Happiness is Cycling in Ireland

My first bike trip to Ireland

A lot of fun stuff happens when you go out on a bike compared to when you’re in a car.  You’re more in the environment.  It’s enjoyable.  Even when it’s raining, it’s still fun. ~ Stone Gossard

I love cycling, there really is no form of exercise that is more enjoyable or more relaxing than bicycling.  I’m not fast, I’m not a great cyclist, I’ve never even ridden a race, I am still at age 50 in pursuit of my major cycling goal, a century (a single 100 mile ride).  When I go out on a casual ride it’s typically a 15 – 25 mile ride for me an hour or two on the bike.  I don’t ride hard, I don’t push, I take a break when the feeling hits me, I always bring enough to eat, a lot of water, I take my time.

Quinn Abbey

On a bike, unlike in a car you are immersed in the environment, you feel the sun, the wind, you hear birds and the bees as they buzz by you, or worse blow into your jersey and sting you.  But even that’s ok, you get a good laugh at what you must have looked like leaping off your bike, ripping off your jersey and leaping around like a half-naked madman in public.  I’m blessed to have access to the American River Bike Trail, 32 miles from Discovery Park to the top of the Folsom Dam.  All along the river, lot’s of nature, turkeys, deer, rattlesnakes, coyotes, jack and cottontail rabbits, lots of raptors, song birds and the occasional dragonfly that freak me out as one once got caught in my helmet.

Galway Cathedral

So I think it shows, I love cycling and some of the best cycling I’ve ever done has been in Ireland.  Drivers in Ireland are kind to cyclists, the countryside is beautiful, the weather, well I’ve always had good weather while I was there, but it’s been known to rain and blow a bit.  Both times I’ve ridden in Ireland I’ve ridden on tours with Cycle Holidays Ireland and the magnificent John Heagney.  I do a lot of tours overseas and I will say without doubt there is no one who takes better care of their clients, can tell a better story or sing a better tune.  I thoroughly recommend you give it a spin with him next summer.  I also got a lot of great photography done on my trip.

So my friends take a sunny morning and go for a ride, a walk if that is more your cup of tea, but do something quiet in nature and I assure you, you will have a happy day my friends ~ Rev Kane