*New Sunday Spin Group Structure

Due to the large amount of interest in our Sunday Spins, we have created a group structure to allow everyone to enjoy their cycle at a pace that is both suitable and safe. Check out the groups below and have a think about where you are most comfortable. If you are unsure, go one group down to see how you get on, if its too easy , move up to the next group the following week.

We are looking for leaders for all of these groups. So if you have cycling experience that you would like to help out, please send your name and the group you would like to help out with to westportcc@gmail.com. We need as many leaders as possible for each group to help out.

If there are leisure cyclists out there who have no interest in racing, please make yourself known on a Sunday to any of the group leaders or by emailing westportcc@gmail.com. We want to identify group leaders for leisure cycling within the club and grow activities within that area.

If anyone has any suggestions about anything in this article, please scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave a comment, alternatively you can email westportcc@gmail.com.

Group Table

General Guidelines for Sunday Spins

1. You must have Club Membership.
2. Your bike must be road worthy with mudguards for wet days.
3. Listen to the group leader for safety and cycling instruction.
4. Obey the rules of the road.
5. If you get a puncture; shout out and let the group & group leader know. Two other cyclists should stop and assist. Everyone else should pedal up the road for 3mins and then turn back.
6. If you are falling off the back let someone know and regroup. We don’t want to leave anyone behind.
7. In choosing a group; everyone should start with a comfortable group and progress to the next group the following week if necessary.
8. Any guests must have a Cycling Ireland License and register on the ‘Sign On Form’.
9. To cycle in any of the racing groups you must have a road bike.

Leisure Section
Beginners Group: Is for people who are starting out. You must be fit enough to cycle consistently for up to two hours. The main focus will be on Group cycling safety skills. i.e. learning to cycle in pairs in a group. People in this group need a Leisure licence as a minimum. Your bike must be road worthy i.e. brakes and gears work and suitably sized. You must wear a helmet and suitable clothing. We would recommend that you have a drink and some food.

Advanced Group: Is for people who having been cycling regularly. You must be fit enough to cycle consistently for up to 2.5 hours. The main focus will also be on Group cycling safety skills. I.e. learning to cycle in pairs in a group, rotating and improving bike handling skills. People in this group need a Leisure licence as a minimum. People in this group may have road bikes, flat handle bar road bikes or hybrids with slicks.

Racing Section
Novice Group: Is for people who are ‘starting out and want to race’ in our league and in triathlon, adventures races etc. They want to improve their skills and abilities. People in this group need a Leisure licence as minimum. You must have a road bike. You must be prepared to push yourself and move towards the intermediate 1 group. You must be able to cycle for at 1.5-2 hr to enjoy this spin.

Intermediate 1 Group: People in this group find the novice group too easy. They need a Leisure licence as minimum but should be pushing towards Club Competition. They have a max distance as outlined in the table. You must have a road bike. This group is for people who have come from the novice group or people who who have not been training consistently enough to go with the Intermediate 2 group. You must be able to cycle for at least 2-2.5 hr to enjoy this spin.

Intermediate 2 Group: People in this group find the intermediate 1 group too easy. They need a club racing licence as minimum. They have a max distance as outlined in the table. You must have a road bike. You must be able to cycle for at least 2.5-3 hr to enjoy this spin. This will be the toughest group below A3 as the year goes on!

Advanced Group: People in this group are normally focused on Cycle Races and will find the intermediate 2 group too easy.  There is no max distance but regularly complete 115km on Sundays in approximately 4hrs. You must have a road bike. You must be able to cycle for at least 3.5hrs to enjoy this spin.

*They need an Open Race licence as minimum or have trained consistantly for a number of weeks with the Intermediate Group 2.

Authored by Keith O’ Connell and John Lenehan

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