George Flanagan has only been with the club for a few years but has made a big impression in that short time - earning the accolade of "Rookie of the Year" in 2017 and recently being elected to the role of Vice- President of the club. We asked George a few questions to get to know the man behind the smile a little better.......
Age: 67
Years with Orwell? I joined the club in April 2017.
How did you get into cycling? Tell us a little about your sporting history?
I received a hybrid as a 60th birthday present from my family. After a slow start, I got more & more into the cycling, and treated myself on my 63rd birthday to my very first racing bike. In my earlier sporting history I was an active runner – cross country & road races. I’m happy to say I have completed more than a dozen marathons.
What made you choose Orwell Wheelers?
I wanted to be part of a group of cyclists. I looked up the Orwell website and noted that the club spins took place on days that suited me. I thought I’d give it a go and I’ve loved it ever since.
What types of cycling do you do and what do you enjoy about it?
Leisure cycling. I enjoy the craic with the ‘Coffee and Hills’ group the most.
What bikes do you own?
Orbea Avant H60 (This is the bike I treated myself to for my 63rd birthday)
Orbea Avant M20 Team-D (This is the bike I treated myself to (again) last year…no birthday, got interested in wheels at this stage!)
Your greatest cycling highs / achievements?
My cycling highs so far have been my first Ring of Kerry, the Wicklow 200 and being named Orwell Rookie of the Year in 2017.
Your biggest cycling lows/disappointments?
I only wish I had discovered my love of cycling earlier in my life.
Your cycling heroes/role models?
No one role model or hero, but I have a lot of respect for all the cyclists, who give up their time to help the successful running of the club.
Your favourite training route/coffee stop?
I love the back roads from Kilcock to Maynooth – I like to think of it as a ‘hidden gem’. There’s also a nice coffee shop in Maynooth – the Coffee Mill Bistro. - (Editors note - a very good choice! Free coffee refills and treats are the norm here!)
What music is on your MP3 Player or iPod now?
What is an MP3 player or iPod? I’m 67!
You have been very active in the Club since you joined. Why do you do it?
I was keen to get more involved with the Club because I was enjoying every aspect of it, I wanted to give something back, so I joined the Randonnee committee and put myself forward to be a White Group Leader for club spins.
George getting the "full support" of the Randonnee food stop team!
Tell us something we don’t know about you already and you don’t mind the general public knowing?
I’m proud to say I have a Dublin City Marathon PB of 2hrs 41mins…from my younger days.
