Royal Canal on a Road Bike

a_shed

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118881339#Comment_118881339

Thanks for that. And are they handy enough to take off/put on?

DaveyDave

Yeah you need to be careful with the Marathon Plus, they're absolutely bomb proof but you still need to remove the chunks of glass/debris lodged in them from time to time.

tnegun

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118884220#Comment_118884220

I haven't had them off often enough! From memory the might have been a little tough but not impossible.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118885277#Comment_118885277

Absolutely they never fail to impress with how much they absorb and what can be dug out of them while preventing a puncture!

KevRossi

Marathon Plus can be taken off a lot easier with 3 (or 4) tyre levers.

Kudos to the bike repair man I met near Essaouira in Morocco who pulled the tyre off and put it back on with his bare hands! He made an excellent cup of teas as well.

Seth Brundle

Edward Scissorhands but with tyre levers?

wersal gummage

Thinking of heading out along the canal from Dublin, have never tried it but have heard a few times of this ominous sounding deep sinking!

Any up to date information on current state of canal? Is it passable or need to come off for this deep sinking section? I have 40mm knobbly tyres....

A few mentions of works taking place in kildare, is that underway?

Thanks very much.

Don't suppose anyone Dublin based would babe a link to a strava route I could download?

tnegun

Deep sinking is doable but dangerous, no works in Kildare as someone dropped the ball and it has to be retendered. How far are you planning on going? Train to Maynooth and starting from there means you start on the finished Greenway or train to Longford and cycle back to Maynooth for the train to Dublin means you're less likely to be denied boarding with the bike.

Stark

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119018885#Comment_119018885

Be aware with the train to/from Longford that it takes 2 bikes max. Got caught out by that when myself and a small group of friends decided to try cycling one way. Should be okay with train from city to Maynooth as there are commuter trains and they'll take multiple bikes off peak.

tnegun

Same here denied boarding to an empty train in one of the lockdowns to make it worst! The train had about 15 people on it but it was too dangerous to carry bikes, he wouldn't even allow them be dismantled and placed in the luggage racks.

Effects

Deep sinking is one of my favourite parts. Just take it handy. I've even done it on 25mm on a road bike before.

Effects

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119019004#Comment_119019004

There's a big deal made about following rules in Irish Rail, for safety reasons. Some people are just a bit sounder about it sometimes.

wersal gummage

Thanks all.

How far am I going.... No idea! If I plan it properly /manage to find a window or time, maybe 6 hours or so, allowing for a few stops.. Not going at full tilt or anything, more of a relaxed pace. My normal outing would be enniskerry, Sallygap etc on the road bike and maybe 70 to 100km sort of thing, but have a gravel bike and feel need to justify purchase, so after a few excursions off road around enniskerry I'm thinking canal next...

Hadnt even considered the train so thanks for that option.

The Davestator

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119019327#Comment_119019327

The royal canal website is very good for distances. The whole thing is a lovely spin, especially if the weather plays ball.

Rosahane

The wind can be annoying as in places it funnels along the canal so best to plan to have it at your back and use the train either to or from Mullingar or Longford to suit. You can book online in advance and book the bike slot.

It's a lovely spin but make sure you have a loud bell as the majority of walkers are too busy gossiping to notice anything 😁

getoutadodge

the deep sinking is my favourite part.

at this time of year there will be no issue.

bit knobbly with tree roots etc but just take it slow

hopefully the nimbys there will be overuled to allow the new northside greenway...soon.

wersal gummage

Thanks again, very helpful info.

On the train, am I next to bike or do I have to leave it in some bike storage compartment etc unattended? I'll check out the train website, maybe info is there. Thanks again

wersal gummage

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119020646#Comment_119020646

Don't mind tree routes or bad surface, some photos online look like there are sections where it passed under bridges and looks like there's about a foot width of room to squeeze under or fall a good drop into the canal?

Breezer

You’ll be grand with those tyres in the deep sinking. Just don’t fall in, it’s a bit of a drop!

Some of the trains to Longford are (or were anyway) commuter trains where there shouldn’t be any hassle with the bikes. It’s the intercities you need to be careful with. The Irish rail website’s journey planner will help you there.

Rosahane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119020766#Comment_119020766

When you do the online booking you can also book seat with a view of your bike. Reality is that the seat bookings are rubbish, they never put the name on the seat. You may get a seat beside the bike - usually happens, or there could be approx 105 randy students crowding out the carriage :)

So, bring a cable lock just in case and remove anything easily pocketed like lights.That said, I've never had a problem!

Also, make sure that the chain is on the biggest back ring to keep the derailleur above the rail that the wheel sits in on the rack.

tnegun

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119020798#Comment_119020798

Just an FYI Longford commuters only run during peak hours so station staff may deny boarding for them too, more likely at the busier Dublin stations but still a risk.

