“A day in the life” of the Wicklow 200 Training Group

A not too small community of 64 Scott Orwell Wheeler cyclists have committed to a 10 week programme of training; in preparation for the Wicklow 200. Eight leaders have volunteered to assist the first timers, which includes 20 ladies, with their challenge to get ready for the big day…

“A day in the life” of the Wicklow 200 Training Group

A not too small community of 64 Scott Orwell Wheeler cyclists have committed to a 10 week programme of training; in preparation for the Wicklow 200. Eight leaders have volunteered to assist the first timers, which includes 20 ladies, with their challenge to get ready for the big day. The participants are organised into four groups depending on their experience and ability. The community is led by the legendary Ger Coffey and Rodney Phelan, both recipients of ‘Orwell Leisure Awards’.

The event has been organised each year since it started in 1982 by the Irish Veteran Cyclists Association. I’m sure there is a big circle marked on Sunday June 12th on all the calendars of our entire group. It’s a magic day, providing the weather is kind, and the Scott Orwell Wheeler Car and Van will be available to support w100 and w200 groups on the day.

When I say volunteered; maybe scrambled to get involved might better describe the task. It is such a pleasure to gather each Saturday, and see the: anticipation, joy and share the individual stories over the 10 weeks of the training programme. Many of last year’s participants wanted to join again; however, they had to be disappointed as the training group is for first timers only.

The training plan distance builds gradually; alternating between flat and hilly routes. Over the weeks the group is offered a chance to sign up and cycle our own 145km Orwell Wheelers Randonnée (2240mts) and the 140km Mount Leinster Challenge (1370 mts). By the 12th of June the group will have been given every opportunity to prepare for the 200kms and the 2,793mts of climbing, in our own cycling playground; in the Garden of Ireland Wicklow.

Here is a video of group 3 from the 115km flat spin from last Saturday. Cheers, Leonard