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Tell us about your new improved government regulations compliant cycle part II

1…2829313334…321

Comments

  • #902
    smacl
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 16,135 Mod ✭✭✭✭smacl


    A few days away with extended family in Doolin, so rented a bike for some spins around the Burren. Heavy bike with very wide tyres, though comfy enough apart from not having drop bars which I really missed in the strong winds and steeper descents. Stunning weather apart from being very blustery, and had a lovely loop on Saturday that included Slieve Elva and Khyber pass. Couple of shots here.

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  • #903
    Bloggsie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,054 ✭✭✭Bloggsie


    Afternoon, I am looking at taking on this spin in the next weekend or 2,

    Maynooth>Celbridge>Saggart>Blessington and back to Maynooth via Straffan, my only concern is the N81 from Saggart to Blessington, I have heard and read from other boardsies and locals that the traffic can be very heavy on this road, some of which have stated that they would rather cycle anywhere other than the N81.


    Anyone that cycles this route have an opinion, id be happy to hear it.


    thanks


  • #904
    P_1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,681 ✭✭✭✭P_1


    Went pottering about Donabate and Portrane earlier on and nearly sank up towards the north of Portrane beach. Absolute beaut of a day for it. 48km with a mix of road, beach, dune and cx.

    https://www.strava.com/activities/768823927

    Then I decided to hop off the train at Clongriffen and cycle back for a bonus 13km. There is some potential for a decent crit event in Fr Collins Park.

    https://www.strava.com/activities/768823920


  • #905
    Luxman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 944 ✭✭✭Luxman


    51k for me today, out to Trim and home by Bective. Straight up and down, didn't feel that good today, no energy for a gallop for the last 5k or so. Yesterday I got my smug on, coming into Batterstown (and a stiff breeze) I passed a guy and said hello. I noticed a few seconds later his shadow on the road behind me. Sneaky lift or should we work together into the wind? About 1k later he was still there and I thought he would take a turn on the front, suddenly he disappeared on a little rise in the road. Yay, I dropped someone! #smugasabugger


  • #906
    devonp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 875 ✭✭✭devonp


    Bloggsie wrote: »
    Afternoon, I am looking at taking on this spin in the next weekend or 2,

    Maynooth>Celbridge>Saggart>Blessington and back to Maynooth via Straffan, my only concern is the N81 from Saggart to Blessington, I have heard and read from other boardsies and locals that the traffic can be very heavy on this road, some of which have stated that they would rather cycle anywhere other than the N81.


    Anyone that cycles this route have an opinion, id be happy to hear it.


    thanks

    do you really want to go to B'ton?
    you could go over to Kilteel, up the Lamb down the other side, left on the N81 heading east for about 2km the up mcDonaghs lane(immed left at the Blue Gardinia) and down Cromwellstown/sheepmoor and over to castlewarden Ardclough etc, or go past mcdonaghs lane and down Slade hill into Saggart etc or cross over at Brittas over Ballyforan rd and back via Kilbride /Lisheen rd, just have to cross the N81 a few times and cycle a small bit of it.....
    its a (very)hilly route if you like that sort of thing:D


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  • #907
    nilhg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 5,265 ✭✭✭nilhg


    In Tenerife for a week or so, rented a nice BMC and have been pottering around for a few days (pottering around here usually means 1000m of climbing), met a Corkman on the road the other day who hadn't been here before, he wasn't too sure of where he was going, I was planning to head up Teide via Granadilla (we're staying in Los Cristianos) yesterday so asked my new pal if he'd like to come along, heading up to La Camella he told me he'd never been above 300m on a bike so I thought it best to take the direct route, which we did, and we got up and back without much drama, everyone happy.

    This morning I decided I might as well have a look at the Granadilla-Vilaflor road, I'd read somewhere that it's the nicest road on the island and a must do, so headed across, it's gorgeous all right well worth the spin across the only problem was I got brave in Vilaflor having a coffee and headed up to Teide again. A bit tired now, but a few beers in the sunshine are working wonders......

    https://www.strava.com/activities/769638877


  • #908
    RobFowl
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 11,682 Mod ✭✭✭✭RobFowl


    Fook that was cold (and wet)

    57k done and in the bank

    NCD is a beautiful place but today it was just grey...