FFVII

How many diesel generators are pumping water from rivers to keep the canal topped up??

Effects

You'd have a better idea than us I'd imagine.

blackvalley

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118877846#Comment_118877846

If you want to go for the real belt and braces approach then fit the Schwalbe marathon plus and stiick slime filled tubes inside . A bit pricy but practically bomb proof .

getoutadodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119078391#Comment_119078391

"Slime filled tubes inside". Can you explain this? I m about to go get the Marathon Plus as I'm planning on doing the Royal Canal ride to the Midlands in the coming weeks. I cant afford a puncture on the e bike in the middle of nowhere.

blackvalley

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119078961#Comment_119078961

I am not sure how to add a link to a post but if you Google. “Slime filled bicycle inner tubes “ it should bring you to several relevant sites.

Basically they are inner tubes that contain a quantity of liquid sealer so in the event you getting a puncture a small amount of this liquid leaks out and seals the leak. A bit like blood forming a clot. In my experience this substance will stop all but the bigger leaks

The tubes are exactly the same as normal ones and you pump and maintain them in the normal way.

Another option is if you already had good inner tubes is to buy a can of this sealer, remove the valves, pour the sealer into the tubes, replace valves , pump up and off you go. It’s a bit more messy than simply replacing the tubes.

As I said originally the tubes are quite expensive but they give great peace of mind.

blackvalley

You will loose a small bit of tyre pressure if you get a puncture but can easily pump back up.

When pumping a tyre with slime inside be sure to have valve in the twelve o’clock position to prevent slime leaking back into the valve and pump.

Effects

You can get a liquid that fills tubeless tyres, that seals small punctures. I think people also put that in tubes.

I tried it back in the 90s and it was just a mess for me.

getoutadodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119079586#Comment_119079586

Cool. Never heard of it before. will check it out. Txs!

getoutadodge

Btw I presume the best time to hop on these trains (to maximise space likelihood for the bike) out to say Enfield or Mulligar is .... mid week mid morning? I'm plotting the return leg from Mulingar back to Maynooth and then take the Maynooth train back into town. Will do the same for Skerries train soon...with Waterford also in my plans

DaveyDave

I never had any issues with punctures on Marathon Plus, I regular used a rocky gravel path for shortcuts. The only time I ever got a puncture was from a screw.

wheelsandreels

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119081007#Comment_119081007

fyi bus eireann is much improved in recent years. I cycled down to waterford one day recently and hopped on the hourly service number 4 - I booked it when I was in Carlow and had a better idea of my arrival time and the bike goes in luggage storage which hardly anyone uses - it's €5.

FFVII

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119078360#Comment_119078360

I don't, I see 3 of them pumping in Abbeyshrule near the airfield. I was wondering if it's like that all over the place. Must cost a fortune. And they stink of fumes.

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119082114#Comment_119082114

https://irishwaterwayshistory.com/2018/11/18/pumping-the-royal/#comments

It seems to be an issue in that area, seemingly down to a lack of monitoring of the opening of lock gates, from what I can gather.

It's not the normal way that canals are fed. They are normally fed from lakes, rivers, fend and similar through feeder canals, sluice gates etc.

At least, I've been up and down portions of the Royal, Grand, and Barrow Way, and I've never seen pumping of that sort happening.

Mundo7976

There's one near ribbontail that pumps up from the boyne & there's always a big water flow coming in near Mary Lynchs pub, could be off run from the N4 drainage 🤷🏻‍♂️

cletus

Further to the above post, there seems to be 4 spots where pumping is an issue (so more pumps than I previously thought)

https://inlandwaterwaysinternational.org/blog/towards-greener-pumping-for-canals/

Here's the relevant piece for Ireland from the above article

Back-pumping on Ireland’s canals

Waterways Ireland are looking at improved back-pumping systems at four locations. Richmond Harbour on the Royal Canal has an old pump delivering 225 l/s from the Cramlin River, and the 11.6 kW installation is only 75% efficient. The dedicated pump house will be re-engineered to host two pumps. The Grand Canal is supplied with water from the River Brosna into Shannon Harbour over locks 35-36. Here too, the pumps are old and affected by ongoing difficulties with weed, debris and blockages. An old 1994 pump delivers water from Lough Allen across Drumshanbo and Drumleague Locks to maintain water levels for navigation on the Lough Allen canal. The fourth pumping station is at locks 16-18 on the Grand Canal, where the pumps are relatively new but system controls need to be optimised; variable speed drives could improve efficiency.

getoutadodge

Update on the Deep Sinking

I did the Deep Sinking section yesterday to road test some new tyres I got. Contrary to what I posted before this is not suitable for a road bike. The rocks at the first section leaving Castleknock station are a nightmare. There's still a lot of water and mud even at this time of year. Despite having an e bike I had to dismount a lot.

