B(H)iking – Page 2 – SY Hullu Poro

North Bull Island

On August 18, 2024

I have passed this UNESCO biosphere reserve before on my way to Howth and decided leaving it for a separate trip later-on. It turned out today being a popular gem within Dublin Bay.

The history of this man-made island dates back 200+ years ago (only!), when the ongoing silting problem of the Dublin harbour and its River Liffey needed attention. After finally both Bull Walls (South and North) had been built, the channel into Dublin got deeper and the island bigger and bigger, by shifting currents! Smart.

Fair winds…

Specialized Ireland

By Bernd

On August 17, 2024

In B(H)iking, Ireland

It is well know that Mike Sinyard, the founder of Specialized has only one obsession for many decades, which is bikes. You could easily feel this spirit in the perfectionism presented in the subsidiary here at Specialized Ireland with a clear distinction to a normal retailer just representing the brand.

The amalgamation of old and new is not only visible in the building and its internal fit out but also by displaying some of the first bikes build next to its latest voluted successors, more than 40 years in between (e.g. Stumpjumper).

I took the opportunity for a test ride on a Turbo Creo 2 Expert, which is a road E-bike, latest technology. After a few meters, I already felt very comfortable with the handling of the bike but postponed any potential purchase. My Roubaix is all I need for the moment and I can store on the boat.

It was a long ride to just see a bike shop but very much worth it. Getting there takes you for some miles along the Grand Canal Way, which connects Dublin with the River of Shannon.

So much more to explore…

Fair winds…

Crossing Wicklow

By Bernd

On August 16, 2024

In B(H)iking, Ireland

The Intercity Train down south to Rosslare Europort is short and full of backpackers. Fortunately I got a seat, even more fortunate, I also got a ticket for the bike. There are only two per train, period. Nice rack inside the train!

After only 12km from Rathdrum, an early stop at Glendalough Cafe was mandatory. Home made Coffee Cake and a milked Americano was my choice at this famous bikers‘ spot.

A nice ride took me back into Dublin.

Fair winds…

Touching Wicklow

By Bernd

On August 14, 2024

In B(H)iking, Ireland

Today’s train took me south of Dublin into the county of Wicklow, also known as Garden of Ireland.

It lived up to its name, no doubt! I have taken the bike on footpaths before accepting to carry it part of the track but Cliff Manor and Bray Head became a jungle at some point in time.

Wicklow and its Mountains National Park remains on my target list.

Tomorrow is a rest day!

Fair winds…

Testride: Rail & Bike

By Bernd

On August 13, 2024

In B(H)iking, Ireland

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…

Boating & Biking Adventures

Category: B(H)iking Page 2 of 21

North Bull Island

Specialized Ireland

Crossing Wicklow

Touching Wicklow

Testride: Rail & Bike

First day Ireland

IOM – More Glens

Tourist Trophy (TT)

Horse – Pier – Glen – Train

🚴‍♂️…Glen Maye…👌