2024 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos

[JGcycle]

A few pics from this morning's 38km ride:

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Slieve League

On Saturday, we took an Atlantic guided tour on a sea cutter. The tour took 2 hours, cost €25 a person, and was focused on seeing Siabh Liag (Slieve League) or the highest accessible cliffs of Europe from the sea side. You could have a swim in the ocean if you wanted. Fishing tours are available as well as private trips.

It was a little bit rolling and heaving on the sea!

You can see a watchtower atop the rock. It was used early during Napoleonic wars. A chain of watchtowers (that communicated with each other by fire or other signals), each 5 miles apart was built. Since the failed French invasion of Ireland in 1798, the threat of another incursion was high. Watchtowers were abandoned in 1809.

On our return to London now. Waiting at the Dublin Airport for the flight!

 

[RandallS]

Only been there a couple of times years ago. Stellar jewel.
Makes me sick and sad...

Lived there for 3 months with my sister in '77. Skied during the day, including some part-time instructing, and washed dishes at night.

My late sister lived there for many years and she'd be in tears as her house would be gone now, and she and her family were very connected to the Jasper Rugby team and went there every year for their spring tournament.
One of my best friends sister lived there for many many years, and both of the houses they owned are gone. They moved to to Campbell River about 5 years ago.

I really liked Jasper - hopefully their rebuild is timely.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Lived there for 3 months with my sister in '77. Skied during the day, including some part-time instructing, and washed dishes at night.

My late sister lived there for many years and she'd be in tears as her house would be gone now, and she and her family were very connected to the Jasper Rugby team and went there every year for their spring tournament.
One of my best friends sister lived there for many many years, and both of the houses they owned are gone. They moved to to Campbell River about 5 years ago.

I really liked Jasper - hopefully their rebuild is timely.

Aw man... so brutal. Wishing for a speedy recovery from this disaster.

 

[dodgeman]

We rode 13 miles today. It’s turning very hot and humid with heat advisories. We finished before it got too bad. We rode through a neighborhood in town and saw this house that had a bad fire. I know someone who lives nearby and he said they are going to fix it. The pile of metal is the garage door the ripped down.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Donegal Town

Donegal Town is not the capital city of County Donegal! (It is Lifford). The city that gave the province its name was historically important but now it is just population of 2,750.

Donegal Town might have become a big city if not the British colonization of Ireland... But that's another story.

You can see a watchtower atop the rock. It was used early during Napoleonic wars. A chain of watchtowers (that communicated with each other by fire or other signals), each 5 miles apart was built. Since the failed French invasion of Ireland in 1798, the threat of another incursion was high. Watchtowers were abandoned in 1809.

In September 1798, a small French invasion force (4 battleships and 2,800 men) anchored in Donegal Bay. The intention was to support Irish rebellion against Britain. The invasion was ill prepared. The French force was spotted by some Loyalist (British) yeomen. The French understood the Royal Navy would be there soon, so they panicked, cut the anchor of frigate Romaine together with the chain and escaped. Found in 19th c., the anchor is now decorating Donegal Town.

As the next invasion could be prepared better, the chain of watchtowers along West Donegal coast was built. (see previous post of mine).

Now, staying overnight in a hotel at London Stansted Airport, and leaving for Warsaw tomorrow early in the morning.

 

[JGcycle]

A few pics of this morning's 23km ride:

 

[Chargeride]

Donegal Town

Donegal Town is not the capital city of County Donegal! (It is Lifford). The city that gave the province its name was historically important but now it is just population of 2,750.

Donegal Town might have become a big city if not the British colonization of Ireland... But that's another story.


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In September 1798, a small French invasion force (4 battleships and 2,800 men) anchored in Donegal Bay. The intention was to support Irish rebellion against Britain. The invasion was ill prepared. The French force was spotted by some Loyalist (British) yeomen. The French understood the Royal Navy would be there soon, so they panicked, cut the anchor of frigate Romaine together with the chain and escaped. Found in 19th c., the anchor is now decorating Donegal Town.

As the next invasion could be prepared better, the chain of watchtowers along West Donegal coast was built. (see previous post of mine).

