As the sun gets up earlier and goes to bed later, the longer days are a welcome sign that summer is well on the way. And a grand thing too as winters here can be long, cold and dull.
On saying that, it has been nice to experience the snow in all it's glory once it did settle.
The Daffodils are out and the Cherry Blossoms will soon give way to new green buds and an array of fresh colour for the new season.
Long walks on the beach just across the road are always a good way to clear the mind and relax, not that I am stressed. It's great to have access to the ocean as I have spent a great deal of my life living beside it and listening to the sound of crashing waves. Gotta get a kayak!! At least the weather is not as much an issue, like getting wet is expected so if it is raining it doesn't really matter.

Burrow Beach across the road from our place, and me on Howth Head with Ireland's Eye in the background 

Actually, the last time we were here, during that summer it rained for 72 consecutive days. Fingers crossed it will be drier this time around.
It will also be nice to ride on some dry trails instead of the muddy, puddle strewn single track we have to endure in the cold but sunny days out at the moment. Either way it is always good to get out and stretch the legs. 'Ticknock' this weekend was a bit busier than the last time, more bikers and certainly more walkers who have yet to realise that the biking tracks are for bikers and not walkers. They seem very reluctant to move even when a speeding cyclist is barrelling down the side of the hill, damn fools I say... They are like deer in the headlights; maybe I should get a 4x4 and try that, see if they move.
At the moment I am sitting here with a swollen hand after being struck by a thorn over two weeks ago. Biking yesterday only seemed to aggravate it more and now it's more puffed up than before. I tried a poultice of garlic, vinegar and honey for the infection and inflammation, but think I made it too strong as I burnt the crap out of my hand and left me feel like it was being pickled. So a trip to the doctor might be in order, as much as I don't like going to them...
To be honest there was much-a-do about nothing.. I waited for a couple more weeks and my swollen hand went back to normal. This was great cause it meant I was biking again at full speed and with no regard for my own personal safety.
25th April...
Well a month has now passed and we are on our way to May, suffice to say I started this blog a while ago, bit slack of me...
The sunny weather has stayed with us and it's noticeably warmer as well. Most of the trees are in full bloom or pretty close, and the transformation is amazing. New smells fill the air, the aroma of invasive Gorse and colours of Heather now cover the hill sides and mountains.
Esther and I ventured down to Djouce Woods in Wicklow in search of more trails, and as the weather has been on our side lately it's always good to make the best of the sunshine. Looking for tyre tracks in the mud is a sure sign you are on the right path. Out trip on the day took us out along some forest roads and up a steep walking trail towards the Wicklow Way.

Wicklow Mtns, Biking round Powers Court, Djouce and the Wicklow Way..

We met some other bikers who pointed us in the right direction, which was just as well, cause we came down the trails into Powers Court and the infamous waterfall. The place was buzzing with happy campers, firing up the BBQ's and enjoying the sunshine. I guess we are not use to seeing this happen in Ireland so it was a bit of an eye opener. We headed on through the forest on some single track and back to the fire roads, but did notice other trails that we have to go back and explore. I guess local knowledge would be an added bonus, but we weren't the only ones trying to find our way around. Lots of bikers which is great to see, seem to frequent this place. All we need now is for the forest commission to spend some more cash and invest in these trails, longer loops, more challenging terrain, and better way markers. Local knowledge is fine, but the locals aren't always available.
So Easter is finally upon us and with a few long weekends ahead it was time to start planning our next bike ride. Of course Ballyhoura was the obvious choice in terms of a good decent distance and a variety of unexplored trails. Set in the north of County Cork, is really is an area of outstanding beauty. Lacking some decent accommodation options we had to stay in Mallow. Not complaining though for it wasn't too bad and only 20 minutes from Ballyhoura. The trails there are really awesome.

Ballyhoura MTB Park, County Cork.. Awesome trails

Some of the trails are rocky, some very fast and flowing. Lots of board-walks to cruise along and a section that resembles more of  a pump track than an XC. What is missing here and on many other trails in Ireland is a selection of jumps, drop-off'sand the really fast high bermed corners that you might find in North America or the famed 'Corners' trail in Rotorua, NZ.. Ballyhoura is a sweet place to ride for sure, but there is no down-hill runs, and it is all cross-country. It's actually funny seeing guys with full-face helmets and all padded up returning to the car park, 'where have you been that we don't know about??'. Ballyhoura, even the die-hard epic riders will find hours of endless riding on a good variety of terrain. Go and check it out..
So thumbs up for Irish MTB, it's certainly making waves. Now to hit the Northern Ireland, can't wait for the new trails at Rostrevor to be finished, gonna be sweet..