B(H)iking – Page 17 – SY Hullu Poro

Testride: Rail & Bike

On August 13, 2024

My two objectives for the day were 50km spinning on flat terrain and get the bike on the train. Skerries, a small seaside village north of Dublin became the starting point of the bike ride.

With an electronic barcode ticket on the phone for me and the bike, we got on the Commuter train in Dublin Pearse, which is also the starting point of this particular line. Even before we crossed the River Liffey in Dublin we clocked two minutes delay, which is perfectly illustrated on the live-map.

A quick but intense rain shower allowed us for a welcome coffee & cake in Skerries before hitting the tarmac back into Dublin.

There is no reason not to enjoy future Rail & Bike Trips in Ireland. Good system, where the bike travels for free on all trains!

Fair winds…

First day Ireland

By Bernd

On August 12, 2024

In B(H)iking, Ireland

Yesterday was arrival day but today is my really first day in Ireland. Recovery was high on the agenda yesterday as these nights at sea without sleep are paying its tribute. Back energized!

TS Maybe, my neighbour, was about to leave at 7am this morning and called for a short maneuver to release her from the pontoon, destination: IOM 🇮🇲

The weather invited for a bike ride and I discovered the peninsula of Howth. Not only posh, also offering hikes, beach & relaxed seaside ambience. 👍

Fair winds…

IOM – More Glens

By Bernd

On August 9, 2024

In B(H)iking, Isle of Man

I went out 🚴‍♂️ today to see some more beautiful glens and did not get disappointed at all. It is sheer unbelievable how diverse the landscape on this relatively small island comes across. Packed with natural nutrients!

The Court Cafe in Ramsey has been my pit stop for a few times now, where I enjoy tasty home made cakes!

On the final miles back into Douglas the rider to finish became a rider to race, a race, electric against ego. 😅

Fair winds…

Tourist Trophy (TT)

By Bernd

On August 6, 2024

In B(H)iking, Isle of Man

Today, I was 🚴‍♂️ riding along the TT Mountain Course, which is 60,72km long from start to finish. Well, my average speed close to 20km/h.

Since 2023, the lap record sits with Peter Hickman and his BMW M1000RR Superstock bike closing the circuit in 16min and 36.115s. Well, this equals to an average speed of not less than 219,447km/h! Unbelievable, riding to race. There are onboard YouTube videos on this lap, which are better looked at before rather than after a meal.

Talking records, it is worth to mention that the TT Isle of Man races are the deadliest in the world, with more than 250 people killed since its inception in 1907! In other words, more than two people killed every year, statistically speaking.

I will stick to my 🚴‍♂️ rides to finish!

Fair winds…

Horse – Pier – Glen – Train

By Bernd

On August 4, 2024

In B(H)iking, Isle of Man

It was the 9:20am feeder train from Villa Marina taking me to Derby Castle Station, from where I picked the 9:40am Electric Railway going north towards Ramsey again. The feeder train was special, 1 horsepower pulling us along the promenade to catch our connection. Timewise the horse Torrin was much more punctual compared to the Steam Train yesterday!

Today is the final day of the Manx Heritage Transport Festival 2024 and my program got packed suddenly to make the most out of it.

After switching from horsepower to electric we arrived after a bit more than one hour timely in Ramsey, where another great piece of history claimed a remarkable milestone today, thanks to the Queen’s Pier Restoration Trust.

Queen‘s Pier was open to public and the 8 horsepower locomotive Planet took passengers on a short ride again, first time after 43 years. All respect to the charity organization for their dedication into such a complex project.

On the way back to Douglas I stopped at Groudle Station. Glen and railway could not be missed and both offer a perfect example of integration between these two very different fields of interest.

Upon arrival back at Derby Castle Station there was a shift change and 🐴 Nelson, a stable mate of 🐴 Torrin, pulled us back to Villa Marina Station.

Another great day on a great Island!

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…Glen Maye…👌

By Bernd

On August 3, 2024

In B(H)iking, Isle of Man

The early morning steam train left Douglas with a 30 min delay and arrived 90 min late into Port Erin! Wow. It operated today in accordance to the original time schedule from 1874. Well, I was assured that the delay was caused by some unexpected events and definitely not normal during the good old days! 😅

One of the reasons was without doubt the popularity on today’s celebration having extra passengers and therefore the demand to add more wagons on short notice but also having the governor of the island joining.

However, we finally made it and my body and mind were already tired before I even hit the road. Glen Maye was my destination for the day, one of the many glens cutting sharp and deep into the rocky island. I did not get disappointed compared to the effort put in.

Fair winds…

Hiking – The Howe

By Bernd

On August 2, 2024

In B(H)iking, Isle of Man

The steam was on for 9:50am to get with the first departure of the day to Port St. Mary. Here started my coastal hike around the southern “peninsula”.

Despite the cloudy weather the track presented itself quite colourful and as described by the IOM Tourist Board: Rugged cliffs, rolling hills, picturesque glens, hidden coves and panoramic views! Nothing to add.

With less steam in my legs, the train from Port Erin took us back to Douglas.

Fair winds…

Tarmac meets Train

By Bernd

On August 1, 2024

In B(H)iking, Isle of Man

I could not let the foot off the pedal and off we go, back in the saddle today.

The Manx Heritage Transport Festival is in full swing on this island and I purchased a 5 days GO Explore Card, which entitles travelling across the island on all busses and trains. While the busses are all state of the art, the heritage focuses on the trains. 150 years of steam railway and 125 years of electric railway are the two main anniversary milestones being celebrated this year.

I cycled up to Snaefell Bungalow, left the bike behind and jumped on the train coming from Laxey taking us up on the final miles to the Snaefell Summit, the highest point on the Isle of Man (621m).

Second on my agenda was the tea room at Groudle Glen Railway, but unfortunately it will only reopen over the weekend. I will give it another try then.

Komoot 🚴‍♂️ recordings to be corrected: 39km over 600m altitude on tarmac and gravel, balance on rails!

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…IOM Northbound…🇮🇲

By Bernd

On July 31, 2024

In B(H)iking, Isle of Man

The Manx Electric Railway took us north to Ramsey, where our bike ride started and ended. I wanted to explore the rather flat part of the island and some more beaches further up north.

Glad to let the weather window pass and rather stay on this fabulous island.

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…IOM – Peel …🇮🇲

By Bernd

On July 30, 2024

In B(H)iking, Isle of Man

Today‘s bike ride took me into Peel at the east coast of the island. I followed the heritage trail of the old steam railway line between the two cities.

The beaches here in Peel are considered to be among the nicest ones on the island. A beautiful day.

Fair winds…

Boating & Biking Adventures

Category: B(H)iking Page 17 of 36

Testride: Rail & Bike

First day Ireland

IOM – More Glens

Tourist Trophy (TT)

Horse – Pier – Glen – Train

🚴‍♂️…Glen Maye…👌

Hiking – The Howe

Tarmac meets Train

🚴‍♂️…IOM Northbound…🇮🇲

🚴‍♂️…IOM – Peel …🇮🇲