StormThoughts

“The bicycles go by in twos and threes”  Patrick Kavanagh

I don’t remember my very first bike. That is, I don’t remember when I was given it, any way I was only four years old at that time. It was a three wheeler, it had a compartment on the back that opened and could be used to carry things, I never remember carrying anything in it. Fortunately I have a picture of myself on board, taken in 1952, in Bikes were everything those days, all my relations cycled, not for summer time. I do remember many happy spins on that bike, you see we lived on a lane way in the depths of rural north county Dublin, Ballymadrough, Donabate, to be precise. Read the rest of this entry »

Island People January 2007

High upon the side of the globe

We cling tenaciously

The North Atlantic has sent its fingers

To probe our innards

Leaving great serrations

But failing to dislodge us

Over time we have hunted and gathered

Gathered and hunted

Building stone walls on other occasions

Before we hid them in our soft underbelly of bog

All attempts to move us have failed

Plague famine emigration tried

Found wanting

Our neighbours transported us for good measure

We did not go quietly

We saw them off

Those who remained limpid like

To barren soil to mountain side

Grew in strength from deprivation

Experienced spiritual renewal

Asserted freedom

At the time of writing

We are poor again

Lost in the sloshing miry swamp of wealth

We want for storm and sea

To wash over us cleanse us

Reduce us to humanity again

For now we are gods of our own making

Leaving the land behind

Climbing to the realms of virtual reality

Heady with success

But for all that

We are an island people

Our boats upturned at present

Want new tarring

And a clean clear sea

What brought you to Unitarianism?

I think I always was a Unitarian.  My parents were traditional Catholics who espoused education, wherever it would lead.  There was always lively debate in our house, I was the oldest and I suppose I led the way in radical thought.  I then drifted along for years living I by my own ‘light’ Then, many years ago I met some American Unitarians and they identified me as Unitarian. I eventually set out to find Irish Unitarians and here I am. Other people such as my Northern Presbyterian friends, [from adult local history courses I taught in Derry], they were an influence as well.

What was your first impression of the Dublin Unitarian Church?

I felt I belonged here.

What is your idea of the perfect sermon or address?

One that holds my attention whatever the topic. Remember I came from a tradition that did not espouse preaching as the centrepiece of the service.

Do you have a word for what is ultimate?

Read the rest of this entry »

Apres trip and one or two malfunctions! More photos on Alastair’s flickr page.

More of Alastair’s biking stuff at sportcrazy.net.

A view from Ground Zero lots of stops for discussion and to watch other bikers do their thing!

Cycling the boards

Wonderful experience cycling these boards, previously this would not have been a route for Mountain Bikes

The Bellacorrick trip Feb 20th 2009

Discussing the trip technicalities and the possibilities of good pictures

Nine hardy souls set of from Bellacorrick to do the 18 miles to Ballycastle, the route followed the Western Way, a hiking trail through the most remote part of North Mayo. The route could be used as a cycling way for those who use Mountain Bikes and like an endurance challenge without the technical difficulties of a Mountain Bike trail per se. It is mostly on forestry tracks and trails, there is however nearly two miles on board approximately 18 inches wide, [see pics] this was the challenge, the fun part, as we tried to stay on the boards and at the same time look around.
Acute bends meant some cycled into the bog [soft landing] The stepped sections were great, I lost control myself on  one occasion and ended up seperated from my bike, on my back in the bog. Everybody enjoyed the trip.The boards were firm and just technical enough, to make one pay attention. we all agreed we will do it again.  This is not a route for the faint hearted or the extreme bikers.

Took this picture on Mountain Bike Trip mid February