19th June - Patrick Grateful for a Well Organised Event!

Patrick writes...

Long day in the saddle today. Nearly three hours in total! Day didn't start out too well today - Raining.  Still when you make a commitment to participate with your mate Thomas in the Family Fun Cycle from Passage West to Blackrock Castle there's no backing out. Headed out from Carrigaline in drizzle and it was as a good as it gets. 

Met a friend in Passage West and headed off at half eleven for Blackrock. There was a very good turnout of cyclists especially kids who outnumbered adults two to one, shows us hope for the future! 

Some cyclists at the Family Fun Cycle
taken from Cork Environmental Forum's Twitter!

There were some participants from last year which is always good to see! Dedicated cycle route was flat all the way to Blackrock which is just perfect for beginners. The event was very well organised with stewarding and free cycle t-shirts, bells, saddle covers, lights and high viz vests for all participants. A big thank you to the team that organised the event! 
We arrived into Blackrock to be greeted by a BLT and coffee free gratis by the organizers. If all my cycling outings could only be like that!!! Very busy spot with face painting for the kids and free entry to the Observatory for all.

I Cycled back to Carrigaline via Passage West in the afternoon.  A little wet but generally saved by the rain gear.  
Penciling in the event again for next year although also looking forward to the Red Rebel Bike Parade later in the year. 

Check out all the information you need to know for the next event HERE

Again thanks to the brilliant organizers for a great day out....Anita, Bernie and Darren take a bow - Thank You!

June 16th/17th - Shauna Explores Rebel Routes

Shauna writes.. 

As I didn't get a chance to get out on the bike yesterday myself and fellow blogger Michael decided to go from Blackrock to Passage West along the old railway line. This was the longest cycle I've done all week, it took just over and hour and we traveled 17.22km in total. Even though it was a long cycle it was very enjoyable, it is a paved track so it is very easy to cycle and it is flat all the way except for the footbridge over her South Link Road where there is a slight climb but nothing too difficult and there are plenty of seats along the route if you do get tired and 
need a break or just want to take in the view. 



This is a very popular route with cyclists, runners, pet owners and families so it can be quite busy especially in the evenings. Also along the route there are outdoor exercise stations which is great way to incorporate different kinds of exercise into your cycle. 

This was my first time really exploring areas outside of the Cork City, having the bike and access to the old railway line made it so much easier to explore and see new areas. There are also informational signs and plaques along the route for anyone that would like to know more about the history of the railway line.


It is a lovely route and I would highly recommend it! 

Heres all you need to know of the route: Route Information 

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17/18th June - Patrick sees the times are changing!

Patrick writes... 


After a long morning clearing-up lawns and hedges I took advantage of a nice afternoon to ease the bones and head out for a 30 minute cycle to meet a friend for a relaxing coffee in the Carrigaline Court Hotel. Great not having to worry about parking or so I thought. Came across four bike stands but all occupied! Wow.. maybe that's a good thing in many ways - the times they are a changing!


Wondering why the provision of bike parking was not made a condition of planning when such hotels were being built or extended? Or maybe it was conditioned but they were never provided?! Might have to go somewhere else next time if no handy parking available. Who said 'If you build it they will come'.


Still can't beat the old standby of parking against a public light pole on the street. 

Check out these tips to LOCK YOUR BIKE SECURELY  to be sure its still there when you return!! 

Will be lying low tomorrow - training for another major milestone on Sunday, i.e. the Family Fun Cycle from Passage to Blackrock Castle  with my fellow Operation Transportation participant Thomas.

Over and out for now

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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!

16th June - Patrick learns something new every day!

Patrick writes...

And so it came to Pass - all set this afternoon to cycle into Douglas only to be greeted by a flat tyre!! Whilst it is over two years since I had a puncture - its no problem..we have the technology!
Repair kit in hand but where's the pump? Thought I saw it somewhere recently but where was that?

Did somebody borrow it? Not lately because I can't remember giving it out on loan. I have a vague reflection of some neighbour borrowing it to pump a football but not quite sure if it ever came back.

 

Okay so I have to bite the bullet...buy a new one and as my mum would say "Neither a lender nor a borrower be" going forward. Maybe that's too extreme?

I called into Capwell Cycles shop near Chriost Rí School. Very friendly folk there who explained the difference between Presta valves and Schrader valves.  Took an educated guess on which type I had. Fortunately I got it right. 

Presta vs Schrader: Educate yourself HERE

Also got a lesson on the differences between Frame-fit Pumps, Mini Pumps, CO2 Inflators and Floor Pumps. You would nearly need an Engineering degree to understand and take in all I was told about the pros and cons of each type! Finally after much bargaining I opted for the floor pump. It made it all look so easy to inflate the tyre.

Buyers guide to Bike Pumps: GUIDE
Now to fix the puncture. What was it again he was saying about using tyre levers? 

 

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16th June - Michael makes the morning commute to work!

Operation Transportation Day 6

Michael writes...

Following my two long adventures on day 4 & 5, I decided to take it easy and only cycle to and from work as I felt I didn't have the energy to go any further and I didn't want to risk any injury due to fatigue.

 

Due to last nights burst of heavy rain there was still some surface water on the road this morning. This along with the busy morning traffic did not make my commute to work as easy as I would have liked. However, by just taking my time and not taking any unnecessary risks, I negotiated the route to work through the city centre with relative ease.

Bike and Mike with the feet up!!

 

RSA tips for CYCLE SAFETY

 

By the time it came to my commute home the surface water had subsided. By making the most of the cycle lanes I got home in what felt like no time and put my feet up to rest ahead of a few more days of cycling adventures.  

                   

                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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