A Group Charter
You will find us a friendly and welcoming group who like to cycle hard and who definitely stop for coffee
Our target is to be fit enough over the period of April to August to cycle events of at least 160km
It has now become custom to cycle a 200km group spin over the summer
As a rough guide our average speeds over the winter period is 27/30kph and over the summer period 29/32kph
Remember average speed can vary greatly depending on the route chosen, the size of the group and weather conditions
We aim to support club events and participate in other events as agreed over the course of the year by the group
Most of all we aim to stay safe and enjoy our cycling
Our group spins depart along with the rest of the club on Sundays, 9am from Poplar Square. You will find the route on the Naas CC website and Facebook page
Naas CC Road Captains & Group Riding
Road Captain or Vice Captains call the route and the pace
Obey your Road captain’s instructions during the club spin. They have final say in all decisions within the group and while out on the club spin
If you feel unwell please do not cycle. Always err on the side of caution, If you become unwell during the course of a club spin inform the Road Captain immediately
We can all on any given day have a bad day on the bike. It’s happened to us all but please match you fitness to the correct group. If you are ill, injured or feel unfit for the proposed distance or pace you should not attempt to cycle. Note: A tired cyclist can be a danger to the whole group
Naas CC operates on the basis that no one gets left behind. It should be a real exception that a cyclist is left on their own during a club spin. There may be cases where it’s not practical to slow the group down or stop on a given day. An agreement will be made with the individual on the day
Only cycle in pairs when it safe to do so. Single out when instructed to do so by your Road Captain
Punctures, mechanicals and emergencies stop the group. A rule of thumb is that two people should stop with the individual. Follow your Road Captains instructions
Be aware of your fellow club mates – look out for someone struggling on a club spin and call ‘Knock it Back’ in pace if necessary
Your safety and the safety of all within the group is the responsibility of us all both individually and collectively. Do not be afraid to call someone with habitual behaviour that poses a risk to us all.
Respect that everyone climbs at their own pace
On long or steep climbs the group will break up. Regroup over the top at the first safe location
Do not pass a junction. Remember it is the responsibility of the first riders over the top not the last to make sure the whole group stays together
We ask every cyclist to remember when on a club spin they are very much representing the club and to behave accordingly
Rules of the Road for Naas CC members
Be respectful of motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists
Obey the rules of the road at all times
Obey traffic lights & pedestrian lights
Do not cross a junction if only you can cross. Remember others may follow
Do not cycle on footpaths; dismount if entering the footpath or pedestrian only areas
Do not to engage in confrontational behaviour (either gesture, verbal or physical) with any other road user
Call obstacles with hand signals and verbally where required (e.g. car up/car down). Do not leave a gap in the group. Ensure the gap to the rider in front is kept to a minimum
Do not brake unnecessarily while in a group
No half wheeling
Transition smoothly within the group, keep your concentration
Naas CC Essentials
Ensure that your bike is fully serviced and roadworthy before taking part in a club spin
You must wear a helmet. No Helmet No Spin
Road ID with ICE contact to be worn by all participants on club spins
Carry at least two spare tubes and a working pump/gas system
Carry enough food and water to sustain your effort over the course of the route
Carry a water bottle which fits in your bottle cage
Carry money for breaks or emergency and a fully charged phone
Notify the Club Secretary (naasccsec@gmail.com) of any incidents, accidents or crashes on club spins at your earliest convenience. The Club Secretary will take the appropriate further actions as required
Naas CC Winter Essentials
Working Front and rear lights are a requirement in winter or dusk conditions. (In Irish law, Dusk commences 30 minutes prior to sunset and ends 30 minutes after sunrise)
Use mudguards during the period either side of Christmas as called by the group captain
Visiting Cyclists
As a visiting cyclist you are welcome on our spin but please remember as per Naas CC club rules you must be a current member of Cycling Ireland and Tri Bars are not permitted
Brian Grogan, Captain