15th June - Gears making all the difference for Thomas on Day 5

Thomas Operation Transportation Diary Day 5:

Thomas writes...

Today I cycled from Ballintemple to Fitzgerald Park which took about 25 minutes. There was some live music and lunch served here as one of the events for Cork Bike Week 2016.

There are so many events still taking place to mark Cork Bike Week, follow this link so find out more! Cork Bike Week Events 2016

Here I met some nice people and enjoyed the chat and lively atmosphere!
On my way to Fitzgerald's park called into a bike shop in Anglesea Street and the guy updated me on the use of the gears (I have been using one set of gears since Saturday and whilst the setting was good for going up hills it was not great for coming down hills etc) This new information made the ride even more enjoyable today!

 
Using gears can make you cycle more efficiently and like Thomas - can make the cycle more enjoyable! See this guide illustrating the basics of how to use your gears correctly: Guide for Gears
 
Final Word from Thomas: I must say I had no probes with motorists and the only issue I had was the condition of roads in places.

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Introducing Patrick - Read his Operation Transportation Progress so far...

Patrick joins the team:

Hi folks,
Apologies for the late updating of my progress on cycling this week but here goes!

Day 0 Friday 10th June:
Bike cleaned up and oiled today for it's big test tomorrow.
 
Day 1 Saturday 11th June:
I spent the day hillwalking on the mountains back in west Kerry. It's now 11.30 pm and I've just remembered I signed up to undertake the challenge which started today. Okay I am tired but can't give up on day one! Out comes the bike. 5 minutes down and 5 minutes back from the village will cover the day's challenge.  Forgot that downhill takes a little longer. So it becomes a 15 minute cycle but finished before 12 midnight so pressure off......must take the commitment more seriously tomorrow.

Day 2 Sunday 12th June:
Today's the day I'm setting new standards!! I'm Heading down to Crosshaven and back. About 2 hours should cover the journey. Problem is I've no one to mind the puggley dog Mr. Spock.  So he'll have to get a crosser to Crosshaven!! Just delira with himself. Took to looking down his nose on other muts walking the old railway path.The dog's a bit of a snob. Must get a basket to make it easier to carry him. The route has a great cycling path if only the competitive cyclists would show a little bit more care especially with walkers sharing the path.    They could do with getting hold of and ringing a bell to warn of their FAST approach.

 Day 3 Monday 13th June:
I am running close to the end of the day again today. No time to head out on the bike earlier but at 9pm headed out for about 30 minutes of a cycle.  Never realised the road surface was in such a bad condition. You dont really feel the bumps as much when your travelling in a car. Might not be a bad idea for the local engineer to head out on a bike to discover for himself that the issues are far greater than a few potholes!

Have a look at this YouTube clip on How to deal with bad road surfaces.

Day 4 Tuesday 14th June:
Today was a good day on the cycling front! I got out on the bike straight after breakfast. Headed to village for DE EXAMINER and a few bits 'n pieces in the Super.  Could definitely do with a basket now!! Feeling a little saddle sore at the end of the cycle. Getting muscles in places I didn't realise I had places. Amazed how courteous car drivers are.......bar none!!

Highlighted are the muscles used while cycling

Day 5 Wednesday 15th June:
First major milestone. Cycled with my mate Tom (another guy undertaking the cycle challenge) to Fitzgerald's Park for the Lunch by the Lee. Need a groin transplant after the city roads, in particular bad surface along the Douglas Road!! Really enjoyed the FREE lunch and especially concert given by the Cork Academy of Music - a talented group of guys. I met some fellow cyclists I hadn't met in a while. Special thanks to all that organised the event!
Fair pull back home after the event......rained a little but after the 3 hours on the bike I'm feeling sore but invigorated!! Headed home from Fitzgerald Park via Monahan Road. The riverside park is completely overgrown and an eyesore.  Which is a pity. For those visiting concerts in the Marquee it's not showing the City off in a good light.  Then again it must be an oasis for wildlife so close to the city.
Finished off the day with a swim for my very tired limbs!
Let's see what tomorrow brings.
   

 Great journeys so far from Patrick! Keep a look out for his updates here and on:

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13th and 14th of June 2015, Martins Voyage of Discovery Begins

 Seeing the World

from a Different Perspective...



Martin Writes:

Martin puts his
bike to the test

I totally enjoyed the Safe Cycle Training on Saturday; I'm not great with names but both instructors were excellent. It’s amazing how, when the basics are explained and demonstrated, it makes you feel more confident.

Chris, Marcia,Martin and Kathleen
learn the rudiment of Road Safety
on a bike from Miro and Darren

Afterwards, I cycled home via Fitzgerald Park. The park was a hype of activity with people walking, jogging, families on a day out, people reading. I intend to take more of Fitzgerald Park in, as part of another cycling day out.

 

From: taichicork.blogspot.com





From:
http://www.pedersenfocus.ie/#/mardyke-gardens-fitzgeralds-park-cork

 

 

 

 

 

 Sunday 14th June:

 

Houses on the road between Blarney and Clogheen
http://www.murraybrowne.ie/cork-residential/blarney-road-clogheen-cork-/1038/39.aspx

I headed off towards Clogheen and managed to get safely through a busy junction. This is a route I have travelled many times by car before, but it’s amazing how much more you see when cycling. I saw beautiful houses, views and landmarks that I never knew were there.

  

 

I am trying to plan a few new routes to take over the next few days and just checked the weather, all looks good up to Friday.