On Saturday 25th September the club host the 40 km Annual Ladies Tour of Lough Gill.

This is strictly a Ladies only event and is an ideal event for all Ladies particularly those

Ladies who are complete Leisure Cyclists or who are interested in getting involved in cycling.

The event is held by the Innisfree Wheelers Club in conjunction with the Sligo Sports Partnership

under the Women in Sport programme.This programme is supported by the HSE West and the

Irish Sports Council.The event has been a huge success for the club over the last three years and

the club are very hopefull that it will be another successful event this year.

Sign on for the Ladies event at the Sligo Clarion Hotel from 9.00am with 11.00am start.

Entry Fee for Cycling Ireland members is 10euro with 20euro for non members to include a one day licence.

All proceeds from the day go to Sligo Cancer Support Centre in Wine Street Sligo.

A Fundraising Function takes place on the night of the Cycle at the Clarion Hotel with tickets for this function

available from club members at a cost of 30euro which includes Buffet Meal and Entertainment.

Accomodation is available at the Sligo Clarion Hotel on the night of the Ladies Event at

80euro per Double Room sharing for B&B.Reservations  must be made directly with the Clarion Hotel.

Dear Cycling Member,

                                 Cycling Ireland is looking to further promote and develop the area of leisure cycling by setting up a dedicated Leisure Commission. To kick start this Cycling Ireland will be holding an open meeting on Saturday 28^th of August in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan at 7pm.

Cycling Ireland Leisure Cycling Meeting

Location – Park Hotel Dungarvan 7pm, Saturday 28^th of August

Agenda and discussion points

1. CI Overview – Outline of current profile of organisation, members/clubs and how commissions work etc
2. Leisure Cycling in Ireland –
   1. Leisure Calendar of Events – Does it need some regulation on Entry Fees & Event Clashes
   2. Leisure Event Return Forms – Need to gather greater participant and event information with a view to grading events
   3. Event Organisers Guidelines  – Review of current guidelines from CI – See attached
   4. Leisure Tours V Sportives V Audax Tours – Is there a need to distinguish/promote each differently
   5. Off-Road Leisure Cycling – Guided Trail Riding?
   6. Leisure Leagues – How they worked in the past & should they be revisited?
   7. Current Plans
      1. Publication of A5 Booklet on Introduction to Cycling with advice general training, bike setup, nutrition/clothing etc
      2. Guide to Leisure Cycles in Ireland – Greater promotion of existing events through new guidebook
      3. Regional Workshops – Aimed at new groups who wish to take up cycling
      4. Sprocket Rocket Skills Program – This new program is aimed at kids but is similar or same program suitable for “new/inexperienced’ cyclists
      5. AOB
      6. Next Meeting & How to move forward with a Leisure Commission

 New Leisure Event Guidelines found here:  CI Leisure Events Guidance

Women of Ireland Unite and get on your bike!

Ladies, forget about spin classes and release your gym bunny back into nature by signing up for the An Post Cycle Series.

Gather your closest gal pals and get on your bikes, whether you usually ride your Raleigh with conviction through traffic or haven’t been on bike since you can last remember, this hugely popular summer cycle series promises to be a great day out.

With the evenings getter brighter and longer its time to dismount your exercise bike at the gym, wave goodbye to semi-autocratic instructor and bring exercise back to basics by getting out on your bike and enjoying a cost effective and enjoyable way of keeping fit.

This is the second year of the An Post Cycle Series which is designed to suit people of all ages and levels of fitness; from the keen athletes to those who remember their stabilisers with fondness.

Stacey Kelly, daughter of former world number one cyclist Sean, is one of the many women who have already signed up for the first event which kicks off in Sligo on Sunday, May 9th. Entrants can sign up for a leisurely 10km spin, a 60km Circuit, or for a serious challenge; the 160km circuit.

