12^th of August. Just like last years there is a 20k leisurely cycle and a new addition to this years program is a 40k cycle for those wanting a greater challenge! This is a cycling event for all abilities. So get on your bike and cycle for fun! All proceeds are going to two worthy causes that aim to enhance the lives of people in the community. All participants must wear a cycle helmet. You can check out their website by clicking Here 

MS Cycle 2012

Well it’s on again, Longford to Carrick on Shannon and back. It’s all in aid of the North West M.S. Therapy centre in Sligo. This is another great cause and from all reports it was a great success last year. So put it in your diary for the 13^th of October and let’s hope the weather improves. For more information check out their facebook page Here

Kilteevan to the Reek

August 25^th and 26^th : It’s on and if you wish to participate in what should be at least an interesting if not painful experience, then get your name and a deposit to Pat by Tuesday 17^th July. The hotel will need to be booked and food stops arranged. You know what they say “If you’re not in you can’t win”. However in this case it may have more to do with the ability to make the return cycle. 

Understanding Fashion

Well let’s pretend. There will be a meeting after the 8pm cycle on Tuesday night to discuss the ins and outs of cycle shorts. Frank has an offer that has to be heard to be believed. Also anyone interested in ordering additional club kit should attend and place their order now. There is a promise that we will have it for next year (or there abouts). If you want to have a look at what’s on offer clickhere 

Sunday 8th July

It was great to see so many out cycling today. It was even better to see not only some old faces but a few new ones as well. I don’t know what some of the younger cyclists are being fed at home. But I could do with some of it myself. A number of times I went ahead as fast as I could only to find youngsters passing me before I could get off the bike. Gone, not a hope of getting a photo. I think I will have to put some breaks on their bikes. It’s getting to a stage where we will have to have two cycles. One for the younger cyclists and the other starting out ½ an hour before they do for the rest of us. Well done to everyone and thank you for joining us on the cycle. I have little doubt but that you will all manage the Pink Ribbon Cycle. I will get some photos up today and maybe a video later in the week.

Pink Ribbon Cycle 29th July

Don’t forget the Pink Ribbon Cycle is on the 29^th of this month. Please encourage everyone to support it. There will be a 100k cycle starting from the convent gym at 9am with registration from 8am. This will be followed by a 60k cycle leaving at 10am, registration from 9am. The family cycle will be from the convent primary school at 3pm with registration from 2pm. The cost will be €20 for the 9am and 10am cycles. The family cycle will be €10 per family.

Sunday 1130 Cycle

Now that I’m getting this site back up I would just like to say thanks to all those who came on the 1130 cycle last week. I have not put in as much time in the saddle as I would like and have missed a couple of Sundays. However the ability and cycle fitness of everyone has improved greatly. The younger cyclists especially are not only catching up on the rest of us but they will soon be showing us how it’s done. On my own and on behalf of the club let me say thanks to everyone that joins us on the 1130 trip. It’s your efforts that make it so enjoyable. Cycling should be for everyone and should be enjoyed by everyone without needing to be elite athletes. See you all on Sunday and if you are reading this and have not joined us for a trip, why not come along and give it a try next Sunday.

Castletownbere, Cork

I have just returned from Castletownbere in Cork and I have to say I was sorry I did not bring my bike. If anyone is interested in a cycling holiday it provides lots of cycling routes, gentle and not so gentle hills and great scenery. For the walker there is an abundance of scenic ways and even the motorist has enough to keep them happy. I know we are planning a trip to the Reek in August and those interested should reply to the forum topic with their names. But maybe we should also look at the possibility of heading off to another region for a weekend cycle. Pack the bikes on cars or a van and spend the weekend exploring Cork, Kerry, Donegal or Leitrim.

