Conference noted::bicycle

    
    Robert & Dolf,
    
    There are a number of notes with reflections on UK and Ireland
    biking.  As always, the CTC (Cycle Touring Club) in Godalming,
    Surrey, England is a good resource.
    
    The best time of year could be late May and into June, or possibly
    August (but harder to find accomodation).  While the Alps are probably
    best in September, that's really getting to be a bit late in the
    British Isles and Ireland for optimal weather and touring.
    
    Your friend sounds like he would have no problem braving shower and/or
    cooler conditions, though.  
    
    *Some* areas people like in the UK: Cornwall & Devon (I'd add Dorset),
    Snowdonia (north Wales), the Wye Valley (south Wales), the Lake District
    (never been there myself), the Pennines, and the Scottish Highlands,
    including islands like Skye.  There are many other nice places.
    
    Accomodation in B+B's is probably up to �15 in the country in the off
    season.  I'd do this or hostels rather than camp.
    
    Gradients are generally more severe than in the Alps.  The odd 1:6, 1:5
    or even 1:4 grade (18%, 20%, 25%) will cross your path.
    
    Just a few notes... bonne route!
    -john

    Hi John,
    
    Thanks for the information so far.
    
    But what about wild camping in the UK ??
    
     R & D

    
    Dear R & D,
    
    There was a related discussion a while back about rights-of-way
    in England vs. Scotland - with the verdict being that Scotland
    had much more of a common-land (or public-access, at least) policy.
    
    My impression is that you can camp if you ask the landowner in England,
    and I don't know if you'd need that in Scotland, but I'd certainly do
    that.  As for the Forestry Service lands, I don't know the policy.
    Anyone out there know?
    
    -john

    In Ireland, be sure to follow the west coast and the Lakes Of
    Killarney.  The Dingle peninsula is a spectacular place on the West
    Coast that you would enjoy.  
    
    
    Patrick

    
    
    	As far as I'm aware, you can camp on Forestry Comission land
    without any problems. I'd agree with John, though, he should B&B it.
    It's very easy when down South since you can't really go for more than
    5 miles without hitting a town. In the more remote parts (N Wales, Lake
    District, Highlands & Islands), most farm cottages have a room that they
    let out at very cheap prices, normally under a tenner.
    
    	And remember the snowplough...  :*)
    
    Graham.

    Under a tenner ? You haven't B&B ed for a while Graham.
    It's more like 15 quid for B&B nowadays. The breakfast can
    be useful though.
    
    ---Alan

    
    
    	Remember, I'm a Fifer, the meanest of all Scots :*) I deliberatly
    look for under-a-tennert B&B. :*)
    
    Graham.

Re: .0

I sent the following mail message to some people in Finland that are planning
a tour of Ireland, it may be of interest.

--John

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There are a number of cycles that I would suggest as part of your tour
around Ireland. 

1. Firstly, there is the Annual Dublin-Belfast-Dublin 360 Kilometers
cycle being held on the w/end of June 26th, 27th. I did this last
year with about 3500 others. It's a good way to meet people and get a
chance to see Belfast. There's a 20 pound entry fee , if your interested
let me know.

2. Get the train to Galway. There's two trips you can do , each about
100-120 Kilometres. You can split them into 2 days each if you want to
take your time and see the country. I can help with the names & addresses
of Bed & Breakfast places. The first cycle is around the Lake ( Lough Corrib )
, tour west of Galway city.

3. Second one is South of Galway, taking the coast road via Cliffs of Moher,
a really nice scenic route in County Clare.

4. Tour of Kerry, about 200 Kilometers. It's located in the South West coast
of Ireland

5. A tour of the Wicklow mountains, 200 Kilometers cycle taking
in the South Dublin & Wicklow areas

6. If you have time, a cycle around the Donegal area, North West of Ireland.
Again, very nice country side.

Where does this leave time for Guinness and meeting people. Galway, Clare,
Kerry, Dublin and Donegal. Well, you will not do much better in picking
some places to see and enjoy.

I think the train is the best method of getting between places. You may have
to get some buses between major stations. For instance, going to Donegal,
take the train to Sligo and bus to Donegal.

I will try and get the B&B Book sent over to you a.s.a.p. . There  are also
hostels that you could use, assuming you do not mind cooking etc.

If you have a map of Ireland then try and locate the areas I have mentioned and
let me know what you think.

BTW, The weather is beautiful here at the moment, hopefully it will last.

Rgds , ( I'm rushing so there's probably spelling mistakes etc. )

--John

    Thanks for all the information and sites to visit.
    
      Dolf & Robert

Hi,

Are there any noters out there from the Galway facility?  I'm going to be
visiting your country (1st time there!) from May 9th - May 28th (perhaps longer)
and was wondering the following:

1)  if anyone would be interested in some weekend riding through the country.
    i leave destinations and routes up to you and I'll buy your beer (or is it ale?)  

-or-

2)  are there any clubs that I might be able to hook up with for a weekend ride? 

Any advice is certainly welcome!!

I'll be bringing my road bike with me and don't expect that I'll have much time
during the week, but I'd really like to tour around on the weekends...
I've also been told that May is one of the best months for weather????

If you reply to this note, could you also EMAIL me directly to EKLIPS::FIGLER  ?
I'm sure I'll have access to email, but not too sure about notes...

Thanks and hope to hear from someone over there!

-rob