Stacey, a budding young cyclist in her own right, is encouraging more women to sign up to this year’s events, “Last year I took part in the Series by cycling in my local Tour of Waterford with a couple of girlfriends and we had a great day. I just about managed to complete the 100k route but a few of the girls kept it to the 10k spin, which they all really enjoyed; that’s the great thing about the Series, everyone can enjoy it at a pace that suits. Cycling is a really fantastic way to keep fit and healthy and I would encourage ladies out there, whatever your ability, to find your local Tour and sign up to take part.”

And for those budding cyclists who want to get up to speed on all things cycling, Women’s Cycling Ireland will be arranging workshops throughout the country to coincide with the Cycle Series. The focus of these short courses will be to help women improve their cycling in line with whatever their goals might be, whether that be to improve cycling skills, to learn how to train, or even learn how to race. Further information can be found at www.womenscycling.ie

The Cycle Series gets under way with the An Post Tour of Sligo on Sunday May 9th and there will also be a further four events to follow throughout the summer around the country in Clare, Meath, Waterford and Cork.

For more information on the An Post Cycle Series visit www.anpost.ie/cycling

ENDS -

For further information please contact:

James O’Reilly

016690030/0879227996

James.O’Reilly@ogilvy.com

Editor’s Notes:

The An Post Cycle Series details are:

Sligo: An Post Tour of Sligo, Sunday, 09th May

· Family Spin 10km

· Circuit 60km

· Challenge 160km

For more information www.sligosportandrecreation.ie

Clare: The Tour De Burren, Saturday, 19th June

Stage lengths:

· Family Loop 10km

· Challenge 60km

· The Burnin Burren 160km

For more information www.burrencyclingclub.com or john@claresportspartnership.ie

Meath: Heritage Cycle Tour of Meath, Sunday 25th July

· Family spin 10km

· Short distance 40km

· Mid distance 100km

· Long distance 160km

Waterford Tour, Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford, Sunday 29th August

· Family Spin 10km

· Kelly Cruise 50km

· Kelly Legacy 100km

· Kelly Challenge 160km

For more information www.theseankellytour.com or info@theseankellytour.com

Cork: Rebel Tour, Saturday, 11th September

Stage lengths:

· Family fun spin 10km

· Short distance 50km

· Mid distance 100km

· Long distance 150km

For more information email info@cclsp.com

The 2010 Tour takes place on Sunday the 9th May. The An Post Series proved to be very popular in 2009, they helped introduce a lot of women to the world of cycling, and the first of the series kicks off on the 9th of May. (Perfect timing after our “intro to cycling” weekend on the 26-27th March).

An Post Tour of Sligo is taking place on Sunday 9th May 2010 with legend Sean Kelly cycling on the day. There are three events to choose from including the 10k Hazelwood Spin for All, the 60k Lough Gill Circuit or the 160k Ox Mountain Challenge. So Ladies Get on Your Bike and be part of a great cycling occasion ! For further details on information on how to enter check out www.sligosportandrecreation.ie

Sean Kelly Logo

Flyer

Women's Leisure Spin

You can cycle as an individual or as part of a team and will be
encouraged along the way by an excellent support team of motor-bikers,
car support, puncture repair and first aid experts and the Gardaí.  It
is not a competitive cycle and the emphasis is on fun and completing the
challenge.  The route will be well marked and signposted and regrouping
points will make sure cyclists are not out on the route alone, if they
don’t want to be.  Refreshments, including bananas, water and lollipops,
are available along the route and we stop off for lunch halfway at the
Newcastle Inn.

The celebrations begin as soon as we arrive at the luxurious Arklow Bay
Hotel.  After receiving our goody bags and medals we can relax and
recuperate with a free massage and the use of the hotels 5-star leisure
facilities including a pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.

We stay overnight at the hotel and enjoy a three course meal and a
night of entertainment, prize giving, raffles and, of course, ceol agus
craic.  The next morning a coach takes our tired but happy cyclists back
to Dublin.

