21st June 2015 - Marcia, Gardener Extraordinaire!

You can do it if you B and Q it!

Marcia writes:

Idon't often get time to do extra jobs in the garden beyond grasscutting but on days like yesterday, it was impossible to resist. Having spent some time moving a very large lily to a better spot, I decided the new area needed a little extra planting. 

What better way to undertake the day's Operation Transportation commitment than to cycle to B and Q. 

Chris was sailing, so Thea (12), Lucy (10) and the dog came for the trip. We headed off close to 6pm, when the Saturday busyness on the cyclepath had eased. Love buying from the B and Q "about to die" section at knock-down prices and resurrecting the plants back to life! Filled the bike basket with plants and tucked a few more into my backpack. 

Long Shore Drive, Jacobs Island

Thea showed us a pleasant new way back to the line through Long Shore Drive. Despite our time choosing plants and needing to go at dog-appropriate pace, the trip took us little over an hour. 

Not much longer than in a car and a great deal more pleasant. 

(Video is a little wobbly. Haven't mastered heavy front-loading and cycling with one hand!)

Check out Marcia's exclusive cycle video:

 

20th +21st June 2015, Flat tyre - Martin is equal to the task!

Weekend Break in Youghal!

20th June Martin writes:

I arrived in Youghal yesterday evening for the weekend, so I had limited internet access. It was my first time carrying a bike on a car rack over a long distance, so I was a bit nervous.. but the bike was still on the car when we got to Youghal! :)

I went for a cycle yesterday evening, out from the mobile home park, onto Clay Castle strand car park. It was very relaxing to look across to Front stand and watch and listen to the waves breaking. While stopped I took a few snaps of Cabel island and Youghal head. Several people parked up with their car windows rolled down reading a book, listening to the radio or just taking in the views.

Next I headed towards Front strand passing Aura Leisure Centre, Youghal Pitch and Putt club; there I could see the mobile home park where I was staying, in the distance.

I got close to Clancy’s bar and things didn’t feel right,I looked down and saw that the front wheel was totally flat.

It was now time to try what I had seen on a Youtube video into practice. Got repair kit off bike, took front wheel off and started by taking tyre and tube out. 

I had a replacement tube on me so I checked inside of tyre for sharps and put new tube and the tyre back on the wheel.

I inflated the tyre with a mini CO2 cylinder I had, but it only inflated the tyre by about half. So I put front wheel back on bike and SLOWLY headed back to mobile park.

Editor's Footnote:

Check out this video on how to change and fix a flat bike tire: 

How to change and fix a flat bike tire - Trek Bicycle

21st June Martin writes:

After the CO2 inflation I got my tyre pumped with air this morning.

Headed towards Youghal town centre today, passing Perks funfare, Greyhound track and the Lighthouse, went under Clock Gate and onto Main Street. The street was extremely busy with a large amount of traffic and people heading from shop to shop.

So I made my way to the back street, where I stopped a while for a breather and took in the sights. A group of tourists were having a laugh, while enjoying a drink outside a bar. The skipper of a tour boat is also getting his boat ready for his next group.

On my way back to the mobile home I took a few more photos. I also passed the Walter Raleigh hotel where part of a wedding group was standing out front

                          

Why not grab your bike and head down to Youghal this summer and check out an event:

Youghal festivals and events 2015

18th - 21st June 2015 - Eithne takes to the road!

Four days of cycling,fun and variety.....

Eithne writes:

Thursday 18th

My cycle today was quiet tough. I have recently started running and so after my little trot around the Regional Park I went for a cycle to loosen out the legs.

Regional Park, Ballincollig

Friday 19th

My Cycle on Friday was very recreational. I was at home with the kids all day and so the only outlet I got was to go to the shop for milk. I didn’t go to my closest shop though just to get a little spin on the bike.

