Castleknock Cycling Club NEWSLETTER Volume 1, Issue 1 Date: Spring 2016

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Castleknock Cycling Club NEWSLETTER Volume 1, Issue 1 Date: Spring 2016"

Scot Hancock
5 years ago
Views:

will find both interesting and informative. Our club is developing really well this year and the new executive members have really hit the ground running and are making an instant impact.

Our membership is steadily growing and we have now reached 60 signed up members which is fantastic in such a short space of time.

1 Castleknock Cycling Club NEWSLETTER Volume 1, Issue 1 Date: Spring 2016 Inside this issue Chairman s Note Secretary Report About us Contact Info Dates for your diary Cycling etiquette /signals Bike Safety Club Gear CCC May 100K spin/social Group ride update Avoid the Bonk CCC End of Season Trip Chairman s Note Welcome to our very first edition of the CCC Membership Newsletter which we hope you will find both interesting and informative. Our club is developing really well this year and the new executive members have really hit the ground running and are making an instant impact. That is visible with this very newsletter, our fantastic kit on the road, and our excellent variety of routes being organised every week. Our membership is steadily growing and we have now reached 60 signed up members which is fantastic in such a short space of time. Our club has also seen its first competitive action with a number of entries in local racing events so well done to all and keep pedalling!! As a committee we work really hard to try and provide an organised club session that meets the needs of all members. Over the weeks we have settled on 3 key levels based primarily around pace. So we have a 20-22km/hr, 24-26km/hr and 28+km/hr groups. So something for everyone and we love to see big groups out! On Saturday May 14 th we are organising a club leisure spin that we would like to see everyone participate in and hopefully this could become an annual club event. A 100km spin into Meath that will suit all abilities, an opportunity to show off our colours and for all members to meet up! We will have refreshments along the way and also at the Carpenter post spin. That night we will meet up for a few social drinks and craic! Later on in the year we are planning an overnight trip away to complete a Sportive challenge and some teambuilding I would really encourage all members to come out and participate in our regular spins. Even if you have missed a few weeks there is a spin to suit all members, levels and abilities! Last note please use Strava to let us know if you are coming out. It really helps us plan the spins and ensure all groups are catered for. We hope you enjoy this newsletter and looking forward to catching up with you all on the road throughout the year. Regards, Erick. CCC AGM/Secretary Report Spring is here and Castleknock Cycling Club is in great shape for the future based on our membership to date. At the time of writing we have 60 fully paid up members, a remarkable 77% increase on the full 2015 membership figure. That is a tremendous achievement given the Club is just 1 year in existence. Of more importance that this meteoric rise in our numbers from our humble beginnings, is the involvement and enjoyment of our members that is evident now with the improving weather whilst preparing for beach 2016! The inaugural AGM of Castleknock Cycling Club took place earlier this year on the 15th of February in The Carpenter with a fantastic turnout of 24 members which was remarkable considering the wind and rain of that night. That constituted a 73% attendance of the 2015 membership, truly a testament to the commitment of the membership and indeed positive feedback on what the Club means to the members. The order of business of the AGM was chaired by Erick O Neill where there was a reflection of the achievements of 2015 and an overview of the vison for the coming years. The election of the new committee delegates was carried out and the following were elected unanimously: - Chairman (Erick O Neill), Secretary (Liam Twomey), Treasurer (Shay Kearns), P.R.O (Tony Nulty), Club Gear (Paul Mullins), Spin Coordinator (Barry Gleeson) & (Pat Lynch) Club Spins Meet every Saturday & The Carpenter Pub, Carpenterstown, D15 New members always welcome The minutes of this meeting as well as all other documentation are available as per usual on the Club Google Drive, accessible to all members. This commitment to open and transparent communication on the workings and transactions of the Club underpins my belief on true governance of a voluntary organisation, that is primarily owned by its members. Finally, with the good weather and gathering reputation of Castleknock Cycling Club as a desired cycling club we have experienced tremendous interest from prospective new members. This is an unexpected but welcomed departure and we are trying to put in a place a structure that will facilitate our growth to a manageable degree. To that end on boarding our new members is a critical activity and we will welcome all with the same energy and enthusiasm that we have out on the road. Chapeau!