Sign up today and become a member of our exclusive online cycle
community.  We have our own social networking site that will include
training plans, fundraising tips,  event details, route maps,
directions, promote fundraising events and much more as we count down to
the big challenge – Saturday 15th May 2010!  To sign up, call 01-8684721
or email cycle@womensaid.ie

Christina Sherlock
Communications & Campaigns Officer
Women’s Aid
Everton House
47 Old Cabra Road
Dublin 7
Tel: 01-8684721
Mob: 087-9192457
Fax: 01-8684722
Website: www.womensaid.ie
Email: christina.sherlock@womensaid.ie

National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900
7 Days a week 10am – 10pm

We would like to let your members know about us – we’re a new company called Velo Vercors, based in the spectacular Vercors region of S.E.France. Our website address is www.velovercors.com.

We offer holidays for all level of cyclists. I’m a cyclist myself and want to encourage more women to discover this wonderful region.

Roger, my husband is an ex-international and has 12 years experience at Top Level in Luxembourg, Uk and Ireland.

We both have Irish parents – Leitrim, Mayo and Edenderry so expect a warm welcome and great hospitality.

All the best

Teresa @ Velo Vercors

*A selection of supporting images from last year’s Race Around Ireland are available on request

Race Around Ireland 2010 is now calling for cyclists and volunteers to participate in this annual World Cup series charity cycling challenge

Wednesday, 03 March 2010                   For Immediate release

Race Around Ireland 2010, which is widely recognised as Europe’s toughest endurance cycling race, is now calling for solo and team entrants for this adventure of a lifetime.

Taking place in September 2010, amateur cyclists will get the chance to take to the starting line with internationally renowned elite cyclists as well as experience the stunning beauty ofIreland as they cycle a 2,100km route around Ireland over the course of a week.

But don’t despair……you don’t have to do this alone! As well as accepting entries from solo riders, Race Around Ireland 2010 is also encouraging groups of up to eight people (where each person will spend approximately three hours a day cycling) to take part. So, whether you are an elite rider or a leisure cyclist, there is a category that is perfect for you.

The course route will take you on an adventure from Navan in Co. Meath, past Newgrange, north to The Giants Causeway, Malin head, down along the west coast by The Cliffs of Moher, through The Ring of Kerry, past Mizen Head, up the east coast through the stunning scenery of Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland, and back to your starting point in Navan.

Each participant (solo and team cyclists) are encouraged to provide their own support crew and vehicles, so why not get a group of your friends or work colleagues on board and hit the road for a unique and fun adventure to see our beautiful country like you’ve never seen it before!  Each cyclists / team’s crew are responsible for providing food, bicycle repair, massage, and navigation and crewing for the cyclists, this is as much of a challenge as riding itself.

Alan Heary, Race Director of Race Around Ireland, says;

“Almost 70 cyclists took part in last year’s inaugural Race Around Ireland. The entire event was a huge success not just amongst the cycling elite but for all the amateur cyclists who took on this amazing challenge and really made the event special. This year we are going to be offering amateur training clubs to all participants who would like extra support in the lead up the event. From crew to cyclist, every participant is a winner and their sense of achievement after completing the internationally renowned course will be immense.”

Registration costs €300 for solo entry, €1,100 for a four person team and €2,000 for an eight person team.

To register your details or for further information logo ontowww.racearoundireland.com

-Ends-

About The Race Around Ireland:

Race Around Ireland is part of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) World Cup series which includes other huge endurance races such as The Race Across America. Unlike other cycling races such as the RÁS or the Tour de France, the course is in no way roped off. There are no marshals controlling traffic flow and there are no planned rest stops or stages in this event. Once the clock starts in Navan at the starting time, it won’t stop until each rider reaches the finish line at the end of the 1,350 mile circuit.

Time Stations will be set approximately 40 to 80 miles apart. At each Time Station, you must phone into Race Headquarters and report your location and time. This information will be posted on the Race Around Ireland website and it will allow the officials and all fans and followers to track the cyclists progress.

The UMCA is the international umbrella organization for endurance-cycling. The UMCA determines the qualifying standards for and monitors the qualification of all racers desiring to race Race Across America solo. To compete in the Solo Division of Race Across America(RAAM) you must qualify. The Race Around Ireland is listed as a RAAM Qualifier Race, so this is good for European cyclists wishing to qualify for Solo RAAM.

