Leisure

John Twomey 12 February 2015 Important update Hi all, As most of you may be aware, the weather forecast for this weekend is not in our favour and for the safety and enjoyment of participants it is with great reluctance that we have decided to change the route for Saturday. The decision was made based on a number of factors including last week’s Skoda Tour of Wicklow where similar conditions were experienced and we wanted to ensure that we maximize riders safety. U pdated plan

14 February 2014 The time has come again to see if you are up for the challenge of the Orwell Randonnee and to see if you can add your name to the coveted list of successful participants. In keeping with previous years this year promises to be the event not to be missed! This year we have changed the route from the previous years – note we have said “Changed” not made it easier, some of the old favourites are still there. For interest we have managed to find a few new stretch

Update: the Randonnée is full! The time has come again to see if you are up for the challenge of the Orwell Randonnée and to see if you can add your name to the coveted list of successful participants. In keeping with previous years this year promises to be the event not to be missed!

The Leisure Group continue building up to the season, and will host an evening on ‘Group Training for Sportives’ in Milltown on Monday 27th next – click through for more details!

Thanks to everyone who attended the ‘Get ready for Sportive season 2014’ events in Milltown and Ashtons on Monday night. Below you’ll find links to all the info referred to on the night, including everything you need to know about the Leisure Programme for 2014!

The Orwell Leisure participation based competition is back for 2015 – read below

Launched with fanfare at the Jesuit Conference Centre in January, the Orwell Leisure Programme for 2014 is packed with events and competitions. Have a read below!

The Leisure Group are launching the 2014 Programme next Monday at two venues, the first half will be at the Jesuit Conference Centre in Milltown, starting at 19.00 and the second half will be as soon after that as they can get themselves to Ashtons in Clonskeagh – aiming for 20.30.

Many of the members of Orwell took part in the epic Wicklow 200 of 2011. The conditions were horrendous and many of the cyclists who signed up for the event quite understandably did not complete the course. Here are the stories from 2 first-timers who survived the day and lived to tell.

Another great turnout for Orwell at the KARE Tour de Foothills, see below for the highlights reel!

Orwell Wheelers ran its hugely successful annual Randonnée on the 5th May, 2012 over a challenging route through the Wicklow Mountains. This event was again in support of the Irish Hospice Foundation and was the perfect warm-up for those taking part in the Wicklow 200 or indeed greater challenges such as the Marmotte/Etape!

This year’s event took place on Saturday 19th May 2012. Your usual video thanks to Eileen Byrne awaits below!

Again this year a large number of Orwell Wheelers members took part in the Wicklow 200 which is a non-competitive cycle which covers 200 kilometres around the roads of beautiful County Wicklow. Video below!

The 11th annual Martin Earley Tour of Kildare, in association with Naas Cycling Club and in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation, took place on Sunday the 12th of August, and Eileen Byrne has supplied us with a wonderful video of the day!

For those of you who did not have the pleasure of a wonderful weekend in Killarney and the joy of cycling the Ring in perfect weather, check out this video of Eileen on Molls Gap. Denis features on the descent as the camera shutter speed was not sufficiently fast to capture him on the ascent, he was just a blur! We also have a Billy Parker Special Report!

Orwell Wheelers again well represented at the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford in both the 100k and 160k. Wonderful scenery and the welcome provided by the people of Waterford ensured a return in 2013. We’ve a video below!

Set in the heartland of the Mourne Mountains near Newry, the weather gods did not shine kindly on the 2013 Etape Mourne, but Jean Wilson soldiered on regardless!

Jean Wilson got back on her bike after the Tour of Kilkenny to complete the 110km Leinster Loop. She’s done us the honour of writing a brief description below…

Jean Wilson completed this well-run event earlier this year – read on for her account!

For the last big cycle before winter truly sets in, the testing Dying Light Audax was taken on by seven hardy Orwell riders – including John Blennerhassett. Below, he recounts the tale of 200km in the Irish “autumnal” weather.