About Us Castleknock Cycling Club was formed in 2015. It is affiliated to Cycling Ireland and was setup to cater for and promote cycling in the Castleknock area in Dublin 15.

As we are a relatively new club and trying to encourage and support new riders, we have various spins leaving from The Carpenter Pub every Saturday and Sunday morning, normally between 8:00am to

New members are welcome anytime - if you are new to the sport or are thinking of becoming a member, you are more than welcome to join us for 3 trial spins with us under our insurance provided by

Details are posted via email and Strava if you are interested to try us out. No obligation!

ie Basic requirements: Road bike Helmet or no spin! Have done some distance cycling Castleknock Cycling Club contact list Chairman Erick O Neill chairman@castleknockcyclingclub.

ie Club Gear Paul Mullins info@castleknockcyclingclub.ie Spin Coordinator Barry Gleeson info@castleknockcyclingclub.ie Pat Lynch info@castleknockcyclingclub.

2 About Us Castleknock Cycling Club was formed in It is affiliated to Cycling Ireland and was setup to cater for and promote cycling in the Castleknock area in Dublin 15. The Club continues to go from strength to strength and we now have 60 members with numbers continuing to grow. As we are a relatively new club and trying to encourage and support new riders, we have various spins leaving from The Carpenter Pub every Saturday and Sunday morning, normally between 8:00am to 9:00am depending on the time of year and weather permitting. New members are welcome anytime - if you are new to the sport or are thinking of becoming a member, you are more than welcome to join us for 3 trial spins with us under our insurance provided by Cycling Ireland as an affiliated Club. How to join - Join the Castleknock Strava and you can get a feel for the individual and clubs spins that we do. Details are posted via and Strava if you are interested to try us out. No obligation! If you want to join then it is 50 EUR per annum which covers the 40 Cycling Ireland Leisure Cyclist Insurance and 10 for CCC admin. For further info info@castleknockcyclingclub.ie Basic requirements: Road bike Helmet or no spin! Have done some distance cycling Castleknock Cycling Club contact list Chairman Erick O Neill chairman@castleknockcyclingclub.ie Secretary Liam Twomey secretary@castleknockcyclingclub.ie Treasurer Shay Kearns info@castleknockcyclingclub.ie P.R.O Tony Nulty info@castleknockcyclingclub.ie Club Gear Paul Mullins info@castleknockcyclingclub.ie Spin Coordinator Barry Gleeson info@castleknockcyclingclub.ie Pat Lynch info@castleknockcyclingclub.ie Dates for your Diary CCC May 100k Spin and social Sat 14 th May Wicklow 100/200KM Sun 12 th June Respect Galway Cycle Sat 16th July Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford Sun Aug 21 st CCC End of Season Trip away Sept 10 th -11th Blanch Wheelies Hospice Cycle Sept 2016 CCC AGM Nov 2016 CCC Christmas/Awards Night Dec 2016 CCC May 100k Spin and Social Saturday May 14th 100km Leisure spin - flat route into Meath Club group photo all Club Members Starting/finish at the Carpenter. Post spin coffee and scones in The Carpenter (provided by Castleknock Cycling Club) Saturday Night - social drinks in The Carpenter ALL members Please make an effort to attend! Follow Us info@castleknockcyclingclub.ie Castleknock Cycling Club WhatsApp group

Strava Privacy Cycling etiquette/signals Lead riders should use hand signals to indicate stopping or turning and should shout back information to the group regarding obstacles, dangers and any road

(both in safe working condition) Potholes Drains Dangerous surfaces Wet or icy road surface Speed ramps Tight bends Parked cars Opening car doors Pedestrians/joggers Animals Oncoming traffic (Car

Car up means car approaching rear of group Club Gear With arrival of our latest Spring order very shortly, club members will now have purchased over 130 items of top quality cycling apparel.

