Cyling routes North county dublin

billyhead

Can anyone suggest varied and good routes starting out from Lusk/Rush building up from say 50km to 100km in the North County Dublin area?

Carawaystick

I go on shorter spins, but from Lusk around the airport and back by the R108 (the Naul road) is about 35km

You could go over the Nags head down to the Naul and up to Fourknocks for some hills, and continue on the R108 to Drogheda for a longer spin.

Pablo Rubio

Some ideas here.

Nice 20 km route here. There are a couple of uphill sections not to bad though if you take it handy.
http://www.mapmyride.com/s/routes/view/road-cycling-map/skerries/18349546

50km route
http://www.mapmyride.com/s/routes/view/bike-ride-map/stamullen/3850240

65km route
http://www.mapmyride.com/s/routes/view/road-cycling-map/ireland/rush/67722178

Also have a look at Strava Website for routes.

petethedrummer

1 piece of a advice......bring a bloody map or some sort of GPS device. The backroads in NCD can get very confusing.

t'bear

Just a stones throw from seaside spin to howth...lovely

Lusk Doyle

billyhead wrote: »

Can anyone suggest varied and good routes starting out from Lusk/Rush building up from say 50km to 100km in the North County Dublin area?

Are you on Strava? I have loads from that area that you can look at if you are.

billyhead

Lusk Doyle wrote: »

Are you on Strava? I have loads from that area that you can look at if you are.

No. I might start out with spins out and up Howth head ad back. How far do you think a return leg would be to the summit from Rush? I just have to build the long distance fitness in the legs back up so don't want to start out on crazy distances. The aim is also to join Swords CC and join up with their Saturday spin groups. I belive they do a minumum of 100km routes on Saturdays so hopefully it won't be long till I can keep up and finish the spins with them

greenmat

billyhead wrote: »

No. I might start out with spins out and up Howth head ad back. How far do you think a return leg would be to the summit from Rush? I just have to build the long distance fitness in the legs back up so don't want to start out on crazy distances. The aim is also to join Swords CC and join up with their Saturday spin groups. I belive they do a minumum of 100km routes on Saturdays so hopefully it won't be long till I can keep up and finish the spins with them

AH, the Sat morning Swords CC Race . Great way to get fit.

Hungrycol

billyhead wrote: »

No. I might start out with spins out and up Howth head ad back. How far do you think a return leg would be to the summit from Rush? I just have to build the long distance fitness in the legs back up so don't want to start out on crazy distances. The aim is also to join Swords CC and join up with their Saturday spin groups. I belive they do a minumum of 100km routes on Saturdays so hopefully it won't be long till I can keep up and finish the spins with them

That spin is only about 70/75k.

billyhead

greenmat wrote: »

AH, the Sat morning Swords CC Race . Great way to get fit.

Do the riders take it that serious i.e use the spin as an actual race. Also just curious how many energy gels and what food would other posters take with them on their long weekend spin?

greenmat

billyhead wrote: »

Do the riders take it that serious i.e use the spin as an actual race. Also just curious how many energy gels and what food would other posters take with them on their long weekend spin?

No just kidding, spin got a bit hectic for a few weeks a while back but calmed down again. 80km's for me from home and back. It averages over +30kmph every week so some fitness required and group riding experience before taking this on. Only started the Sat spin this year myself, made a huge difference to me. Check swordscc.com for other spins to build up to this. Might need to be a member of Swords CC and/or have a Cycling Ireland licence to tag along. Contact details on club website. Some of the other club rides stop for a coffee break so not much food needed with you, just a Fiver for the stop. I normally have one bar, a banana and 2 bidons.

Lusk Doyle

greenmat wrote: »

2 bidons.

Are you French? Are we in France? It's a bottle, not a bidon!

Lusk Doyle

billyhead wrote: »

No. I might start out with spins out and up Howth head ad back. How far do you think a return leg would be to the summit from Rush? I just have to build the long distance fitness in the legs back up so don't want to start out on crazy distances. The aim is also to join Swords CC and join up with their Saturday spin groups. I belive they do a minumum of 100km routes on Saturdays so hopefully it won't be long till I can keep up and finish the spins with them

It's approx 65k to howth and back with a couple of ascents included.

Wishbone Ash

Rush-Skerries-Balbriggan-Stamullen-Naul-Ballboughal-Lusk-Rush

Rush-Skerries-Balbriggan-Stamullen-Naul-Ballboughal-Swords-Lusk-Rush

Rush-Skerries-Balbriggan-Stamullen-Naul-Ballboughal-Swords-St Margarets-Finglas-Dublin-North Strand-Coolock-Malahide-Swords-Lusk-Rush

alexanderomahon

Why not join the Sunday 10 am Swords group. Take it much easier about 24 kph with a stop

greenmat

Lusk Doyle wrote: »

Are you French? Are we in France? It's a bottle, not a bidon!

Yea, your right, watching too much TDF on Eurosport.

Harrybelafonte

greenmat wrote: »

Yea, your right, watching too much TDF on Eurosport.

So you don't go to restaurants? Or cafés? Call it whatever the f@@k you want.

