Irish Cycling Safaris

Ireland is custom made for a cycling holiday. It is relatively flat, the distances between towns and villages are small and the whole country is geared for tourism-with very good maps. It is also relatively safe and pretty much wherever you go is achingly beautiful. It helps that the roads are in good condition and the people are really friendly. The pub life in Ireland is great. No matter where, there's a pub with company, good beer and something to eat-at night there is often live entertainment

It is relatively easy to find a choice of safaris catering to your timescale and fitness level, in the most beautiful parts of the country. They take care of all accommodation, bicycles and maintenance, and most provide a guide, as well as all the equipment you need - and best of all, carry your luggage for you - taking away all of the hassles, but none of the adventure. All you have to do is enjoy a special vacation of calm, exhilaration and fun.

Group cycling holidays bring together groups of people from all over the world. The daily cycle is a leisurely 30 - 40 miles which gives plenty of time to stop and explore your surroundings. Longer options are available for those who want to stretch their legs.

The day's cycle start at approximately 10.00am each day, after a hearty breakfast, a few hours' leisurely cycling in the morning brings you to the lunch stop, where you can put up your feet and swap stories.

Guides bring your luggage ahead to your room while you take your time and amble through the beautiful back roads. Each evening after a relaxing shower you meet up with the guide and rest of the group for dinner. A day typically winds up in one of the many pubs whose atmosphere has made Ireland famous for music and "craic". Guides should always be on hand in case anyone wants a lift. Safari operators make sure that your bike is ready to go, and that your luggage is transferred ahead each day. You explore the country at your own pace, and there is all the time in the world to stop or to make your own detour.

Recommended routes are about 30 miles a day and there are always longer options for keen cyclists. Although the guide does not cycle with you, he or she will be driving the support van and will often make a sweep to ensure that all is well; offering lifts to those who require a break (many would be riding a bike for the first time in years). This provides a sense of freedom in that you can travel at your own pace in the security that the guide is there for you in the event that you might need them. Guides will often recommend places to eat and try to find out where the best entertainment is each night.

Most importantly, the guide sets the right tone, to make you feel welcome to the country and to help you in whatever way possible so that each day you are free to leave your worries behind. Your luggage is carried in the support van to your next hotel or guest house.

While Irish weather is not easy to predict, the mild climate is ideal for cycling and the occasional shower can even add to the atmosphere of the landscape. The temperature will almost always be moderate, typically between 15-25 C (60º-80º F). Operators recommend that you do bring some rain gear; however, they equally recommend you bring suntan lotion and a sun hat!

Other than young children, who are discouraged from cycling safaris, people of all ages and abilities come on tours, so do not worry if you are not super-fit. You have all day to cover the recommended route, and while Irish roads rarely follow a straight line, there are few really high climbs. Sore bodies are an occupational hazard on a cycling tour, but a pair of padded cycle shorts or a gel saddle cover can work wonders. Complete beginners might also take a few practice rides before coming on the tour.

Cycling safaris usually start on a Saturday, finishing the following Saturday. Although most the tours finish where you start, some are a little different: check with each tour.

Tours cover all types of landscape, from rolling green fields and quiet roads lined with wild, deeply scented flowers to spectacular coastal rides. West Cork is also best known for its colourful villages all of which are brightly painted in a wonderful array of vibrant colours, with wonderful hanging baskets brimming with flowers out the front of every pub and shop. This is the more cosmopolitan part of rural Ireland with many choosing to settle in this idyllic setting.

Ireland can offer a huge variety of cycling safaris; some of the best are in beautiful West Cork. Here you can enjoy the beauty of mountains while cycling on the flat. What more could you ask for!