Cycling in the north

galwayguy85

I expect to finishing up my Mizin to Malin Head tour this Tuesday coming after 6 days in the saddle.

I will still have about another week before I need to worry about going back to work.

Reckon I might cross over to the North as I have never been there before and I suppose being in another jurisdiction will make it feel like I've travelled 'abroad' in a way.

Some of my immediate family have warned against me doing this, based on how 'strange' or potentially dangerous they all are up there apparently.

Have any other boards users cycled in the north? Any spots to see/avoid?

granda

head through derry and cycle down the antrim coast, take in the giants causeway, carrick-a-rede rope bridge,bushmills distillary and loads of other stuff and scenery, go till you hit larne hop on a train to befast and thence to dublin.dont worry about the people they are great, the north coast is a tourist area so its not as bad as some of the bigger cities and the 12th trouble is pretty well over now.
go and enjoy a great part of the country

galwayguy85

Great. That's put my mind at rest! Thanks also for the suggested itenerary.

Ole Rodrigo

+ 1. From Larne around to Port Stewart is amazing, people are very nice. Before you hit Ballycastle from the coast you can head in land to the Glens of Antrim, or continue along the coast over Torr Head and on into the town. Theres a few sharp hills on Torr Head but the views are worth it. I didnt bother with the Giants Causway..full of tourist coaches and it looked like a load of hassle with the bike. Besides, the route up to that point from Larne was more than enough.

I'd nearly do it again, just thinking of it :P

Edit: just noticed what I mentioned is the reverse of your route but anyway.

Henlars67

I always hear that sort of crap from people if I've to go north for any reason. You'll have absolutely no problem anywhere.

People down here seem to think they're all absolutely mental up there, only looking for an excuse to start trouble.

I've stayed in numerous towns in the north and never once did I see anything close to trouble.

It's just that the tiny percentage of headbangers up there get all the media coverage, thus giving a false perception of the place.

It's a different world up there to what it was 20 years ago.

Enjoy your few days there.

el tel

Is this some sort of Friday joke thread?

galwayguy85

No it's not, but thanks for asking nonetheless. All constructive feedback appreciated. Ta very much etc etc el tel.

Cee-Jay-Cee

galwayguy85 wrote: »

Some of my immediate family have warned against me doing this, based on how 'strange' or potentially dangerous they all are up there apparently.

Have any other boards users cycled in the north? Any spots to see/avoid?

Sounds like your immediate family have never been in the North either as what they say us complete rubbish.

I'd avoid the cities although your going to have to skirt around Derry if your cycling from Donegal towards the northern coastline. I'd avoid Belfast purely because its not the easiest city to navigate (the signage is absolutely the worst I've ever come across in any city anywhere in the world and Ive been in many)

The northern coastline is beautiful and depending on what route you take, very hilly. The roads are generally very good with good surfaces although a little narrow and twisty in places which can be slightly dangerous as they're very busy at this time of year.

el tel

Ok, some advice.

Traffic travels on the right hand side of the road in Northern Ireland. This makes the border crossing interesting as the traffic switches from me side of the road to the other.

Try to learn some of the language, even just a few nouns and platitudes. The native tongue is Ulster Scots and English is only spoken in small enclaves called Bullands.

The road traffic signals can be confusing to foreigners. Uniquely, the lights are coloured blue white and red. Red means go and blue means stop but just remember that blue is at the top and red at the bottom (where green would be in Galway traffic lights).

Make sure you have all your vaccinations up to date.

Finally, don't forget to bring your passport and a valid visa.

galwayguy85

Much obliged. Now be gone and troll elsewhere.

galwayguy85

Thanks to all those who chipped in, you know who are are.

Best let the geebag who spoke nothing but rubbish vent out his frustrations with his right hand or perhaps an especially well lubed and accommodating cassette... who knows? Ain't that right el tel??

Close thread.

manwithaplan

You might think he was trolling but I couldn't help but groan inwardly when I saw that someone in 2013 was still questioning whether they should cross the border. Anyone with half a head would also realise that the purported exoticism of a place a few miles up the road and the "travelling abroad" thing was likely to provoke a reaction.

