Tribes of the 21st Century:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 4:
Part 5:
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Cycle Pathetic
With all this focus on the shortcomings in Ireland, why not have a look at some of Europe's other cycling-lane misdemeanours here.
Found through failblog.org
Found through failblog.org
Monday, September 22, 2008
Car Free Day... yeah, right...
*UPDATE UPDATE*
So... from someone who was actually at this rubbish... One side of Merrion Square closed off, nothing happening in the park. One tent for Dublin Bus, giving out timetables, Dublin Shitty Council... had a tent that housed a form where you could win a piece of shit bike... that's all... the Dublin Transport Office were supposed to have a stall, but apparently all they were giving out were balloons and when they ran out they left... A few stalls selling the obligatory overpriced food, and that's World Car Free Day! What a model of progressive thinking Dublin is really showing itself to be. I hope the rest of the world was watching that shining display and takes heed. At this rate we'll have global warming licked by next Thursday.
Once again... COWARDS...
*UPDATE*
So I tell a lie, the West side of Merrion Square is being closed to today... woo-hoo!!! Bet it's closed to bikes as well... and there's a family fun day in the park! That has a lot to do with Car Free Day doesn't it? Report here.
Once again Ireland shows its true colours by completely blanking World Car Free Day.
Apart form a bike parade and picninc happening in cork, there is nothing going on in this entire island.
This certainly puts into perspective that wonderful ride through car free streets at 9.30 am on a sunday that the government threw last week. They couldn't have waited and maybe had it today? CarFree Day? Seems to make sense doesn't it?
Check here for details of cities and countries that actually give a shit and don't just pay lip service to issues of sustainability.
So... from someone who was actually at this rubbish... One side of Merrion Square closed off, nothing happening in the park. One tent for Dublin Bus, giving out timetables, Dublin Shitty Council... had a tent that housed a form where you could win a piece of shit bike... that's all... the Dublin Transport Office were supposed to have a stall, but apparently all they were giving out were balloons and when they ran out they left... A few stalls selling the obligatory overpriced food, and that's World Car Free Day! What a model of progressive thinking Dublin is really showing itself to be. I hope the rest of the world was watching that shining display and takes heed. At this rate we'll have global warming licked by next Thursday.
Once again... COWARDS...
*UPDATE*
So I tell a lie, the West side of Merrion Square is being closed to today... woo-hoo!!! Bet it's closed to bikes as well... and there's a family fun day in the park! That has a lot to do with Car Free Day doesn't it? Report here.
Once again Ireland shows its true colours by completely blanking World Car Free Day.
Apart form a bike parade and picninc happening in cork, there is nothing going on in this entire island.
This certainly puts into perspective that wonderful ride through car free streets at 9.30 am on a sunday that the government threw last week. They couldn't have waited and maybe had it today? CarFree Day? Seems to make sense doesn't it?
Check here for details of cities and countries that actually give a shit and don't just pay lip service to issues of sustainability.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Dublin City Cycle
I'm all for getting more people on their bikes in Dublin City... kinda...
I think the council and the government have got it all arseways to be honest. Suddenly throwing a few thousand more people out on to the streets on bikes without improving road conditions or providing proper training is a fucking joke if you pardon my French.
The one thing more dangerous than motor vehicle users in the city is other cyclists. I'm more scared of middle aged women on hybrids than I am of HGV's. You never know what the fuck they're going to do!
The whole attitude to cycling in the city has to be changed, and that is going to take a lot of time, maybe a generation. It has to start in schools by providing children with weekly cycling classes, getting them comfortable on bikes from an early age. There should be government subsidised adult lessons available as well, cycling with small groups around the city, with experienced city cyclists, like messengers, teaching adults how to assert themselves in traffic and stop feeling like targets. If cyclists can't look over their shoulder to check traffic and still ride in a straight line they shouldn't be riding in traffic, in my opinion.
The whole network of cycle lanes needs to be adressed as well. While there are some decent ones in the suburbs, along the canals for instance, their overall design seems to be from the standpoint of people who do not ride bikes in the city.
Drivers need to be made more aware of how the cycling infrastructure works. Bicycle traffic lights, eg. Bull Alley/Golden lane do not exist in drivers eyes. I've been nearly slammed twice recently at this intersection while following the 'cycle' green light. Bike boxes at junctions, that are there to allow cyclists to get ahead of the traffic for making turns etc. are always just sat in by cars, forcing cyclists to go beyond this and in many cases through the pedestrian area in order to make their turn. I appreciate that most of this is not due to driver negligence, but due to lack of education.