Now, staying overnight in a hotel at London Stansted Airport, and leaving for Warsaw tomorrow early in the morning.

The French at it again, theyve even got reverse in a sailing ship.

 

[Chargeride]

Very strange ride from Bolton Abbey railway station.
Took the Fam there for a Fawlty towers themed vintage train ride.

I couldnt leave with the car because they might have needed it, so I searched around for a bridleway that was showing on the map.
Found some interesting derelict carriages.

The hilarity began with Manuel and Basil scrapping on the platform

I discovered the trail and it took me through a lot of sheep and across the line to a path through fields of cows and sheep, rattling along on the bmx.

Visited a few quaint villages and then set off up the hill past this convenient rest point , to join the offroad Dales Highway.

Some lovely views of distant mountains

Came across a huge stack of large sandstone cuttings, no one around for miles.

Then the fun started, I developed a visual migraine, which I get a few times a year, so I could barely see the track or the gopro, but Im used to it and soldiered on with peripheral vision.

Then I get a rear puncture, bit difficult with my vision blocked by kaliedescope flashing lights.
So Im sat there fixing it and some old guy with presumably the same visual issues ploughs into me on his ebike, he proper rolled me over and whacked my back with his bike.
He was full of northern apologies while Im calling him a daft blind bugger, but we parted on good terms.

But then the trail turned into a wasteland of sharp rocks and landscapes of massive roots.
I proper lost my rag while nursing a migraine and a sore back.

So finally I reach the road and set off like a bullet down a steep descent, a taxi driver flashed me through and then pulled out right in front of me, I was doing a good 40 mph.
I called him a few choice words and steered around his back end only for him to reverse, I had to use my foot on his rear bumper to stay upright.
He then followed me around the town, I just didnt need the hassle because he was Indian and Im a scouser and you can be sure which side they would pick.
So I lost him in the backroads and visited the castle.

Im trying to take a cheeky shot past the 13 quid entrance and I realise the guy was nervously eyeing me up holding the cable into my backpack!

Anyway, visited the town centre which was very vibrant and full of classic cars, mods on scooters and expensive cars driven by old men.

A nice 2.0L Capri.

It was time to leave and I set off with a failing battery through the backroads, this is the bus stop in a tiny hamlet I passed through.

The buildings are gorgeous but also very starkly built from local stone

The one good thing is the bmx puts a smile on everyones face

I needed to find a path across to the station or it was another three miles on the road, I found a footpath and was met with this hilariously small gate on top of a wall with strict instructions on closing it.

I arrived exactly on time, bought an ice cream and met the missus, who was rather drunk and full of Basil Fawlty stories.
Great day for both of us.

 

[Mulezen]

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My first bike ride of the racing season to Knockhill Racing Circuit for the Scottish Champs motorcycle racing, almost August so that tells you how bad the weather has been during the season! Today was just perfect for cycling and for watching the racing, a little cold in the morning but that doesn't bother me! Lots of downhills for the first 20 miles or so, with my top speed of 43.2 mph down the hill I climbed at 10mph 3 days ago! My first stop came at Grangemouth with the Kelpies lit up in the morning sunshine!

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The view to the east wasn't too bad either!

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I then joined the cycle path out to the Clackmannanshire bridge, I had to get this photo for Jeremy! @Jeremy McCreary The Ochil hills were looking amazing in the morning sun!

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I then passed through Kincardine and joined the main road towards Forestmill! I had to put up with a lot of barking here to get this photo, there is a dog pound right next to where I stopped and they were letting me know it was their territory...the main pound was just to the left!

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I continued on the main road to Forestmill and decided to stick to the main road there as it wasn't too busy at the time of the morning, I usually use the back road there but saved it for my return! I reached Powmill where I joined the 5 mile climb up to the circuit, its not too bad though as its mostly a gradual climb!

A selection of photos from the racing, one of the guys had a bad day but he was fine!

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I spent 5 hours watching the racing and set off for home, I turned right leaving the circuit to head down to Saline which would be mostly downhill but directly into a 20mph headwind!