Maybe avoid the Ardoyne shops until the clocks go back but otherwise you're good to go.

spoke2cun

I'm from Donegal myself but the Derry and Antrim coast is one of our favourite holidaying spots. I'd love to cycle that route some time in the future. Go for it.

galwayguy85

spoke2cun wrote: »

I'm from Donegal myself but the Derry and Antrim coast is one of our favourite holidaying spots. I'd love to cycle that route some time in the future. Go for it.

Thanks for that. Will start booking hostels along the way... so glad of those with actual touring recommendations.

650Ginge

galwayguy85 wrote: »

Thanks for that. Will start booking hostels along the way... so glad of those with actual touring recommendations.

You post was silly in the first instance so you got to expect silly posts.

Take the ferry from greencastle to magilligan point. Along benone strand up past the old bishop of Derry palace at downhill and into coleraine. Head to portstweart and now just follow the coast along to Larne via Torr head which is a left turn as you leave ballycastle. Thy is a good hostel in ballintoy and another at white park bay but there is nothing else at white park bay so be self sufficient. It is a national trust beach and gorgeous.

You won't accidently end up between the lines of roiters and police. These things a complete stand offs ie the police form a line and hold it they don't push or snatch anymore. Don't avoid belfast cycling round all the hots spots during the day and enjoy and friendly and fun city centre by night. It is well away from trouble areas.

Check out the national cycle network for routes.

Sinbad_NI

There's an Ulster way for through the Sperrins, think it's from just the east side of Dungiven to Draperstown very scenic through the mountains if you get tired of the coastal route. Also much quieter traffic wise.

Sorry no idea of theres any hostels.

galwayguy85

650Ginge wrote: »

You post was silly in the first instance so you got to expect silly posts.

Of course, please moralise and support the troll. They have feelings too.

Let's keep things on topic like all good boards users.

rollingscone

galwayguy85 wrote: »

Of course, please moralise and support the troll. They have feelings too.

Let's keep things on topic like all good boards users.

Errr no. You don't get the moral high ground. Your op was outlandish.

Go and see a GP about your Dermal Thinness Syndrome.

galwayguy85

rollingscone wrote: »

Errr no. You don't get the moral high ground. Your op was outlandish.

Go and see a GP about your Dermal Thinness Syndrome.

Just like a "rolling scone" catches no moss I surely will.

Fatbiker

This journal on CGOAB includes the area you may be travelling. Have a nice trip.
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=12771&v=1i

feck sake lads

strange but i'm always on edge when i cycle up north, first 2 maracycles i done there was oil spilled on the last roundabout from belfast, years ago mind but that always stuck in my head.stayed in a few camsites and they wern't the friendlyist places to stay.
nah all in all i would be gived the north a miss .

Iwernia

650Ginge wrote: »

You post was silly in the first instance so you got to expect silly posts.

Couldn't agree more.

galwayguy85

Looks like someone has found a quick way of increasing their post count without saying a whole lot along the way... nice one!

Dermot Illogical

650Ginge wrote: »

You post was silly in the first instance so you got to expect silly posts.

Couldn't agree more.






post_count +=1

650Ginge

galwayguy85 wrote: »

Of course, please moralise and support the troll. They have feelings too.

Let's keep things on topic like all good boards users.

I am really sorry I even tried to help you, maybe you are mentally retarded, or just ignorant or ungrateful. Why did you only quote the comment that question your unrealistic view of Northern Ireland.

Well you certainly wont be getting any help from me again. Maybe you will be the only tourist in killed by the troubles 1979....that tourist was an englishman killed in the south albeit the shot was fired by a british solider in the north. But I doubt it.

Dermot Illogical

galwayguy85 wrote: »

Let's keep things on topic like all good boards users.

That possibility passed when you posted the "geebag" post.

galwayguy85 wrote: »

Best let the geebag who spoke nothing but rubbish vent out his frustrations with his right hand or perhaps an especially well lubed and accommodating cassette... who knows? Ain't that right el tel??