These arguments and more have been argued a hundred times on many websites, the reason I bring it up again here is because of the Dublin City Cycle that took place at the weekend.
Not only am I infuriated that the same ignorant asses that told us 'not in a million years' when we proposed our route for CMWC organise this 8km traffic free ride through the city, using part of the course we proposed (I always suspected it was because we're couriers, and I feel that has been confirmed), I'm also aggrieved that they feel that this might somehow contribute positively to cycling in the city. Why not spend the money on making the roads a bit safer or on some education, showing people what the streets are like without traffic only highlights how dangerous it is when there is traffic on the roads.
Finally, the partners for this event included the Dublin Transport Office, The Department of the Environment andEuropean Mobility Week. Can I ask why we didn't have this cycle on, say, a Saturday afternoon? Might have had more of an impact on the public consciousness. What traffic is there in dublin at 9.30 am on a Sunday morning? Cowards.
Apologies for the disjointed nature of this 'rant', but when I get emotional I can't order my thoughts very well.
I think the council and the government have got it all arseways to be honest. Suddenly throwing a few thousand more people out on to the streets on bikes without improving road conditions or providing proper training is a fucking joke if you pardon my French.
The one thing more dangerous than motor vehicle users in the city is other cyclists. I'm more scared of middle aged women on hybrids than I am of HGV's. You never know what the fuck they're going to do!
The whole attitude to cycling in the city has to be changed, and that is going to take a lot of time, maybe a generation. It has to start in schools by providing children with weekly cycling classes, getting them comfortable on bikes from an early age. There should be government subsidised adult lessons available as well, cycling with small groups around the city, with experienced city cyclists, like messengers, teaching adults how to assert themselves in traffic and stop feeling like targets. If cyclists can't look over their shoulder to check traffic and still ride in a straight line they shouldn't be riding in traffic, in my opinion.
The whole network of cycle lanes needs to be adressed as well. While there are some decent ones in the suburbs, along the canals for instance, their overall design seems to be from the standpoint of people who do not ride bikes in the city.
Drivers need to be made more aware of how the cycling infrastructure works. Bicycle traffic lights, eg. Bull Alley/Golden lane do not exist in drivers eyes. I've been nearly slammed twice recently at this intersection while following the 'cycle' green light. Bike boxes at junctions, that are there to allow cyclists to get ahead of the traffic for making turns etc. are always just sat in by cars, forcing cyclists to go beyond this and in many cases through the pedestrian area in order to make their turn. I appreciate that most of this is not due to driver negligence, but due to lack of education.
These arguments and more have been argued a hundred times on many websites, the reason I bring it up again here is because of the Dublin City Cycle that took place at the weekend.
Not only am I infuriated that the same ignorant asses that told us 'not in a million years' when we proposed our route for CMWC organise this 8km traffic free ride through the city, using part of the course we proposed (I always suspected it was because we're couriers, and I feel that has been confirmed), I'm also aggrieved that they feel that this might somehow contribute positively to cycling in the city. Why not spend the money on making the roads a bit safer or on some education, showing people what the streets are like without traffic only highlights how dangerous it is when there is traffic on the roads.
Finally, the partners for this event included the Dublin Transport Office, The Department of the Environment andEuropean Mobility Week. Can I ask why we didn't have this cycle on, say, a Saturday afternoon? Might have had more of an impact on the public consciousness. What traffic is there in dublin at 9.30 am on a Sunday morning? Cowards.
Apologies for the disjointed nature of this 'rant', but when I get emotional I can't order my thoughts very well.
Halloween 2008
I saw a Pumpkin hat in the pound shop yesterday, so that can mean only one thing... Halloween is over 6 weeks away!
Aside from Paddy's Day Massacre, Halloween has always been one of our most successful events and hopefully this year will be no exception. There was a great turn out for last Fridays Tartancat and I think we can keep that going.
This year Halloween falls on a Friday, so that gives us a whole weekend to play with.
Friday night we'll have the traditional Halloween alleycat, prizes for best costume as always.
Here are some previous years efforts:
Details of Fridays race are still sketchy... as there is nothing organised yet. I've an idea for a race, but if anyone else wants to chip in please get in touch.