  • #909
    arybvtcw0eolkf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 24,608 ✭✭✭✭arybvtcw0eolkf


    RobFowl wrote: »
    Fook that was cold (and wet)

    57k done and in the bank

    NCD is a beautiful place but today it was just grey...


    + One :mad:

    My Garmin died so I've no idea what my Km was, but every bit of it was misery.. Two hours in the saddle and not one minute was pleasurable.

    Goddamned wet & cold miserable wintery day.


  • #910
    dahat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,237 ✭✭✭✭dahat


    Annie Defeated Sportsmanship wrote: »

    Goddamned wet & cold miserable wintery day.

    To the cold yet dry shed for then later... Days like this make the purchase of a decent turbo all the worthwhile.


  • #911
    arybvtcw0eolkf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 24,608 ✭✭✭✭arybvtcw0eolkf


    dahat wrote: »
    To the cold yet dry shed for then later... Days like this make the purchase of a decent turbo all the worthwhile.

    I keep my bikes in my house extension, along with drying cycling & Judo gear I hardly have room for a turbo trainer.

    And tbh I suffer cabin fever really badly, I simply can't stay indoors so I think a turbo trainer would be prison for me although I have considered purchasing one more than once over the years.


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  • #912
    crosstownk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,863 ✭✭✭✭crosstownk


    Wet one this evening on the commute home. Nothing mental as the heaviest of the rain had passed just before I left. I don't really mind the rain but as I wear glasses, it really compromises my visibility and slows me down. I must get one of those peaked caps.

    Maybe it was just the timing of my commute but the traffic was grand coming from Swords until I got to Clanbrassil St. From there it was a solid line all the way the KCR. Slow going with so many cars encroaching on the cycle lane - especially on the Lower Kimmage Road where they've been upgrading the footpath for the last couple of months. Plenty of traffic cones with the customary "CYCLISTS DISMOUNT" :rolleyes: signs. I stop at all red lights but no way am I dismounting. No way.
    Untitled Image




  • #913
    cdaly_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,440 ✭✭✭cdaly_


    crosstownk wrote: »
    Plenty of traffic cones with the customary "CYCLISTS DISMOUNT" :rolleyes: signs. I stop at all red lights but no way am I dismounting. No way.

    I think you're supposed to dismount, salute, remount and pedal on...*





















    *Taking the lane as you do so obviously...


  • #914
    Bloggsie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,054 ✭✭✭Bloggsie


    devonp wrote: »
    do you really want to go to B'ton?
    you could go over to Kilteel, up the Lamb down the other side, left on the N81 heading east for about 2km the up mcDonaghs lane(immed left at the Blue Gardinia) and down Cromwellstown/sheepmoor and over to castlewarden Ardclough etc, or go past mcdonaghs lane and down Slade hill into Saggart etc or cross over at Brittas over Ballyforan rd and back via Kilbride /Lisheen rd, just have to cross the N81 a few times and cycle a small bit of it.....
    its a (very)hilly route if you like that sort of thing:D
    i think a caffeine stop in b'ton is my reason for heading there.


  • #915
    Bloggsie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,054 ✭✭✭Bloggsie


    crosstownk wrote: »
    Wet one this evening on the commute home. Nothing mental as the heaviest of the rain had passed just before I left. I don't really mind the rain but as I wear glasses, it really compromises my visibility and slows me down. I must get one of those peaked caps.

    Maybe it was just the timing of my commute but the traffic was grand coming from Swords until I got to Clanbrassil St. From there it was a solid line all the way the KCR. Slow going with so many cars encroaching on the cycle lane - especially on the Lower Kimmage Road where they've been upgrading the footpath for the last couple of months. Plenty of traffic cones with the customary "CYCLISTS DISMOUNT" :rolleyes: signs. I stop at all red lights but no way am I dismounting. No way.
    "I will NOT put my foot down!" (Childish foot stomp)


  • #916
    crosstownk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,863 ✭✭✭✭crosstownk


    Bloggsie wrote: »
    Afternoon, I am looking at taking on this spin in the next weekend or 2,

    Maynooth>Celbridge>Saggart>Blessington and back to Maynooth via Straffan, my only concern is the N81 from Saggart to Blessington, I have heard and read from other boardsies and locals that the traffic can be very heavy on this road, some of which have stated that they would rather cycle anywhere other than the N81.


