Donnacha- Lessons In and Out of Lycra!!

So Tuesday I had a few jobs to do so I thought why not do them via 2 wheels instead of 4!! So off I struck bringing a back pack thinking this would suffice to cart my wares around! I was only going a couple of miles down the road – not very taxing! How wrong was I. It’s been a few years since I have used cycling as a mode of getting from A to B to carry out habitual tasks and in recent times it has been more about leisure and exercise! Yes – a lot of the time there is lycra involved too!

A vision to behold... 

 So I had forgotten about the weight distribution ( in particular up that hill) of carrying something on my back!  It wasn’t my usual route- it was probably half in fact however, owing to not having the right ‘gear’ I felt it as much as the longer routes! Yes I could have borrowed my wife’s basket but ..I'm afraid I am just not your basket kind of guy! What  I need I discovered are panniers!- Yes she has those too- she just failed to inform me!!

 Moral of the story! The ‘ gear’ requirements vary vastly between what you use or need your bicycle for! I am a fitness gadget kind of guy and that’s all well and good if I want to keep track of my fitness goals but not much use if I need to pick up some groceries!!

Donnacha's 'Naked' Bike

If you are thinking of using cycling for commuting to work or popping to the shops- check out this common sense guide on what to wear and what you need!  

http://www.goskyride.com/tipsandideas/showarticle/cycling-to-work-what-to-wear

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 

 

 

 

 

Introducing Michael

Drum roll please....

Introducing our first Operation Transportation blogger of 2016.......Michael! 

Michael has decided to sign up to Operation Transportation as it was an opportunity for him to get back into the routine of cycling once again, especially while the weather is nice and to attend events around the city during Cork Bike Week 2016.

Michael used to cycle on a regular basis growing up as he lived in the countryside. He really enjoyed it as he used to cycle to meet up with friends and to get to any match that he may have had. It also gave him a sense of independence as he did not have to depend on his parents taking him places.

            

 Michael now owns a car which makes it more convenient for him to get places but unfortunately with the weather we have sometimes in Ireland it does not encourage him to get out & hop on a bike.

             

 Michael would like to cycle more as it is a great way of getting fit while also being able to see some great scenery on some of the routes he could cycle.

Fingers crossed Michael gets the weather as he shares his stories and cycle adventures with us 

Follow Michaels journey throughout Bike Week here and on: 

facebook and twitter

Why not check out Cork Bike Week events 11th -19th June

Click: www.corkbikeweek.com

13th June Maria Discovers the Rejuvenating Magic of Bikes

 It's true ... you never forget how to ride a bike!!

Maria writes:

Andrea and myself picked up our rental bikes today and well, I'm happy to confirm that its true ... you never forget how to ride a bike! Okay granted I was a tad wobbly, and sharp turns posed a risk, but all in all I WAS GREAT !!

Maria gives getting back in the saddle a thumbs up!

And what a beautiful day we had for it. It was such a great feeling, sun on my back, the breeze in my face- beautiful! I know its a cliché but I felt very... free... and youthful! Not that I'm old but it really brought out the kid in me. Afterwards I got in my car and thought "who needs this big heavy monstrous piece of metal?"


Maria discovers her inner child

 


For today I stayed close to home and cycled around my large neighbourhood. I felt very safe and comfortable. I'm looking forward to the skills training tomorrow to find out how to do this 'properly'. If this beautiful weather keeps up we are gonna have an amazing 10 days!!!