Bum on a Bike: 2019

Friday, July 26, 2019

3 day Cycling mini Tour 23-25July 2019

Comments: Decided on a 3 day cycling mini tour as weather was variable. Also wanted to try out my new MSR Exilir 1 tent.

Route: Day 1. Dundalk, Castlebellingham, Dunleer, Drogheda, Balbriggan, Swords, Santry, Dublin City, Naas Road, Camac Valley Camping site. 100kms

Route Day 2: Camac Valley Camping, Saggart, Blessington, Valleymount, Wicklow Gap, Laragh, Annamoe, Roundwood, Camping 65kms

Route Day 3: Roundwood Camping, Kilmacanogue, Bray, Shankill, Dublin City, Santry, Swords, Balbriggan, Drogheda, Dunleer, Castlebellingham and Dundalk 130kms

Average per day: 98kms

Distance: 295kms

Bike: Holdsworth Buttemere

Weather: For the first 2 days I cycled into a strong southerly headwind with temperatures of 25degrees. The final day I had a nice tail wind (southerly) and 25degrees. A little overnight rain in Roundwood.

Camac Valley Camping Site, Dublin

On Blessington Road

Wicklow Gap

Roundwood

Roundwood- Coach House on Right side.

The Coach House Restaurant, Roundwood

Farmers are busy these days

Friday, June 21, 2019

UK cycling adventure 10-19th June2019

Band of Cycling Brothers

Comments: New adventure for me this time. Trip was to travel to Holyhead by ferry and cycle to Derbyshire. Then to do a 3 day cycle Tour de Ward, Peak District, Derbyshire with my son in law Tom and his 6 friends. Little did I know what I was putting myself in for. The 3 day tour was on the most hilly routes imaginable and the rain didn't help. My choice of bike was also not the best and perhaps my racing bike with better gearing more suited to the Derbyshire hills would have been a better choice. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable experience and great cycling buddies. Back up driver support was provided by Ian.
Unfortunately weather was very wet on way to Derbyshire so ended up getting train from Conwy. The return trip to Holyhead was by train as I mislaid tent poles, bicycle pump and mechanical problems with pannier rack. Anyway cycle touring is always an adventure.
Will definitely do another trip to UK. I was also amazed by the friendliness of all people I met both on the Tour de Ward and on the way from Holyhead.

Route: : Kirk Ireton, Carsington, High Peak Trail, Brassington, Matlock, Chapel le Firth, Eyam, Buxton, etc.

Average Kms per day: -45mls (72kms)

Distance: Tour de Ward -135mls (220kms)

Bike: Holdsworth Buttemere

Weather: Wettest June for decades

On Road to Derbyshire

Departing Dublin

Dublin Port

Menai Bridge

Menai Bridge at Night

Day 1 Tour de Ward, Derbyshire

Day 2 Tour de Ward, Derbyshire

Day 3 Tour de Ward, Derbyshire

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Cycling Road Trip Faro, Portugal to Alicante, Spain 26th Feb-12March 2019

Route: Faro, Rio Formosa,Huelva, Sanlucar, Seville, Dos Hermanas, Jerez de la Frontiera, Gibraltar, (Bus to Malaga & Nerja), Almeria, Mazarron, Cartagena and finally Alicante.

Average per Day: 100km (60mls), Last day 141km from Mazarron to Alicante-Dawn to Dusk cycle.

Total Distance:1364km (Bike 1212km, Bus 152km)

Bike: Holdsworth Buttemere

Comments: Lovely Bike Tour. A few issues negotiating around motorways at Seville and Gibraltar. 2 Punctures. Camping but used hostals in Sanlucar, Jerez, (with help from Carlos and Pedro) Aqua Ampara and Nerja. Wild Camping near Mazarron as didnt reach camp site. Luggage got wet trying to negotiate water filled underpass on back road to Gibraltar.
Spanish drivers very courteous and give cyclists lots of room. I understand the the 1.5m rule is enforced throughout Spain.

Weather: Beautiful weather throughout trip. Most days 20degrees +.