The Race Around Ireland is run in association with Navan Road Club

Follow Race Around Ireland on Twitter at http://twitter.com/2010rai

_________________

Joanne Leahy,

PR Account Manager,

Unique Media Ltd.,

600A Cathedral Court,

New Street,

Dublin 8,

Ireland.

T: (01) 522 5200            F: (01) 522 5220

M: (087) 1229776       W: www.uniquemedia.ie

 This is the third year of the event which is a 40km fun event aimed at getting ladies involved in cycling.
The event is funded by the Irish Sports Council through their Women in Sport programme and is coordinated
locally by the Sligo Sports Partnership.The event route is a circuit of the very picturesque Lough Gill and in turn
is known as the Ladies Tour Of Lough Gill.This year for the first time we are linking it to a charity the
Marie Keating Foundation.All entry fees on the day will be contributed to this fund.Details of the event are as follows
 
Ladies Tour of Lough Gill Saturday 26th September
Route 40km
Registration from 10am with Start at 11am from Sligo I.T.
Entry Fee 10 euro for Cycling Ireland members 20 euro for non Cycling Ireland (includes one day licence)
All info on event from club website www.innisfreewheelers.com

The first ever Ride4Life cycle for the Irish Cancer Society will be on Saturday, August 22, 2009 in and around Killarney, Co.Kerry and we want you to join in.

There will be an 85km route and a 44km route. It’s not a race and all are welcome to sign up, take part and enjoy the day, but we expect a few serious cyclists to take on the challenging Kerry roads as the 85km route passes though the legendary Gap of Dunloe and Black Valley.

The Ride4Life runs along much of the second stage of the Tour of Ireland so while you’re cycling, the professionals, including Lance Armstrong and Mark Cavendish, will be racing at the same time on the same roads, just a little further along the route. The Ride4Life will finish on the stage’s finish line, not long before the main field arrive.

We have confirmed that Stephen Roche lead the Ride4Life and we are hoping to secure some other topnames . Lance Armstrong has lent his official support to the event and we hope to arrange a meet and greet with Lance for some lucky participants so stay tuned for more on that.

We also will have some great prizes for participants.

For further information and to register please visit www.Ride4Life.ie or call the Irish Cancer Society’s Fundraising team on CallSave 1850 60 60 60.

Check out the photos from the  Women’s Cycling Day in Dungarvan last weekend. Photos by Paddy Doran, REPORT ADDED.

The latest event in the Positive Cycle Programme took place in Dungarvan last weekend, with a good turnout of women of all standards and backgrounds, all keen to learn a bit more about cycling.

Positive Cycling is a programme that was established by the Women’s Commission with the support of Women in Sport, which encourages women to get on their bikes. Throughout the year there are various cycling days and training camps where coaches and guest speakers offer their expertise to women who are keen to learn a little more about cycling.

ON Saturday 25th July a group of women gathered in Dungarvan, and under the guidance of top coach, Paddy Doran, they were introduced to the sport. The backgrounds of the riders ranged from Youth to former Internationals, and from women preparing for the Séan Kelly An Post 50km Challenge, to women who had just bought a bike the previous day!

The €5 sign on fee covered a fully coached training session – where bike skills were taught, and everyone was shown how to do roll ups in group cycling and a talk on nutrition by sports physiologist, Aubrey Storey. Emma Walsh explained about the importance of using correct equipment on the bike, and Paddy Doran went through bike set up and maintenance. Valerie Considine (chair of the Women’s Commission) went through the opportunities that are available on the women’s cycling scene in Ireland, handing each participant a positive cycling booklet, which was published by the Women’s Commission earlier this year.

For those who weren’t already members of Cycling Ireland, membership was able to be purchased for €10, as a special introductory offer.

