The results are in and after 24 hours thank you to all 348 people who took the time to submit their cycling groups average speed . 28 kph was the most popular answer chosen by 22.4% of respondents. 30 kph was next on 18.1% 29 kph followed closely on 11% This coincides with anecdotal evidence …
Leaving the scenic surroundings of the Celtic Ross Hotel I turned right in the direction of Skibereen. The sun was reflecting its bright rays against the clear blue water and there was very little wind. A perfect day for a cycle. Within 500 meters a sign for the Wild Atlantic Way directed me left along …
Yesterday I arrived home from the group Sunday spin and noticed that the average speed was 33kph. This was pretty quick and I wondered how that compared to other group or individual training spins throughout the country. So just to gauge roughly what average speed cyclists who read this blog are travelling at I would …
Every cyclist should be able to carry out a few repairs to their own bike themselves. By doing work on the bike yourself you will be more capable to attend to roadside repairs when necessary as you will have a better understanding of how each component works. You will also have more confidence in the …
She turned towards me with a look of disappointment on her face. The glowing smile of pride when I congratulated her on almost getting a strike was now replaced with a scowl of disappointment. I felt responsible. I had set her up for a fall.
Every cyclist who ventures further than the end of their road should always carry a minimum amount of tools and spares with them. Some feel that a mobile phone and €20 is all the toolkit that they need. But what happens when you get a mechanical 30k from home in an area with no phone …
Today at Eurobike, BMC unveiled its concept bike with an internal gearbox. This futuristic looking machine may well be ahead of its time. But Colnago had a similar internal gearbox concept back in 1987 2014 BMC 1987 Colnago This bike weighed over 13kg. The BMC weighs just over half that. Bike technology is moving rapidly …
A friend of mine mentioned recently that he was going to Dublin, and would be running and racing around the city centre for the day. I suggested that he use bikes from the Dublin bike hire scheme to get around quickly and easily. He replied ‘sure I wouldn’t know where to start with them yokes’ …
As usual the last Sunday of August begins with an early start for both cyclists and volunteers. Just like many of the cyclists who were travelling from all parts of the country, as a volunteer I was on the road before the darkness of night had passed into the brightness of dawn. A fiery red …
When John Dempsey of Lucca Sports called up to my house one evening with a new bike for me to test out I was happy to see him. As he handed over the Swift Ultravox RS-1 and we looked across towards the Comeragh mountains he happened to remark ‘Mind it now and no going for …
Everyone experiences days when they do not feel like going training. We have all been there. It would be easy to stay in bed, watch tv, sit on the couch, surf the web, have a quick look at Facebook that turns into an hour or any multitude of other distractions that seem like valid reasons …
The Rangy rider ignores the jibes and the whispered insults. He is an outcast and is comfortable with that, or so he thinks. A compulsion drives him to change gear
Cycling is a unique and special sport. A sport for individuals that bonds those who come under its spell far closer than any team sport ever could.
Cycling as a sport is associated with drugs. Tabloid journalists salivate at the merest hint of a cycling drugs story. Even if it is just a professional using prescribed medication to fight illness, with a therapeutic exemption form from the World governing body, that’s good enough to make the front pages. Competitive professional cycling, just …
A Carrick man standing in the door and calling out before entering ‘Are any of ye in handcuffs ?’. The reply came ‘not all of us’. As the Carrick entourage entered a Scottish voice called out ‘Did ye ever see Con Air ?’
Yesterday Alberto Contador crashed, broke his tibia, got back on a different bike and 20k later retired from the tour. Sad, but straightforward enough. This was a phenomenal display of courage and toughness to keep on riding which should be making the headlines but instead what happened to his bike is the real talking point. …
Some days a bike brings you a taste of paradise that no car, bus or train could ever provide. Descending towards the ocean, for 10k on a deserted smooth Island road, as the sunrise turns the top of a white mountain orange, leaves a taste of paradise on your soul. [iframe width=”640″ height=”360″ src=”//www.youtube.com/embed/Axzz6PejJeQ?feature=player_embedded” …
Grown up scepticism, telling yourself that it’s just being realistic and facing up to the truth, places a dark cloud over the pure enjoyment of how a sensible adult watches modern sports, especially cycling and especially the Tour de France.
THE ONE DAY SPORTIVE CHECKLIST Feel free to print this off, laminate and keep it in your kit bag. In order to be prepared for all weather conditions and all eventualities you will need the following ; CLOTHING Cotton cap or bandana (keeps the sweat out of your eyes on a hot day) Thermal …
They are your friends who like to watch you suffer but would cycle 20k out of their way to get you home. They will laugh when you fall off but will rush to pick you up. They will slag you off for the smallest infraction but will defend you to the hilt. To a man, and the odd woman, they are the best group that you could ever belong to.