In recent years, Orwell women have had a growing presence in racing and leisure cycling in the Dublin area and around the country, achieving and exceeding their goals at many different levels. We have also introduced dozens of women to the sport of cycling through beginner spins and skill sessions.

 

 

Racing

From April to September, Orwell has a strong women’s team that races in club league, national league and international races, and on the track. Orwell also runs the Orwell Women's Crit League from April to May, and helps organise Corkagh Park women’s racing from May to September.

Orwell women race in A3 and A4 races, as well as women-only races. Orwell are usually well represented in all shades of racing, including the long-running Joe Daly Cycles Women’s National League, and the An Post Rás na mBan Women’s international stage race.

For beginner women, the Appleby Orwell Women's Crit League is a great place to start, or Tuesday racing during the summer months in Corkagh Park. 

 

Appleby Orwell Women's Beginner League 2024 Dates

02/04/2024 Criterium - Beginner Racing Coached Session
09/04/2024 Time Trial - Round 1 TT Pine Forest 
16/04/2024 Criterium - Round 2 Corkagh Park
23/04/2024 Criterium - Round 3 Corkagh Park
30/04/2024 Criterium - Round 4 Corkagh Park
07/05/2024 Criterium - Round 5 Road Race Brittas 
14/05/2024 Time Trial - Round 6 TT Pine Forest 

 

Another step up from those two leagues is the Orwell Club League, which is mixed-gender, and split into categories. Women's numbers in the club league grow steadily year-on-year. For more information, see here.

The National League Series is another step up, but open to all. Have a look at the Women's Cycling Ireland site for more details, link at top right also.

If you are interested in racing for Orwell, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 


Some of the team from the 2015 National Road Race Championships

Lara Gillespie winning European Track Gold!

 

Leisure

There is a large contingent of Orwell women present at nearly every leisure event in the country every weekend. Check out the forum for more information each week on who's going where.

The Orwell women mainly mix with the men for training and taking part in events, so keep an eye on the front page for details of training groups for the likes of the Wicklow 100/200 or La Marmotte.

 

 

Spins

The club run dedicated Sunday morning spins from October to March that feature groups of every pace. For more details on this, see the Spins page. During the season, there are several self-led groups that head out during the week and at the weekend. Check out the spins forum to see what's happening! Most of these are mixed, but there will be a women-only spin, if the demand is there - e.g. after a women's beginner course.

 

New Members

There has been a women's beginner course run annually since 2012. Keep an eye on the front page for notices of the next one, or contact the women's racing or leisure rep.

During racing season, from April to September, we are open to new women members whose cycling abilities and experience allows them to slot into one of our existing racing groups, described above. If you have read this page and have questions about any of the spins, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

Want to cycle, but not ready for group spins?

  • The Irish Centre for Cycling runs Women's Cycle to Health and Fitness Courses
  • The Dublin Cycling campaign runs a free bike mentoring program, to help you get on the road with confidence. See BikeBuddy.
  • Rothar is a community bike shop that takes donations of unwanted bikes, sells revamped bikes and provides bike repairs. They also offer 1-to-1 classes, delivered by an accredited cycling instructor, for total beginners who would like to cycle but are lacking the confidence to take on the Dublin city streets. More here.
  • Sustrans in the UK has produced a very helpful guide for women who want to start cycling, you can download it for free here (.pdf).


Some of the participants and helpers in the beginners' course in summer 2015 in Corkagh Park

 

Youth/Junior

Orwell has a vibrant and active youth and junior section, including girls! Youths in cycling are under 16, while juniors are 16-18 years of age. Have a read of some of the latest reports here!

Youths in cycling are U16, while junior is 16-18 years of age. Anyone interested in joining the youth or junior section should contact the Youth Rep.

Please note that parental consent will be needed to join a youth or junior group in Orwell Wheelers.

Full details of the Orwell Youth Policy can be found on the Youth page.

 

We look forward to continuing to welcome women to join us in our love of the sport of cycling!