Regional Park Weir, Ballincollig

Saturday 20th

I was working on Saturday morning at the inaugural Run 4 Fun organised by Cork Sports Partnership in Blarney, I was a little tired so in the afternoon I took the three boys on a little spin around the Regional Park. We stopped for a little picnic which we needed because the weather was very hot….after throwing a few stones in the weir hopped back on the bikes.



Editor's Footnote:
Ballincollig Regional Park has both a permanent orienteering trail and walking trails. Closing time in June, July and August is 9pm. To get to the Regional Park (western end) go to the roundabout at the west end of Ballincollig town and take the Inniscarra Road. About half a mile along the road, just before the Inniscarra Bridge, on your right, you will see the entrance for the park. 

Beauty and tranquillity of Ballincollig’s Regional Park

BALLINCOLLIG'S REGIONAL PARK

Click here for further info.....Ballincollig - Regional park

Sunday 21st

On Sunday morning, I told the boys that I was bringing Daddy for a cycle as his Father’s Day present. They were not happy that Mom and Dad were going on a cycle, they soon forgot about it when my friend arrived to bring them to Gaelic Football Training. So off we headed on a glorious sunny morning. 

Cork Summer Show

We had three hours of freedom and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. On the return section from Macroom we again met two cyclists needing assistance, so we hopped off our bikes, pumped up a tyre and back on the road again. These ladies were also using spoons as their bicycle tools. Just as we got back on the road the cyclists from Kanturk Cycling Club whizzed by us at a great speed as they were taking part in the Coachford Cycling Club sportif. We had a great spin and finished the day by a visit to the Cork Summer Show with the boys. Great day…..

Eithne finishes by saying:

So at the end of Bike week, I managed to get out on my bike seven out of the eight days so I’m delighted with this. I know my blogging was not so frequent but I thoroughly enjoyed the week. Fair play to all the organisations involved….

21st June 2015 - Martin's Sunday Cycle out East

Great way to top off the weekend!

Martin writes:

Set off on my final cycle in Youghal before I head home later.

 Decided to go in Killeagh direction where I firstly passed Farrell’s bar where there were kids playing football and running around in a green area out front.

Farrells Bar

A bit further on I passed a garden centre and then into the countryside, green fields and animals grazing.

Got to junction for Redbarn and decided it was time to do a U turn and head back, weekend away almost over and still had to pack up for home.

Check out these 10 cycle routes in East Cork 

www.irelandcork.com/cycling

21st June 2015 - Bus, bike, ferry & foot - Allison Island hops down West

Camping under the stars, Cape Clear

Allison writes:

Here was our wee bike trip over the weekend!

One of our favourite getaways in West Cork is Cape clear, and this is the best time to visit - and you can't beat multi-mode travel - bus, bike, ferry and foot!

We loaded up our tent, sleeping bags and provisions and started off Saturday afternoon bypassing the main road by taking the bus Westwards to Skibereen.  Once in Skib we unfolded and loaded and cycled the 13km to Baltimore via the backroads along the estuary to avoid traffic complete with road side lunch picnic enroute and popping in for coffee at the lovely Glebe Gardens on our way through.

Allison waiting for the ferry

We folded up the Bromptons again and caught the 5pm ferry which got us in to Cape Clear 40 min later.  

Locked and loaded on the ferry

Loading up the bikes we cycled over the hills and to our campsite for the weekend. 

 Sunday was spent exploring by foot - visiting the Goat's Farm, walking the coast line and having an amazing sunset over the fog from the lighthouse.

Check out these other camping options in Cork: 

www.ireland.com/camping/west-cork

Cape Clear

The famous Brompton in Union Hall

Monday morning we packed up camp and retraced our steps back to Skibereen (including more coffee at the the Glebe) and then decided to cycle from Skibereen to Union Hall for late lunch.  

The back roads from Skib to Union Hall are beautiful, heading south towards Castletownend and then heading East at the old creamery cross country along beautiful and very quiet roads, up a steady incline and then down a good razor back with lots of breaks to arrive for a well deserved lunch! 

