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
When you are young and in school and someone asks for a loan of your bike it is a daunting predicament to find yourself in. You don't want to appear mean, but your bike is your pride and joy, more important than your arm or leg. To just give it to someone else to make…
Weakness is not a word usually associated with cyclists. But it's there. Sometimes it is a physical reality, other times it is a visible display that portrays a 'sign of weakness'. Last Saturday evening the forecaster warned of icy conditions for Sunday morning. Half plans were made for the Sunday spin. At 10 pm the…
Drangan, a small village in a very rural part of rural Ireland. All that it shares in common with Dublin are the first and last letters of its name. The main street has a Church, a shop, a few houses and a garage with a petrol pump right outside on the street. However, just like…
One day I was out on the bike when the phone rang. On the other end of the line was one of the most famous cyclists of all time Sean 'The King' Kelly. As we chatted he mentioned that he was heading over to the Cycle Show in Birmingham in a few weeks, and if…
Many Irish cyclists are notoriasly 'thick'. Not in the sense of not being the sharpest tools in the shed, but moreso in the sense of performing at their very best when angered by a particular situation, event or another person. Whilst Paul Kimmage may be the best known of the family of cyclists, his father…
In case you missed it last night, Bradley Wiggins was the highlight of The New Years eve Graham Norton show. Here are the best parts ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVxPrip5Glg Barry www.thecyclingblog.com
What would Mark Pollock do if he was cured in the morning and found himself able to go cycle a bike? Would he let a few drops of water from the sky stop him? Would he laugh at the thought of someone else using a bit of bad weather as an excuse for not using their fully functioning bodies in a way that he could only dream of?