Youth and Juniors: January / February Update

The Orwell Youth Section is in the midst of their winter training. Here is an update of the programme of activities for the youths over the coming weeks from Stephen Ryan.

Orwell Under Age Cycling

Life returns to normal as the Youths and Juniors ease their way back into school, college and cycling life. Wrapping up well to keep the cold at bay and fighting off various colds, flu’s and teenageritis the younger members of the club have been getting back out there.

For the Youths (up to 15) the next few weeks serve up a smorgasbord of cycling activities:

This coming Sunday, the 17th – we will be in Ticknock for Mountain Biking (meet at carpark at 10:00) Ticknock MTB Trails. No experience necessary and parents are welcome to bring their (non–road) bikes and join in. The trails have been well maintained over the winter and should have something to offer all levels of ability. WRAP UP WELL!

On the 24th we are back in Corkagh Park, for a “normal” session. The usual mix of drills, skills, races and fun. For those who would like to drop n’go there will be a parents spin, a c.90 min trip getting back in time for collection.

The 31st brings us the currently coolest branch of the sport – Cyclocross at Corkagh – or as it is usually referred to CX . We had a taster a few weeks back with leading Irish cyclist Robin Seymour and will have a full blown session around, over and through Corkagh. For the first time in living memory one club in the country held its own championships, that’s right The Orwell, with Stephen O’Shea doing a brilliant job and in the national championships last weekend two Orwell women, Breda Horan and Orla Hendron placed in the top ten. This will be a good chance for the younger members to try it out. Here’s a taster Get Started with Cross.

The first weekend in February (the 7th) we’re back in Corkagh and again with a parent spin option – led by Ivan O’Brien.

The 14th has us in Sundrive Track for Track cycling Track Cycling Ireland – on the fixed gear no brake track bikes. Full instructions and training will be provided . This is one you don’t want to miss. Who know where it will lead you. Last year, Uisneach Sheridan, Sean Murnane, Conor Murnane, Naoise Sheridan and Andrew Ryan all won Local, Provincial &/or National prizes on the track at underage level.

The Juniors (16-21) continue to train hard ahead of the season and are looking forward to the beginning of racing . The big summertime goal for them is the Junior Tour. Last year we had two starters, Luke Keating and Conor Murnane and we are hopeful of increasing our participation this year, up to a full team if the training goes well. But even if the Junior Tour is not your goal, the group welcomes cyclists of all abilities from complete beginner to accomplished riders, male or female in the 16-21 age bracket. They leave on spins from Joe Daly’s on Saturday mornings at 09:00. Please contact Dave McLoughlin (orwelladmin@gmail.com) if you or someone you know would like to go along but haven’t been out before or have any questions.