    Anyone that cycles this route have an opinion, id be happy to hear it.


    thanks

    I cycle out to Blessington regularly. The N81 can be busy especially on weekdays with quarry traffic. I don't mind the climb up the Embankment but after that I get off the N81

    When you get to Saggart, take the right at the main crossroads. It'll bring you out on to the N81 just after Crooksling. You'll need to cycle on the N81 for about 1.5km - no easy way to avoid this. Then take the slight left after the Brittas/Blue Gardenia junction (Lisheen Road). Follow that to the T junction then turn right. After 200m at the next T junction turn left. Eventually you'll arrive at Blessington Lake. Turn right and go over the bridge then left and you'll be in Blessington.

    There's a decent coffee shop (The Rooster) in the shopping complex in the centre of the town. Bike rack outside for added convenience.

    https://www.google.ie/maps/dir/53.2801625,-6.4453631/53.1713402,-6.533221/@53.2263571,-6.5593575,12z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m10!3m4!1m2!1d-6.4618568!2d53.2201988!3s0x486775fe6ac4cb77:0x404c1d79cbb5d8d0!3m4!1m2!1d-6.5001622!2d53.170702!3s0x48679dad335059e7:0x7583be256144a21f!1m0!3e1

    In case the link doesn't work.......

    Saggart%20-%20Blessington.png

    If you're coming back the same way then go straight on instead of crossing back over the bridge. It'll bring you back to Manor Kilbride via Threecastles and saves you taking exactly the same route back.
    Untitled Image




  • #917
    Bloggsie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,054 ✭✭✭Bloggsie


    this looks good, the road surface on the N81 looked really good, but the volume of traffic on it was my concern, I am going out on Sunday morning


  • #918
    smacl
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 16,135 Mod ✭✭✭✭smacl


    Bloggsie wrote: »
    Afternoon, I am looking at taking on this spin in the next weekend or 2,

    Maynooth>Celbridge>Saggart>Blessington and back to Maynooth via Straffan, my only concern is the N81 from Saggart to Blessington, I have heard and read from other boardsies and locals that the traffic can be very heavy on this road, some of which have stated that they would rather cycle anywhere other than the N81.


    Anyone that cycles this route have an opinion, id be happy to hear it.


    thanks

    Did the a similar route weekend before last and went roughly Celbridge, Newcastle, Athgoe, Steelstown, Eadestown all on back roads, not going on the N81 at all. If you have any kind of GPS with mapping available, IMHO the l-roads are they way to go. The canal has a reasonable surface after Hazelhatch so another nice option to consider would be Celbridge, Hazelhatch bridge, canal to Ardclough, backroads to Arthurstown, and either Eadestown, Blessington or on towards Punchestown and back to Blessington via Glending.

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  • #919
    crosstownk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,863 ✭✭✭✭crosstownk


    Bloggsie wrote: »
    this looks good, the road surface on the N81 looked really good, but the volume of traffic on it was my concern, I am going out on Sunday morning

    Yeah the N81 surface is good but the other roads are perfectly fine. Also, the N81 is a busy enough road so it's much better to go via the smaller roads for some peace and quiet. It makes for a much nicer spin. You might encounter a bit of traffic on the smaller roads near Manor Kilbride on Sunday if you're there close to mass times but that's about it. Most motorist out that direction are well used to cyclists as it's a popular route.

    Enjoy!
    Untitled Image




  • #920
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 54,468 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    44k in NCD earlier - went north through ardcath, ended up on the R152 (hillier than expected) and back onto the N2 north of ashbourne. won't make that mistake again, it's not a pleasant road to cycle.
    was a bit of a grubby morning out there.


  • #921
    dahat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,237 ✭✭✭✭dahat


    110km Club Spin, Kilsheelan to Mitchelstown then back via Cahir. Just under 30km avg on a day when the roads were slippy due to leaves etc.

    Legs were a bit tight and cramps near the end but that's to be expected after a hard Trainerroad workout on Saturday then hours painting....


