The author recounts a cycling accident in Carrick on Suir, emphasizing important safety lessons learned. Key takeaways include the harsh reality of cyclist-car encounters, the necessity of vigilance towards drivers, and the effectiveness of daytime flashing lights for visibility. Cycling safety requires personal responsibility, patience, and route selection to avoid traffic.
‘You are the reason that I am a cyclist’ was the most common thing I heard last weekend at the Rouleur Classic Show in London. Nobody was saying it to me, but as I was often the person holding their mobile phone as they stood next to Sean Kelly for a photo, I heard that…
Cycling offers unique, unforgettable moments that often outweigh memories from work or major life events. These moments, particularly at the summits of climbs, highlight the importance of savoring experiences rather than rushing through them. Taking time to appreciate the journey can create lasting memories, making each ride more meaningful.
Food stops followed hammer drops. Tired legs and sore bums were soon forgotten when the children and their families cheered, hugged and thanked us for doing what we love to do.
‘I’m going to win this stage’ Henry Ford once said ‘if you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re probably right’ Jean deGribaldy told Sean Kelly ‘of course it’s possible to race the Tour of Flanders, then go straight to the 5 day Tour de Basque and come back up to ride Paris…
Sean Kelly was famous for his ability to triumph over all types of adversity in the very worst conditions. The roughly hewn cobblestones of northern France, especially those in the vicinity of a small town called Roubaix were no match for the hard man from Carrick on Suir. Wind, rain, sleet and snow could not…
Cyclists always have the same excuse when it comes to stretching or any form of flexibility training, they don't have the time. Well, like just about everything else in life that time limits are an excuse for, it is not really about not having enough time, it is more about not prioritising it. So, why…
Next Saturday or Sunday, when you are out on your group spin take note of how people around you are moving their bodies when out of the saddle on any climb. They will be split into two very distinct groups. Those that swing the bars and those that don't. Anyone who spends more than 60…
Carrick on Suir has a population of 5000 people. The population of the World is 7.9 Billion. The Tour de France has taken place 110 times. 40 individuals have won the Green Jersey in the Tour de France, as some have won it more than once. Statistically there is a 1 in 158 million chance…
It is often said that you are what you eat. This is because the fuel that goes into our body has a direct impact on the way we feel and the energy output of our bodies. The same can be said about our minds. You are what you read. If you spend all day looking…
Standing at the edge of the West Gate in Clonmel, an entire Country came to a halt as World Number 1, Sean Kelly, strove for a second consecutive victory in the second ever Nissan Classic. Emotions were running high. Beside me was a local farmer, on the other side was a girl in a Dunnes…
Paul O'Donovan, the Olympic and World Champion rower once said that rowing is a very simple sport, A to B as fast as you can go, close the eyes and pull like a dog. Whilst this is a very simplified account of what it takes to succeed in rowing, the same sentiments ring true for…
It is a privilege to be able to enjoy the sights of our countryside and one that should not be taken for granted.
Their smiles were like umbrellas when it rained and their homemade posters were our tailwinds when facing the harshest headwind. The goodness of those children and their families seeped across into each and every cyclist and member of the support crew, and this created a truly unique atmosphere. One that I have never experience before.
Most road bikes nowadays have a multitude of gears, and whilst every bike rider knows that their bike has gears, many are not quite sure how to actually use them. There are a few different types of popular gear systems and in terms of ease of use they can be ranked as follows : SRAM…
The beauty of cycling is that you get to watch epic battles of the elite, the best of the best as they fight it out on the mythical mountains, and then you get to ride up and down those very mountains as a normal everyday cyclist. Scenery so spectacular that it literally takes your breath away is best viewed from the saddle behind a set of handlebars. You can feel the pain of the savage gradients of the mountains throughout your body. You can taste the salty sweat that drips down along your face. You can hear the marmottes calling to each other along with the deep breathing of those other cyclists fighting the mountain beside you.
At lunchtime today I was out for a quick spin on my bike. As I was coming back towards Clonmel on the Wood road a large truck overtook me. It did the entire process to perfection. The driver indicated and with no oncoming traffic smoothly went right over to the other side of the road…
The race begins the day before. It actually began weeks, months and perhaps years before but that longer timeframe is more about the training involved to get there and best left to your coach, training programme or club. Here we are concerned with just the race itself. The day before you will wash and clean…
One year in the Kiely Cup in Carrick on Suir a certain unnamed local rider chased another local rider when he attacked with 8km to go. I know this because they both told me all about it. One guy sees it as what would have been potentially the biggest win of his career lost due…
The key to gear selection is simple. If your legs are under pressure and your breathing feels OK then change into an easier gear and increase your cadence slightly. If your breathing is under pressure but your legs feel OK then you need to change into a harder gear and lower your cadence to settle your breathing.