June 19th - Michael Braves the Elements on his Last Day of Bikeweek 2016!

Michael Writes....

Sadly the tradition of good weather came to an abrupt end this morning when I woke up to be greeted by rain at my window. 



Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Due to my lack of rain gear I was unable to get out on the bike in the morning and instead had to wait around until it cleared up. Typically (because we live in Ireland) this took a lot longer than expected and I was unable to get out until the evening time, and even at that I was unable to stay out for long due to the conditions.

The surface water and the wind resulted in not so ideal cycling conditions that I had benefitted from the rest of the week. However, it was still nice to see that I was not the only cyclist out and about, and that others were braving the unfortuante conditions too!

Check out some nifty tips for biking in bad weather - HERE

After a venture out the Carrigrohane road towards Ballincollig the conditions did not improve as much as I would have hoped and due to my lack of rain gear, I decided to cut my losses and head back home.
 

 Michael may have benefitted from one of these contraptions on his cycle yesterday!

Unfortunately Bike & Mike (quite the duo) will split up tomorrow as he goes back to his owners, but who knows our paths may cross again sooner rather than later as I look to continue the good progress I have made with cycling during Cork Bikeweek 2016.
 

Michael is feeling optomistic about his future cycling adventures thanks to Cork Bikeweek 2016!




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June 18th - Michael Makes the Most of the Saturday Sunshine!

Michael Writes...



A dry day at the Lee Fields!

I decided to make the most of the dry weather this morning and go out for my cycle early. I felt it would put me in good stead for the rest of the day. I opted to venture down to the Lee Fields and take in everything that was going on down there.

 


 
On my cycle I met many runners & people fishing who I'm sure where also trying to make the most of the dry weather while it's around (On a side note I must say we have been very lucky with the weather during bike week). 



Did you know that good weather is a Bikeweek tradition?

One thing I noticed on my cycle was the work that went into getting the Lee Fields back in good shape following the flooding it suffered around the new year. Thanks to the hard work of people, it gave me the opportunity today to cycle around and enjoy the scenery that I would not have been able to enjoy 6 months ago.
 


 These photos show the difference a few months (and some hard work) can make!



Hard to believe that this photo was taken at the Lee Fields! 

The Lee Fields Restored to its best!

The more I cycle, the longer I feel I can go on my journeys. Not only am I getting the advantage of strengthening the muscles in my legs but I'm also getting to take in some beautiful scenery that I would not be able to see if I was using a cycling bike in a gym. Today was also World Juggling Day, so maybe with some practice I might be able to juggle while cycling one day :-P

Believe it or not, there actually is a video demonstrating how to juggle while cycling - are we really surprised?

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. 

June 17th - It's Leg Day for Michael!

Michael Writes....

Reminiscent of morning traffic jams in Cork City?

Following my successful 2 wheel commute to work on day 6, I decided to do it again. What I have realised is that it takes nearly the same amount of time as driving, as I don't have to spend time sitting in traffic (is there anything worse?)



After work I made arrangements with my fellow blogger Shauna to cycle from Blackrock Castle to Passage West, as unfortunately I am unable to attend the Bikeweek event for that cycle, which is taking place on Sunday the 19th of June.

 



A Bikeweek Poster in Passage West!

Find more info about this family friendly Bikeweek event - HERE  



It was a nice cycle on the old railway track where we met various other people cycling and walking. 

Along that route I also took a break to do some exercise on the outdoor equipment that is available to the public, which is helpful to build up strength in the legs. 


 It's Leg Day for Michael!

Recuperation is Key After Leg Day! 

Upon arrival to Passage West we read up on the local history and saw where people departed to from Passage West over the years and where they went. 

After taking in the beautiful scenery of the area we headed back towards the city to home. I would recommend the cycle on Sunday to anyone who is looking to get out and about for the day. 

I slept well that night after a fantastic day of cycling!

14th June Siobhan Pledges to Cycle All Those Short Shopping Trips

Because We've All Become Too Dependent on Cars

Siobhan writes:

After not being on the bike much over the past two years I've decided to take part in the operation transportation, an excellent way to ease back into cycling, and hopefully develop a love for that feeling of hopping on the bike, taking in the scenery and getting fresh air into the lungs..



Siobhan happy on a bike

I think we have all become too dependent on cars.. So I'm going to push myself to use the bike for the next ten days for small errands. Instead of the easy option of getting in the car.