The hill that Knockill is named after in the background with the transmitters on top!

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This is the awesome descent down into Steelend!

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Then I had the even better descent down through Saline, I was freewheeling at 35mph! Now leaving Saline with the Ochils in view once again!

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I then joined the back road to Forestmill and had the best views yet of the Ochils, these were taken from various positions down the back road!

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The cows sure have a picturesque backdrop!

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At Forestmill I joined the main road again and was glad to finally get off it at Kincardine, it was much busier on the way home! After crossing the Kincardine bridge I joined the cycle path that leads to Grangemouth, I avoided the town this time though and turned off to take the road to Carronshore and then into Falkirk! I stopped at the canal in Falkirk for a couple of photos and a final snack before taking on the big climbs awaiting me!

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The first climb is a real beast at over 20% and the climbs just keep coming all the way to Slamannan where I finally had a descent, all be it a short but fast one! Then I used the back roads to Longriggend and headed down the brilliant descent to Upperton, I spotted a cyclist ahead and he was flying along but I knew I would probably catch him at the climb in Upperton! I wasn't wrong but only caught him just before the summit and told him he must have enjoyed that descent, he said he absolutely loved it and so did I!

Then I turned west for home and turned south at Wattston over the back roads to home, I was shattered when I got home but it was worth it as it was such an amazing day! I just love combining my cycling with a day at the races and I hope to do it again soon if the weather is good to me! I only need 26 miles to reach 4000 for the year, despite the weather it has been a very good year mileage wise!

@keithj69 Have you blocked me now?

Slieve League

On Saturday, we took an Atlantic guided tour on a sea cutter. The tour took 2 hours, cost €25 a person, and was focused on seeing Siabh Liag (Slieve League) or the highest accessible cliffs of Europe from the sea side. You could have a swim in the ocean if you wanted. Fishing tours are available as well as private trips.
View attachment 179754
It was a little bit rolling and heaving on the sea!

You can see a watchtower atop the rock. It was used early during Napoleonic wars. A chain of watchtowers (that communicated with each other by fire or other signals), each 5 miles apart was built. Since the failed French invasion of Ireland in 1798, the threat of another incursion was high. Watchtowers were abandoned in 1809.

On our return to London now. Waiting at the Dublin Airport for the flight!

I believe James Joyce opens “Ulysses” in one of these towers (Martel?)

 

[Mulezen]

@Chargeride It seems as if the real Basil was on the BMX.

 

[DaveMatthews]

@Chargeride It seems as if the real Basil was on the BMX.

Just checking the walls!!!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I believe James Joyce opens “Ulysses” in one of these towers (Martel?)

'Ullysses' was as much unreadable for me as I can't even remember any details!

Some photos from the Slieve League sea tour:

Paddy Byrne the skipper (in hat) was indeed a good sport!

First cliffs en route.

The aforementioned watchtower.

Sharp rocks and a twin boat on the same tour.

If you wanted some swim in the ocean, you were allowed to do that!

The watchtower from another side.

The waves were terribly rolling our cutter. No one puked though as fixing the sight on the horizon or the rocks certainly helped!

We were told those cliffs were 600 metres high!

The natural beauty you cannot quite show in the pictures!

An extra photo:

'FETCH!' A photo from a party we threw at Pinebrook House, Roshine Road, Killybegs, a cozy B&B I can recommend to anyone! @Brix playing with the hosts' doggie

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The Smuggler

I was stopped by the Polish Customs last morning. The contents of my baggage revealed:

• 0.7 litre of whisky (Ireland, EU)
• 2 litres of rum (London, UK, duty free, sealed)
• A bottle of ale (Ireland, EU)
• Cheese (Ireland, EU)
• Cheese (France, EU).

I was clearly a smuggler! I could salvage a chosen bottle then the other bottles would be smashed and I would have to pay a fine!

To my defence, I said all the countries of origin except the rum were in the EU, and the limits are high there. Moreover, the cheese was of European origin as well!

