The Chain Gang Cycling Club Rotating Header Image

Mentored off-season cycles and 2012 membership

Oct 9th, 2011
by Darragh.
No comments yet

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: · · · · · ·

Happy Christmas!

Dec 9th, 2011
by Darragh.
No comments yet

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.
No comments yet

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.
Tagged: · · ·

Notice of AGM

Oct 21st, 2011
by Darragh.
No comments yet

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.
No comments yet

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.
Tagged: · · · · · ·

Thanks and Well Done!

Oct 6th, 2011
by Darragh.
No comments yet

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.

Kerry Road Championship Sat 20th Aug 2011

Aug 17th, 2011
by Darragh.
No comments yet

Saturday, 20th August, 2011 at 4.00pm in Kilgobnet near Killorglin.

Sign on at Kilgobnet National School from 3.00pm to 3.30pm. Mass Start event over 36 miles (12 x 3 mile laps)

All cyclists from Kerry or with a Kerry club are eligible. Championships Medals for the first 3 in the following categories – First 3 over the line, A1, A2, A3, A4, Ladies, Over 40, 50, 60, Junior, Under, 16, 14, 12 Team Prize (First 3) for all Kerry clubs across all categories – 4 to score with clubs not allowed B teams and clubs do not have to nominate their 4 before the event.


EveryTrail and beyond

Note – Cyclists can win the overall prize and another in their own category. One Day Licences available on the day.

Promoted by Killorglin Credit Union Cycling Club in association with all the other Cycling Ireland Cycling Clubs in Kerry.

Posted in: News, Race.
Tagged: · ·

Tri Kingdom Come 2011

Jul 29th, 2011
by Darragh.
No comments yet

Our colleagues in Tralee Tri Club have recently launched their Tri Kingdom Come event. The sprint distance triathlon takes place in Fenit (Tralee) on Saturday 13 August with entry set at €45 for individuals and €90 for teams. There are *many* cash and spot prizes to be won and has all the trimmings of a top class event.

 

Entries are capped at 400 so if you’re interested in giving the swim-bike run thing a go head over to www.trikingdomcome.ie where full event details and online registration is available.

Posted in: Events, News, Non Cycling Event (Local).
Tagged: · ·

The Chain Gang Sportives 2011

Jul 12th, 2011
by Darragh.
No comments yet

The Chain Gang CC, Tralee is happy to announce the 2011 Chain Gang Sportives!

This year we will once again be hosting, with the support of our event partners, a set of classic challenge cycles taking riders over the most scenic terrain offered by the Dingle Peninsula

  • The Conor Pass Challenge – A classic 110km route takes this sportive cycle over the Conor Pass – Ireland’s Highest Mountain Pass on a scenic route then taking in Dingle, Annascaul, Inch and Castlemaine
  •  The Blasket Blast 150km – the second edition of this spectacular and challenging route. The route takes in the entirety of the peninsula over 150km, taking in the climbs of the Conor Pass and the spectacular coastal run around Slea Head.

To ease entrants’ registration and to allow for better event planning, on-line entry for the cycles has been set up for this year’s events via the dedicated event website – www.thechaingangsportives.com – where you can also find complete route and entry details, FAQs, event news and more.

While every effort has been made to include as much information as possible, if you have any queries about your route don’t hesitate to drop a line at info@thechaingang.cc and we’ll do our utmost to see you right.

We aim to put on a great set of cycles this year, to build on previous years and  pull out all the stops to put on what we endeavour to make a brilliant day on the bike.

We hope you will accept our challenge to join us  in Tralee this Septemberand take on what we feel are some of the best challenge cycles, in some of the most spectacular countryside both Kerry and Ireland has to offer.


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

News Update – July 2011

Jul 9th, 2011
by Darragh.
No comments yet

Hi Gang,

Just a quick line to keep you up to speed with a few bits and pieces.

Kit Order

We have been made aware by our kit manufacturer, Giordana, that to get kit in time to be useful for the Autumn/Winter and at the current prices that orders must be placed with them by the 28th of July. This comes with an delivery date of ~September 20th.

We are willing to organise a kit order to make this deadline if there is sufficient interest. The kit prices are as follows:

  • Short Sleeve Jersey (Full & Invisible Zip) €50
  • Bib Shorts with Tselect Gel chamois €67.50
  • Bib Tights with Tselect Gel chamois €80
  • Windtex Jacket (detachable sleeves) € 130
  • Asteria (Lightweight winter) Jacket €130
  • Rain Gilet € 55
  • Rain Jacket € 75
  • Arm Warmers €15
  • Mitts € 20
  • Overshoes €30

As with previous orders we recommend buying a size larger than you normally wear as the kit is definitively ‘race fit’.

If you want to order kit send in your order detailing the garment, the size and the quantity desired with payment to Chain Gang HQ before Friday 15th of July. We will assess the demand is there for each garment type and if there are sufficient numbers to place an order and place it ahead of the Giordana deadline. Where insufficient demand is present for an item, those that have paid for one of these articles will be promptly refunded in full. The next order after this is likely to be in 2012 so we encourage members to consider their upcoming kit requirements at this time.

Upcoming Events

July sees more opportunities to capitalise on the training and miles under the wheels with some more events well worth considering appear on the leisure cycling calendar;

  • The Iveragh 200km is on Saturday 16th and is run by our neighbours in Killorglin Cycling Club – there are several distances available and full details are available at the event website http://www.iveragh200.com/
  • The An Post Tour of Meath is on Sunday 24th – run by Meath LSP and supported by An Post this is the 3rd of this year’s An Post Cycle Series. Check out http://www.meathsports.ie/ for full details and online registration links.
  • The highly regarded Tour de Kilkenny kicks off on Saturday 30th – run by the Marble City Cyclers this event has gained a reputation over the last few years as a very well run event with great routes. Run on a Saturday this one also provides the option of making a weekend of the event. Check out http://www.marblecitycyclers.com/tour-de-kilkenny/ for the low down and online entry.
  • Just straying into August, Sunday the 7th sees another edition of the Trip to Tipp run by Tandem Cycling Ireland. This is one to *definitely* consider given the level of fitness being shown by members currently. The event takes in some classic climbs including the Glen of Aherlow and the Vee (and if last year is anything to go by also includes Mt Mellary as a bonus!). Check out http://www.bikerschallenge.com/Blazingbikers/Trip_to_Tipp_2011.html for full details.

Ring Of Kerry

The Club had a great turn out on the Ring this year with best estimates of 52 members taking to the road for what surely has to be the biggest charity ride in Ireland. The Club was very well represented with most kitting out and putting down an exemplary show of group cycling amongst the huge numbers on the road that Saturday. A special thanks must go out to Ailis whose blueberry pancakes and coffee on the following Sunday morning were just the ticket to treat tired legs (and for some, heads) after the event and the following  ‘debriefing’ held in Tralee.

Etape du Tour

The ‘Etapers’ will be shortly riding their alpine adventures in France. The first group of John O’Regan, Sean Williams, Colin Lacey, Christo Murray and Peter Gleeson will be taking on the 109km Etape on Monday with Donnacha Galvin getting his 208km Etape Sunday week.

I’m sure there’s an equal numbers of us grateful we’ve just the Conor Pass to worry about or envious of the alpine climbs and descents ahead of you –  either way we look forward to the war stories when ye get back! Best of luck lads!

That’s all for now – see you on the road!

Darragh

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

← Earlier Posts
Webdesign