Late September 1985. The Master (school principal) stands in front of a room full of fourth, fifth and sixth class pupils and informs them that a big cycle race is passing nearby and that if they were interested they could all walk down to Keatings cross to watch it pass. A chorus of yesses went…
Each bank holiday weekend in Ireland AA road-watch inform motorists to be careful on the roads due to the increase in the volume of traffic . Usually there will also be a traffic warning about a cycle race taking place and motorists will be advised to drive with caution around that particular area . The…
Yesterday afternoon we were in a local supermarket when I bumped into a friend of mine who casually enquired if I had been out for a cycle that morning . I often wonder what image non-cyclists have when they ask that question . Of course it is a conversation piece when they know that you…
He'll never have to miss a spin around ballymac again no matter where he is in the world with this to get him home ! read the full story here
Recently , a very well accomplished domestic cyclist spent a weekend in Dublin . On the Friday night he partook in a number of sociable beverages with a few esteemed acquaintances . Saturday was spent volunteering his valuable time in the service of the greater good of cycling in Ireland before he retired early after…
There has been a bit of confusion about how the new scheme will work . Todays' Irish times explains it well - How to claim and what it covers How much is this new incentive going to cost the taxpayer? The Department of Finance estimates it will only cost from €200,000-€400,000 annually depending on…
Good interview with Nicholas Roche here today : http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=6361
This summer has been written off to experience regarding time spent on the bike . However , now the winter is here and the chance to start afresh . I can now have a clean slate all over again and begin my training programme afresh . That's the beauty of this time of year ,…
In 1987 Stephen Roche wore the green Irish jersey and won the WorldCycling Championships . Twenty one years later his son Nicholas who has just completed a fantastic Tour of Spain will wear the green Irish Jersey at this years world championships in Varese Italy . Stephen Roche 1987 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uCgkpVdt4U] Nicholas Roche 2008 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaV7wbynAC8] Barry…
Have you ever heard a song on the radio and immediately been reminded of being in another place at another time . It happened to me yesterday in the shop . As I was fitting a new rear gear cable into a Pinarello prince Alanis Morrisette came on the radio proclaiming that she had one…
The summer is now over , or as some might say , the milder part of winter has passed . The mornings and evenings are getting shorter by the day and chances are you'll get wet whenever you throw your leg over the saddle . We are now entering the Irish cyclists peak time of…
Today is the first of September . I'm looking out the window at a clear blue sky and the shadow of a beech tree being cast upon the ground by some glorious sunshine . Someone once said that the first two weeks in September is the best time to book your holidays as it is…
Yesterday in Dungarvan County Waterford , for only the second time ever The Sean Kelly Tour took place . There were over two thousand cyclists who took part in the event and without exception everyone had a fantastic day . Ray and I had both vans there doing back up service and were pretty flat out…
Yesterday we were going to my mothers for lunch . Our 3 year old Laura was in one of her non-compliant moods , and was refusing to get dressed so that we could make our way down . The Peppa Pig pyjamas was considered the only appropriate attire for the day and no amount of…
Last week as I watched 'the tour' on Eurosport I found myself nodding in agreement at the television as Kelly described the job of a cycling mechanic as the toughest on the race . The riders have it tough for the duration of the stage , but as soon as they cross the line they…
Cycling has always been a great way to get a group together and to raise money for different charities . Wheather it be a one day local sponsored cycle such as the emergency services cycle for autism next Saturday or a fortnight long overseas event such as those run by the NCBI or Crumlin Children's…
If the soccer fans can have 'Apres Match' why can't us cyclists have our own version now that 'The Ras' is over . Here's what I think it might be like ; Bill O'Willoughby - Oookkeee doke , there we have it now folks , another fantastic Ras draws to a close . Didn't the…
Today 'The Ras' blasted into Clonmel and 'The power fella' himself , Ciaran Power stormed to a very impressive victory . The town was packed and the atmosphere electric as the pink and blue Pezula kit came into view and we all knew that ' one of the lads' was going to win the stage…
When you work in a bike shop no two days are ever the same . Different people and different bikes are in and out every day . Also because it's our own business there's everything else that goes along with being self employed , accounts , orders , marketing etc. Whilst I'm not one for…
The main road between Carrick on Suir and Clonmel is probably the most heavily populated cyclists route on a Sunday morning in Ireland . For well over thirty years now any Belgian or French holiday maker would have felt right at home should they travel this stretch of road between nine and ten AM on…
