Hello fellow cyclists. My name is Jim, and I am a college student planning on cycling around Ireland (maybe some Scotland and England) this summer break. The only problem is that I do not have a travel buddy to go with (someone fell through). I am located in the S.F. Bay Area (North Bay), and wondering if, by chance, anyone else was planning on making a similar trip. My summer vacation begins at the end of May. Please let me know.
EDIT: I forgot to add this fact, but it would be about a 1.5 month trip. I'd want to circle the island and hang out at some cool towns.
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Try www.cyclingplus.co.uk, it's based in the UK and has a bit of info for Ireland and you might find some other local cyclists who might tag along for awhile.
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Going alone isn't bad either, you'll meet lots of people on your trip. I have met the most wonderful people that way.
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Jim, I haven't been on a cycling tour as such, i have been to Ireland and have cycled. Not alot but enough to know that the whole cycling / driving on the left can be un-nerving at best..at worst..REAL dangerous. Sounds cliche but I just can't over-emphasize this FACT.. More than simply "riding on the other side"..EVERYTHING is dif.(difficult AND different). The whole way you'll take turns is unfamiliar. Simply the direction you look in is opposite, a split second hesitation..well.. you can imagine. I was advised this and prevailed upon by my hosts to heed thier warnings, I did.. I found 3 dudes to take some short 20-30 mile rides with. The roads are narrow, the cars speed , NO traffic lights just round-abouts - really scary. In a pack though, MUCH easier and safer. If i'd survived on my own, it would have STILL been too scary to enjoy. LOTS of places to explore..counties kerry..througfh Cork..onto waterford ..to name a few. It's a taal order to find someone with whome you'll be able to share your time-frame. I'd surely focus more on arrangements to participate in tours or such existing there, rather than trying to find a buddy(as unfamiliar with Ireland as you) on this side o' the pond.. great cycling / friendly enviornment indeed. As I've said..I'm not a touring expert..I do know how it is there and I KNOW there are great tours.
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I have ridden a ton in Ireland and had no such problems, even in Dublin City. Have a ball!
(锕侊箒)~~~~---------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally Posted by old and new
...If i'd survived on my own, it would have STILL been too scary to enjoy.
Now that's just downright crazy, and there's no sense in scaring someone for no reason. I took a 2 month solo tour in Ireland a few years back, and had absolutely no issues getting around by bike, even in major cities. Roundabouts make sense and are EASY to negotiate, if you don't approach them in the sort of defeatist, paralyzed fear described in this post. Use your brain, and you'll quickly get into the rhythm of local traffic, it should become second nature during the first day of cycling.
I'd recommend getting a mirror (helmet mount is my preference). Those giant tour busses are eerily quiet, and were the only vehicle I had trouble hearing until they were actually passing me.
And traveling alone in Ireland is easy and a pleasure. Stay at a hostel, and you'll make instant friends. Visit a small pub, and if you're even halfway friendly people will be chatting you up. You'll likely meet cyclists from other countries too.
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Ireland is one of the easiest places to start cycle touring. You get used to riding on the correct side of the rode fairly easily. I have to switch when I rde in Spain or France.
Ireland is chock full of solo cycle tourists who tend to congregate at the independant hostel network. You can usually find one or more people to team up with and its a great way to meet people.
There are bike shops in all the market towns so you dont need to load yourself down with expedition spares.
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Ireland is rotten. You'll hate it. Don't come here. (锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
hi jim, im from a place called drogheda ,30 miles from dublin, 70milesfrom belfast .,drogheda is on the north east coast,its the biggest town in ireland , you wont have any problems here ,worry not my friend ,come and enjoy any problems look me up,
Originally Posted by old and new
...If i'd survived on my own, it would have STILL been too scary to enjoy.
Now that's just downright crazy, and there's no sense in scaring someone for no reason. I took a 2 month solo tour in Ireland a few years back, and had absolutely no issues getting around by bike, even in major cities. Roundabouts make sense and are EASY to negotiate, if you don't approach them in the sort of defeatist, paralyzed fear described in this post. Use your brain, and you'll quickly get into the rhythm of local traffic, it should become second nature during the first day of cycling.