To be honest, you appear to be ignorant about life on this island and posted something most people find ludicrous. Not your fault as you seem to have picked it up from your family as per your OP. Ignore them and go experience different things.

Anyway, having read your charming posts I'm going to recommend you head from Malin over to the border crossing at Muff. Head toward Derry and take the new bridge across the Foyle. Hill repeats up the Waterside (savage gradients in places) wearing a Celtic jersey while singing "We don't care what the animals say" or some such.
And don't forget to take lots of pics.

feck sake lads

this thread is getting nasty mods.

Dermot Illogical

feck sake lads wrote: »

this thread is getting nasty mods.

It got nasty quite a way back. I'm surprised it's still breathing.

galwayguy85

I asked for some feedback on the experience of cycling in the North. I got it in spades. Thanks very much to those who contributed worthwhile anecdotes and route recommendations.

It's just a pity that one boards user decided to stick his oar in about it being "Friday jokes thread" or other and then to spout off even more shyte afterwards.

Such is life.

kerry4sam

galwayguy85 wrote: »

I expect to finishing up my Mizin to Malin Head tour this Tuesday coming after 6 days in the saddle.

I will still have about another week before I need to worry about going back to work.

Reckon I might cross over to the North as I have never been there before and I suppose being in another jurisdiction will make it feel like I've travelled 'abroad' in a way.

Some of my immediate family have warned against me doing this, based on how 'strange' or potentially dangerous they all are up there apparently.

Have any other boards users cycled in the north? Any spots to see/avoid?

I went backpacking solo around Northern Ireland in my teens over a decade ago and frightened the bejazus out of all those close to me over the same real 'fears' as your own family have expressed to you

Man, just go for it! I am taking by your username that you are 28years of age?! Just go for it.
I experienced so much; it broadened my mind to a far larger degree and opened my eyes to some wonderful new friends across the border.
Aside from 1town (that I won't name) where once I entered any shop with a smile and greeted those inside; for some reason, the refused to have any dealings with me ...

Other towns and villages took me in like their own daughter. Absolutely stunning people the length and breath of Northern Ireland right throughout. I found Armagh 'home from home' for me with the personalities there; taken by locals to local GAA matches and around the club-houses and met the local teams at that time - such were the people I was meeting; was offered a job working in Fermanagh by others there; simply lovely people throughout tbh! Take a tour throughout Derry City; the Black Cab tour in Belfast; Portrush is central and have regular buses to the Bushmills Distillery; Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Bridge; oh Just park the bike some day and just explore Northern Ireland. Get the train down the Antrim coastline if you have the time; some stunning scenery! Not close to Kerry mind but stunning all the same!

Have a read here for some cycling tips and tricks.

Take as much as you can in. I encountered no real problems right throughout and if you encounter trouble; I'd imagine you'd cover more ground on the bike than I would have walking with a backpack! You should be just fine though.

As I said, it was over a decade ago since I backpacked solo so I would imagine everything to be so much more positive these days

Just be Brave and Explore!
Safe Peddling too

el tel

galwayguy85 wrote: »

Some of my immediate family have warned against me doing this, based on how 'strange' or potentially dangerous they all are up there apparently.

You should ask your aunt if all the people in the north strange or potentially dangerous. You know, your aunt you described in your other thread.

galwayguy85 wrote: »

My aunt lives in Co Tyrone, close to Donegal border, she may be albe to help get me home... we'll see.

Unless of course she's auntie Cathy Bates, and just like every one else in the north :rolleyes:

Bigdeadlydave

The North is a lovely place Belfast is a bit dodgy in places but tbh you're as likely to get trouble in Dublin if you wander into the wrong estate. Some of the towns are utter kips but the places suggested by others are great.

Wishbone Ash

Although road surfaces tend to be very good in NI, they tend to be much twistier than down south and the lack of hard shoulders on busy roads leads to close passing by traffic.

Other than that it's a pleasure to cycle there and the vast majority of people are very friendly.