Winter Training

Post date: Oct 15, 2018 12:20:22 PM

(By Mark Monaghan - Sun. 14th October 2018)

In the coming weeks the club’s winter training plan will get into full swing on the Sunday morning spins. This plan is for all members with the main aim being to assist and educate riders of all abilities to get the most from their time on the bike during the “off-season”.

Hopefully the weather is not too inclement over the next few months and the groups get to take advantage of the training plan. Basically, it involves a slow build up as many members will have taken a short break from the end of September. The main aim during this phase is to ride long, slow sessions to get the legs back into the swing of things before introducing more difficult sessions over hilly routes. After Christmas the group leaders will increase the speed of the spins and before we know it the racing and sportive season will be up and running again.

The Youths (Under 17) and Juniors (Under 18) are also back in the fold after a well earned break following a long hard summer of racing. The parents and leaders who mentor these fine young cyclists have met with coach, Damien Shaw, and together they have planned another block of training to take the younger Wheelers through the winter. They will be back on the Wattbikes as usual midweek and weather permitting, will get some road miles in on Saturday mornings. Next year sees some of last year’s Youth riders progress to the Junior ranks so the future is looking good for Lakeside Wheelers.

As with previous years, all members are asked to fit good quality front lights, rear lights and mudguards to their bikes during the winter months. It is mandatory to fit the full wrap-around type of mudguard as other versions such as “ass-savers” or “flingers” are not suitable because they do not prevent back-splash on the riders behind you.

Group leaders have set Sunday October 21st as the date which all bikes must have these mudguards fitted so, you have plenty of time if you have not already attended to this important winter cycling issue. These measures are for safety during group rides so all members are asked to comply with this request. A rear red light may also be used to help make riders as visible as possible.

At a recent committee meeting it was decided not to continue the practice of official club spins on the Old Rail Trail on Wednesday nights during the winter. This decision was also taken for safety reasons however members are encouraged to use the Old Rail Trail for leisure spins.