Like many cyclists I set goals for myself. The best ones are those with a reason behind them which gives added motivation. Over the years some goals have been achieved whilst others have missed the target but still managed to take me in new and worthwhile directions. This year one of my main goals is …
Last week a group of 25 Adventurers from the Burren Cycling club covered all 2500 kilometers of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way over the course of just five days. The sights, the sounds, the pain and the exhilaration will all live long in the memories of all who took part in the challenge. You can see …
Over the past two years or so, I have experienced a good deal of what The Wild Atlantic Way has to offer a cyclist. The longest coastal route in the World has spectacular scenery and incredible experiences to offer anyone who prefers to explore on two wheels rather than four. To read …
The danger of radio shows highlighting the plight of poor motorists against inconsiderate and wreckless cyclists is that it creates a mood amongst motorists where they see a cyclist and immediately think ‘There’s another one of those clowns who think they own the road’ and the motorists behaviour is affected by their attitude and dangerous situations are created
Sam was looking good for a great finish today until an Astana jersey decided to play ping pong in the middle of the bunch. Really hope Sam is OK and has a speedy recovery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIMAmVCagPY Barry www.thecyclingblog.com
Cyclists share the roads with many other road users, but of all road users cyclists are the most vulnerable. Walkers and runners spend less time on the road. Usually they face oncoming traffic and can see a potentially dangerous situation as it approaches. They are less likely to have to change course to avoid a …
Over the past few weeks I have noticed the annual phenomenon of MWS appearing on almost every road I travel. Mamils Wearing Shorts appear out of many a byroad as the longer evenings begin. Experienced cyclists are well aware of the potential damage to their knees if they head out on cold mornings or evenings …
Cycling as part of a group can be one of the most enjoyable and pleasant experiences for any cyclist when done correctly. When done badly it can be frustrating and hard work. Here a few tips to help anyone, new or with some experience already, to understand how to have a safe and enjoyable group …
It’s 9am on a cold and fresh Wednesday morning. The heat of the past week has dissipated as the group gathers outside The ESB in Carrick on Suir – It’s many a year since this location housed the ESB office for the Town, but everyone still arranges to congregate ‘Down at the ESB’ as Joe …
Whilst Damian Shaw may have scored another highly impressive victory in the Tour of Ards on Saturday he is primarily focused upon the para cycling World Track Championships coming up in Holland from March 26th to 29th. Shaw will be piloting another man with a big engine, Peter Ryan from Upperchurch in Co. Tipperary. Whenever …
For many, Saint Patricks day in Ireland is all about parades, shamrock, going to mass, Guinness and many other forms of beer. It can be a time of celebration and a time of reflection. For Irish cyclists, especially those in Munster and more especially still, those from Carrick and its’ surroundings it is all about …
Sam Bennett has fought adversity with tenacity and determination to make his way to the highest echelon of professional cycling. A kind and softly spoken manner off the bike can lead his competitors into a false sense of complacency on the bike, when the ferocious determination of a rampaging lion kicks in. Here are …
The day began cold but dry. We departed at nine and set off in the direction of Carrick to meet the lads coming up the road. In Carrick over thirty five smiling faces gathered at the old ESB before heading our way. By the time they reached Clonmel the group would number forty eight but …
Climbing the height of Mount Everest in a single day on a bike requires a different type of training regime. Rolling around the back roads of Tipperary and Waterford, looking in over ditches isn’t ideal. However today, as I focused upon my Everest training programme I found myself looking into rather than over ditches. The …
You are what you eat. It really is important to eat properly before, during and after a bike ride. Food is fuel. No food = No fuel = No energy = No fun You would not put diesel into a petrol engine, so don’t put junk into your body ! Eat as well as you …
The word ‘hiding’ is one that is commonly used by cyclists. It can be of reference to the guy ‘hiding’ down the back of the training group without an attempt to make a appearance at the front. It can be someone ‘hiding’ their form when going well before unleashing a dramatic gallop at the finish …
Last April two loving parents said farewell to the most precious gift their lives had ever been graced with. A 9 year old little girl named Sarah Dillon left to fly with the angels. She may be gone, but her memory and the positive effects that she had on all who cared for her live …
A bleating alarm clock announces the arrival of six am, before an outstretched arm slams it off within 3 seconds. An entire household need not be awoken from their slumber due to the offbeat desires of a single member. Breakfast is consumed through bleary motions. Bikewear that had been left out the previous night is …
People often speak about the comparisons between the top domestic riders of today and the last time cycling in Ireland went through a massive boom period back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Back then huge fields lined up each and every Sunday to contest hard races that could realistically have been won by …
The 80’s and 90’s were boom years for Irish cycling. Here are a few images courtesy of Anthony and Dick O’Gormans collection of old images Barry www.thecyclingblog.com