June 16/17th - Thomas Improvises to Make the Most of Bikeweek!

Thomas writes...

On Thursday 16th, after a hectic day, I didn't have much time to spare in the evening. I ended up setting off on a speedy 20 minute bicycle ride near the locality of my house, in the Blackrock/Boreenmanna Road area. 



A map of the Boreenmanna Road area


I was feeling very confident in my cycling abilities after my experiences throughout the past week, so I felt myself peddling at the speed of light throughout this cycle! Is it too late to qualify for the Rio Olympics, I think I could be a great addition to the Irish team!

Thomas for Rio 2016 

15 ways to increase your cycling speed

On Friday 17th, I was away from home and staying in a hotel. I was unable to bring my bike with me as I didn't think it would be practical to keep it in my room! Unfortunately the hotel didn't have any spare bikes to offer me, so I had to use my imagination. I located the gym in my hotel and used the exercise bike for 15 minutes, while pretending I was cycling through the scenic Cork country side.

While it definitely wasn't a typical cycle ride, I was still happy that I managed to fit in some time for exercise! However, I am very much looking forward to getting back on the roads on Saturday!

Given that it is not always possible to set out on a cycle and that the Irish weather is not always (never) reliable, check out some tips on how to cycle your bike from the comfort of your own home. 

16th June - Patrick learns something new every day!

Patrick writes...

And so it came to Pass - all set this afternoon to cycle into Douglas only to be greeted by a flat tyre!! Whilst it is over two years since I had a puncture - its no problem..we have the technology!
Repair kit in hand but where's the pump? Thought I saw it somewhere recently but where was that?

Did somebody borrow it? Not lately because I can't remember giving it out on loan. I have a vague reflection of some neighbour borrowing it to pump a football but not quite sure if it ever came back.

 

Okay so I have to bite the bullet...buy a new one and as my mum would say "Neither a lender nor a borrower be" going forward. Maybe that's too extreme?

I called into Capwell Cycles shop near Chriost Rí School. Very friendly folk there who explained the difference between Presta valves and Schrader valves.  Took an educated guess on which type I had. Fortunately I got it right. 

Presta vs Schrader: Educate yourself HERE

Also got a lesson on the differences between Frame-fit Pumps, Mini Pumps, CO2 Inflators and Floor Pumps. You would nearly need an Engineering degree to understand and take in all I was told about the pros and cons of each type! Finally after much bargaining I opted for the floor pump. It made it all look so easy to inflate the tyre.

Buyers guide to Bike Pumps: GUIDE
Now to fix the puncture. What was it again he was saying about using tyre levers? 

 

See how Patrick gets on with his tyres here and on:

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16th June - Michael makes the morning commute to work!

Operation Transportation Day 6

Michael writes...

Following my two long adventures on day 4 & 5, I decided to take it easy and only cycle to and from work as I felt I didn't have the energy to go any further and I didn't want to risk any injury due to fatigue.

 

Due to last nights burst of heavy rain there was still some surface water on the road this morning. This along with the busy morning traffic did not make my commute to work as easy as I would have liked. However, by just taking my time and not taking any unnecessary risks, I negotiated the route to work through the city centre with relative ease.

Bike and Mike with the feet up!!

 

RSA tips for CYCLE SAFETY

 

By the time it came to my commute home the surface water had subsided. By making the most of the cycle lanes I got home in what felt like no time and put my feet up to rest ahead of a few more days of cycling adventures.  

                   

                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep an eye on Michael both here and on:

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