Kav0777

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

So you don't go to restaurants? Or cafés? Call it whatever the f@@k you want.

Coffee shops?

Lusk Doyle

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

So you don't go to restaurants? Or cafés? Call it whatever the f@@k you want.

The term "bidon" has not been Anglicised to the extent that it is an acceptable substitute for the perfectly good word "bottle". What else do you call a restaurant? An eating hole?

Edit: Also, you don't order cafe do you? I order coffee.

Lusk Doyle

Here's a few routes...

60km



40km



60km



I have plenty more if you would like some more.

Harrybelafonte

Lusk Doyle wrote: »

The term "bidon" has not been Anglicised to the extent that it is an acceptable substitute for the perfectly good word "bottle". What else do you call a restaurant? An eating hole?

Edit: Also, you don't order cafe do you? I order coffee.

Well, eatery and coffeehouse are pretty simple English alternatives? Also, "anglicised" is a verb, therefore is not capitalised.

I never order coffee, I usually order a cappuccino, but only around breakfast. I enjoy a little floridity in life, which is probably why I find "bidon" a more attractive designation than "bottle". Bottle cages should of course be refered to as "porte-bidon".

Some nice routes you posted there by the way.

Lusk Doyle

Harrybelafonte wrote: »

Lusk Doyle wrote: »

The term "bidon" has not been Anglicised to the extent that it is an acceptable substitute for the perfectly good word "bottle". What else do you call a restaurant? An eating hole?

Edit: Also, you don't order cafe do you? I order coffee.

Well, eatery and coffeehouse are pretty simple English alternatives? Also, "anglicised" is a verb, therefore is not capitalised.

I never order coffee, I usually order a cappuccino, but only around breakfast. I enjoy a little floridity in life, which is probably why I find "bidon" a more attractive designation than "bottle". Bottle cages should of course be refered to as "porte-bidon".

Some nice routes you posted there by the way.

It was capitalised on my phone! Sure, we can go for a spin on one of my nice routes, stop at a local eatery for a cafe and then check if the wench at the local watering hole will fill our bidons or sell us other bidons from which we can fill ours!

Come on!

Qualitymark

The Cyclists' Touring Club used often do a round trip from Dublin city centre to Slane when I rode out with them back in the day.

billyhead

Just finished Rusk-Skerries-Balbriggan-Stramullen-Naul-Ballyboughal-Swords-Lusk-Rush. How far do you reckon it was. Did it in just over 2 hours. Good stiff breeze out.

greenmat

billyhead wrote: »

Just finished Rusk-Skerries-Balbriggan-Stramullen-Naul-Ballyboughal-Swords-Lusk-Rush. How far do you reckon it was. Did it in just over 2 hours. Good stiff breeze out.

About 60km. Well done nice route.

Lusk Doyle

billyhead wrote: »

Just finished Rusk-Skerries-Balbriggan-Stramullen-Naul-Ballyboughal-Swords-Lusk-Rush. How far do you reckon it was. Did it in just over 2 hours. Good stiff breeze out.

The internet is a great tool for finding facts. Google even has a mapping page. You may be familiar with the internet if you post here. Use it for other stuff too. Not just for asking others lazy questions like how far did I cycle today!?!

Wishbone Ash

Lusk Doyle wrote: »

Not just for asking others lazy questions like how far did I cycle today!?!

He only asked a simple question and it would have been easier to ignore it if it bothered you rather that posting a rebuke.

bcmf

Lusk Doyle wrote: »

The internet is a great tool for finding facts. Google even has a mapping page. You may be familiar with the internet if you post here. Use it for other stuff too. Not just for asking others lazy questions like how far did I cycle today!?!

MEEE-OWWWWW

Lusk Doyle

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Lusk Doyle wrote: »

Not just for asking others lazy questions like how far did I cycle today!?!

He only asked a simple question and it would have been easier to ignore it if it bothered you rather that posting a rebuke.

Ditto.

billyhead

Just curious on my spin I was passed by a group of cyclists fairly hammering it out. Would this group possibly with Swords CC do these saturday/Sunday group rides all year round even during the winter and when its raining & fairly windy aswell. Obviously they don't do it in the snow

bcmf

Depends on when and where. The sat hammerfest usually ends in a gallop at The Pavilions about 10-30 ish.

billyhead

bcmf wrote: »

Depends on when and where. The sat hammerfest usually ends in a gallop at The Pavilions about 10-30 ish.

