Whilst everyone is welcome to join in the club spins, please be
aware that only paid up members of the club, with at least
the standard Cycling Ireland License, are insured while taking
part in the spins.
Helmets are a MUST!!! no one is allowed on a club spin or race
without one, and no one should ever go out on their bike without
wearing one, no matter how short their journey!!
Of course, your helmet has to be worn correctly, otherwise it is
all but useless. Here is a guide on exactly how you should
pick out a helmet when buying a new one, and how to fit it
correctly...
We would encourage anyone interested in coming out regularly
with us, to at least take out a CI license to ensure they have
adequate insurance cover (and of course we'd be happy to see you
joining the club too!)
Group Cycling Skills
Cycling is
a wonderful and fascinating sport - a great way to keep fit,
and great fun too.
To help ensure everyone's safety whilst enjoying our beloved
sport, we have created this page, as it contains
essential information for anyone taking part in group spins,
and is of particular value to people that are new to the
sport, and have not ridden with a group of cyclists yet.
We are
very grateful to Jonathan Ryan for compiling all the advice.
We would urge EVERYONE (new, and experienced!) to read through
the information. At the end of the page, there are some
excellent links to external websites (such as the one to the
great Sean Kelly's guide).
PREPARATION
Helmet mandatory on group spins
Bike in good working order, allen key check nuts,
brakes and gears working
Tyre pressure 100 -120 psi depending on type of tyre and
weight of cyclist
How
to hold the bars: never have your whole hand fully 'over'
the bars. Make sure to 'hook' round the bars (e.g.,
when 'on the tops' have you thumbs under the bars):
Be
aware that everything you do has a knock-on effect on
everyone behind you.
Be
alert! Avoid sudden changes in direction and/ or braking
hard. Observe what is happening ahead - junctions, traffic
lights, parked cars, pedestrians, potholes.
Clear
signals and communication with other riders in the group
- Shout
& Signal left/ right /centre for potholes, islands,
ramps, pedestrians, parked cars, slower cyclist, turning
left or right in advance of Junction -
Car up / Car down – give a shout for traffic particularly on
narrow road. -
Dogs, Gravel on corners etc -
Puncture or mechanical problem - shout & hold up your
hand.
GROUP
CYCLING
Group
rides in two abreast formation. The
frequency of rotation depends on the size of group,
weather, pace etc. Group leader will often signal when to
move up.
When
you come through for your turn do so smoothly and close to
the rider you are taking over from. Rider on inside should
ease the pace slightly to let other rider through.
When
you come to the front of the group, maintain the group
pace, keep it steady, no half wheeling or going off the
front.
Follow
the wheels and don’t let gaps open when the formation is
changing.
Don’t
overlap wheels with the rider ahead.
Avoid
freewheeling at the front, this causes riders behind to
bunch up & clip wheels.
Signal
that you are last man in the group, or if you are
sitting-on/ missing a turn.
When
climbing hills, avoid following a wheel to closely. Many
riders lose their momentum when rising out of the saddle
which causes sudden deceleration.
For
weaker riders on climbs, try start near front and drop
back through group. Be aware of the surrounding terrain.
Don’t blow up on the climb, ride hard on descent instead.
Take/
replace a bottle without having to look down so you keep a
straight line.
Mistakes
happen when lads are tired and under pressure. So if
you’re getting tired then you are better sitting on the
back of the group.
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