Western Lakes Club News 13-03-2017

Hi all, it’s the start of the cycling season and the events are fast approaching, from “Sportif Charity spins” Club Races and Open Races and the MTB scene is also busy.

Leisure & MTB & Youths Report

The MTB Blitz was held in Derroura  last Sunday, with a great crew from WLCC taking part and finishing up on the podiums aswell. Sinead Waters finished second in her event on Sunday and she also had a 3^rd spot on the podium last weekend in Ballyhoura. It won’t be long until the top spot is achieved.

Congrats to Colin Snow who came 7^th in the Grassroots endure series in Bike park.

The Tuesday evening MTB spins are ongoing and the Sunday spins, watch Facebook or Whatapp for details

The Sunday spins are ongoing also with the KM’s increasing. The Tuesday and Thursday evening spins will be starting shortly so keep an eye on Facebook for details. The club has put together club Rules and Etiquette for the safety of all members on the roads. Please take time to read this below.

Club Rules & Etiquette

Rules and Etiquette for Riding in Groups

Western Lakes Cycling Club wants riders to gain maximum enjoyment from their group rides whether highly energetic or social. All riders do so at their own risk, but experience shows that adherence to these rules and etiquette will create the safest possible environment in which we can all enjoy our cycling. The rules and advice incorporate long-standing practices and will be familiar to all experienced riders. Whilst they have been drawn up to help members who have never ridden in a group, we would like everyone to make a point of reading and following them. We have taken the opportunity to include items of general advice that may help new or relatively inexperienced cyclists.

Ahead of all the other suggestions below always remember the Rules of the Road, rules, regulations and laws of the road apply. You’re responsible for your safety so ensure your bike is road-worthy and you’re confident riding on the open roads. Helmets are compulsory

Safety and Risk Management

All riders take part in the group runs at their own risk. Those risks can never be totally eliminated but can be minimised by following this leaflet in the spirit as well as the letter. Senior club members will be happy to offer general advice and answer any questions

Warning Calls When Riding in a Group

These calls and signals are universal to all experienced cyclists – please use them at the appropriate times

• “Car UP ” . There is a vehicle coming UP  through the group from Behind
• “Car DOWN ” . There is a vehicle approaching towards the Front of the group.
• “Single out” A call from riders at the back of the group when a vehicle is unable to pass the 2  abreast column safely. This call must be relayed forward by everyone to ensure that the move to single file is executed quickly and safely. The standard procedure is for the outside rider to drop back behind the inside rider. The call “single out” alerts everyone to the need to slow up and create spaces in the inside file.
• “Clear” and “Car” on Left/Right” This call lets following riders know at junctions, when the group is joining or crossing another road, whether or not the road is still clear. If the group cannot stay together the first ones across ride slowly until the others catch up.
• Re Calling Potholes/ Manhole covers Any pothole that could cause a rider to fall.
• Call” Hole Left or Right” If  possible indicate where it is so that following riders can steer away from it and not into it. Please remember that the Front Riders are responsible for the first call
• “On the Left/Right” A general warning of some kind of hazard – usually parked cars or pedestrians. For hazards on the left, an alternative warning is to put your left hand behind your back, pointing to the right, away from the hazard. Give way to pedestrians – they can feel intimidated by cyclists just as we sometimes feel intimidated by motorists.
• “Stopping” “Slowing” “Easy” “Right Hand moving in an up and down action”. If you brake without letting those behind know your intention they can easily run into you
• “Puncture” Let the others know . 2 members of the group should stay behind to help. The  Rest of the group will carry on for 2 Kilometers and turn back ..
• “Horse(s)” The group is about to pass horses and special care is needed. Pass as widely as possible. Make sure that both the horse and rider are aware of your presence and if you are approaching from behind call out. “keep pedalling slowly as you pass to keep noise from your freewheel and gears to a minimum” Pay attention to any request by the horse rider – they know the temperament of the horse and its likely reaction to a group of brightly clad cyclists.
•  Let others know if you are unable to keep up, have a problem or have decided to leave the group. Always pass the instructions along; if a rider cannot keep up, the leader needs to know. So be aware of the riders around you
• If you wish to remove items of clothing you must go to the rear of the group. You may feel secure in removing your hands from the bars but please consider the safety of those around you
• You are asked not to answer your phone if it rings but if you feel you have to  Please move out and back to the rear of the group

 General Etiquette

• Ride steadily. Keep a steady line and constant speed while in a group. Any sudden change is magnified as it reaches riders at the back and so can have dramatic consequences.
• No racing. You can race to your heart’s content in organised competitive events but please not on group runs. Do not overtake the rider/riders at the head of the group. If you have to, then do not push your way back into your original position but rejoin at the back of the group as soon as possible.
• Ride two abreast where it as safe to do so but always be prepared to single out when necessary. Ride immediately behind the rider in front – do not overlap either forwards or sideways. Overlapping forwards gives you no chance to avoid the rider in front if he swerves or falls, and overlapping sideways results in the group presenting a three abreast profile. Never ride more than two abreast.
• When approaching a hill anticipate the gradient and change gear in good time. Missing a gear change on the steep bit can bring you to a sudden halt – not a good thing for the riders behind you! Ride safely at all times. Follow the requirements of the Rules of the Road as they apply to cyclists and guidance from your leaders.
• Treat members of the group and other road users with courtesy. Acknowledge with a wave courteous behaviour by other road users. (Many oncoming motorists will slow down or stop when they meet a large group of cyclists, whilst others allow the whole group to join or cross a major road). Do not “wave through” a following vehicle that is waiting to overtake – let the driver make this decision. This will avoid the risk of being held responsible if the overtaking results in any form of accident.
• Do not react to bad driving incidents with gestures or provoke retaliation. Remember a road rage motorist has a one ton weapon!
• Ride with the group which best suits your ability. It is usually better (and less embarrassing) to start low and build up. If in doubt senior club members will be happy to advise. It is sometimes nice to try an easier group, especially if you are a bit off colour. It is considered bad manners to hold back a strong group when an easier group is available.

