CYCLING WITH GALWAY TRI CLUB

Year-Round Cycling for All Levels

From social coffee spins to competitive time trials, GTC offers cycling opportunities for every ability and ambition. Whether you’re new to road cycling or chasing your next PB, you’ll find your group here.

SUNDAY CLUB SPINS (YEAR-ROUND)

Three Groups, Three Paces – All Welcome

Every Sunday morning, we run three group rides at different paces. Each group rides together, has a designated leader, and always includes a coffee stop. Routes are shared in advance via our Bike WhatsApp group.

☕ LATTE GROUP

Easy-paced, social riding

  • Pace: 23 kph average
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Style: No drop (group stays together)
  • Includes: Coffee stop
  • Best for: Beginners, social riders, recovery rides, or anyone wanting a relaxed Sunday spin

☕☕ CAPPUCCINO GROUP

Moderate pace with good chat

  • Pace: 25-27 kph average
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Style: No drop (group stays together)
  • Includes: Coffee stop
  • Best for: Regular cyclists building fitness, those comfortable maintaining steady pace

☕☕☕ ESPRESSO GROUP

Fast-paced, performance-focused

  • Pace: 28+ kph average
  • Duration: 3+ hours
  • Style: Drop ride (faster pace maintained)
  • Includes: Coffee stop
  • Best for: Experienced cyclists, competitive riders, those training for racing

RIDE DETAILS

📍 Start Locations: Varies weekly – typically Dangan or Kearney’s

  • West side routes (e.g., Moycullen, Spideal , Connemara
  • East side routes (e.g., Athenry, Craughwell, Claregalway)

🕐 Start Times:

  • Winter months: 9:00am
  • Summer months : 8:00am
  • CHECK WHATAPP GROUP FOR TIME CHANGES

📱 Stay Updated: Join our Bike WhatsApp group for weekly route announcements, start times, and any changes

👥 Group Leaders: Each group has a designated leader who:

  • Sets and shares the route in advance
  • Ensures the group follows the planned route safely
  • Keeps the group together (for Latte and Cappuccino groups)
  • Manages pace and safety on the road

BIKE TIME TRIAL SERIES

Summer Series (6 Weeks)

Fast, competitive racing on rotating routes. Perfect for tracking your progress and pushing your limits.

When: Summer months (dates announced annually) Format: 6 weeks – each route ridden twice

Autumn Series (4 Weeks)

Shorter series as the evenings draw in, same competitive format.

When: Autumn months (dates announced annually) Format: 4 weeks (weather and light dependent)

TT ROUTES

🚴 Craughwell Out & Back Fast, flat route ideal for pure speed

🚴 Glenlo to Barna Golf Club Scenic route with some rolling terrain

🚴 Athenry Loop Classic loop with varied terrain

 

HOW TIME TRIALS WORK

Start Format:

  • Individual riders start one at a time
  • 1-minute gaps between riders
  • Start order based on previous times (fastest goes last)

Race Day:

  • Route announced via newsletter and WhatsApp
  • Self-timed or club timing provided
  • Results shared after the event

After the Race:

  • Coffee and treats for all finishers
  • Social time to compare notes and times
  • Friendly competition and encouragement

NEW TO ROAD CYCLING?

We run a 5-week Beginner Cycling Course specifically for those new to road cycling or group riding. You’ll learn bike handling skills, road safety, group riding etiquette, and build confidence before joining the Sunday spins.

Learn more about our New to Tri Programme →

Course covers:

  • Bike selection and setup
  • Gear changing and bike handling
  • Road safety and signaling
  • Group riding skills
  • Gradually increasing distances

By the end: You’ll be ready to join the Latte group Sunday spins with confidence!

CYCLING ESSENTIALS

What you need:

  • Road bike
  • Helmet (mandatory – no helmet, no ride)
  • Water bottles
  • Basic puncture repair kit
  • Front and rear lights (required by law in low light)
  • Cycling gloves (recommended)
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Don’t have all the gear? Come to our bike handling workshop or contact one of our coaches for advice on what to prioritize.

🚴 Equipment You Can Rent

Access to 12 Kickr Core smart trainers (perfect for winter training) and 4 bike bags for race travel. No need to invest heavily upfront.

GROUP RIDING ETIQUETTE

Before you join the Sunday spins, please understand:

✓ Call out hazards – Potholes, debris, parked cars ✓ Signal turns and stops – Use hand signals clearly ✓ Hold your line – Ride predictably, no sudden movements ✓ Single file on busy roads – Two abreast on quiet roads is fine ✓ Punctures happen – The group leader will manage repairs ✓ Respect the pace – Don’t push ahead of the group pace ✓ Be courteous – To other road users and fellow riders

STAY CONNECTED

📱 Bike WhatsApp Group Join for weekly updates on:

  • Sunday spin routes and start locations
  • Start times and any changes
  • Time trial dates and routes
  • Weather-related updates
  • Last-minute changes

📧 Newsletter TT series dates, special events, and cycling-specific announcements

Questions about cycling? Email: bike@galwaytri.ie

YOUR CYCLING YEAR WITH GTC

Year-Round: Sunday Spins

☕ Weekly social and training rides at three pace levels

Spring: Beginner Cycling Course

🚴 5-week programme for new road cyclists (dates announced annually)

Summer: Bike Time Trial Series

⏱️ 6 weeks of competitive racing (dates announced annually)

Autumn: Bike Time Trial Series

⏱️ 4 weeks of evening racing before the clocks change

READY TO RIDE?

Already a member?

  • Join the Bike WhatsApp group for weekly updates
  • Show up Sunday morning for your chosen group
  • Watch the newsletter for TT series dates

Not a member yet?