Beaches and Bikes

Pigeon Reaper

I've seen a lot more bikes being taken onto beaches in the past few days. It's a great way to get to a quiet spot and you can lug a lot of stuff for your picnic.

A few tips for those tempted to cycle on a beach.

If you're tempted please make sure you clean them well afterwards. There are few things worse to get on a bike than salty sand. If possible use someone elses bike so you don't have to worry about cleaning it. Bleeper bikes are very popular on the beaches right now.

Don't drop your bike in the sand. It's a nightmare getting it off your chain. If you're parking the bike on a beach keep it upright. You can lean two bikes together and lock the top tubes to help keep the sand out.

Cycling in soft sand is a pain. Drop into the lowest gear and peddle like hell with as much weight over the back wheel. Try to keep moving and let the front glide over the sand with minimal steering. You just need to make it below the high water mark to find harder sand that will allow you to cycle easily again.

Don't lock the bikes to beach access barriers. In an emergency it's quicker to cut through a frame than a U-lock.

Watch out for tides. They come and go every 12 hours and 30 minutes. You might be able to climb out of the mud and water but you won't manage with a bike (There's still a bike in Baldoyle estuary from two years ago)

07Lapierre

Or just get off the bike and push it?

Type 17

Having serviced bikes that have been taken onto beaches: Just don't do it!

PS: If you wouldn't take your own bike, don't take a rental bike...