It was great to see so many faces at Joe Daly Cycles yesterday morning on another glorious summer morning, if a little nippy to begin with. Some returning from last week, some from last year and some for the very first time. We wanted to quickly give you some thoughts on the first two weeks. We do look for feedback on the spins so that we can improve your experience . Non-members are invited to opt for a feedback form when they register for the weekly spin, members have the Forum and anyone can mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
From what we can see, people are getting out in reasonable sized groups and fairly closely suited to their ability. Strava doesn’t lie and we can see the average speeds of groups are not too far away from the posted speeds. We can also see if someone on a white spin gets, oh let’s say 4th place on Dundrum Main Street.
This will also serve as a reminder to non-members that you must register using "this form before coming out as part of your three free spins. Membership for 2015 will open on November 1st – this is tied into Cycling Ireland membership structure. There will be more postings here and on our membership page nearer the time. There will be a club info and kit night on November 10th at 7.30 in Ballinteer Community School, watch the site for more details.
Here is some specific feedback from the group leaders:
All
If you are leaving a group while on the road, please let someone know. Otherwise as happened yesterday the group may stop and wait for you . A long time. If you are struggling and getting dropped, call out steady and let people know. If it’s a temporary thing the group won’t mind waiting but if you are simply in the wrong group or having a bad day, consider offering to break off and make your own way home – in White there may be a minder to help. If you are too strong for the group and getting bored, by all means leave the group to catch up on a faster one, but let someone know what you are doing and please don’t force the pace for the rest.
Please indicate when moving out to overtake - a few complaints (expressed through car horns) were in evidence on the N11. Generally the routes will keep you off the N11 and N81 but sometimes it is unavoidable and you do have to be extra careful given the car speeds.
White
There are a lot of strong white riders who are well able for Yellow. Most of the leaders have identified people who could move up. We would encourage you to do and find a level you fit in at. You will enjoy your spins more!
Yellow
There were only two Yellow Groups yesterday, but judging by the numbers in Orange and White there are lots of Yellows in those groups.
Orange / Yellow
There are a few who are struggling a bit in Orange and may find a more natural home in Yellow. Do give it a try and you can always go back to Orange when the legs get going again.
Orange / Red
There were approximately 70 Oranges on the road yesterday, 50 in the regular groups and 20 in Ivan and Barry’s first timers group. For Orange please look at the route before you go out. They’re all there on the website in the General Information box. Orange groups are self-led, meaning there are no leaders so its up to you to know - or least have a passing familiarity with - the route. It only takes a few minutes and can be done anytime during the week.
There were 7 in Red from the Park. Red at this time of the year is not just for hardcore racers, despite the urban legends. There is nobody racing at this time of year. It is for strong cyclists able to keep up a good pace over a 100k spin. There are many such riders sitting in Orange. Ladies and gents, please do give it a go. People have asked about a “red with coffee” and that’s perfectly fine. Jules and Stephen would always be quite happy to have a brief coffee stop on a Red run {Colm hasn’t tried Red yet}. Discuss before you go out – and if some want to stop and some don’t, that’s fine. If the numbers are there, we should be able to get more than one group.
Thanks,
Colm, Jules and Stephen
