Today was my first commute after Xmas....we have a lot of cycle lanes in Ireland (well, in and around Dublin anyway), but they are completely un-maintained - large tracts of wet (and by now slimy) leaves, broken glass, stones, twigs & small branches, uneven surfaces (a really bumpy ride), and various bits of debris & some rubbish - none of which is ever removed ! The law says if there's a cycle lane you are obliged to use it (I think !!) but the roads are beautiful in comparison. Also a lot of motorists use the cycle lanes as parking bays. A lot of money is spent on the lanes but they're simply not fit-for-purpose, just for a lack of maintenance.

Ride-wise, I can feel that extra post-Xmas 3kgs in the gut !!

Lorcán.