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  • #922
    68 lost souls
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,017 ✭✭✭68 lost souls


    Planning next weekends solo spin around Wicklow mountains. Anyone see anything wrong with this loop or suggest any alternations? Not too familiar with all the roads around there, only cycled that way once really on the Lap De Gaps. Want to get to know the area in the hope that it will be my training grounds in the future

    Key places I need to hit are start and finish around the Terenure X, then up to Hunterswood

    Want to keep it between roughly 50-60km =

    https://connect.garmin.com/course/embed/13962713


  • #923
    Wishbone Ash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,134 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    68 lost souls wrote: »
    Planning next weekends solo spin around Wicklow mountains. Anyone see anything wrong with this loop or suggest any alternations? Not too familiar with all the roads around there, only cycled that way once really on the Lap De Gaps. Want to get to know the area in the hope that it will be my training grounds in the future

    Key places I need to hit are start and finish around the Terenure X, then up to Hunterswood

    Want to keep it between roughly 50-60km =

    https://connect.garmin.com/course/embed/13962713
    Just a couple of points:

    1. You have a diversion off Stocking Lane (around 5k) - most people would just keep going with that climb (perhaps it is deliberate).

    2. On the descent from Luggala (around 30k) you have a diversion which is off road as far as I know. Better just to stay on that descent of the R759 until you get to the junction with the Old Long Hill road.

    Otherwise it's fine and a popular route. There are two steep straight and fast descents on it - Luggala and Old Long Hill. Take care on them - Luggala has a car park with pedestrian activity at the bottom of the fastest bit. Old Long Hill has a farmyard with associated activity near the bottom of the descent. Squeaky bum time when a tractor emerges as you're doing 80km/h. :D


  • #924
    68 lost souls
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,017 ✭✭✭68 lost souls


    Thanks, I'll have a look at those two diversions, the first may remain but I don't plan on having a CX bike with me so no offroad :P

    The first diversion is on purpose but I had it still slightly wrong, want to take on this segment https://www.strava.com/segments/641300

    Will make sure to check the brakes before I head out and hopefully we get some good weather, I think I have heard people say about loose gravel around the Luggala carpark area too?


  • #925
    crosstownk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,863 ✭✭✭✭crosstownk


    68 lost souls wrote: »

    Key places I need to hit are start and finish around the Terenure X, then up to Hunterswood
    On the off chance that you're driving to Terenure, send me a PM if you need somewhere to park.
    Untitled Image




  • #926
    secman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 6,977 ✭✭✭secman


    Having had a lazy day and no spin yesterday , this morning, headed to killenagh, on to Kilmuckridge, Blackwater, curracloe, and up to main road just outside wexford town. Decided you come back the same route as coast road is more interesting than the main road. 64 km Avg was just 24.5 kmph. Managed 760 meters of climbing according to an app I used on the spin and a max speed of 58 kmph. Nice morning to be out.

    Went back to curracloe in the afternoon and did a 6 km walk with herself along the forest trail at ravens point and back along the beach.


  • #927
    shaka
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,086 ✭✭✭shaka


    75 km with about 800m of climbing, spun away with club


  • #928
    triggermortis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,712 ✭✭✭triggermortis


    Got out yesterday for 90 mins away from family duties. Just after eating so was less than ideal but was nice to get out anyway for a quick 40 Km


  • #929
    triggermortis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,712 ✭✭✭triggermortis


    Pretty much the same route today as Saturday. Got a few PRs - which was a surprise and hit 66 kmh heading down into Naul. Happy out..

    https://www.strava.com/activities/775122928


  • #930
    Bloggsie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,054 ✭✭✭Bloggsie


    crosstownk wrote: »
    Yeah the N81 surface is good but the other roads are perfectly fine. Also, the N81 is a busy enough road so it's much better to go via the smaller roads for some peace and quiet. It makes for a much nicer spin. You might encounter a bit of traffic on the smaller roads near Manor Kilbride on Sunday if you're there close to mass times but that's about it. Most motorist out that direction are well used to cyclists as it's a popular route.

    Enjoy!
    didnt get out due to a tonne of beer on Saturday, woke up fuzzyheaded and decided that a day chilling was in order, Damm soccer & rugby games on back to back!


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  • #931
    crosstownk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,863 ✭✭✭✭crosstownk


    Bloggsie wrote: »
    didnt get out due to a tonne of beer on Saturday, woke up fuzzyheaded and decided that a day chilling was in order, Damm soccer & rugby games on back to back!
    I went out that way myself with two other lads and stopped for a coffee in Blessington. I also had a few beers watching the matches but I took it easy as I'd to be up early for my young lads rugby match. The fuzzy head had well cleared by 12:30 when I set out on the bike.

    I added a bit on the way home and got in 70km.
    Untitled Image




This discussion has been closed.
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