Saturday and Sunday spins attract good numbers

Lakeside Wheelers club notes

Winter round-up

Cycling at this time of year can be hit and miss due to weather conditions, unless you are involved in cyclocross or any other off-road cycling discipline. The last few weeks have been okay but there has been some frost, leading to icy roads and inconsistent training opportunities so, no doubt, the indoor turbos are getting lots of use.

Some members have been attending the various rounds of the Leinster Cyclocross League, including recent events in Bray and Oldcastle.

On both days, the weather was perfect for racing, cold but blue skies and dry grass which makes it much easier from a mechanical point of view - no dirt clogging up the chain and gears. The good run of results continued in Bray as Siobhan Marshall took a fine 3rd place in the U14 girls event.

Despite the odd weather related interruptions there has been good numbers turning up every Saturday and Sunday for the main weekly spins. Last weekend brought some early morning frost and fog leading to a delayed 10am start.

Routes, distance and pace have been cut back slightly over recent months, as is the norm at this time of year, so once the conditions are favourable, be assured that there will always be a spin going to suit everyone.

50th Anniversary Commemorative Jersey

There was good feedback after the AGM regarding the commemorative jersey design and following up on some requests, it was decided to add the option of a gilet to pair with it.

The design of both pieces of kit is finalised. Emails will be issued shortly to advise all members on pricing and how and when to order.

It’s most likely there will be an evening arranged for members to attend the clubhouse to place orders and this will be confirmed ASAP.

To ensure the new kit arrives in time for the golden anniversary spin on April 18 and to avail of a special discount, the order will need to be placed with the supplier by the end of January.

All members will be advised in due course following the final committee meeting of 2025 on Wednesday December 3.

Christmas Party

Plans are under way for this year’s Christmas party on Saturday December 6. This is always a great night of entertainment as everybody lets the hair down and forgets about training plans and calorie intake for the weekend, and maybe even the hydration sources are swapped for a different type of liquid.

The presentation of the annual awards will take centre stage before the music and dancing commence, so make sure come along and see who will be crowned Best Newcomer, Best Racer, Most Improved Cyclist and Clubperson of the Year for 2025.

The Old House Bar in the Annebrook Hotel is the place to be with complimentary drinks served from 8.30pm, finger food from 9.45pm and live music from 10pm. Get your Christmas jumpers and sparkly gunas out as we hope to see you all there for a bit of craic.

Turkey Trot

Another date for the diary is December 27 for the annual Turkey Trot spin. As per every other year, and weather permitting, this spin is always a social affair with various groups riding out and gathering for festive coffee, scones and mince pies compliments of the club.

The meet-up venue this year is Tyrrellspass Castle, which has been a welcoming place to Lakeside Wheelers over the years.

There will be more details closer to the date, but all going well, there will be a 10am departure with everyone home again in time for round two of the turkey and ham.