Most Sundays throughout the year, Orwell Youths hold cycling sessions. In these we aim to teach the children bike handling skills, to help them keep fit, to give them confidence in riding a bike, both at a competitive level and more importantly in their day to day lives. The majority of these coaching sessions run from 10-12 at the Corkagh Park Cycle Racing Track.
The year is split roughly into two parts - October to March, and April to August. From Autumn to Spring we will concentrate on skills and cycling in a fairly controlled environment - both at Corkagh Park and on the road. We also use Sundrive Track, Lucan BMX and Ticknock or Ballinastoe Mountain biking and spin along the canal cycle paths. We hope to offer a wide range of activities and have decent sized groups in different age and ability categories
In the Summer we usually go further afield, taking in a few road trips, a few races and some sportives as well as spins from Joe Dalys.
The age groups which are referred to below are set out by Cycling Ireland and are based on year of birth / calendar year.
Year of Birth | 2024 licence |
2006 | 2nd Year Junior |
2007 | 1st year Junior |
2008 | U16 |
2009 | U16 |
2010 | U14 |
2011 | U14 |
2012 | U12 |
2013 | U12 |
2014 & later | U10 |
Summer 2024
Our Sunday morning sessions in Corkagh Park Cycle Racing Track will continue through the summer. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Monday Night Youth Racing
Orwell Wheelers host a series of fun races on Monday evenings through the summer, from April to October. Suitable for boys and girls age 6-16. Pre-booking through Eventmaster is essential. Dates will be announced soon.
Orwell One Day Youth Stage Races
A highlight of our year. the Orwell One Day Youth Stage Races take place in May in Corkagh Park. With three stages for all riders (a one-lap time trial, followed by elimination races and finally a scratch race) through the day, it is a fun day out for boys and girls U10-U16, and their families.
Full details will be announced soon.
Who is Orwell Youths cycling for?
The lessons are open to cyclists from 6-16, boys and girls, and of any ability. Exercises will be age and ability appropriate. We encourage mixing of the groups and adopt a very inclusive approach.
Road Spins in the summer are open to those who are physically able for the distances from 30k up and mature enough to be comfortable cycling on the open roads. These spins usually leave from Joe Daly's at 10:00 on a Sunday but please check calendar for a given week. We aim to be back between 12 & 12.30.
Routes vary each week and the distances and speed are governed by the ability of the riders that show up and the number of leaders available.
There are reports from some of the major events on the youth calendar available from the drop-down menu above, or clicking on this link: youth reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are parents required to stay?
No. You are free to go for a walk, cycle or just read the papers if you like – provided you leave us a phone number. At each session, there will always be two responsible adults present at least one of which will have Garda vetting in place. All our coaches and helpers are required to have Garda vetting.
Do the children &/or parents need to join Orwell?
There is no requirement for the parents to be. We do ask children to join – but it is free. After three sessions you will be required to join Cycling Ireland, for insurance purposes. At the time of writing those fees range from €5 to €35 depending on age.
Is there a charge for the lessons?
Nope – all services are provided by Orwell Wheelers.
What type of bike do I need?
This varies! For the initial few classes come along on whatever you have. If you decide that you would like to keep going at it, the children will feel the benefits from a well serviced bike in good condition. As you progress we would encourage you to consider the type of bike that is best suited to your child’s enjoyment of cycling.
What will you teach?
We aim to teach bike handling skills, bike riding skills such as riding in a group, basic bike maintenance – we don’t want to have to fix every puncture - and to incrementally improve the children's comfort and therefore enjoyment on a bike. The sessions typically involve a mix of games, skill development and short races, with run and inclusivity the main focus at all times.
All events are weather dependent: we don't go when it is too wet or windy to be enjoyable. There is a WhatsApp which will notify you of cancellations or late changes. We do encourage children to wrap up warm with layers - they can always take them off if needs be.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
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