Cycling Ireland advice?

Johnbelfast

Hello everyone, I'm just starting out cycling again after not being on a bike (consistently) in 2 or 3 years. I always loved heading off on the bike for a spin so I thought with coming into some money I would cycle around irelands lovely coast , all 1000+ miles of it.:rolleyes: Not sure how much luck il have but it should be a great experience along the way. I'm only 21 and i'd like to think of myself as fit and in shape for my age, tho i've never tried anything of this scale before, I wont be setting any sort of mental goal or allotted time along the way just cycling all day pacing myself as best as i can.

Can I get any advice on routes and what I may need along the way, wont be camping so no camping ep needed really,I wanted to head north from Belfast along north coast towards Donegall.. good idea? or?... and investing in nice bike this week any pointers?

APPRECIATE IT ALL THANKS

Johnbelfast

great advice these forums helped alot LOL

Cee-Jay-Cee

Glad to be of assistance. Enjoy your ride.

hardCopy

Johnbelfast wrote: »

great advice these forums helped alot LOL

It's Bank Holiday Friday afternoon, everyone is cycling home or loading the bike rack for a weekend of touring. Be patient, and search the forum for similar threads in the meantime.

feck sake lads

So have you bought a bike yet what kinda bike do you fancy how much money have you to spend.
you can just pick a map of ireland and plot your own route following the coast.check out threads on mizen to malin.
anyway have fun hope you get some good weather.

pc11

Johnbelfast wrote: »

great advice these forums helped alot LOL

You were expecting loads of answers in 2 hours? On a Friday afternoon?

Jesus, are you sure you're not one my idiot colleagues?!

clog

I would have cycled most of the coast and my advice would be to go the other way round. The prevailing wind is south westerly and it is strongest in the west so in It would be better if from Cork to Donegal the wind was more than likely helping. The east coast is more sheltered even if the wind is against.

Al Wright

A good starting reference is 'Cycle Touring Ireland' by Brendan Walsh, he describes a route (clockwise) around the island (+ a few in between).
Everyone has their own preference in bikes, so it's down to what you are comfortable with. There are luggage accessories suitable for all for all types of bike, from saddlebag, 15 to 20 litre suitable for road bike touring, to larger panniers for touring bike, camping.
It is advisable to carry minimum of a multi-tool, pump, tyre levers, puncture repair outfit and two inner tubes.
Rain gear is also an essential, and a change of cycling clothing. Generally, some lightweight non cycling clothing for leisure wear is advisable and packs easily.

Johnbelfast

feck sake lads wrote: »

So have you bought a bike yet what kinda bike do you fancy how much money have you to spend.
you can just pick a map of ireland and plot your own route following the coast.check out threads on mizen to malin.
anyway have fun hope you get some good weather.

Ive about 1200 to spend not looking into hybrids or road racers just MTBs was thinking along the lines of Specialzed rockhopper or Giant Talon 29er i know they aren't best bikes for the job but aw well. any recommendations for a bike that fits the bill, sorry for in the impatience guys dying to get out on the bike again :rolleyes:. cheers

Buzwaldo

If you are going to cycle 1000 miles around the island, an MTB will really not be the best for the job. If the thought of a full-on roadbike doesn't appeal to you, perhaps consider a cyclocross or tricross bike which might be a bit better for panniers, etc but would be still an efficient way to get around.

Planet X

Why not choose a Touring Bike?
Mountain bikes are for..........mountains?