Cycling Club aims to get newcomers comfortable on roads

EVER thought about taking up cycling but just had no idea where to start? Or perhaps you were afraid to take to the roads by yourself or just wanted to increase your distances?

If so, well enter Killarney Cycling Club who, through their long running ‘Mentoring Programme’, are looking to welcome a whole new batch of eager cyclists to the club later this month.

Tuesday, April 30 is the date on which the club will be starting their latest programme, the aim of which is to provide adults with an opportunity to gain skills and the experience of cycling as a group on the open road in a safer and enjoyable environment.

Speaking to The Kerryman this week, Fiona O’Donoghue from the club, said the programme is one which has been running for years.

“It began as a feed into the Ring of Kerry, as a way for people who might have wanted to do the Ring of Kerry but who weren’t used to long distance training. A lot of people, they’d get on the bike and do 10k but through our programme, they were able to increase the distances and they learnt how to get the best value out of their bikes so that they could keep going for the longer distances,” she said.

“It’s safer to cycle with a group as you’re much more visible on the road than if you were by yourself,” she continued, adding that if you are interested in developing your cycling but don’t feel ready to turn up on a Sunday morning for the club weekly spins, then this is an excellent opportunity to get started.

“What’s different about the programme this year is that we have a clubhouse - which we’ve never had before - up in St Mary’s Parish Hall. We have the opportunity to connect someone’s bike to a turbo. So, the first two nights that we do up there, we’ll be looking at gear change, getting comfortable on your bike, all that type of thing.”

This, she said, will be followed by eight evenings on the road and participants will go from 20km to 70km with the guidance of experienced club members.

Participants will need a roadworthy bike, helmet, a drink, front and rear lights, a spare tube and an eagerness to have a go.

The programme will begin at 6.45pm in the club house based in St Mary’s Parish Hall, V93HX44, on April 30; those that are interested in taking part are asked to please ring Fiona to register at 085 789 7725.