Wolftrap Cycling Club Annual Cycle

The Wolftrap Cycling Club are holding their annual club cycle on the 29th July. This unfortunatly clashes with the Pink Ribbon Cycle but there may be some that would like to take a trip to Birr and support them. There will be two routes : 60k and 115k. Sign in at 08:30 and off at 09:30. €15 inc. lunch, parking, showers and marshalls. Contact wolftrapcc@gmail.com or phone 087-227134. You can get further information here. Anyone going please open a thread on the forum and maybe cr pooling could be arranged.

Into the West

Yes it’s that time of the year again. Get the lycra on, the padding in place and the legs pumping.

The Canada Life Into the West Cycle Challenge 2112 is now open for entry. You can get an enter on line here

Donamon GP Sunday 17th 12noon start

Donamon Dynamos are looking for help with their cycle on the 17th. It's a 12 noon start and they could do with some help. If you know anyone that could give a bit of a hand please ask them to give John a call on 087 6660411. Maybe some of the early starters could go along and offer their services. Or indeed some of those we have yet to get back on their bikes. Remember what goes around comes around and we may need the help at a later date.

On your Bike Sunday 10th

Well what can I say? It was a glorious day for a cycle and we even had the company of some new faces. Thank you to all who came along, I did notice that some of those that were with us two weeks ago were missing. I hope the trip to Portrunny did not put them off and they will join us next week. I believe that everyone had a good time and certainly some of the junior cyclists put the rest of us to shame. In talking with some of the parents that were cycling, I think the seeds of an idea are growing in relation to a project for the junior cyclists over the summer months. Cycling should be for everyone and it was great to see road, hybrid and mountain bikes all cycling together. There are those who enjoy speed and then there are those that just want to get out for a spin. We have to try to cater to all types and we need your suggestions to help and indeed pull us back when we get ahead of ourselves. One of the suggestions to come out today was that we might have a 10am cycle as well. This group could arrange to meet the fitter cyclists from the 9am start and return to Kilteevan for the 1130 gang. That way the 9am cyclists can push 30k+ while the 10am group could maybe hit 20k+ (or in my case 10k+). Let's not forget that not everyone is as fit as they might like to be and not everyone wants to compete in the Tour de France. So is this something worth looking at? Have a think about it. I won't make next week's cycle but you can leave comments here or open a topic in the forum.

Lakeside Wheelers Host National Crit Championships

Friday 15th June starting at 7pm sharp. A criterium or "crit" as it is more commonly called is a road race held on a short course. Usually around a town centre on closed roads, where the riders complete a certain number of laps or a certain amount of time plus a number of laps (e.g. one hour plus three laps). For more information and a description of the course go to the Lakeside Wheelers site here

Donamon Dynamos Cycle 16th

Donamon Dynamos are looking for help with their cycle on the 16^th. I have no details yet but I will post them as soon as I can. However if you can lend a hand please contact John Concar on 087 6660411

Sunday 3/6/12

Well it was what some might call a soft day. I have to admit I missed the 9am cycle as I was recovering from a 21^st. I also missed the 1130 cycle as I was too lazy to get on my bike. However there were some hardy boys that took to the roads at 0900 and had a very nice 50k trip to warm up for the 1130. The veterans enjoyed a leisurely cycle while another couldn’t wait and decided to hurry along. No doubt to ensure a timely attendance at Mass. I’m sorry to say that the 1130 cycle did not go ahead as the rain put a slight damper on it. So let’s hope that next Sunday we have a dry day and we can get all those fine weather cyclists back on their bikes. Looks like the next trip will be Tuesday evening and I will miss it again as I have been asked to attend a meeting for the Roscommon Pink Ribbon Cycle on the 29^th July. Question would it be worth posting some video on bicycle maintenance and cycling technique?