Helpful Hints for New Cyclists (and a useful reminder for the more experienced)

Potential New Members are welcome to join us for 2 spins but must take out club membership to continue

• If you do not currently take regular exercise and/or are in any doubt as to your health, please consult your doctor before starting. Some general fitness is necessary so you might find it useful to try a short ride on your own, to check your fitness and familiarity with the bike, before joining a group.
• Don’t try to push yourself too hard, particularly on the hills. Ride up at your own pace, nice low gears are better! The group will wait at the top. Carry personal details – name, address, contact phone number and some money. Carry drinks and food, even on short rides. The food can be some form of high energy bar to get you to the next café stop. If you have problems or decide to leave the group then please inform fellow group members.
• Wear cycle-specific clothing if possible as it provides a better level of comfort and practicality. It doesn’t have to be Lycra – there are now casual style tops and shorts designed for cyclists. A brightly coloured jacket or jersey makes you more visible to other road users. Carry a waterproof jacket, not only for the rain but also to give an extra layer if you have to stop with a puncture and cool down. A club jacket or jersey will help to publicise the club and also make you very visible.

• Carry enough tools to get you out of everyday problems like punctures or nuts or bolts working loose. It’s easier to change an inner tube than it is to repair a puncture at the roadside (especially if it’s cold or wet). Carry two spare inner tubes, tyre levers, a pump and spanners / allen keys to fit as the minimum. A puncture outfit will also be needed in case you get more than 2 punctures.
• Helmets are Compulsory. Mudguards and Front and Back lights are compulsory during winter riding.   Mudguards prevent you getting wet and dirty and also reduce the amount that you deposit on the rider behind and Lights make you visible in dull overcast days
• Keep your bike in good condition and replace any worn out parts. The group will help if something goes wrong but will not be best pleased if the problem was caused by poor maintenance. Keep a close check on your tyres which should be fully inflated, especially the one on the back wheel as it’s always out of sight. Look for bulges or cuts as well as the actual tread depth and pattern. Remember that just as we tend to notice only the inconsiderate or bad drivers so other road users see poor behaviour by some cyclists. Make sure that you do not provide ammunition to the anti-cyclists lobby.

Tri-bars are not permitted on Club Runs for safety reasons.

Racing Report 

The racing season has kicked off in last few weeks and Sean O Malley have recovered and took part in his first race of the season last week. He finished in 4^th place in Clonard, which is a great result since Sean injury earlier on in the year. Also Patricia Harte who finished 3^rd at Ras Naomh Finian 2017

Congrats to both.

The club racing scene is starting shortly with the Western/Covey League starting the club racing calendar on Wednesday April the 5^th.

Please see below for details of the races.

Keep an eye on Facebook for the time and dates or the races.

These events are for people who would like to try racing in a safe friendly environment, there is no shame in getting dropped and trying these events is the main thing.

Cyclists must have a LC (Limited Competition) licence or open race CI licence.

The races will be “Handicapped” in groups of similar ability. These are friendly events with a little bit of local banter included to spice thing up. Please take time to read the rules below.

Rules of the League 

1              Helmets are compulsory.

2              Rules of Cycling Ireland apply

3              Sign on for individual races will close 15 minutes before the start. Riders who fail to sign on will be refused race entry.

4              Every rider must wear their numbers (as they have indicated at sign-on), pinned to the lower back of their jersey at every race, and this must not be covered by a rain jacket or clothing..

5              Riders must wear their own club jersey or a plain jersey. Pro team jerseys are not permitted under Cycling Ireland rules.

6              No tri bars allowed in the Road Races.

7              Handicap committee decision is final, no debating on the start line.

8              Obey the Marshalls.

9              The league will be held on open roads and all competitors must obey the rules of the road. Riders found to be breaking these rules or riding in a dangerous manner will be subject to penalty, which may include disqualification from an individual race or from the entire series. Decisions made on this matter will be made by the organisers and are final. Riders must obey marshals instructions.

10           Earphones, Ipods, MP3 players etc. are strictly forbidden in all events. Riders found to be using these are subject to automatic disqualification.

11           Each host club is responsible for the organisation of their league round and must provide venue, safe and marked out route, map of route, sign on personal, lead cars, marshals, shower & changing facilities, refreshments and presentation venue.

Prizes Presented at Presentation Night

Overall Winner of the club leagues

Ladies Winner of the club leagues

Top 10 overall

Most Improved Rider

Most Aggressive Rider

Best Young Rider

WLCC Club Champs winner and top 3

TT League Winner and runners up

Western/Covey League 2017

Western Lakes Cycling Club League 2017

TT League

WLCC Club Champs 2017

Saturday 2 September

 Western lakes Cycling club sportifs

 Mayo Cycling League Dates 2017

Please see Facebook and the WLCC website for details of all these races. There are plenty of events for anyone trying out races this year.

#Fullgas