CYCLE REPAIR

There is a movement in North America and Europe towards the construction of national and local cycling infrastructures as a result of the need to tackle traffic gridlock, provide sustainable modes of transport, lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote healthy lifestyles amongst all age groups. 
Thanks to an increase in cycling, there is now a growing demand for courses in bike maintenance.

Cumann na bhFear (aka Men’s Shed) is particularly involved in enhancing public engagement with Terryland Forest Park in areas such as developing a walking and cycling trails network.
To support this latter project and to help in increasing cycling within Galway city, the club hosts  regular workshops in bike maintenance at their premises at Unit 1B in Sandy Road Business Park (near Galway Bay FM).
 
Tutor on previous workkshops was cycling enthusiast Brian MacGabhann.
Brian provided practical advice and demonstrations on topics such as repairing a flat tyre, cleaning and oiling bike chains, fixing a buckled wheel and adjusting brakes.
All are welcome to attend. But pre-booking is essential

Workshop

Workshops on bike maintenance are advertised via local media and online. 

In our last bike maintenance course. a number of vintage High Nelly bikes were worked. 
Interestingly, in a throwback to the days of milking the friendly pet cows on an Irish family farm, the participants gave a name to each individual High Nelly, names that included Daisy, Molly, Bluebell, Bridie and Buttercup!

Tutors were Brian MacGabhann and Michael McDonnell who supervised the repair of a fleet of the High Nelly bicycles as well as providing participants with practical advice on topics such as repairing a flat tyre, cleaning and oiling bike chains, fixing a buckled wheel and adjusting brakes.

The restored classic bicycles were used for leisurely cycling along Slí na gCaisléan, a cycling trail that links seven castles along the mainly rural landscapes of north Galway city and nearby county including the castles of Terryland, Menlo, Cloonacauneen, KIleen and Castlegar.within the Terryland Forest Park and hopefully on permanent basis within Terryland Forest Park.

Michael Keaney of Castle Ellen  loaned to the group a rare vintage three wheel post office bicycle that was restored for use as a picnic food holder for participants taking part in the Cumann's heritage cycle tours.
Before: 

After: