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Chain Gang Cycling Mentoring Program

Apr 7th, 2013
by Brendan O'Connor.
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2013 Programme

  • Our aim is to have safe, enjoyable and non competitive leisure spins
  • The pace will be specifically aimed at the beginner and intermediate level cyclist
  • These spins are for ADULTS only
  • Cyclist may participate in up to 2 spins before committing to joining the club
  • Fees payable on the first or second night
  • €30 club membership which includes Cycling Ireland insurance

 

REGISTRATION

Registration is from 6:00pm before the 1st & 2nd spin

All spins leave from outside Kerry County Council Buildings at 6:30pm

 

LIST OF ROUTES – SPINS LAST FROM 1½ to 2 HOURS

Date Route Distance
April 17th Tralee – O’Riadas Pub –Tralee 16 km
April 24th Tralee – Blennerville – Castlemaine Rd – Tralee 13 km
May 1st Tralee – Feint- Tralee 25 km
May 8th Tralee – Camp – Tralee 25 km
May 15th Tralee – Castleisland – Tralee 30 km
May 22nd Tralee – Farranfore – Tralee 30 km
May 29th Tralee – Kilflynn – Abbeydourney – Tralee 30 km
June 5th Tralee – Ardfert – Fenit – Tralee 40 km
June 12th Tralee – Farranfore – Castleisland – Tralee 40 km
June 19th Tralee  – Castlemaine – Farranfore – Tralee 42 km
June 26th Tralee –  Dan Paddy Andys – Castleisland – Tralee 43 km
July 3rd Tralee  – Ballyroe – Abbeydourney – TraleeRING OF KERRY CHARITY CYCLE – Enjoy the Day! 25 km

 

IMPORTANT TERMS & CONDITIONS

• A HELMET IS ESSENTIAL AND YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED CYCLE WITHOUT ONE

• ENSURE YOUR BIKE IS IN A ROAD WORTHY CONDITION

• Please bring a drink, wear appropriate clothing for the conditions

• Please carry a spare tube, pump and repair kit suitable for your bike

• Experienced club members will take part each week to support new members

• Routes are subject to change

• THE RULES OF THE ROAD MUST BE OBEYED AT ALL TIMES

• Further information contact Brendan O’Connor (086.8236569) or secretary@thechaingang.cc

Posted in: Club, Cycle Event (Local), News.

Spring has sprung – time to get back on the bike!

Feb 27th, 2013
by Darragh.
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Whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned veteran, whether you’re looking to cycle for fun and fitness, the challenge of the sportif scene, the opportunity to travel and see the Cols of the continent or experience the thrill of racing the Chain Gang Cycling Club has a 2013 you can really get your chainring teeth into!

Kerry’s biggest, friendliest cycling club is taking members of all abilities on an ongoing basis and is looking forward to a fit and fun year on two wheels – to find out more about the club and how to join drop a line to info@thechaingang.cc and we’ll give you the low down!

Posted in: Uncategorized.

The Chain Gang Cycling Club’s 2012 in numbers

Dec 31st, 2012
by Darragh.
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The Chain Gang Cycling Club’s 2012 in numbers:*90 – Chain Gang members

*16 – the number taking on the Pyrenees on the club continental trip

*36 – the temperature in degrees Celcius on the Hautacam

*Beyond estimation – the number of McDonald’s and steak calories taken in refueling after conquering the Cols!

*2 – the number of members flying the flag at the Etape du Tour

*2 – the number racing Iron Man triathlons in Nice

*6 – the number of counties hit on the Club ‘audax’

*317 – the number of kilometers on the ‘audax’

*13:36 – the ride time for that 317km.

*56 – the estimated number of members riding the Ring Of Kerry for charity

*10,035 – the number of kms covered by the Club that day alone! About the same distance as travelling from Tralee to Buenos Aires!

*225,000 – the estimated number of kms covered by members over the course of the year!! That’s a little over five and a half circumnavigations of the Earth!

*0.000017 – the number of falls and offs by members per km travelled in the year

A pretty good year whatever way you look at it, so here’s to the same and more for 2013! Happy New Year!

 

Posted in: Club, News.

The Summer Is Here! Time to get planning!

May 25th, 2012
by Darragh.
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Yes! We’ve reached the last week in May and it appears that something like elusive the Irish Summer has begun to kick off! This can only mean the regular return to the roads of so often minded Club kit (get the colours out there people!!) and the advanced planning of a Summer of cycles.

 

Some of the upcoming cycles of note to consider getting in the bag include:

 

Sli na Riochta – June 10th – A charity ride hosted by our comrades in Tralee CC running from Beaufort Bridge over an 85km route taking in the McGillycuddy Reeks. More details on http://traleecc.ie/?page_id=70.

 

Currow CC Leisure Tour – June 17th – 80km – Hosted by more comrades of the north Kerry cycling scene this is always an enjoyable spin. Contact Darragh Looney on 086 8916091 or dlooney@mdoshea.ie for details and keep an eye out on http://currowcc.com/.

 

Tour de Burren – June 23rd – Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare – 66, 108 and 168km options.Categorically one of the best events in the country – not to be missed if you can take part!! Register online via http://regonline.activeeurope.com/anposttourdeburren for €30-35 before June 15th for savings. For full details see http://www.tourdeburren.com. As with all An Post events demand for accommodation in the immediate area (province!) is likely to be very high so book your entry and a place to stay sooner rather than later!!

 

Ring of Kerry – July 7th – Killarney, Co. Kerry. 170km charity ride. Entry is free BUT riders are expected to raise sponsorship for the charities benefiting from the event so raise what you can for worthy causes. Entry and full details is via http://www.ringofkerrycycle.ie/.

The annual challenge to new members of completing the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle rolls out on the morning of the first Saturday of July. This is always a great social cycle and all members are encouraged to support the event and the charities benefiting, to take part in the spirit of the event (i.e. it is not a team time trial and PB’s are not a target of the day!), to kit out and represent the Club and the friendly nature and well disciplined cycling it is known for.

 

Iveragh 200 – July 21st – Promoted by our friends in Killorglin CC this event has testing routes of either 130km or 200km to choose from. Entry is €35 payable on the day having pre-registered HERE. Full event and route details on http://www.iveragh200.com. For other info contact Eoin Ryan at 087 2821851 or on e2821851@hotmail.com

 

Southside Wheeley Wheelers Leisure Tour – July 22nd – 15, 60 and 120km options. Contact Paul Gammell on 086 1654988 or paulgammell@gmail.com for details and keep an eye out on http://southsidewheelywheelers.wordpress.com/

 

Tour de Kilkenny – August 4th – Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny – 40, 70, 110 and 160km options. This event run by the Marble City Cyclers has been getting great reviews over the last number of years and is definitely on the recommended list for 2012. Entry €20-€30 online via http://www.activeglobal.com/gl/cycling/kilkenny-ireland/tour-de-kilkenny-2012. Full route and event details on http://www.marblecitycyclers.com/tour-de-kilkenny/.

 

Trip to Tipp – August 19th – Thurles, Co. Tipperary – 100km and 200km options. €50 entry on the day. For details as they become available see http://www.bikerschallenge.com.

 

Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford – August 25th – Another edition of one of Irelands best run and most testing  sportifs. Routes of 50, 100 and 160km on offer with entry €18-36 online via http://regonline.activeeurope.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1046896. Full details are available on http://www.itsafeeling.com/top-attractions/sight-and-sound/the-sean-kelly-tour.html. As with all An Post events demand for accommodation in the immediate area (province!) is likely to be very high so book your entry and a place to stay sooner rather than later!!

 

AND last but certainly not least our own Chain Gang Sportives! September 15th sees Kerry’s Premier Cycle Challenge roll out the gates of Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club in Tralee on routes of 110 or 160km taking in the Dingle Peninsula and Ireland’s Highest Mountain Pass – the Conor Pass. Entry is €20 – €25 online at http://regonline.activeeurope.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1089711. Entry on the day €30. Full event and route details at http://www.thechaingangsportives.com/.

 

Now just to get the training in!

Posted in: Cycle Event (Local), Cycle Event (Not Local), News.

Happy Christmas!

Dec 9th, 2011
by Darragh.
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The Chain Gang Cycling Club would like to wish a very happy Christmas and a healthy, prosperous and successful 2012 to all our members and their families (who’ve seen their loved ones disappearing out on a bicycle for countless hours over the year as they rode with the club!), our colleagues in the cycling fraternity, our patrons in the Blasket Bar and Costellos Contractors, our fans & everyone who travelled to Tralee to brave this years challenging Chain Gang Sportives and all those who have given their time, energy and enthusiasm to support and assist the Club in 2011.

All the best and see you on the road in the new year!

Posted in: Club, Fun, News.

Notice of SGM

Oct 21st, 2011
by Darragh.
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Notice of Special General Meeting

A Special General Meeting of the Chain Gang Cycling Club will be held at the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee on Friday 11th November 2011 at 7.55p.m.

 

Agenda

  • The Club Management Committee will present the following motion for consideration by the members:

 

That paragraph 10 of the Club Constitution is amended to read as follows:

10. The President is a position of honor within the Club. The President shall be elected by the Members meeting in an Annual General Meeting. The President may hold office for a term not exceeding five (5) years, and may hold office for a maximum of two (2) terms, provided only that such terms not run consecutively. The President shall not be required to submit for re-election during his or her term of office.  The President may address any Meeting of the Committee, but is not entitled to vote at any such meeting, and shall be absent if any vote is taken. On ceasing to hold office the President shall become an Honorary Life President of the Club. The Club shall maintain a record of every Honorary Life President.

 

At present paragraph 10 reads as set out below:

10. The President is a position of honor within the Club. The President shall be elected by the Members meeting in an Annual General Meeting. The President may hold office for a period not exceeding three (3) years, and shall not be required to submit for re-election during his or her term of office. The President may address any Meeting of the Committee, but is not entitled to vote at any such meeting, and shall be absent if any vote is taken. On ceasing to hold office the President shall become an Honorary Life President of the Club. The Club shall maintain a record of every Honorary Life President.

 

The Meeting will also consider any other motions, as provided for under paragraph 3 of the Club Constitution, which members may wish to present for consideration on the night. A copy of the Club Constitution has been emailed to members for their information.

Posted in: Club, News.
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Notice of AGM

Oct 21st, 2011
by Darragh.
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Notice of Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Chain Gang Cycling Club will be held at the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee on Friday 11th November 2011 at 8p.m.

We will be accepting motions to be put to the meeting up to 1st of November. Each motion should state clearly the name of the member who intends to propose it to the Meeting, and ideally should include the name of the member who will second the motion – although the Chairperson has indicated that he will accept a second to a motion on the night of the meeting.

 

In framing a Motion for the A.G.M. a member should have regard to the following:

 

  • The Club Constitution (emailed to members).
  • The Club Rules (emailed to members).
  • A motion binds the incoming Committee to its implementation, and should not be so onerous as to impair the ability of the Committee to manage the affairs of the Club – either by way of excess commitment of time or finances (or both).

 

It has been indicated that there will be positions on the club committee being vacated this year so we would ask all members to consider taking a position on the committee and a more active role in club affairs as the club moves forward. This is your chance to help shape and be part of the future of your club.

 

The agenda for the meeting will be following:

 

  • Chairpersons Opening Remarks.
  • Minutes of the 2010 AGM held on 27th November 2010.
  • Secretary’s Report.
  • Treasurers Report.
  • Chairpersons Address.
  • Membership fee for calendar year 2012.
  • Motions.
  • Any Other Business.
  • Election of Officers and Committee
  • Close of Meeting.

Posted in: Club, News.
Tagged: · · ·

Chain Gang News: Training, Christmas Party and more!

Oct 21st, 2011
by Darragh.
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There’s been a bit of a gap between this and the previous club news update but this one will hopefully make up for the recent quietness.

 

TRAINING

First up is to let you know that the Club is well into the off-season now – this means that the pace and distance of cycles is generally given to being lower than that put down earlier in the year and up to September. Coffee breaks are more frequent (and increasingly welcome and almost mandatory as the weather gets colder!) and it becomes more important to make sure you’re equipped for the season – basics to consider introducing to your wardrobe if you haven’t them already are overshoes, bib-longs, and a rain/shower proof jacket as these will help keep you warmer and more comfortable if the weather goes south during a spin.

The progression of the year also means we’re now into dark conditions on the Thursday evening spins to Castleisland and back and so, as per last year, a high viz gilet or belt and good front and rear lights are necessary to take part.

 

MENTORED CYCLES

The Club will be resuming its mentored cycle programme from Saturday October 22nd for the duration of the off season up to the Christmas period – this is an ideal opportunity for those new to cycling this year to keep their fitness up and come into 2012 strong, for anyone who just wants to keep the pedals turning over during the winter and as always is perfect for anyone thinking of joining or having recently joined the Club. These will be limited to daylight (weekend) spins until sufficient light returns to make Thursday evening spins safe, accessible and comfortable for new, novice and improver cyclists.

 

CLUB AGM & SGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Chain Gang Cycling Club will be on the 11th of November at Meadowlands Hotel in Oakpark immediately following a Special General Meeting at the same location. The details of both meetings are provided in separate posts coming up after this one.

 

CHAIN GANG CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Chain Gang Christmas party – the party to be seen at this festive season (given early indications of interest!) – will be on Saturday December 3rd at Charlies Bistro, Strand Road. Entry for the party, including a three course meal and entertainment is just €18.95 per person. Confirmation of the party is subject to sufficient interest of members and bookings along with payment will be accepted up to and including the Club AGM on the 11th of November.

 

CLUB KIT ORDER

Members who have ordered kit in the last Club order (and waited very patiently for it to arrive!) will be happy to be know that a large box from our suppliers at Giordana has *finally* arrived and can be collected at Chain Gang HQ. Those interested in purchasing new club garments may do so on a first come first served basis and should be aware that spares are only available in limited sizes and numbers.

That’s all folks – see you on the road!

D

Posted in: Club, News.
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Mentored off-season cycles and 2012 membership

Oct 9th, 2011
by Darragh.
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Got a bike? Interested in getting into cycling? Want to get fit and in the process see a whole pile of countryside – and in a supportive and friendly club environment?

The Chain Gang will be running mentored cycles (with coffee/cake stops!) from Saturday October 22nd for those new to cycling, new members  and existing members that feel they would benefit from cycles supported by experienced members and will be taking membership applications for 2012.

So what are you waiting for!? If interested in joining Kerry’s biggest, friendliest cycling club drop us a line at info@thechaingang.cc and we’ll bring you up to speed!

Posted in: Club, News.
Tagged: · · · · · ·

Thanks and Well Done!

Oct 6th, 2011
by Darragh.
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The Chain Gang Cycling Club wished to express it’s thanks to everyone who joined us on the road on Saturday the 17th – the rain before the off was atrocious and it would have been a very easy choice looking out at it and the wind driving it to say ‘nuts to that!’ and stay in bed. Instead there was some major HTFU-ing done and riders took on what is unanimously agreed to be the hardest spin put down on the peninsula this year.

We were amazed at how many riders travelled distances to stay in Tralee and ride the event and hope everyone enjoyed the day in spite of the ‘inclementness’.

Your feedback as always is greatly appreciated – sometimes it’s difficult to see the rock when you’re working right at the coalface so rider reviews are the some of the most useful things for us to see what’s being done well and what may be considered for improvement in the future.

The Chain Gang thanks:

  • All those that volunteered their day to marshal the event, standing out on junctions, roundabouts, manning sign-on, food and waterstops,
  • The Gardai and the Irish Red Cross for their support,
  • Kerins O’Rahillys and Pobal Scoil Corca Dhuibhne for the use of their facilities and
  • Our Club Patrons – the Blasket Bar & Restaurant, Costello Contractors,
  • Our Supporters and Event Partners – O’Halloran Cycles, Poff Motors, the Brandon Hotel, Kerry Spring Water and Apres Velo

Lastly – keep an eye out on this website and the Chain Gang Cycling Club Facebook page over the coming week; there was a good number of photographers out on the course and while it’ll take a little bit of time to collect all the photos up once we have them we’ll begin uploading them.

Thanks again everyone and we look forward to seeing on the road in 2012 !

The Chain Gang Cycling Club

Posted in: Club, Cycle Event (Local), News.

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