winter spin details • tour reports

touring
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Orwell Wheelers has traditionally drawn its members from the South Dublin area
over the last 60 years. In the last few years the club has gone through a
resurgence and we currently have over 140 members from the greater Dublin
area as well as Wicklow, Kildare as well as some newer members who are from overseas.

The club tradition has been primarily road racing, but our members are active
in many other areas including : Leisure Riding, Randonnee & Touring Events as
well as Track Riding. The Club members span all age categories and we welcome
new members who can join between September and March.

club activities
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Open Races

In 2008 we are hosting the following Open Races:
• The Kieran & Noel Hammond Memorial Race, Ballyboughal, Co Dublin Sunday May 11th.

• The Stephen Roche Grand Prix, Meadowmount, Dundrum, Dublin, Wednesday June 25th.

We also enter a team in most Open races including stage races such as the Gorey 3 Day, Ras Mumhan and the FBD Ras.

Inter-Club League

We co-host Thursday Night Races with other clubs from Dublin including;
Lucan CC, St Tiernan's, & Irish Road Club. These races are run throughout
the summer on a Thursday night and are run on a handicapped basis to allow
all those in the club who want o enjoy racing, to compete at a level
appropriate to their fitness level.

Orwell Randonnee

This is a recent addition to the Orwell calendar, the aim of which is to get
people ready for the Wicklow 200km on Sunday 8th June. The Orwell Randonee
event starts in Ballinteer and heads for the Wicklow Mountains for a round trip
of approx 100kms. In 2008 we are holding this event on Sunday 27th April.
For more information see News & Events section closer to the time.

Women's Cycling

Over the last few years we have seen a huge increase in the number of female
cyclists joining our club. For specific details on women's cycling please click on
the Ladies section link. You can contact either aideen.collard@gmail.com
or orlahendron@hotmail.com for further details.

Underage

For the younger riders we run a specific track league which is a great introduction
to the bike in a safe environment at which coaching and bike handling are part of
the sessions. If you have any queries please email John Marron

Spins for Introductory Level

We specifically cater for new members from September to March when we run
introductory group rides for new starters on Sundays from Joe Daly Cycles, Main
Street Dundrum at 9.30am sharp.

These spins are led by experienced club members and you can expect to ride for
2 to 2.5 hours to begin with. The purpose of these spins are to get you used to
riding in groups and to build up the kms at a reasonable pace. The spins will
increase in length every week after Christmas.

You need to be capable of riding in the region of 60kms on your own before joining
this group, and moving into the Spring this group will be riding up to 100kms comfortably.

It is mandatory for all riders to wear hard shell helmets while on club spins. For new
riders the following are a "must have" to participate on these spins:
• Road Racing Bike in good working order. (No mountainbikes, hybrids, straight handlebars or tribars)
• Quick release wheels
• Tires and brakes must be in good condition
• Pump, Tyre Levers and 2 Spare Tubes are mandatory for road side repairs.
• Food, Water Bottle, Money and Rain Jacket

Once you have come out with the club you will be required to join Orwell Wheelers
as well as Cycling Ireland, to whom we are affiliated. All Orwell riders are Cycling Ireland
members as this covers us from a 3rd party insurance viewpoint.

Saturday spin for new and beginner members

We have just launched a dedicated Saturday ride from early February, to get new
riders up to speed. Expect to ride 2-2.5 hours and for the intensity/hill work to increase
every week. Group meets from Joe Daly Cycles Main Street Dundrum 9.30am sharp.
Anyone interested in these please text John Devitt 086 1717933

After March, you need to contact us in September to find out about joining the club.

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