What can I say? I just simply love the coast!

I prefer riding on hills, big heavy climbs and steep trails what makes me happy on the bike. But every now and then I have a spin along the coast and every time I do, it reminds me how much I love the coast on the bike. 

Bull Island bridge

There is something about it, I just don't know what. Maybe everything. Love the smell, the noise of the waves, the breeze that's coming from the sea. Just simply everything! 

Portmarnock

This could sound a bit cheesy I know, but to a cyclist who is coming from a landlocked country these things are still special. They are special to me anyway. So I'm keep ceasing the moment everytime I'm riding my bike on the coast roads! :)

Winter spin along the coast // A nice photo says it all!

First spin of the new year, let's hit the coast road!

I hopped on the road bike this morning and went out to get my first spin done in 2012. Since the weather was absolutely fantastic this morning I thought the best place would be to go is the stunning looking coast. I cycled out through the city centre which was pretty hectic but once I hit the coast road the ride was great. 

Nice & quiet road along the coast

I cycled out to Howth but instead of going for the usual ride around the half-island I turned left and headed out towards Portmarnock and Malahide. The road was still quiet enough 'cause it was early. It was nice and mild out there and the view was just incredible! Everytime I ride along the coast there is something special about it: maybe the smell of the sea or just the view itself, I don't know. But I love it for sure!

The map of today's spin

On the way home I stopped by at the St. Anne's Park to say hi to the lads who was there to race the National CX Champs today. What a venue and what a day! I felt a bit jealous 'cause it would have been nice to line up next to my friends and have a go! :) I wanted to stay and cheer them but I really started to cool down and feel the cold so after a little while I kept going until I got back home. 

Today I was on the bike for 2 hours and 20 minutes and covered the distance of 57 km with nearly zero elevation gain along the way. This flat road spin was great for today, I really enjoyed myself. I couldn't pick any better place to cycle for a day like today! :)

Training around Howth once again

Today I visited one of my loved place to be on the bike. I cycled out to Howth, did the off-road loop around the half-island and cycled back home. 

I'm living in Dublin for a little more than 6 years but the coast is still amazes me every time. The smell of the sea, the view and the breeze that I can't compare to anything is brilliant! :) This was why I've had my training there instead up in the mountains.

In the Howth Harbour with the "Ireland's Eye" in the background

Now, we do have to admit that there isn't any significant climb out there but the trails are exciting indeed. They would not be suitable if anyone scared of height 'cause the trails are very close to the cliffs at some places. 

The trail goes around the half-island

They are not technical either but for some reason they are very nice to ride. As I go around the view just gets better and better. It is spectacular, especially on a lovely summer day like we had today. 

Stunning, isn't it? :)

Checking out the view of the Dublin Bay.

I did get one full loop done today as I was in a hurry to get back home but even if the off-road bit was quiet short I enjoyed every minute of it. My training spin was 55km long and took me 2 hours and 30 minutes to get it done. It was roasting out there today, but I guess it is a good complaint to have. :) Keep up summer time!!!

Brilliant Easter weekend road spin

After yesterday's mountain bike spin I decided to have a road spin this morning and test out the  new road bike for the first time. I have done 3 hours on the mountain bike yesterday with good few climbs so I just wanted to have a short enough road spin on the flat this time thats why I headed towards Howth.

I got through the city centre in no time because it was empty due to the early hour and the Easter Sunday as well. After I got to the coast road that leads to Howth I got into some nice pace and just enjoyed the speed and lightness of the bike. When I got to Howth village I turned right and started to only little climb of the day that leads up to the top of the half-island.

From there I've had a fast downhill bit back to the harbour and I hit the coast road again heading towards back home. 

Today's spin was 50km long and took me 1 hour and 50 minutes to get it done. It was great to try out the bike and even this short spin was enough to get my first impression: the bike is excellent! :) 

For the next time I want to take it up to Sally Gap and see how does it work up in the mountains. But before that I have lots of mountain biking to do! :)

Savage winter spin around Howth

The view from Howth in February

I think Howth is under estimated if we talking about good locations for XC mountain biking. Yes, of course the total climb is quiet minimal out there but the singletracks are brilliant. Now, we have to admit it: sometimes they are very-very close to the edge of the cliffs but if you are careful enough everything is gonna be all right. Of course if you are not comfortable with hights these trails are not the best choice then. 

This morning the weather was bad again... Cold enough temperature with very strong wind and rain all morning.

The water was angry this morning (Bull Island Bridge)

I was a little bit slower than normally because I got the head wind all the way along the coast. It was serious! When I got to Howth I have decided to get up on the single tracks but I've had doubts about that... And it seem like I was right: the wind was super-strong on the top of the cliffs, so I made my choice. I've turned back because I didn't find the weather safe enough for the off-road spin. 

The single tracks

So I cycled back home, unfortunately I didn't ride the single tracks this morning. I need to go back some other time when the weather is going to be a little bit more friendly. On the way back the rain got very heavy as well and with the strong wind it was savage spin all together. I have spent 2 hours and 10 minutes on the bike as my morning spin just before I get to work. 

The tired, wet and cold cyclist after the spin

Now, after a hot bath the only thing I need to get myself back together is a lovely hot mug of ginger and lemon tea. The best thing ever!