 We met up with a friend from Clon there who was headed back so we opted for a lift home, unloading panniers, folding up the two Brompton bikes into the boot and then home by 4pm!

Allison says:

It was great weekend, very much recommended. I feel like i've been away to some amazing Greek Island and had a week's rambling and adventuring. West Cork is so full of these treasures - any other recommendations?

Editors footnote:

There is a great list of events and festivals on this site with also the background and history of each of the Islands off of Cork's coast! 

Click here: westcorkislands.com/whats-on

Bere Island at dusk
http://westcorkislands.com/photo-gallery/

Great trip idea and itinery for Castletownbere and Bere Island!

• Arrive in CTBere early morning
• Breakfast in Copper Kettle (full irish!!)
• Walk up Hungry Hill (5 min drive towards Adrigole) spectacular scenery, quite tough (3-4hours)
• Back for lunch in CTBere - McCarthys Pub
• Ferry to Bere Island from pontoon east near Golf Club, quite frequent
• Stay in the “lodge” Bere Island    
• Sea safari or hike/cycle on the island
• Usually a band playing in O'Sullivans Pub at the weekends.
• 9.30am Park Run, check out here: www.corksports.ie/parkrun
• 10.15am tea/scones with all participants in the cafe
• Ferry back

21st June 2015 - Operation Transportation a great success for Marcia and Chris

Bike Week has come to an end but the journey will go on for Marcia & Chris...

the cycling bug has truly struck!

Actor Eric Bana


Marcia Writes:

Chris and I considered yesterday, Sunday, to be our last Operation Transportation day. So for one last fling, we put the bikes on the back of the car, 
drove into town and parked on Coburg St.

  

The Shakey(Daly's) Bridge

It was 5pm, later than I had hoped. Had two bundles of books to prepare for the school's book rental scheme before we could go out! 

What a change of scene to cycle down George's Quay, across Parliament Bridge, Grand Parade, along those lovely new cycle lanes on the Western Road and down the Mardyke into Fitzgerald's Park.

The rain was splitting the stones as we reached the Shakey Bridge. Chris's first time being on it!

See what tourists have to say about Cork's own Daly's Bridge(photos and reviews): 

Shakey Bridge-Tripadvisor

Rubbish collection needs to be addressed in Lee Fields #keepcorkclean

On down towards County Hall and into the Lee Fields. Peaceful and beautiful. Most other folk had abandoned what was by now reasonably heavy rain.

Chris was well impressed, although we both agreed that as an amenity, the Lee Fields looked a little forlorn.

Had we had more time, it would have been great to bring him on down to the Angler's Rest and back the Lee Road - the route of the old Milk Run. Another day.

Lee Fields

Back in the Carrigrohane Road, Western Road, turning left onto the Mardyke and into the new skate park. Chris had the place to himself. I was too chicken to bring the bike onto the half-pipes!

Across Droichead an Oige and back towards town along the lovely riverside walk. Crossing the river to Grenville Place, coming out on Sheare St, along Western Road, turning onto Grand Parade, South Mall, Union Quay and back to the car. 

Lessons in road cycling that in hindsight were probably a tad advanced for a 13-year old! But great experience nonetheless.

Weir

Marcia finishes by saying:

"For us, Operation Transportation was a tremendous success. Chris has gained a ton of confidence in road cycling. For me, it was truly an Operation Transformation. It got me back on the bike, forced me to take time out for myself and in doing so, gifted me confidence in much more than just cycling. Roll on next year!"

cyclecentre.files.wordpress.com

smile emoticon

20th June 2015, Aisling and Karen Take to The Tracks for 50km+ Roundtrip!

Sunny Saturday Cycles 

Aisling Writes:

Today I cycled from Ballintemple to Crosshaven with my friend Karen.

Aisling  and Karen on the Old Railway line to Crosshaven

We had only intended to cycle to Monkstown but it was just such a beautiful day, we continued onto Crosshaven.