Thats them. Came across them again when I arrived into Swords I presume after they reachd Ballyboughal they went onto St Margarets. How long in totla would there spin be?

bcmf

Doesnt go to BBoughal (too flat out there).
They meet/leave at Blakes x at 8.30. Head to Lusk- up the Skerries road - left for Loughshinny - Loughshinny to Skerries - Skerries to Balrothery via Milverton - Balrothery to Naul via Naul road - Naul to Oldtown to St Margarets to the Airport (head down and bury yourself to hold the wheel in front at 50km + here) - Airport to gallop at The Pavilions and back towrds Blakes x and home to wherever you live.
I live in Balrothery and am usually back (usually covered in mud/tears/sweat) by 11.15 -11.30 with an averge of 30kmh for 80 odd K.

billyhead

bcmf wrote: »

Doesnt go to BBoughal (too flat out there).
They meet/leave at Blakes x at 8.30. Head to Lusk- up the Skerries road - left for Loughshinny - Loughshinny to Skerries - Skerries to Balrothery via Milverton - Balrothery to Naul via Naul road - Naul to Oldtown to St Margarets to the Airport (head down and bury yourself to hold the wheel in front at 50km + here) - Airport to gallop at The Pavilions and back towrds Blakes x and home to wherever you live.
I live in Balrothery and am usually back (usually covered in mud/tears/sweat) by 11.15 -11.30 with an averge of 30kmh for 80 odd K.

Fair play. Looks like you need a good level of fitness to keep up. Hopefully i will get to that stage some day;)

bcmf

To be honest..
You should give it a go. You will be guaranteed to be dropped on the first run but aim to hang on longer next time and so on and your speed fitness will get better very quickly.
Trust me when I say that I got fired out the back many times but kept the head up (with some encouragement) and now contest the sprint most times I am out.
Just make sure that you let the guys know via here or at Blakes X that its your first time and you looked after.

billyhead

bcmf wrote: »

To be honest..
You should give it a go. You will be guaranteed to be dropped on the first run but aim to hang on longer next time and so on and your speed fitness will get better very quickly.
Trust me when I say that I got fired out the back many times but kept the head up (with some encouragement) and now contest the sprint most times I am out.
Just make sure that you let the guys know via here or at Blakes X that its your first time and you looked after.

Cheers. I will try and tail the group and stay with them as long as possible next time I come across them

JRant

billyhead wrote: »

Just finished Rusk-Skerries-Balbriggan-Stramullen-Naul-Ballyboughal-Swords-Lusk-Rush. How far do you reckon it was. Did it in just over 2 hours. Good stiff breeze out.

There certainly was a nice stiff breeze out there this morning. Done nearly the same route but started in town then swords on to stramullen etc. some nice little stingers on the route but it's a lovely place to build up the miles. Any route around the naul will be a good tester on the legs, especially when getting back into it.

Lusk Doyle

This is the Saturday morning route. Starts at Blake's Cross and goes counter clockwise. Approx 70k.



I rather like this one as a variation to the above. 97k.



Edit: I think that I'll do this one later today!

Raam

This link might be handier.
https://sites.google.com/site/swordscc/club-training-spins/saturday-8-30-group

I'll have a look and see if I have it mapped on BikeRouteToaster, if it's there and you have a Garmin then you can load the route on to the Garmin.

Raam

Thar she blows.
http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=430598

billyhead

Just back fom a spin out to Howth summit and back. TBH i am going to stay over the Skerries/Balbriggan/back roads of Meath from now on. Theres less traffic I find on Saturday and Sunday morns.:)

ian_rush

If you are short of time, I find heading to the hills gives you more bang for your buck. You can hit quite a lot of hills heading out through Blackhills (Ardgillan, Man O'War etc), then over Nags head (there are three or four routes) and then from Naul into the hills of meath (Snowtown, Mullaghteelin, Bellewstown, Ardcath, Garristown). You can also add some distance heading back via Swords\Ashbourne or Jullianstown\Drogheda. There a loads of small backroads to explore and eventually you will have a wide range of options to chicken out from some of the nastier climbs. Speaking of which, if you want to give yourself a bit of a challenge try this http://app.strava.com/segments/636872, IMO this is the toughest climb between the Dublin hills and Slane, not long but really kicks up.
I think swords cc do a sportive in September than runs over just about every hill in the region, the route is on their site.

bcmf

ian_rush wrote: »

http://app.strava.com/segments/636872, IMO this is the toughest climb between the Dublin hills and Slane, not long but really kicks up.
.

Thats a bollox of a climb

killalanerr

bcmf wrote: »

Thats a bollox of a climb

depends how you ride it

bcmf

Let me clarify.
All climbs are bollox.

ian_rush

killalanerr wrote: »

bcmf wrote: »

Thats a bollox of a climb

depends how you ride it

Quite right, doing it in the big ring is far worse than that. I rarely avoid dropping down to the small ring on my triple.

brasshead

bcmf wrote: »

Thats a bollox of a climb

It's a killer - worst hill I've come across in NC Dublin/Meath, though I usually tackle it after a TT-like ride from Duleek (with wind on my back) so it balances things out a bit.

Lawdie

Raam wrote: »

Thar she blows.
http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=430598

RAAM this route was recorded back in the last century!

Could of brought the full susser on sections... :pac:

Lusk Doyle

Raam wrote: »

Thar she blows.
http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=430598

My maps with red routes are better. Yours will confuse lesser beings with your blue route looking like a motorway!

Maybe that's what happened with that dude on the M11...

billyhead

Heres a couple more to add to the mix. Going to try out most of the 80km route next weekend

http://www.dublinwheelers.com/viewpage.php?page_id=21