12th June 2016 - Uphill climbs and Pothole Dives all in the name of that calorie burn!

 

DONNACHA VENTURES OUT ON DAY 1:

 

 

Donnacha writes:

 

I was away for the weekend with family so didnt get to start until I got home this evening. There is a nice and challenging loop right outside my door so I set off towards Bandon. Storm Desmond and Storm Frank has left many a legacy on that stretch so it is not a road to lose concentration on! Fortunately Sunday evening meant it was quiet.

 

One consequence of these resiliant storms was every cyclists nightmare - POTHOLES!

Learn how you can deal with them here: Cyclists Guide to Dealing with Potholes



 

I  turned off before I came in towards the mart and came back towards Kilmacsimon where I popped down to see if there was any boats on the water.

 

The calm water at Kilmacsimon

 

 

The break at the watersedge was a welcome few minutes rest before the 1 mile steep climb home - not one for the faint hearted! I got to the top surprisingly easy although I am sure I could pay for that in the morning! Got home just in time for tea - feeling good!

 

 





An impressive distance travelled and amount of calories burned by Donnacha after his first trip!



 

**FUN FACT**:
With the 605 calories Donnacha burned could eat; 3 49g Snicker Bars OR 1 cup of cornflakes with half a cup of milk, an apple, 3 grilled chicken breasts, a baked potato and a cup of steamed broccoli!!
 

 

 

 Continue to follow Donnacha's journey back on two wheels here and on:

Facebook



 

 

  

13th June, 2015 Aisling Takes to the Hills of Beara

Braving Beautiful Beara in the Sun

Aisling Writes:

So for today's cycle, I cycled from my parents house in Castletownbere to my fathers farm in Tirnahilan.

The hills in Beara are a challenge for any cyclist but so worth it for the breath-taking views.

From: http://cycleireland.ie/castletownbere-kenmare-cycle/

It was quite a warm day so I took lots of water breaks.

In the heat you need to take water breaks!

 



Editor's Footnote:

As this article points out: http://www.bicycling.com/training/fitness/drinking-problems questions about when, where and how much a cyclist should drink can be somewhat controversial. However the  most basic rule seems to be drink 2 or 3 large gulps at regular intervals and refuel with carbs and protein on long cycles!

For more specific quantities considering weather and difficulty factors etc.. this might also be helpful: http://www.bicycling.com/training/how-and-when-hydrate!

Of course once you have decided to hydrate you need to find the right water vessel. If athletic performance is your primary motivator, this article may prove useful: http://www.bicycle-riding.com/bicycle-riding/cycling-health/cycling-hydration/
However if you want to balance concerns about personal, health, ecology and performance have a read of this article: http://lovelybike.blogspot.ie/2015/04/monday-mailbox-cycling-water-bottles.html. The Author devised the bottle depicted beneath!

From:
http://lovelybike.blogspot.ie/2015/04/monday-mailbox-cycling-water-bottles.html