Leisure Programme 2015

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

You can see all the events listed in this spreadsheet .

We’re running this programme:

• To encourage participation among members in summer cycling

• To enhance the social aspects of Leisure cycling

• To ensure members are aware of what events are on over the summer

Orwell Leisure Cyclist of the Year

2014 Winner – Judith Byrne

The competition will run from April to September. (Note that Sunday spins finish at the end of March and begin again in October.)

We will focus attention on a limited number of events, which should help focus the participation as there are over 300 events during the year. We will be awarding points for participation and there are six categories with various points awarded. Where there is a choice of distance it doesn’t matter which one you ride – although note for the Mick Byrne in May you have to register and do the 200 as an Audaxer to get the full 10 points on offer

There are:

1. Mass participation events (called Grand Tours)- there are 3 of these and they score 10 points – 1 in each of May, June and July

2. Challenging events which offer something a little different (called Monuments) , we’ve usually ridden these before and recommend them – there are 13 of these, usually 2 a month from April to September (includes Orwell Randonnée which we award points for marshalling only) – the 7 sportive ones score 5 points while the 6 audaxes score 6 each

3. Other interesting rides dotted around the country (called Classics)  – selected by ourselves – they’re weighted at 3 points – there are 33 of these events

4. Overseas events – points vary – see spreadsheet for details

5. Multi day events – points vary – see spreadsheet for details

6. any other event – scores 1

We will also be awarding 3 points for Social events. Social participation is a hugely important part of the programme and we have budgeted to hold 3 Social Events during the season. These are spaced through the Summer to coincide with the sportive calendar Each Social Event is linked to one of the major sportives of the season but will also recognise participation in events previous to the last Social Event . We will book a room in a venue and provide refreshments.

Teams – we are introducing a team element this year.there will be 5 teams ( because there are 5 colours in the UCI World Champion jersey) . People will be arbitrarily allocated onto teams after April and before the Orwell randonnee. The points you score as an individual will count towards the team. There will be appropriate recognition of the winning team. We are currently recruiting captains, If you are a larger than life character and would like to be considered please let us know.

T’s & C’s – we are being a little stricter this year on finishing what you started when it comes to Classics, Monuments or Grand Tours. While there is no difference in points on offer where there are different routes available say 70k and 120k, If you start one but don’t fiinish it you will be awarded a DNF & 1 point . Where there is a common route until a particular cut off point you can keep your options open. Once past the cut off point you must then finish the route you chose to get the full points. If the organisers shorten the course for weather related problems that doesn’t impact the score but if you decide to do a Colin Caesar and ignore the turn for Mahon Falls you’re now heading for a DNF. Remember it is self -assessment. Dave Carroll and myself are the rulebook, judge and jury if there is a query. 

Forum

We have set up a forum where members can find out anything they need to know about how a particular event, who is going, how to get there, where to meet, what the course is like, etc. You have to be logged in to see it.

Spirit of Leisure

Orwell wishes to recognise those who go out of their way to help and encourage others during training and participation in the Leisure Program. This support helps many people to progress from entry-level events to tackling some of the most challenging Sportives in the country and beyond.

Any Orwell member participating in a Leisure event over the duration of the Leisure Program may nominate a fellow member who they believe deserves recognition for helping, encouraging or otherwise improving the experience of people taking part. All nominations received will be considered towards the Spirit of Leisure award. This award will be presented at the final Club Prizegiving Event

Nominations should be sent via email to jewilson@tcd.ie and diarmuid.donnelly@gmail.com and include the name of the Sportive event and the reason for nomination.

The 2014 winner was Rodney Phelan

Miscellaneous

It’s self-assessment, but you will need to e-mail orwell.leisure@gmail.com after you have completed a Sportive or Audax. The Table will be updated regularly (weekly, I hope), and there will be a number of prized including a dedicated jersey and a trophy.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact either

• Stephen Ryan (083 333 6443) Or orwell.leisure@gmail.com

• Dave Carroll