Aisling's Scenic Coastal Route from Ballintemple to Monkstown

We stopped off in the Bosun restaurant in Monkstown for some food and water. And of course we had to have a 99-ice cream when we got to Crosshaven!

Karen would be a much more experienced cyclist than myself so she was giving good tips along the journey . 

The Bosun Bar/Restaurant "famous for its fine food" as depicted on: http://monkstown.org/- A website where there is a diverting extract describing the town taken from Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837

Editor's Footnote:

The old cork Railway line has been converted into a walk/cycle route from Centre park Road to Rochestown, Rochestown to Monkstown and Carrigaline to Crosshaven. You can see evidence of its former use along the way as illustrated in the images below:

Also from: http://monkstown.org/:
The old Railway Station (above) and the railway underpass 

For more on the history of these Railway ports see: http://www.passagewestmonkstown.ie/history-1800-1900.asp and  http://crosshaven.ie/information/about/crosshaven-railway

The old Passage-West Steam Train from: http://www.passagewestmonkstown.ie/history-1800-1900.asp 

The Crosshaven Station from:
http://crosshaven.ie/information/about/crosshaven-railway

19th June 2015, Allison shows how to install a Mini-Shop on a bike!

To Market, To Market,

On a Dutch Bike,

Home again to Roam again,

There's so much on to like!

Allison writes:

 

Allison rocks the look
 of  Irish Cailín Chic

Today I swapped my Brompton for my big (and heavy!) Dutch market bike.  

We have fixed it up with: 

• a front rack, which I can bolt my chocolate bar stand onto,
• a sturdy kick-stand and 
• a back rack, onto which I fasten a basket of goodies. 

I load them all up and then I'm off, down the hill through town, to setup for market.  

We set this bike up about a year ago and it is so great not to have to mess about carrying tables down to the market. It even has a built in seat!    

From : http://aragec.com/smiley.html

Later today I'm hoping to take a short cycle out to Ring to meet a friend and go see a dramatic play that's on.  

The Organic Arts Festival is on this weekend in Clon and I've got the whole weekend to enjoy it!

​More soon!

 Allison

P.S. You can find my chocs at the English Market - The Chocolate Stall or Bradley's on North Main street.



http://www.clonakilty.ie
/category/bradleys/

http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/
foodanddrink/features/raise-a-glass-to-craft-beer-285152.html

 

Editor's Footnote:

The Clonakilty Organic Arts Festival that Allison attended looks like one to mark in the annual calendar!

From: https://www.facebook.com/
clonartsfest/timeline

 In addition to the feast of ten x ten minute short plays that Allison attended, the festival included a classical Greek drama, recreated as an open-air musical comedy incorporating burlesque and carnival.

 

There was even a train from the Model village to take children to an enactment of The Three Little Pigs.



 

19th June 2015 - A change of scenery, Marcia and Chris's cycle

Carefree Cycling in Carrigaline

Marcia writes:

Carrigaline,Co.Cork 

Chris enjoyed a change of scene cycling around ‪#‎Carrigaline‬ yesterday. Some great cycle paths here.

 I had developed sufficient confidence in his abilities to let him cycle from Passage to Carrigaline, but his Dad felt differently. 

That Raffeen stretch is a show-stopper. So he hoisted the bike in the back of the car, dropped him and the bike to his friend's house and let them enjoy cycling around Carrigaline.

CYCLING WITH FRIENDS!

Chris writes:

"Hi, Chris Bateman here. On day 5 of Operation Transportation I went to Carrigaline to my friends, Jude and Ethan. We cycled around Carrigaline, stopped off at the shop, and cycled back home. 

The wind was light so it was easy to cycle, and it was warm and sunny. I thought it was pretty humid as well. There were a lot of people out, so it was tricky to cycle around them. All in all it was a fun cycle."

Check out these Carrigaline Cycle Routes here: mapmyride