It was a long ride today but I was keen to round Strangford Lough to get a first hand impression. It was nice but not spectacular. Although not much traffic at all I am impressed about the respect cars give to bikers.
Fair winds…
Category: B(H)iking Page 21 of 36
Despite today’s weather was not as charming as forecasted, we got compensated by some magnificent landscape in the county of Wicklow. Chilly but rewarding, not only caused by the pitstop in Ireland’s highest pub!
Fair winds…
The two photos aside represent how colorful the city of Dublin presents itself. Traditional and modern aspects go hand in hand in many ways. Our walk took us around to explore both areas at the same time.
Lunch was served in “The Brazen Head“, which claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland, dating back to 1189.
Today’s walk was another nice experience supported by Komoot to get around in this exceptional capital city.
Dublin seems to be a biking city. There are not only serious cycling tracks downtown but also here in the suburb of Dún Loaghaire. Today‘s ride took me to some of the nearby local attractions. Pretty impressive, I think.
Fair winds…
Today‘s ride took me through some impressive country side to some more island hotspots. First I stopped by at Robert‘s Cove Beach before heading on to Kinsale. The two places could not be more different in many aspects.
Fair winds…
We took the early bus from Crosshaven into Cork. Double decker, for sure. Cork apparently got the best market hall all over Ireland and the UK. After some initial glance, we toured around the city to see some nice parks bridges and buildings.
We enjoyed some light bites over a heavy pint in one of the many pubs before getting back to the market hall, which has become busy by now. Some shopping and back to the bus. Overall a busy and buzzling city, definitely worth to pay a visit.
The evening hours allowed for a short sniff tour on the bike to explore the vicinity of Crosshaven.
My first bike ride on Ireland took me on Bike Route #1 not only through some nice country site but also to Lidl. After my rucksack got filled with some goodies, I followed the track back along River Lee towards the RCYC.
Fair winds…
On my way towards Lagoa de Santiago I had to pass the viewpoint over Sete Cidades. I think, this remains my preferred spot on Sao Miguel from what I was allowed to see up to date.
The weather was perfect, so was the view. Best on my 3rd trip up here today.
Heading on, Lagoa de Santiago might appears less spectacular but I would argue on that, as the lake itself has for sure a different character but the road surrounding it keeps my mind blowing. More photos under the link below.
Another ride in paradise. 🙏
Fair winds…
Today‘s short ride took me out of town to first explore some volcanic caves and then stop by at a nice spot with unspoiled sea view offering beer & biscuits.
Every day we find new places to explore.
Fair winds…
Today’s morning swim was not in the 20℃ cold seawater we currently have in PDL’s public piscina next to the marina but rather at the hot springs of the Caldeira Velha.
My bike ride back via Lagoa do Fogo was as spectacular as last year and so was the downhill back into town.
Fair winds…
I’m not sure, what to comment on today’s bike ride, which took me into the neighbouring parish of Relva. I am still a bit puzzled.
The nature is mind blowing and so are the cobbles on some parts of the track. For sure, cyclocross is involved with special attention to care & carry. These were the worst cobbles ever, its arrangement simply does not allow any road bike cycling on part of the track.
However, the reward comes instantly with each mile spent in this extraordinary environment. The altitude profile throws you down the steep cliff coast into this exceptional village.
Freguesia de Relva has passed its peak and looks a bit abandoned although some of the houses remain inhabited. What comes next is my question?
Fair winds…