Pink Ribbon Roscommon Cycle 29th July

Don’t forget the pink ribbon Roscommon cycle on 29th of July. They are looking for helpers on the day serving tea coffee sandwiches water etc and flag men. They need sponsorship from our local shops and businesses, bread, butter, coffee, tea, water and bars etc. Anyone that can give time or support in any way please contact Danny on 086 8417264 or face book (Danny Doyle) you can also contact Doreen Conlon on 086 8196062

Tuesday Evening Cycle 29/5/12

Well some brave souls headed off to Lanesborough for a quick spin. What a lovely evening they had for it. I have to admit I did not join them but I must say I was sorry not to do so as they headed off. With a bit of luck I will be with them next Tuesday. Let’s hope the weather keeps up. Well done lads

Sunday 20k Cycle 27/5/12

I have to say it was great to see so many turn out for our first 20k of the summer. Both the young and ever so slightly older turned out for the trip to Portrun. Thanks to John we had a supply of cold drinks and Jaffa cakes to refuel when we got there. While the younger cyclists took an energetic break and even cycled round a bit, some of the rest of us enjoyed the chance to either stand upright or relax at one of the benches. It was a glorious sunny day and an ideal time to get back up on a bike for a relaxing trip. The pace challenged some a bit but no one got so far ahead that anyone felt left out. I suspect there were some who had not been on a bike since last summer. Still everyone kept up on the return to Kilteevan. I would like to say thank you to everyone for helping to make it such an enjoyable outing. Let’s hope we can do the same again this Sunday coming. There are lots more out there that did not make the trip this Sunday and maybe we can encourage them to dust off their bikes for the next cycle. Apologies for the quality of the photos I was just a bit knackered. I will get them up over the next few days. Once again Thank you to everyone who came along I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. 

Cycling Clubs (To join or not to join)

Summer comes, you get the bike out and off you go. Who needs a cycling club? After all they are for racers aren’t they. They are only for those on road bikes going at 30k + and all you want is to get a bit fitter and knock off those extra pounds before the holidays. Let’s face it you would never keep up with them anyway and you don’t want to be last. You just want to do a few k not the 100k that these clubs do on a Sunday. There’s not a lot to cycling is there? You push the pedals around and away you go. So that’s it why bother?

A couple of things to consider. Not everyone in a club is a racer. Not everyone rides a road bike. I certainly don’t hit 30k + (unless it’s downhill of course). If I’m not last in, someone else is. I don’t keep up with the fitter lads and lassies but every now and then they stop and wait for everyone to catch up. Not everyone does a 100k on a Sunday. Clubs also do 20k cycles to get people cycle fit and they progress at their own rate to 40k, 60k and so on. Not everyone wants to push 100k and most clubs cater for the shorter cycles. When it is wet or cold I know there are some other fools heading off on a cycle and it gets me out to join them. When I find the going hard someone tucks in front of me and helps me along. When the hills and wind get to me and the legs are giving out, there is someone there to encourage me to keep going. Yes cycling is just a case of pushing the pedals round. It’s a bit like moving a pile of bricks. You can do it the easy way or the hard way. So why not join a club, it makes the journey easier and a bit more fun. Get the bike out of the shed and take it for a spin with a club this Sunday

Longford Cycle on the 24th of June

Starts and finishes at the Mall, Longford Sport and Leisure Centre, Start time 12 noon. You must register before Friday 8^th June and sign in on the morning of the event. Forms must be returned to Longford Cycling Tour, Longford Sports Partnership, Aras an Chontae, Great Water Street, Longford.  Along with the entry fee. Note 10 years and over for the 10k event, 14 years and over for the 50k. For a registration form click Here 

What to bring for a short cycle

For those of you going on your first cycle with us, I would like to suggest one or two items you might want to bring. The same goes for anyone taking part in a cycle long or short.

A drink, just to keep you going

A snack bar or sweets, for that extra bit of energy

Gloves, to keep the fingers toasty

Cycle helmet, that way everyone has a bad hair day (COMPULSORY)

High Vis vest/jacket, so everyone can see you

Light rain jacket or gillet, in the unlikely event we might get a drop of rain

Apply sun cream if it looks likely we might get a look at a clear sky

Not all of the above is necessary but they will make a short trip a little more enjoyable. Later on I will put something together for those longer cycles on armchair J like saddles.