Thanks especially to Emma Walsh, from Dungarvan CC, for working with us in putting the day together. Thanks to Paddy Doran and Aubrey Storey for their excellent presentations. Thanks also to Jane from the Local Sports Partnership for coming along and participating, along with promoting the An Post Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford 30th August.

Thanks to all the helpers who chaperoned the groups on the roads, where the women cycled a 25km loop on the Whitechurch road circuit, before the skills session. Thanks to Richie Power, Damian Travers and Frank Browne.

Finally thanks to Women in Sport for the sponsorship to run these events.

We intend on running more of these camps nationwide. If you are interested in getting involved in helping us set up these training days please contact us at queries@womenscycling.ie . The key to the success of the camps is the drive of the people living locally, as was the case in Dungarvan, with Emma Walsh, in Craigavon, with Marian Lamb and Louise Fullerton, and in Blessington.

This two-day cycling event will depart from Dublin at noon on Friday 21 August and arrive in Comber on Saturday evening 22 August.  The route will follow along the scenic Carlingford Lough with the first night stop over in Carlingford before cycling onto Comber, Co Down via Kilkeel and Downpatrick.  The route is just over 240kms (150 miles) in total.
 
The cycle is open to all ages and levels of ability from Lance Armstrong wannabe’s to cycling enthusiasts!  Funds raised go to the charity Comber, which was founded almost 20 years ago by the Carson’s in Comber Co Down after the fall of Ceausescu in Romania which resulted in the exposure of the horrific conditions children in orphanages lived. 
 
Comber, registered in Durrow, Co Laois, promotes community living for children and adults currently living in institutions, especially those with disabilities.  Their aim is to build a “Future without Orphanages” not only in Romania but other eastern countries.  For more information on the work of Comber check www.comber.ie
 
Email cycle@comber.ie or call Sheila on 086 4187 876 to register or for more information.

The cycle will bring you through the beautiful Shannon region and will be approximately 80 miles long. Refreshment and food will be provided along the route.
 
Starting point will be the Two Mile Gate (three miles outside of Killaloe) and the cycle will finish here also.
 
To register you can either pay a registration fee of €75 or alternatively take a sponsorship card to raise money for MDI.
 
All money raised from the event will be used to fund the respite support services MDI provide to 510 individuals and families affected by MD nationwide.
 
For further information, sponsorship card and t-shirt please contact:
Amy Bramley                                                                
MDI  Head Office                                                        
086 818 53 52 / amy@mdi.ie

Trip to Tipp Weekend of Cycling
National Council for the Blind of Ireland
PV Doyle House, Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Tel:01-8307033
 
 
Billy Shanahan
33 Willowmere Drive,
Thurles,
Co. Tipperary
 
Ph: 0504 22882
 
Mobile: 087 9253225
 
A Chara,
 
It’s that time of year again; time to get on your bike for our 15th annual charity cycle “Trip to Tipp” in aid of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland.
Thanks to you and all out participants last years cycle was a wonderful success.
We anticipate this year will be even better!!
 
Again we are having a two day event as follows:
 
Saturday 18th July:
The Three Counties Tour      60km
1:00pm start at the Anner Hotel Thurles
Entry Fee €20
 
 
Sunday 19th July:
Tipp 200             200km       9:00am start  at the Anner Hotel, Thurles
Long Route         100km      10:30am start at the Anner Hotel, Thurles
Medium Route     60km      10:30am start at the Anner Hotel, Thurles
Short Route           20km     11:45am start at the Anner Hotel, Thurles
Entry Fee €30 without sponsorship card
Free Entry with sponsorship card
 
Refreshments and T-Shirts for cyclists.
 
Looking forwad to your valued company again on the day.
 
Sponsorship cards available from : Katriona Shanahan at this email or 087 4106861
                                                   Billy Shanahan at the above address and number
                                                                Michael’s Jewellers, West Gate, Thurles,
 
Cyclists Should wear Helmets.
 
Yours in cycling
 
Billy Shanahan                                                          Katriona Shanahan

Some of the gang at the training camp

Photos courtesy of Paddy Doran.