'Women Only Spin' a great success

Cycling

The Cavan Women Only Cycle Spin took place on Sunday, March 6 with the “grand départ” from the Kilmore Hotel. The ladies took on either a 20K or 40K spin, circling back to the Kilmore Hotel where female club members from DB Cycling Club, Smugglers Cycling Club, CKR, Virginia Triathlon and Cycling Club, the Folly Rockets, Breffni Wheelers and their neighbours from Clones Cycling Club, enjoyed light refreshments provided by Cavan Sports Partnership.

This was the first time a Women Only Spin had been organized in the County with the backing of Cycling Ulster and was timed to coincide with International Women’s Day. The event was very well organised and special thanks are due to An Garda Siochana and club members who marshalled the route to ensure everyone arrived home safely.

The event was held to promote cycling as a fitness activity for women of all ages and abilities.

To this end, Cycling Ulster has designed a special eight-week programme, known as Women On Wheels (“WOW” for short) to encourage more female participation in the sport.

The WOW Programme will take absolute beginner adult women cyclists (or those who are a bit out of practice) out for an accessible to all cycle every weekend for eight weeks, with the intention of increasing the distance a little every week. After the eight weeks are completed, participants will be encouraged to do the Emyvale Women Only Sportive scheduled for the June 12 next. If they wish, participants may then go on to join their local cycling club.

The WOW programme will be delivered by the cycling clubs in County Cavan and for those who are interested, please check out the Facebook page of your local club which will provide the link to allow you register.

There will be a modest cost for the WOW Programme, mostly to cover the cost of insurance. The WOW programme will be starting in early April, so there is lots to time to check your bike and find your helmet.

The cycling clubs in the county are looking forward to seeing lots more women participating in this lifelong sport.