We welcome anyone who is interested in cycling with us and welcome feedback on what types of spins you would like.
Club spins start from The Reco, beside the Holy Spirit Church, Silloge Road, Ballymun and run throughout the year.
There are 3 cycle groups in the club
The Steady Spin (SS) spins put the emphasis on the social aspect of cycling in a non-competitive developmental atmosphere. An SG spin should be relaxed for all-comers which will be reflected in the average speed. The speed on the flat should allow all of the group to stay together as a unit.
If the group gets split on hills there will be a regroup to allow riders to recover and set off again together. The group will also stop to help a rider with a puncture or mechanical problem. No-one gets left behind.
You can expect the average speed of a SG spin to be between 18-20KMH on a normal outing. It is up to the road spin leaders to moderate the pace to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.
Spin distances are typically between 15-25km depending on the difficulty of the course, weather and the time of year.
The SG should aim to finish the ride together or at least there should not be big gaps between the first and last riders.
The Rise spin is expected to stay together on the flat and small hills and drags. On bigger hills and climbs there will inevitably be splits as riders test themselves. There will be regroup opportunities on the top of climbs or soon after. No-one gets left behind
The average speed of the Rise spin is between 20-25KMH on a normal spin.
The distance of a Rise spin is anywhere between 40 –60km depending on the course, weather, time of year etc.
Towards the end of a Rise spin the pace and intensity often ramps up as the tug of the finish draws close. This is most likely in the last 3km where a bit of friendly competition tends to break out.
Push spins are the most challenging road spins in the Club. Riders planning to ride with the Push group should have a good level of fitness and be able to go the distance at a brisk pace. The Push group often attracts riders who are in training for an event or race or those who want to push themselves a bit harder. Push riders should have some previous experience of group spins.
Even though there is a more competitive edge to a Push Spin it is still a group ride and the group should work together and take turns at the front especially early on in the ride as everyone warms up. Riding off the front on your own on the flat is best saved for later in the ride. Push riders often attack the climbs so there will be splits. There will be occasional regroup points especially after bigger climbs. The group will stop to help with punctures or mechanicals. Some may get dropped.
The average speed of the Push spin is 25-30kmh on a normal spin, depending on the route.
The distance of a Push spin is anywhere between 60 –100km depending on the course, weather, time of year etc. Distances may be longer if Push group members are training for a particular event.
Towards the end of a Push spin the pace and intensity will definitely increase. This often happens in the last 5-10km where in-form riders can test their legs – and everyone else’s legs and lungs!!
