Club Notes November 3rd 2014
Sunday Riders
Hedge cutting! An integral part of environmental management and road safety but often a cyclist’s foe as the Wheelers were to find out on their Sunday training ride. Showery weather tends to exacerbate the annoyance of hedge cutting to cyclists. Debris and splinters washed onto the road causes havoc when embedded in fine rubber tyres resulting in a higher instance of punctures! A number of riders experienced this on the Sunday training ride to Cloughjordan, Toomevara, Silvermines, and Ballina before the return to Nenagh.
Whilst some got to improve their puncture changing skills, the remaining riders continued on before circling back thereby maintaining heat and tempo. It’s times like these where the benefits of ‘winterizing’ the bike can pay off and use of heavier compound winter tyres with appropriate inflation can reduce the likelihood punctures on poor surfaces. Sunday’s spin included two planned splits in the group of 21 riders with a 70km and 100km routes on offer to cater for and to advance the different rider abilities. The Saturday race training group was more fortunate with the group having to contend with only a tough wind on their 100km training ride.
A delegation from the club travelled to Athlone on Saturday last to attend the Cycling Ireland AGM. Amongst the matters discussed and ratified, was the election of Siobhan O’Connor from Orwell Wheelers to the Board of Cycling Ireland. This is a much welcomed move supported by the club reflecting the need for greater balance of the national membership and growing female interest in cycling.
A reminder to all members that the Club AGM will be held at 8pm on Monday the 17th November at the Dapp Inn Nenagh. The AGM is an important opportunity to find out more about the club and presents the opportunity for members to ask questions and offer opinion in club matters. All members are requested to attend. Nomination papers have been sent to each member by post.
Training spins and rides continue this weekend. Race training leaving Woodies carpark at 9am on Saturday, and senior/intermediate and leisure group rides leaving Moynans Bike Shop at 9am on Sunday. All levels are catered for on Sunday. This is a perfect time of year to try group cycling so why not come along on Sunday morning and try it out if you are new to cycling. For further details of any club events or club membership please contact club chairperson Pat Bergin 0876744400.