3 Strava Privacy Cycling etiquette/signals Lead riders should use hand signals to indicate stopping or turning and should shout back information to the group regarding obstacles, dangers and any road hazards ahead. These include: If you are using Strava, as many of you do, then it s worthwhile enabling the privacy settings. In particular the privacy zone around where you live. This is in your profile, settings, privacy - access this from the website rather than the mobile app to enable. Essentials for riding with CCC Cycling helmets are required on every ride! 2 water bottles/energy drink Puncture repair 2x spare tubes, tyre irons, pump/co2 Ride food - energy bars, energy gel or snacks and some cash) ID card and emergency information card You and your bike (both in safe working condition) Potholes Drains Dangerous surfaces Wet or icy road surface Speed ramps Tight bends Parked cars Opening car doors Pedestrians/joggers Animals Oncoming traffic (Car travelling towards you) shout Car down Riders at the back should shout a warning on traffic approaching from the rear, particularly on narrow roads. Car up means car approaching rear of group Club Gear With arrival of our latest Spring order very shortly, club members will now have purchased over 130 items of top quality cycling apparel. The Castleknock strip is getting excellent reviews out on the road, both visually and from a comfort level. We have selected an Irish supplier based in Cork, with the garments manufactured in Italy. Your kit is designed to last many years if cared for carefully wash it at maximum 30 degrees and only spin dry. Yes it is tight that s called Race Fit and serves a purpose. Tight fitting cycling kit prevents the garments flapping and causing significant drag you know that dreaded parachute effect! We expect to place an order for gear top ups about twice a year, to meet the needs of our growing club. With each delivery, we offer members the opportunity to have an informal fitting, getting to try on the different items and sizes. We usually hold these sessions in a local pub, on a quiet evening! More on this very shortly by . The club currently offers 6 items available for purchase as follows: 1. Roubaix Long Sleeve Jersey Short Sleeve Jersey Rain Cape Bib Shorts Male Bib Shorts Female Gillet 75 (new for our Autumn 2016 collection) For further info contact Paul on or paul.mullins@hp.com Spin to Tara February 2016

Group ride update Club spins are going well with up to 5 different groups heading out every week. Despite challenging weather we have had consistently decent numbers since the start of 2016.

benefits when a group is at a similar level. Its noticeable the huge improvements in a lot of our riders as the weeks have gone on.

Our cycling as a group is also improving and we will continue to endeavour to improve etiquette so that we keep our rides as safe as we possibly can.

4 Group ride update Club spins are going well with up to 5 different groups heading out every week. Despite challenging weather we have had consistently decent numbers since the start of Our groupings currently are: We are continually reviewing this and where another group becomes obvious we will create it as everyone benefits when a group is at a similar level. Its noticeable the huge improvements in a lot of our riders as the weeks have gone on. Its clear that the vast majority of club members will be well capable of negotiating the CCC 100k spin to Meath on May 14. Our cycling as a group is also improving and we will continue to endeavour to improve etiquette so that we keep our rides as safe as we possibly can. With regard to suggested routes we feel it s important to cater for the cyclist that has 2 hours to spend on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Whenever possible we will always keep a short route to service this time and distance. We will also cater for those that like to do a longer run especially now that we enter into the summer months. Route feedback is always welcome - we try to vary it as much as possible while sticking to known good cycling roads but ideas for new routes will be considered. Already this year we've completed various circuits on the roads of Meath, Kildare and Dublin with distances up to 100k. We have climbed the Lambs Hill and conquered Sally Gap last weekend. The inaugural club 100k is planned, the first sportive of the season has been completed with a supported list published for those who dare over the next few months and we are excited to be planning an end of season overnight club trip to what should be a fantastic sportive. All in all we have an exciting program of cycling to get through before the end of the year. A lot of miles, hundreds of cups of coffee and a bit of craic. Safe cycling!! CCC End of Season Trip 2016 What is it: A spin and social occasion away from the familiar territory of Dublin/Meath/Wicklow, which includes an overnight stay Why: This trip will promote club bonding at the end of the year through a well organised social event. The spin /sportive will suit all levels in the club, this is primarily a social event. When: September 10 th Where: Co. Antrim Sportive: Giants Causeway Sportive The sportive ( has 3 routes on offer (57km/ 126km/ 182km). This is a fantastic sportive, very popular with many clubs, with a variety of routes through spectacular scenery to suit all levels. Entry cost for the sportive is 35. The event wraps up with an evening party where tired cyclists can kick back and enjoy a couple of hard earned beers. Itinerary: Depart Castleknock 5am Arrive Ballycastle 7.50am and register First groups starting around 8.15am All routes will finish mid afternoon 6pm: evening meal and after sportive party Accommodation: Self-catering hostel style accommodation at Ballyvoy Camping park Includes linen, towels and breakfast Twin, triple and larger rooms available 20 per person per night Tour de Foothills Chapeau to CCC members Owen Percy, Seamus O Farrell, John McCann, Paul Mullins, John McMenamin and Darach McNamara who completed the Naas Cycling Club 112km Tour de Foothills sportive on Sunday 10 th April. We d love to see a huge turnout for this fantastic club trip. We need to get a feel for numbers so we can book the accommodation etc. So all those up for some fun and craic, contact Barry (barrygleeson@yahoo.com) or Paul (paul.mullins@hp.com) to express your interest as soon as possible.

