Dublin's Most Challenging Commuter Routes ?

VanhireBoys

Guys
Going to visit Brother-in-Law in Phibsborough next Tuesday to Friday ! I am taking my beloved bike and looking to try out some of the hardest most challenging commuter routes in Dublin.

I intend tackling this at rush hour as well to add a bit of spice to the mix. I will probably go to Meath or Wicklow for a spin but I really want to see what its like to ride a bike in the city.

If some of you lads who commute could suggest a few routes to try and most importantly what to expect Id really appreciate it...

Cheers Lads

Jawgap

What do you mean by "challenging"?

The South Quays from Memorial Bridge to Heuston is probably as "challenging" as Dublin gets - maybe a route that follows the South Quays, then up to the Park for a lap, back in the North Quays and out to Howth along the Clontarf cycle track - loop of Howth - back through the city (crossing the East Link) for a spin up Killiney Hill then back to the starting point at Memorial Bridge via the Stillorgan dual carriageway / N11 cycle track.

VanhireBoys

Jawgap wrote: »

What do you mean by "challenging"?

The South Quays from Memorial Bridge to Heuston is probably as "challenging" as Dublin gets - maybe a route that follows the South Quays, then up to the Park for a lap, back in the North Quays and out to Howth along the Clontarf cycle track - loop of Howth - back through the city (crossing the East Link) for a spin up Killiney Hill then back to the starting point at Memorial Bridge via the Stillorgan dual carriageway / N11 cycle track.

What I mean JG is maybe a bit of start/stop at traffic lights and perhaps a bit of rolling terrain to keep it going...

I just done a google maps on that route and it looks good... Deffo I'll give that a go one of the mornings... Cheers for that !

Jawgap

No problem - when you hit Sutton Cross do a lap of Howth passing through the village on the climb up and go right at the church for this......

http://app.strava.com/segments/690702

You could also add in Knockmaroon Hill (near Phoenix Park) to add to the experience:)

http://app.strava.com/segments/714676

fishtastico

I regularly cycle from Palmerstown into the city, sometimes through the park. Can be pretty varied

check_six

Have a go at the strip of Pearse St that runs alongside Trinity. It got resurfaced recently and with a bit of room you can get a good bit of speed down this stretch. Lots of fun!

Darkglasses

VanhireBoys wrote: »

What I mean JG is maybe a bit of start/stop at traffic lights and perhaps a bit of rolling terrain to keep it going...

Start stop? Do the Howth cycle-path, dismounting at all the signs :pac:

Plastik

Sounds like torture to be honest. I commute in from Greystones on occasion and once you get into town it just grates.

But seeing as you're actively looking for this maybe try Phibsborough, Amiens St., Pearse St., Ringsend, Beach Road, Strand Road, Merrion Road, Rock Road, Deansgrange. Once you hit the N11 head back for town again - or on to Wicklow.

BostonB

Challenging as in physical challenge or as in most unpleasant to cycle?

If its the latter. The place I avoid is the south quays down to Heuston across the Liffey and into the Park. But its pretty random you could pass through it at time when its clear, slow moving. I don't have anywhere else I don't like in the city. I'd find main suburban routes worse than the city as the cars generally move much faster than the city centre and give you less room.

davyjose

Cycling in Dublin is just a pain in the hole -- in any major city, really -- even the final stage of the TdF looks like a pain in the balls

Cycled Templeogue to Howth and back once for "leisure", it was ok-ish. And Templeogue - Dun Laoghaire too a bunch of times. But really unless I'm commuting, I try to avoid it.

woodseb

join the grand canal at the liffey and follow it all the way to lucan, various types of cycle path on that route, go into lucan village and follow the road back into town along strawberry beds and into phoenix park - it's a decent route