new cyclist

dagdae

Hi,

I am thinking of moving to Ashtown and work near the canal at baggot st,I was wondering what is it like to cycle to canal from Ashtown to town for a newbie? Also, I have read some posts where Broombridge sounds scarey (rock throwing) is it really that bad as I don't want to be scared cycling past. Also would I be better off getting a mountain bike?

Thanks,

Blowfish

Assuming you do actually mean Ashwood out by Phoenix Park rather than the one by Roundwood, then distance wise as a beginner you'll be fine. Start out by doing it a couple of times a week and build from there.

You'd be better off going for a decent hybrid/road bike than a MTB as the MTB would just slow you down.

dagdae

Thanks, yeah I mean ashtown near the phaoenix park. Along the canal where the train that goes to maynooth passes.

Tonyandthewhale

As blowfish said a hybrid/road bike will suit you as long as you're not actually planning on off-roading your entire commute. 700c wheels (road bike wheels) with slick and skinny tyres plus the lighter-weight frame compared to a mountain bike will make life a lot easier.

If you're unsure of exactly what to buy or where throw up a budget or maybe one or two models that have caught your eye and your fellow boardsies will gladly advise you on what's best to buy.

Afraid I can't really advise you on the rock throwing as I'm not familiar with the area but don't let reports of isolated incidents scare you (although do exercise caution), the internet does tend to be somewhat sensationalist after all, it might not be that bad in real life.

BostonB

I do a similar journey. You can either go down the navan road, old cabra road, all the way into town, or into the park, then up the quays. I'm not in Ashtown but in D.15 so I go a third way. Through the park, out at Island Bridge, up through Kilmanham to the canal. Then straight down the canal to Baggot St. This is longer. But you've hardly any turns and a lot less traffic and lights.

I'd say it would take you 25~35 mins max. Good roads in general so you don't need a MTB.

When you say Broombridge and stone throwing. I'm wondering are you thinking of going via the canal, I know nothing about that route. But not one I'd want to do at night.

You can try a different route everyday till you find on that you like on the bike. Sometimes its not the quickest route either.

dagdae

Thanks, I think you are right I should probably try out a few different ones until I find one I'm comfortable with. A half an hour is grand I wait an extra 40 mins after work at the mo to get public transport home so I'd be home before I normally leave if I cycle!

Budget wise I have no idea, I don't know much about bikes. I am on minimum wage so 400 is the most I'd want to pay.

BostonB

Does your job do the cycle to work scheme?

EamonnL

Perhaps the most pleasant route from there would be to cross the ashtown roundabout and enter the phoenix park, through the park, then either down the quays and up to baggot street or the slightly longer route of going up to the south circular from islandbridge and along the canal.

Gavin

+1 for the canal after the phoenix park. I spent a few months going up the quays and over to baggot st through the city center. It's fine, perfectly doable, but going through kilmainham and then up along the canal is just nicer. It's calmer, there's space on the road and cycling beside the canal is pleasant!

BostonB

I much prefer the canal/park route too.