12th June 2016 - Country road cycling in Limerick

Sunday cycle to Newcastle West

Shauna writes:

Luckily for me the weather was much better today which allowed me to go out for longer on my bike. I was meeting friends for lunch today a so I decided I would cycle from my home house in County Limerick to the nearest small town (Newcastle West) where I was having lunch. This is roughly about 9 km, it is mostly downhill. So I set off about 40 mins before i was due to meet my friends.

I wanted to allow myself enough time as this is not a regular thing for me and was unsure of how long it would take. Again cycling in the countryside is very easy because there is little to no traffic on the roads. As I got closer to Newcastle West there were a few more cars on the road. However as it was Sunday it was quieter than usual so I wasn't too concerned about  cycling on the road.

Interested in cycling a quiet road nearby you, cycle Ireland have a route finder just for you! Click here to see more

When I eventually got to town, I noticed how little places there are to secure a bike. This is something I wouldn't have noticed before as I would normally drive or get a lift to town. It is a real inconvenience for anyone that would cycle regularly into town. In the end I had to lock it to a lamp post in the main town square because there were very little options for locking it.

Some foolproof advice on locking your bike and other tips on preventing your bike from getting stolen: see here

The journey home was a little harder as it was uphill. I wouldn't be used to cycling regularly so this was a bit of a battle for me. I took a break at the top for a few minutes to take a drink.

Later that evening I had to call to a neighbours house, normally this would be a journey I would do by car or on foot. I decided to take the bike,  my younger brother and our dogs decided to come along for the trip. 

Taking the bike was much faster and more convenient for a small trip like this. My younger brother would cycle a lot so he was thrilled that I was going out on the bike with him.

Overall today was very enjoyable and I'm getting more user to being back on the bike!

12th June 2016 - Uphill climbs and Pothole Dives all in the name of that calorie burn!

 

DONNACHA VENTURES OUT ON DAY 1:

 

 

Donnacha writes:

 

I was away for the weekend with family so didnt get to start until I got home this evening. There is a nice and challenging loop right outside my door so I set off towards Bandon. Storm Desmond and Storm Frank has left many a legacy on that stretch so it is not a road to lose concentration on! Fortunately Sunday evening meant it was quiet.

 

One consequence of these resiliant storms was every cyclists nightmare - POTHOLES!

Learn how you can deal with them here: Cyclists Guide to Dealing with Potholes



 

I  turned off before I came in towards the mart and came back towards Kilmacsimon where I popped down to see if there was any boats on the water.

 

The calm water at Kilmacsimon

 

 

The break at the watersedge was a welcome few minutes rest before the 1 mile steep climb home - not one for the faint hearted! I got to the top surprisingly easy although I am sure I could pay for that in the morning! Got home just in time for tea - feeling good!

 

 





An impressive distance travelled and amount of calories burned by Donnacha after his first trip!



 

**FUN FACT**:
With the 605 calories Donnacha burned could eat; 3 49g Snicker Bars OR 1 cup of cornflakes with half a cup of milk, an apple, 3 grilled chicken breasts, a baked potato and a cup of steamed broccoli!!
 

 

 

 Continue to follow Donnacha's journey back on two wheels here and on:

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12th June 2016 - Sight seeing in Scotland

Michael tours Edinburgh

Michael writes:

I went cycling around seeing all the lovely sights of Edinburgh today. The city is reminding me of how much I enjoy cycling. The weather was cloudy and rainy but the sights really made up for the bad weather. 

For all the info on cycling and walking in Edinburgh check this LINK

My favourite site in Edinburgh is the castle. I couldn't get my bike up the hill with all the tourists so I walked up with it and saw it as a good opportunity to get a photo with my bike and the castle in the background.

For all those historians out there follow HERE to discover all things interesting on Edinburgh castle!

Michael in front of Edinburgh Castle

There is a great buzz around the city with the Fringe festival coming up later in the summer. It really adds to the enjoyment of cycling in the city. I return to Ireland tomorrow to continue my cycling adventure. 

Planning a trip to Scotland? The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is an event not to be missed! For more info:Click here

Fringe Festival

Meet Donnacha!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introducing another Operation Transportation Blogger who has put themselves back in the saddle for Bike Week 2016.... Meet Donnacha:

 

 

 

Donnacha lives just a few miles outside of Innishannon with his wife and little girl.

He has always had a keen interest in cycling and enjoys it when on his holidays too!

 

Donnacha cycling on a recent trip to Krakow

 

 

In the past Donnacha cycled a lot when he lived in Douglas and even used to cycle to work!

   



 

Unfortunately since moving his commute is a little too long to saddle up for on a daily basis. As he doesnt get out as much as he would like to anymore - Operation Transportation has given him the spur he needed to get back in gear!

 

 

Check out these tips if your thinking of getting back into the saddle yourself: www.training4cyclists.com/getting-back-in-the-saddle/

 

Follow Donnachas journey to see how he gets on back in the saddle here and on:

Facebook 

 

 

 

 

12th June 2016 - Biking in Ballincollig, Aine's day out

Aine gets back on her bike

Aine writes:

"Went on my first cycle in a few years today! I was a little nervous picking up my bike,what would happen if I couldn't remember how to cycle? The rest of the week would be a disaster!" 

"Thankfully, I had no problem at all. We went to Ballincollig Regional Park so I had plenty of room to test the bike and get comfortable with it. We stayed on the main paths for the first while, but I quickly got a little more adventurous and we tried some of the more off-road trails." 

"The short cycle that we had planned turned into 2 hours. The park is a great place to go for a cycle, we never realised that the ruins of the gunpowder mill are in the middle of the park." 

"The bike was great for the main path, and really light. The off-route trails were a little harder, I might stay away from that in future - nearly had an accident!"

"The only negative from today - I need to get a bell for my bike and some waterproof gear. Definitely should invest in a bike rack, there was a bit of a struggle with two bikes." 

Why not check out this website for info and useful tips on what type of bicycle should you buy, different bikes and various terrains: Click HERE 

     

Aine finishes up by saying "Looking forward to getting out again tomorrow, I'm more confident now so might try something a little more difficult!"

             

Follow Aine's daily adventures here all week! Has she got the cycling bug?