15th June - Áine's Best Day yet!

Day 5: Lunchtime Cycle to Fitzgeralds Park! 

I had an early cycle today – I headed along to the lunchtime cycle in Fitzgerald’s Park.




 If you look close enough at Darrens 'Selfie' on the left you can see me in the back wearing my high vis vest!









I was a bit apprehensive as I’ve never cycled in the city. Today was going to decide whether I’m going to be able to keep this going after Operation Transportation. I admit I was a bit nervous, but set out with my colleague Anita. Anita has been cycling for years, so I was very glad to have her today. She gave me a few tips on junctions and the dreaded right turn.

Tips for the dreaded right turn! TIPS

 

The route out was fine. It was 11.45 so traffic was quiet, the sun was shining and drivers gave us plenty of room. We took the quieter route – Anglesea, Copley, by St. Finbarres and onto Washington St. This gave me a chance to get comfortable with the passing cars. I didn’t think drivers would be so polite and cautious.

Áine's route out to Fitzgeralds Park.

 

We had a great time at Fitzgerald’s Park – would definitely recommend it for next year. I got a little lesson in how to properly work the gears to ensure that my bike stays in the best condition  - it pays to mingle with other cyclists!

 

Left see Cork Academy of Music set up in the bandstand in the park!

Right see my bike parked up for lunch!

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the trip back I was thrown in the deep end. Anita decided to let me go in front, not listening to any of my excuses (I tried a good few). The cycle lane on Washington street was great, more of these throughout the city would definitely encourage me to cycle more. South Mall was another story! Definitely the scariest part of the week. There were cars stopped everywhere. Without a cycle lane it meant weaving out into another lane to get around those double parked – really needs to be adjusted to facilitate cyclists!

Áine's route back home from Fitzgeralds Park

 

Final Word: 'All in all, best day yet! Think it has me hooked!!'

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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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14th June - John Paul Shooting the Tuesday Breeze

John Paul Operation Transportation Day 4

John Paul writes:

Today I decided to go for a cycle around Blackrock Castle and the Marina area. I encountered a lot of evening traffic which I had to be very careful of, due to a lot of turns on my route before getting to the Old Railway Line down by Rochestown. 
It looked like it may rain but it managed to hold off with a nice refreshing but not cold breeze. 
The first stage of the cycle getting to the Old Railway Line was far more intense and cautious due to the large volume of traffic. However when I got onto the Railway Line and away from the traffic, the cycle became far more leisurely (except for the tough hill on the pedestrian bridge crossing over the Link Road by Mahon Point). 
I ventured on to Blackrock Castle, where on my way I passed some old class mates. At Blackrock Castle, I met fellow blogger and cyclist Michael Lyons. We cycled down by the river for about half an hour and chatted, passing quite a large amount of other cyclists, who looked to be coming home from work. 

The large amount of cyclists JP saw may have the right idea cycling to work! Check out these reasons to cycle to work. 






Michael and I parted ways for home, where the leisurely aspect of the cycle came to an end and I had to be aware of the traffic and be cautious with the all the turns before arriving home. 
It was a good mix of cycling styles for an hour after work. Tonight I will be thinking of what to do for tomorrow's cycle. 

14th June - Bike and Mikes evening out

Michael's Operation Transportation Day 4

Michael writes..

This evening I decided to venture down the Marina and towards Blackrock Castle. The castle has been around since the 16th century and the castle and its surrounding areas are a great place to escape from the city for a cycle. 


If this picturesque castle looks like somewhere you wouldn't mind visiting yourself have a search of the information HERE 


Here I met fellow Operation Transportation blogger, JP. We cycled together along the path by the castle taking in the beautiful scenery before we parted ways to continue our own cycling journeys.






It was after this that I decided to take in more sights of the city. Following my trip to Blackrock Castle, I cycled to Saint Fin Barres Cathedral which was built in the 19th century. It is seen to be one of the most popular tourist spots in the city and it is very easy to see why with its beautiful and eye catching design. A definite must see on any cycle journey! 


