A talk with club members

Over the next few months we are going to talk to as many members that will come forward and share their thoughts about their cycling experiences to date.

Michael Kelly our PRO will send you a list of questions you fill out and its as simple as that. Every member has their own personal story of cycling to tell and we as a club would love to hear about them..

Eimear Flannery one our youth coaches and is the club's OFF road Rep has a long history in adventure racing and now she brings her love of adventure to the off road scene..

Bike type             Custom titanium MTB, Ridley carbon road bike, Kona Rove gravel bike.

Discipline             Off road/gravel/road

Race or for fun (Leisure)               I’d describe myself as “Competitive Leisure” !!!               

Questions in cycling

Q. How long are you cycling and which discipline do you prefer ?

I cycled a bit when I was young but took it up again in 2012 when I entered a few adventure races. I joined WLCC in 2016 and was introduced to Off Road cycling in the Club in 2017 and fell in love with it immediately.

Q. What’s your favorite bike ? and  if money wasn’t a problem which one would you get?

My favourite bike is my Titanium mountain bike which is a custom build. I will never be able to afford a bike like it again but I hope it’s a bike for life! I also love to use my gravel bike on local roads for solo spins.

Q. What’s your favorite training route ?  to do it solo or in a group?

I love to train in Cong/Clonbur Woods or Derroura mtb trails, preferably with a small group.

Q. What’s your favorite food/ beverage at a stop  ?

I love a good homemade flapjack or a slice of fruitcake! But you can’t beat a banana for a quick refuel.

Q. What’s your favorite time of day to go out for a cycle ?

I’d love to get out in the mornings more, but work and home commitments means that’s rarely possible.

Q. Winter or summer time spins ?

I really enjoy Club evening spins on the road in the summer, but my absolute favourite is a winter off road spin on a dark, cold, crisp night in the trails.

Q. Hills or flat?

Hills of course! Anywhere as long as there’s a good rocky descent! The Maimean Loop from Leenane can’t be beaten.

Q. Most memorable or favorite event?

Battle on the Beach in south Wales – Spectacular!!! Lakelander Gravel Grinder in Fermanagh was fantastic. Ring of Clare 160km on the road, great sense of achievement to have done it!

Q. Favorite piece of kit ?

Five Ten mtb shoes.

Q. How many times a week do you go out to train ? and how long is  your average spin time. ?

Pre-Covid, two spins a week in Winter, three or four in Summer. Ave would be 2hrs.

Q. Indoor session what’s your favorite: Turbo, Zwift, rollers, gym, classes or other ?

Hate the Turbo but Covid has made it essential. Don’t use Zwift. Love a Club class for the banter.

Q. The best thing about club spins? The worst thing about club spins. ?

The social aspect is great, testing myself with stronger/faster riders gives me a buzz. Getting dropped on a club spin is gut-wrenching…

Q. Sum up cycling for you.

Cycling is Freedom. The outdoors, the fresh air, the break from work and stress, the health and fitness benefits. It’s fantastic for mental health and a gives me a feeling of sheer bliss!