16th June 2012, Mervyn's Diary

Cycling to Fitzgerald's Park and All Around the City

According to Mervyn:

Great fun this morning, I saw a side of the Cork I've taken for granted in the car; The bike is a welcome change to appreciate the beauty of the city.

Passage to Blackrock tomorrow at 10.45.. can't wait!

FOOTNOTES BY THE EDITOR:

And as you can see below, some youngsters, coming down the Shaky Bridge saw a side of Mervyn on a bike too, albeit a very tiny side??

 

Something of Mervyn was seen by the Shaky Bridge, but what happened to the rest of him??
Note: This photo was not photo shopped!!

Mervyn checks his pedals and watches his gears.

Mervyn nervously awaits the results of the Bike Doctor's verdict! :)

And finally the video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7GXxeKrl2M&feature=youtu.be



15th June 2012, Mervyn's Diary

Why Don't You Cycle Regularly Already?:

According to Mervyn:

I've always cycled to primary school, matches and training, up to leaving school. I also cycle a lot on holidays. But nowadays I don’t own a bike and it seems more difficult to be a cyclist. There are hills where I live also... though I would definitely like to cycle more.

 

Will Mervyn save some Euros each day by cycling up and down those hills to work?



Why Take Part in Operation Transportation?:

According to  Mervyn:

I decided to sign up to Operation Transportation because:

1. I was sick of sitting in traffic around the Kinsale road and Sarsfield road roundabouts.
2. Also, an intern at the Lifetime Lab cycles which put me to shame and
3. I really need to become more active.



This is the Kinsale Road Roundabout which Mervyn commutes through every day...
Tips on how other cyclists view it, have been found here:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=74167560 

 Extracts above are from:
http://www.facebook.com/OperationTransportation#!/mervyn.horgan?sk=info

FOOTNOTE BY THE EDITOR:

Here are two youtube clips with tips on hill-climbing on a bike. The first is obvious but it is always good to get a reminder:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgTFENouM7w

The second is a bit more technical tips about pacing, pulsing and manipulating your body for maximum efficiency!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9WaU-bZdic&feature=related

Also if daunted, it is consoling to read that even Lance Armstrong gave up at the foot of St. Patricks hill :



Lance Armstrong daunted by St. Patrick's Hill In Cork in 2009.
From: http://sport.irishexaminer.com/post/2009/08/24/Hes-a-jerk-I-dont-know-why-anyone-would-root-for-him.aspx



Cyclists who did make it up St. Patrick's Hill. Photo by Stefan Wermuth from:

http://blogs.reuters.com/photographers-blog/2009/11/23/st-patricks-hill/

The lifelong cycling enthusiast and playright Alfred Jarry even described cycle races uphill as a form of crucifixion!!

So....there's no shame in taking it easy and walking up hill when you need to or investing in an electric bike.

On a good electric-assist bike, going uphill with a bit of electic boosting, can feel like going downhill without the power-assist. The broad beaming smile on my face when I recently experienced this, was just the outer manifestation of the exhiliration in my heart!!

I think this photo of Alex Bogusky of US website Fearless Revolution on a electric kalkhoff bike sums up the feeling!

For the complete review by Alex see:
 http://fearlessrevolution.com/blog/product-review-kalkhoff-electric-bicycle-an-electric-unicorn.html