Finally following my trip to the Cathedral, I stopped by UCC to see the statue that was recently erected of George Boole who is known as the 'Father of the Information Age' due to his incredible work involving Boolean Algebra which has shaped modern computer science. UCC celebrated his 200th birthday in 2015 and a statue was unveiled in his honor in 2016. 

Following a visit to all these amazing sights my fitness levels couldn't take anymore so I decided to pack it in for the evening and start fresh again tomorrow. 

After Michael's whistle stop tour of the city he definitely slept well last night! 

Read this article that explains why recovery is just as important as a big cycle.. Ride Hard, Recover Harder

Introducing Thomas - Read his 4 day cycling adventure!

Thomas joins the OT team!

Hi all! I will start by describing my bicycle history from the last few years. So where do I start, I have had a mountain bike (belonging to my son) in my shed for the last 10 years and in April 2015 I decided it was time to dump or use the bike.
I brought the same bike to "Garden shed " bicycle shop situated off Barrack Street in Cork for an assessment and I was informed that an expenditure of 80/100 euro would get me back on the road,new tyres/brakes/service etc On collection of my bike I was also shown how to use the gears etc this was June 2015 and I cycled home to Ballintemple. I went for 1 small cycle ( 1 hour) in July 2015 and nothing since until last Saturday 11th June 2016 as part of Operation Transportation!

Thomas writes:

My diary is as follows:

Sat June 11

Thomas and Dale

Took my bike out of the garage and saw that the tyres needed some air so I went to my bag of cycling goodies(anytime Lidl or Aldi had bicycle stuff the following were purchased, pumps of different styles/repair kit/saddle cover/lights/gloves/tops etc) It was about 4 pm when i pumped up the tyres.

Note: ALDI often have bicycle gear on special offer and most of the time is equipment is just as good as big name brands!! Keep an eye using these links: ALDI & LIDL

At around 6 pm I went for a ride and did about 10 minutes, I was very wobbly at start but got there. Confidence grew as time went on!

Thomas on South Mall

Sunday 12th June
Today I cycled bike to and from church, it was a round trip of about 12 mins, nothing major to report

Monday 13th
After the Ireland vs Sweden match I cycled to my friends house, it was about a 15 minute ride, it was very windy so found journey difficult enough. I took a different route home and avoided the hills!
I am getting used to the cars and the road surface which is bad in places! 

Pumping the tyres on 11th June for the week of cycling

Tuesday 14th
Left home at 7pm and returned home just after 7.55pm. I went into city centre, cycled in Blackrock road/Oliver plunkett street/south mall/ southern road/Douglas road etc
I am getting more used to using the bike and my "bum" is getting used to saddle! I also cycled up all the hills I came across this evening (yesterday I walked up one hill but this evening I cycled up this hill)

Read this great article to avoid getting a sore bum: SADDLE SORE?

I was stopped behind 2 cars at traffic lights on south mall and took a selfie, after the lights went green and we all moved off the car in front of me stopped and driver got out and asked me " did I do something wrong??" he noticed me taking the selfie and thought I was taking a photo of his car,I explained I took a selfie and we all went on our merry way!

Thomas finishes by saying: "Cycle paths in the city centre are a little confusing, they are there one minute and then gone the other, a little Good/ bad/ugly!!!!"

Overall I am delighted with my progress, from being very wobbly/sore on Saturday to enjoying the ride today!

14th June - Busy is the new happy!

Shaunas Operation Transportation Day 4

Shauna writes:

Today was quite a busy day for me so I knew I wasn't going to get out on the bike for too long. But luckily cycling is a great way to squeeze some physical activity into your day. 

Why bike??

I set off just after work, like the previous night I started off by cycling down by The Marina, from here I continued along into Blackrock. 

Now at this point I had been planning on taking the same route back but I suddenly got brave and decided to return via the Blackrock road.

It was only 5.30pm so the road was still quite busy and it was a little scary at times with cars passing by me and the road being so narrow. 

However, I managed to get home in one piece and thanks to my spontaneous decision to return that way I feel as if I'm becoming slightly more confident cycling on the road!

Shaunas route

Check out these top tips on how to cycle safe when on roads:
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