It was difficult for me to prove anything. I was also told all the products became British on my transit! To which I politely explained all British Isles including Republic of Ireland (!) were in the Common Travel Area CTA, and the travel there is domestic!

Certainly, my romantic story of travelling through London to pick up my Polish love there for vacation (instead flying to Ireland directly) could have helped. No consequences in the end.

'Were I to believe all the stories people told me of their fantastic vacation, I would not be a Customs officer...'

Thank you Brexit... Not!

 

[Prairie Dog]

A 46 km ride this morning and this is all I have to show for it.

 

[Twin Valley]

A 46 km ride this morning and this is all I have to show for it.

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ok Art, I'm watching the Olympics too much as I sit here trying to identify those flowers, hmm, a bell flower or orchid of some sort? as for all you have to show for it the less obvious signs could be good health (by the look of that blue sky smoke doesn't seem too bad today) and so forth, and that Cannondale doesn't need to be plugged in before the next ride, and if 1 Rab = 100 miles well you rode a 0.3 Rab today give or take, um which is about 0.3 more than me

 

[Chargeride]

The Smuggler

I was stopped by the Polish Customs last morning. The contents of my baggage revealed:

• 0.7 litre of whisky (Ireland, EU)
• 2 litres of rum (London, UK, duty free, sealed)
• A bottle of ale (Ireland, EU)
• Cheese (Ireland, EU)
• Cheese (France, EU).

I was clearly a smuggler! I could salvage a chosen bottle then the other bottles would be smashed and I would have to pay a fine!

To my defence, I said all the countries of origin except the rum were in the EU, and the limits are high there. Moreover, the cheese was of European origin as well!

It was difficult for me to prove anything. I was also told all the products became British on my transit! To which I politely explained all British Isles including Republic of Ireland (!) were in the Common Travel Area CTA, and the travel there is domestic!

Certainly, my romantic story of travelling through London to pick up my Polish love there for vacation (instead flying to Ireland directly) could have helped. No consequences in the end.

'Were I to believe all the stories people told me of their fantastic vacation, I would not be a Customs officer...'

Thank you Brexit... Not!

Ah yes, but without brexit you wouldnt have that story to tell .

 

[Prairie Dog]

ok Art, I'm watching the Olympics too much as I sit here trying to identify those flowers, hmm, a bell flower or orchid of some sort? as for all you have to show for it the less obvious signs could be good health (by the look of that blue sky smoke doesn't seem too bad today) and so forth, and that Cannondale doesn't need to be plugged in before the next ride, and if 1 Rab = 100 miles well you rode a 0.3 Rab today give or take, um which is about 0.3 more than me

Bill, the missus informs me that it’s a hybrid Clematis. The skies have been clear for about a week now so we have to make the most of it until conditions change. Put it this way, smoke from the wild fires is nothing compared to what it must feel like when told that you’ve lost your home. Your spot on about the distance though...a paltry drop in the bucket compared to what RabH can accomplish in one fell swoop let alone those amazing alt gains of his.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Ah yes, but without brexit you wouldnt have that story to tell .

You've been cheated guys
----------
I almost missed the fact there was no Border Control in Dublin but was greatly surprised not to experience any border control back at Stansted! A good friend of mine who holds an important position at the Stansted Airport (16 years of career) explained the CTA to me. It later helped me during the discussion with Polish customs officers!

Some extra photos from my e-bike ride in the southwest corner of Co. Donegal:

A light shower in Creenveen. The sign reads "This way to Wild Atlantic Way South".

A beautiful small Lough Auva. The place was infested with black flies though!

Goats and sheep and goats again! Note the asphalt quality. It is the lowest rate local road and it still is smooth asphalt!
(Why would one need a gravel bike there @Rás Cnoic?)

Within several minutes it is sunny again, and you can see this view (Malin More).

Rathlin O'birne Island with its lighthouse. Hard to take a good photo without a good camera!

Another watchtower, exactly 5 miles away from the one at Siabh Liag. (Malin Beg).

 

[JGcycle]

Got out for a 23km ride this morning. I didn't take any pics, as I was trying to beat the rain. I almost made it--I only got rained on for the final half kilometer.