Thomas Heeny shares the long list of benefits that come from joining your local cycling club.
If you are feeling inspired by Irish cyclist Ben Healy's Tour de France stage win, now is the perfect time to join a social cycling group.
Similar to running groups, which have grown in popularity across the country, social cycling groups are now growing, offering a friendly environment for all levels with no pressure for competition.
Participants come from a range of backgrounds and ages, making it a great opportunity to meet new people, improve your fitness, and develop your bike handling skills.
The benefits of cycling with a group are numerous; the primary benefits are the social aspect of meeting new people, discovering new cycling routes, as well as advice on kit, bikes, and well-deserved coffee stops.
There is also no pressure to become a member or compete, as many groups offer "no drop" weekly rides where nobody is left behind.
Piano Piano Group
Italian native Alberto Grasso established Piano Piano in Dublin in 2024. The name is Italian and means "Slowly Slowly", which is the nature at the heart of the group, keeping the pace of their weekly Thursday Phoenix Park cycle relaxed and friendly. They also offer a faster-paced Saturday morning ride with different routes each week.
"We cycle because it's fun," says Alberto, "but what is even more fun is cycling with friends, seeing new faces every week and riding side by side gets you off your phone and into the real world, making conversation. Piano Piano have created a community of like-minded people who have bonded on bikes, it is a special thing to be part of".
Roadman Cycling Club
Dublin-based Roadman cycling club run a number of weekly social rides from their main Saturday ride, suitable for all levels with a café stop, to a more chilled Sunday 'no-drop' ride where nobody gets left behind.
Roadman also runs a popular cycling and lifestyle podcast with Anthony Walsh and Sarah Ann Egan. Updated daily, the two hosts share "tips, strategies and insights on how you can use cycling as a tool for health, happiness, and longevity".
Naas Cycling Club
Based in Kildare, Naas Cycling Club has approximately 180 members and has been spinning its wheels for over 30 years. They have groups to suit all levels of ability, and they offer social events both at home and abroad, with summer trips to the likes of Italy and Spain.
All groups, bar the racing group, have a 'no drop' policy. Beginners can join the social group which goes at the slowest rider's pace for a distance of 50 km. Other groups follow a moderate to fast pace and go as far as 100km.
The above is just a small example of cycling groups available in Ireland. You can find a club near you via the Cycling Ireland website.