Bike Safety - Things to check every time you ride 1. Inspect the tyres. Check for adequate air pressure in the tyres. Most tyres will have the proper tyre-pressure range printed on the sidewall.

Also check for adequate tread on both tyres. A tyre needs to be replaced when the tyre s cross section is no longer round; it will take on a square shape.

Spin the wheels to check that they are true and don t rub on the brake pads or anywhere on the frame or fork. 3. Test the brakes.

5 Bike Safety - Things to check every time you ride 1. Inspect the tyres. Check for adequate air pressure in the tyres. Most tyres will have the proper tyre-pressure range printed on the sidewall. For the majority of road tyres, a pressure of 100 to 110 psi is best. Check for any cuts or nicks in the sidewall or tread of the tyres where the inner tube can bulge through and cause a flat. Also check for adequate tread on both tyres. A tyre needs to be replaced when the tyre s cross section is no longer round; it will take on a square shape. Replace the tyre if it is severely worn or has cuts. 2. Check the wheels. Make sure the quick-release skewers are tightened correctly. Spin the wheels to check that they are true and don t rub on the brake pads or anywhere on the frame or fork. 3. Test the brakes. Spin the wheels and apply the front and rear brakes independently of each other. Check that the brakes engage before the brake lever reaches the handlebars and that there is enough stopping power to be safe. It is also important to ensure the brake pads are not worn. Inspect where the brake pads hit the rim (and not the tyres) - they should contact the rim evenly on both sides. 4. Lube the chain. There are many styles of lube available and each works differently in different conditions. If you re unsure what to use or if you like to keep only one type around for all conditions, then use a light oil. Apply a small amount to the inside of the chain as you pedal backward so the entire chain gets an even coat. Ensure the drive train is free from excessive grime. 5. Check the shifting. Check that the rear derailleur shifts evenly and smoothly between all the gears on the cassette. Also check that the chain doesn t fall off the front chain rings when performing front derailleur shifts and that it shifts smoothly between the small and large chain rings. 6. Helmet. As you get ready to put on your helmet, look it over once to make sure there are no cracks on the outer shell or inner surface. Check too, that the straps are adjusted so that the helmet fits snugly, and sits down on your forehead, hitting somewhere above your eyebrows. A common mistake is to wear a helmet that rides up too high, which won t protect your forehead in the event of a wipeout. Avoid the 'bonk Hydrate properly Whatever the weather conditions, your fluid requirements will increase significantly when cycling. Losses from exhaled breath and from sweating will serve to reduce your blood volume, resulting in your heart having to work much harder. By the time you feel thirsty you will already be dehydrated, so try to drink small, frequent quantities of water or a sports energy drink throughout the ride. Sally Gap conquered Eat properly Running low on energy or 'bonking' as cyclists call it, will reduce your cycling enjoyment. Cycling will increase your energy requirements so aim to eat small, frequent meals and snacks on the go in order to maintain energy levels. On the bike carbohydrate drinks will keep you well fuelled or you could try taking a couple of energy bars which are easy to eat in the saddle. Respect Galway Cycle 16th July 2016 Coffee & cake in Enniskerry Racing Update The 2016 racing season has started and Castleknock have been ably represented by Club Members Owen Percy, Gary Walsh and Darach McNamara competing in the A4 category. Watch this space as these lads gain valuable experience/confidence and move up the leader boards. For further info respectcycle200@gmail.com or call Vinny Conway on

Castleknock Cycling Club

Castleknock Cycling Club NEWSLETTER Volume 1, Issue 3 Date: Spring 2017 Inside this issue Chairman s Note Dates for your Diary Secretary Report Club Spin update S & C and Nutrition Rebel Tour of Cork Spin