For Saturday I thought we'd take a trip back in time, to a more innocent age of messing... Anyone remember Courier Carnage from 2001??? It's basically a knockout sprint competition around a course using some of our most popular streets in the working day... it also bears a slight resemblance to the course we attempted to have for CMWC... I only just noticed that...
Anyway, this is a fun format, 3/4 rider heats running down to a 4 up final.
Hoping to book somewhere for parties on both nights, again anyone with any suggestions get in touch, about venues, dj'ing, whatever.
ALSO!!! Anyone with a logo design for posters, t-shirts, get in touch asap. As you can see from my MSPaint masterpiece above I'm a donkey when it comes to design. If you'd like to be immortalised let me know.
Peace!
Aside from Paddy's Day Massacre, Halloween has always been one of our most successful events and hopefully this year will be no exception. There was a great turn out for last Fridays Tartancat and I think we can keep that going.
This year Halloween falls on a Friday, so that gives us a whole weekend to play with.
Friday night we'll have the traditional Halloween alleycat, prizes for best costume as always.
Here are some previous years efforts:
Details of Fridays race are still sketchy... as there is nothing organised yet. I've an idea for a race, but if anyone else wants to chip in please get in touch.
For Saturday I thought we'd take a trip back in time, to a more innocent age of messing... Anyone remember Courier Carnage from 2001??? It's basically a knockout sprint competition around a course using some of our most popular streets in the working day... it also bears a slight resemblance to the course we attempted to have for CMWC... I only just noticed that...
Anyway, this is a fun format, 3/4 rider heats running down to a 4 up final.
Hoping to book somewhere for parties on both nights, again anyone with any suggestions get in touch, about venues, dj'ing, whatever.
ALSO!!! Anyone with a logo design for posters, t-shirts, get in touch asap. As you can see from my MSPaint masterpiece above I'm a donkey when it comes to design. If you'd like to be immortalised let me know.
Peace!
Upcoming Track Events
A couple of updates from the Track Association:
IVCA Track Championships and Apple Pie Event!
The inaugural Irish Veteran Cyclist Association Track Championships will take place on Saturday
20th September at Eamonn Ceannt Park on Sundrive Rd, Dublin 12.
Sign on is 10.00 - 10.30.
20th September at Eamonn Ceannt Park on Sundrive Rd, Dublin 12.
Sign on is 10.00 - 10.30.
Entry open to all IVCA and Cycling Ireland Veteran Cyclists who have track accreditation
Event 1: 500m Individual Time Trial standing start.
Age Categories 40-49, 50-59 and 60+
Age Categories 40-49, 50-59 and 60+
Event 2: Sprint including Flying 200m qualifying TT and knockout Match Sprints
over 2 laps. Age Categories 40-49, 50-59 and 60+
Event 3: 3 KM (7 laps) Individual Pursuit. Age Categories 40-49
2 KM (5 laps) Individual Pursuit. Age Categories 50-59 and 60+
2 KM (5 laps) Individual Pursuit. Age Categories 50-59 and 60+
Event 4: 20 Lap Scratch race. Age Categories to be decided on numbers of entries.
Team Event : Team Sprint. 1 1/2 laps distance (710 metres) 3 riders start, first
rider peels off after 1/2 a lap (230 metres), 2nd rider at 1 lap, last
rider finishes the last half lap on his own The ages of the 3 riders
in the team must add up to 135 years or more.
There will be medals, prizes and Apple Pie
As the programme is dependent on the number of entries in each
category it may vary from this. If you are interested in entering
please let Terry Cromer know on 087 2056740.
The day promises some very exciting racing and we hope that all IVCA
members will come along and either compete or support their fellow
members. Here is an opportunity to find out exactly how fast you can
go against the clock over the short sprint distances or how well you
can judge your pace over 2 or 3 kilometers. It is open to all members
who have accreditation to ride the track at Sundrive Rd.
members will come along and either compete or support their fellow
members. Here is an opportunity to find out exactly how fast you can
go against the clock over the short sprint distances or how well you
can judge your pace over 2 or 3 kilometers. It is open to all members
who have accreditation to ride the track at Sundrive Rd.
If you are interested or need more information please call Terry
Cromer on 087 2056740.
Cromer on 087 2056740.