Kilteevan to the Reek

Well it’s official, we are arranging our first overnight trip for club members. It’s Kilteevan via Tulsk, Charlestown and on to Croagh Patrick. Off your bike, short stagger up the Reek, back down anyway you can, overnight with some refreshments and back on your bike for the return. Sounds like FUN L. The dates for your diary are August 25^th and 26^th. I will open a new topic in the forum for additional details and comments. Reply to the topic and commit to the trip. It will give you time to focus your training and get bike fit again. 

Race the RAS

I believe that you can still sign in to participate in a stage of the RAS. The Registration form is Here  and you can find information on the RAS at http://racetheras.com/. You will need to print off the registration form, fill it in, bring it with you to the stage and let Joe know you wish to join up on 086 8181919.

Longford Cycle

                                                                                                                                                                Kieran sent this on might be a nice starter for some. It's the Longford Cycle Tour with the Sports Partnership. It's on the 24th June, 15k €10 and 50k €20. I'll see if I can get some additional information.

Pretty in Pink

Roscommon Pink Ribbon Cycle 29^th July. The organisers are looking for help and sponsorship to get this on the road. The intention is to have a 20k family/kids cycle, a 60k and 110k cycle. This is a great cause and we should all think about supporting it. They will need bodies to man drinks stations, cross roads Start and Finish. If you are willing to help in any way either contact me at jagitphoto@gmail.com or Danny Doyle. I’ll open a thread on the forum and see if we can get some interest

Bolg or Website

I was asked the other day “What’s the difference between a blog and a Website?”

I have to say it was something I hadn’t thought of. We tend to use these things and not pay any attention to the fact that others might not understand the reasons for the choice we make or indeed the options available. So here goes my simplistic attempt at a basic explanation.

A Blog is similar to a diary:- i.e. it is based on a timeline and others can comment on a post using the comments tag at the bottom of the post. The ability to add comments may or may not be restricted. The content of the blog changes every time someone puts up a post. This ability to post information is restricted to a set few.

A website is closer to a book:- i.e. it is structured by content and there is seldom the ability to comment on items. The content normally remains the same although there is usually a means to communicate with the owner of the website. The webmaster is normally the only one with the ability to change the website content.

What next? Use the facility of the blog to communicate with those of similar mind. You can comment on posts. You can link to other sites. You can suggest other sites. You can use the Forum to generate interest and see what others think. Put a question on the forum, put up items for sale, what about the trip to Westport. Most people have access therefore it is easier to reach all the followers/members than at a meeting that may not have everyone in attendance.

Time Trials 18/5/12

Well the second night of our time trials went ahead with the usual suspects turning out. I have to say that at the end I was bushed although there was defiantly NO improvement in my time. I believe it’s a great way to judge your cycle fitness and it gives you a set target to improve on. There is no doubt but that there are those who will always try to compete and they are right to do so. It is a great way to ensure that they push themselves to the limits. However the real goal is to beat your own time over the course of the season. To do this you have to push yourself and that is not always what we want to do. A time trial gives you a bit of a push, if it is only to try to catch the cyclist in front of you or keep up with the one that has just passed you. Even if it’s only for 50 meters, it gets that bit more out of you. If anyone thinks (and that includes myself) that I’m going to compete with some of those that may be younger fitter and longer in the saddle, they are sorely mistaken. Yes I will push myself for myself and when some of the fitter cyclists tell me to get the led out as he or she flies past, I will grit my teeth call them several names and push harder. That’s me; I do this to get a bit fitter, to learn a new skill and to enjoy an hour away from the daily grind. The club is there for those who want to compete and those who want to enjoy getting fitter. There is room for all and on the Sunday cycle I often feel (know) that I slow the group down. But you know something they are there with me and at the next stop to ensure we all enjoy it. Why not come along and join us? I could do with a few more bodies to bring up the rear.

