What level of fitness is required for leisure cycling in OWCC?

Generally a reasonable level of fitness is required (defined as the ability to continuously ride a minimum of 60KM in 3 hours (ie a minimum average speed of 20KM/PH). This would enable participation in the white group - see below for details).  Above this all levels of fitness and abilities are catered for. 

Which leisure group should I join?

We use a colour coded system for categorising the groups within our leisure cycling members to help everyone to choose an appropriate group.  This is to enhance the enjoyment of everyone’s spin but also is crucial for our safety on the roads. See below and also (link to groups).

What are Red/Orange/Amber/Yellow/White groups?

These are the classifications we use for different leisure groups within the club. These mean that members can choose to ride with a group that they feel comfortable with and also can move between groups as makes sense based on their abilities (and mood!).

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See (link to the classifications) for further details.

What is the typical distance of a leisure spin?

Typically between 60km and 80km but training spins for some events can be over a greater distance.  Spin routes are listed on the website well in advance and are also shared a few days before so you can decide which group and distance are best for you depending on how you feel.  While members typically ride in a specific colour group we do move around a little depending on fitness levels and what else is going on in our lives…..

See (link to spins on leisure page) for more information.

Is there a touring section / overseas trips / cycles outside of the Dublin/Wicklow area?

Yes, there are several options here.   In OWCC we are very lucky to have a touring and adventure group within the club.  which was set up and is managed by Leonard and Kashif. All current members are able to join this group.  This group has the opportunity to participate in all kinds of cycling adventures - examples include trips to the Isle of Man, cycling holidays in Italy, stage tours around Ireland, XMAS lights tours and it looks like the Hebrides could be one of our next destinations…

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See (link to touring ) for further. There are also other ad-hoc groups which arrange training overseas, or trips to major sportives (Beara, Mallorca 312, etc.)

Where do I find information on meet up locations and start times of club leisure spins?

The website includes details on club spins including start times and colour groups (see link). 

On an ongoing basis details of spins are sent to the relevant WhatsApp groups along with a link to Ride with GPS where you need to sign up for your spin. This enables sufficient ride leaders to be allocated to your ride.  If you have not signed up for the ride it may not be possible to show up on the day (this is to ensure safety).

Is there a coffee stop?

For leisure spins there is always a coffee stop…. (or two depending on the distance). Your ride leader will communicate these to you at the start of the spin and although circumstances on the spin may change and there is some flexibility there will always be a coffee stop (and a cake). Your ride leader will let you know before you start your spin what the planned stops are - sometimes these change depending on circumstances. 

Are there social elements to the club as well as just riding? 

Absolutely! Leisure rides are social by nature with coffee stops and lunch etc but there are also many other ways to get involved from trips away, the XMAS party etc… take a look at our events page LINK.

How do I join the OWCC section of Ride with GPS?

OWCC have a club space on Ride with GPS. 

This contains a library of routes, and signup details for Winter spins. 

Approval for access to this space is via a web link (provided to new members in their welcome mail). 

Clicking on this invite link will take you to RWGPS. 

If you have a RWGPS account you will be asked to sign in.  

If you don’t have a RWGPS account it will give you a link to sign up

(A free account is sufficient - there is no need for a paid account).

Then follow the instructions to get to the club area.

From then on, every time you log into RWGPS - you can get to our club area by clicking on the Orwell Jersey.

What do I need to bring on a Spin?

Hard shell helmet.

Road bike in good working order (no mountain bikes, hybrids, straight handlebars or tribars).

Quick release wheels, or Bolt Thru-Axles.

Tyres and brakes must be in good condition.

Pump, tyre levers and spare tubes are mandatory for road side repairs.

Food, water bottle, money and rain jacket.

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Youths/juniors can join club spins ONLY IF they have the approval of the Youth Rep. They must have a charged phone, inform the leader that they are a junior and that they have been approved to ride with the group. See the Youth section for full details and requirements.

An overview of our WhatsApp groups

All members can join the Orwell Wheelers community of WhatsApp groups. We use the Announcements feature for admins to communicate to all club members and then we have many other WhatsApp groups which are appropriate for different members depending on interests eg, different colour group spins, Leisure, Audax, CX, touring and adventure etc. 

These WhatsApp groups along with this website are our primary means of communicating within the club so it’s important to familiarise yourself with both. 

Please also familiarise yourself with our social media and communications policy (link).

Do I have to wear club kit? 

Part of being a member of a club is identifying yourself with that club and,  while we do not currently have a mandate for wearing club kit, general cycling etiquette and a pride in our club would indicate that wearing our kit is preferable on club rides and while at club cycling events.

How do I order OWCC kit?

Our kit rep organises ordering kit on a periodic basis.  As we are currently going through some changes this process will be updated shortly. Watch this space!! 

How much is membership and do I need a Cycling Ireland membership? 

Current Members

Club membership is €65 per annum for 2025. You also must pay a Cycling Ireland membership of €60 per annum - both of these are done at the same time. 

New Members

If you are joining for the first time you need to do a Pathways safety course that costs €100 which includes the first year’s membership but not the Cycling Ireland membership.

Having successfully completed the Pathways course (for an adult member) you will be eligible for membership of OWCC. It is necessary to become a member Cycling Ireland to join the club.  Membership is typically from 1 January for a calendar year and for the 2025 period membership will be managed through the CI website.

For details on youth and junior membership please see (link)

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To participate in club events it is necessary to be a full member and records of membership are maintained by the club. If you have any questions on membership please complete the form (link) and a committee member will respond to you. 

Where can I find OWCC on Social Media?

The club operates on all the usual social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram,  X (formerly known as twitter) and Strava and links to these can be found on the home page of the website. 

Whilst the WhatsApp groups and the website are our main forms of internal communication we use the website and also social media for external communications (and especially for sharing photos, results etc) and updates are provided on a periodic basis.  

Generally different parts of the club post their own updates (leisure, racing etc) and so if you have something that you would like included on social media please contact a representative from one of the committees listed (eg leisure and social or racing etc LINK). 

We also have a detailed social media and communications policy which you should read and familiarise yourself with. It is imperative that all club members operate within the framework of this policy. 

I want to join a committee or help out - how can I get involved? 

Our club operates on a voluntary basis and without those members who give up their time it would not be the club that we know and love. It is easy to assume that things “just happen” but behind the scenes there is an extraordinary level of effort and commitment from many of our members. 

It is therefore every member’s duty to help out in some way or other and there are many ways to do this - helping with food stops at the Randonnee, marshalling events, helping to organise an event or trip within one of the groups etc.  Joining a committee is a more structured way of providing support and we also need members to join and facilitate their operation on a rotating basis. 

See the Resources menu for details of our committees.  If you are interested in joining one of these please use the form below to express interest and a committee member will come back to you. Otherwise there are frequent calls for help on the WhatsApp groups so keep an eye out and do all you can to help!