It has also been decided to resurrect the Apple Pie Event so there
will be refreshments including Apple Pie and cream and a cup of tea or
coffee. For those who haven't enjoyed the experience of Track racing,
this is a wonderful introduction to exciting racing and the social
camaraderie amongst track riders and their families.
will be refreshments including Apple Pie and cream and a cup of tea or
coffee. For those who haven't enjoyed the experience of Track racing,
this is a wonderful introduction to exciting racing and the social
camaraderie amongst track riders and their families.
Please come and support this event either as participant or spectator!
TGP Duane Delaney Memorial
Track Meet – Sundrive Road
Sunday 28th September 2008
Event timetable
10.30am – 11.00am Sign on
11.15am – 11.30m Open track
Racing starts 11.30am –
TGP Duane Delaney Memorial Track Meet will be run by the Track Commission of Ireland with support of Ravens RCT accordance with Cycling Ireland.
This program is subject to change and will be run as a 5 event Track Meet which we hope to split into two categories as outlined below.
For further info please contact
Will Byrne on will@kingscroft.ie 086 0847839 or
Hugh Byrne on trackcyclingireland@gmail.com 086 3488708.
The Track Commission would like to thank the Delaney Family and Ravens RCT for the opportunity to host the TGP Duane Delaney Memorial.
Proposed Itenerary
Riders subject to numbers split as follows:
A : A/B/ Elite V/ and any other rider who would nomally ride in that section of our league
B: V/L/J/U16
Event 1
A: 200 m TT (Placed 1 to 8)
Winner 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2
B: 200 m TT (Placed 1 to 8)
Winner 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2
Event 2 Sprint (3 rounds)
A : Each rider gets 3 x 3 up sprints (Points 3/2/1)
Match offs for winners getting progessively harder as winners face each other,
while 2nd & 3rds are also matched to give them a shot at some points
Max points 9 (if you win alll 3)
B : Each rider gets 3 x 3 up sprints (Points 3/2/1)
Match offs for winners getting progessively harder as winners face each other,
while 2nd & 3rds are also matched to give them a shot at some points
Max points 9 (if you win alll 3)
Event 3
A: 15 lap scratch (points 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2 and 1 for participation)
B: 15 lap scratch (points 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2 and 1 for participation)
Event 4
A: 25 lap points race
B: 16 laps reverse win & out
Lap 4 Sprint for 7th & 8th places (3 points & 2 points)
Lap 8 Sprint for 5th & 6th places (5 points & 4 points)
Lap 12 Sprint for 3rd & 4th places (7 points & 6 points)
Lap 16 Sprint for 1st & 2nd places (9 points & 8 points)
Event 5
A: 500m TT (points 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2 and 1 for participation)
B: 500m TT (points 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2 and 1 for participation)
Prizes in both sections
Overall Winner can come from either A or B section
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
I guess work must be slow in London too...
Fear not! It's obviously not just Dublin that's going through slack times... although this seems to have been the longest Summer slump(without even having the sun) in many's a year, our friends across the sea seem to be suffering from a similar sort of madness brought about by hours on end sitting around doing nothing.
While peeping at the Moving Target forum I came across this peach...
Also, in news, our favourite new Scottish imports Kerr and Dave, will be throwing their 'Tartancat' this Friday. Expect funny accents, unidentifiable meats, crazy vimto and a whole host of other stereotypes...
Grand Canal, 7/8ish as is the Irish way...
While peeping at the Moving Target forum I came across this peach...
Also, in news, our favourite new Scottish imports Kerr and Dave, will be throwing their 'Tartancat' this Friday. Expect funny accents, unidentifiable meats, crazy vimto and a whole host of other stereotypes...
Grand Canal, 7/8ish as is the Irish way...
Monday, September 1, 2008
Velocity Couriers: Blatant self promotion...
Apologies for this, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do.
There's a new courier company in Dublin: Velocity Couriers.
Pedal power only.
Carbon-free.
Experienced couriers.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to give us a try, check our website out:
www.velocitycouriers.ie
Support local independent business!
( I promise I will never use this blog again for personal advertising)
There's a new courier company in Dublin: Velocity Couriers.
Pedal power only.
Carbon-free.
Experienced couriers.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to give us a try, check our website out:
www.velocitycouriers.ie
Support local independent business!
( I promise I will never use this blog again for personal advertising)
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