Lottery Syndicate

10 week lottery syndicate starting with draw on Saturday 26^th. Upfront payment of €20 and either pick 6 numbers or take a chance on a quick pick. Have a word with Clem he’s collecting and if you’re not in you can’t win. Mind you I know an actuary who won’t spend a Euro on a lottery. Still I’m in for whatever good it might do. Monies need to be paid in before the 26^th. I hear on the grapevine he might join us for the Time Trial Thursday (he has been seen practicing in and out the road) and the cycle on Sunday

Beware of plastic bags

Just to say thanks to Shannonside CC for hosting the cycle on Sunday. It was a bit windy on the day but at least the rain stayed away. Nine hardy bodies from Kilteevan started out. Five of us chanced our legs to the 60k trip and made it back in one piece (although a bit battered by the wind). Still considering the conditions it was enjoyable. Of the four likely lads that undertook the 108k only three made it back on their bikes. Fortunately it was only the bike that was damaged. Believe it or not a plastic shopping bag caught in the rear derailleur (broke it) and needless to say someone got a lift home. No one was injured but there could have been an accident all because of a plastic bag. It can happen to anyone so the action on all of us is to be vigilant for obstructions and debris on the road. The one criticism of the day that I might have is the number of stops. It might have been nice especially with the day to have had an additional stop on all the runs.

Tour of the Heartlands 2012

Shannonside Cycling Club is hosting a cycle from Athlone on Sunday 13^th of May. Sign in 8am – 9am. Details at http://www.shannonsidecc.com/wordpress/?p=4948#more-4948 . I’m not sure if everyone is going, so I would suggest that it might be worth using the forum to indicate preferences. I will open two topics. 

Time Trials 10/5/12

I would like to say thanks to those that turned up. The weather was not the best for our first Time trial. However for those that did make the effort I believe it was a worthwhile test. Although I have no doubt but that there was some competition among the fitter cyclists. For the rest of us it was a marker that we can aim to improve on. For those that did not make it tonight I hope they will join us next Thursday.

The only way to improve our cycling fitness is to put the time in. This gives us a chance to put in 30 minutes to an hour on the road each Thursday. Time trials are not just for the competitive cyclist, they benefit us all. They give us a chance to measure our fitness and track our progress over a set distance. We should encourage all members new and old to give it a try. All going well I will update the times before the weekend.

Lastly but most importantly I would like to thank on behalf of us all our two time keepers, Fiona and Amy. They kept us honest and that’s not always easy. 

Time Trials

Time Trials J 8PM sharp on the Lanesborough Road opposite Adrian Coyles house. For those of you that know as much about cycling as I do. You start off cycle a set distance and record your time. Cyclists start at one minute intervals with the slowest first (that’s me) off first. You are racing against yourself so it is a good way to check your fitness over the season. Tip start slowly, that way when you give it your all at the end of the season you will have improved immensely.

Lamb Festival Cycle

Just to say thanks to all who took to their bicycles for the Roscommon Lamb Festival. It was great to see so many enthusiastic cyclists on the road. We had them from 5 to 21+++ and all made it from the square to Portrun and back no problem. The weather may have played a part in it but I believe it was the company that made it a great trip. Let’s hope it will encourage people to get on their bikes a bit more and maybe some will join us on a Sunday morning for our weekly trip. If a 5 year old can cycle 22k and still get up and walk then there is no reason why we can’t encourage some others to join us on Sundays. Next Sunday we can cycle some of the new 20k routes we will be encouraging others starting out to join us on. After that we need to get them on their bikes. We must also say thanks to the organisers for arranging everything. Last but not least a BIG THANKS to the Bike Shop for the high vis jackets.

There is a link to the photos from the trip under the slide show. I also have some video that I will try to get up during the week. You can get me on jagit@topmail.ie if there is anything else. Take Care

Roscommon Lamb Festival

For  anyone going to the Lamb Festival cycle. Please meet in the square at 0930 as the cycle is due to commence at 10am

Members of Kilteevan Wheelers just before starting the long cycle from Mullingar to Galway and back