Btw coming from the 12th Lock at Castleknock where the barges are tied up approaching the humpback bridge... for some insane reason a gate has been placed barring bicycles from going under the bridge to the train station? This necessitates carting your bike up a set of steps. You then arrive at a road which is really busy with cars going both ways. I got so exasperated waiting for a gap or a car to give me a nod to cross (walking with my bike) and none did...so I just barrelled across in a game of chicken style. Madness. The far end of the Deep Sinking comes out at some rail way crossing with tonnes of cars backed up as the gates were down for the train. Then into a dead end cul de sac where the trail effectively ends. I cant see the north side proposal ever happening. Pity because it would also kick Waterways Ireland in the arse re upgrading the canal section to encourage barge traffic.

Roberto_gas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119083648#Comment_119083648

I always do greenway starts from Maynooth unless someone tells me the path is fixed from dublin to Maynooth !

Furze99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119078961#Comment_119078961

? Can you not whip the wheel off and change the tube?

Also curious why an e bike on the Royal Canal - it's as flat as virtually possible for a cycle route.

Effects

Maybe someone who wants to do the distance, but isn't physically capable?

wersal gummage

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119083648#Comment_119083648

Thanks for the update.

Can I ask, is an e bike a slightly heavy thing and is that part of the issue or is this section just best avoided altogether? Thinking of going it (thr canal) a go tomorrow. Coming from Dublin City centre I don't really know whether to go along the canal from the start and include this section, or just cycle on the road and join the canal somewhere after this section

cletus

For anyone either from the area, or having completed the Greenway; planning on heading out towards Cloodara in a few weeks. The plan is to camp for the night when we get there, then cycle back the next day. The question is, does anyone have a good spot for wild camping, as I don't know the area at all

Breezer

..

Breezer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119092407#Comment_119092407

It’s doable but not on a road bike in my opinion. You’d want some reasonably thick tyres. I did it in this sort of weather on 35mm slicks before, taking my time.

getoutadodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119092407#Comment_119092407

The bike I use is a conversion...so quite light. The section is just not suitable unless you have a mountain bike.

getoutadodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119089487#Comment_119089487

Correct!

Gerry

Everyones take on the deep sinking is different.. some people love the challenge, but its not everyones cup of tea. Its got tree roots, rocks, which you cannot avoid, it is uneven,etc. It is not what anyone would class as a greenway.

It is doable on a road bike, I've done it in the dry but wouldn't chance it in the wet. Its tough on wheels, you run large risk of punctures.

On a heavy touring bike with luggage or ebike I wouldn't fancy it at all. but, you can walk it.

On a mountain bike its great fun.

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119092428#Comment_119092428

So, to answer my own question, I contacted the Richmond Inn, located in the harbour at Cloondara, in the hope that they might have camping spaces.

The very nice lady I spoke to told me that they don't provide camping, but there's a lovely green area on the far side of the harbour, people regularly camp there without issue, and it's free.

blackvalley

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119093548#Comment_119093548

For all the misplaced fear about this short section one could be forgiven for thinking that folks were considering cycling along the edge of the Grand Canyon.😂.

To avoid this section if travelling west then simply hang a right in Castleknock after crossing the M50 , swing left down through Blanchardstown and Coolmine and re enter the canal at Clonsilla job done .

With so much access to GPS , sat nav etc it should be easy to navigate.🚴‍♀️

beggars_bush

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119089254#Comment_119089254

Few of those canal bridges have steep ramps up to/over them and the same for runs up to some lock gates.

Mercian Pro

Train to Mullingar this morning and decided to try the Old Rail Trail towards Athlone. Got as far as Castletown (12k) and couldn't stand the boredom so headed back to Mullingar and the delights of the Royal Canal Greenway. Once clear of the town I decided to up the pace a bit and averaged a bit over 28km/h as far as Maynooth. There wasn't a whole lot of speed difference on the tarmac or gravel as this has been well compacted by now. Had coffee, cake and a Zoom meeting at Cunningham's Pub near Riverstown Bridge but there were queues at both Timeless and the Rye River Cafe in Kilcock so I kept going as far as the reliable Coffee Mill in Maynooth for a late lunch.

With the deteriorating surface I had to take it a bit easier and came close to stopping on the first (western) section of the Deep Sinking. I was glad I had pumped up the 28mm tyres as, otherwise, the tree roots and rocks would have guaranteed a pinch flat. I skipped the next section by detouring through Delwood and Roselawn before rejoining the canal for the final section to Cross Guns.

112k in 4 hrs 10min (moving) with all of 170m climbing!