The Department of Transport should withhold any further funding for Donegal County Council due to the lack of maintenance on an existing route, a campaigner has said. Rnn Gallagher of the Wee Greenway Initiative and who also worked in the council on the development of the project, issued the statement after visiting the greenway in Muff, County Donegal.The greenway is part of a planned network linking Derry and Inishowen, which is seen by both campaigners and local authorities as having potential for both transport and tourism. The North West Greenway project which is to link Derry, Buncrana, Muff, Strabane, and Lifford is being funded by the EU Interreg Northern Ireland Ireland Scotland Programme. Match funding provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department of Transport in the Republic, with the Muff route funded by the latter.Gallagher said: If Donegal County Council is not going to or able to maintain the greenways and cycling infrastructure that central government and the EU has already funded in the county, then future funding should be withheld.Gallagher, who worked with Donegal County Council on the first phases of the project, has said that if the local authority cannot maintain existing infrastructure, then further funding should be withheld. He said that the council needs to develop a fully-funded maintenance strategy before it is given funding for new routes.Gallagher said: A friend and I walked down to Muff from the city after Christmas. Neither of us had been on the route for a little while, so we were looking forward to entering the village from Coney Road. We were both shocked and dismayed at the condition of the facility.What was once a fantastic piece of infrastructure delivered by the Councils Roads section is now a shadow of itself. Overgrown, slippy and basically without maintenance for many months, perhaps two years, it wouldnt encourage anyone to cycle or walk to their destination, he said. Gallagher said that when he worked for Donegal County Council, he liaised with landowners across the peninsula, and there was a widely held view that the greenway project had fantastic potential for the area. It has since been made a part of the Governments Project 2040 plan and has been made one of the five catalyst projects of Failte Irelands Inishowen Peninsula Destination Experience Development Plan.He added: If we want to encourage active travel, if we want to reduce our dependence on private motorised traffic, then not only do we need to construct safe, segregated cycling infrastructure, but the local authority also needs to maintain it. Not only is there an issue in persuading people to cycle more often, theres also a health and safety concern for existing users of the route if it is not maintained.He said he has contacted Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the elected members of the Inishowen Municipal District.Gallagher said that Cllr Terry Crossan (Sinn Fin) responded to him, saying he has also requested that the council provide a proper maintenance strategy that includes dog waste bins on the route. According to a report on donegalnews.com, the council responded to the call for bins by saying they would roll out their Leave no trace litter policy to greenways basically, signs telling people to bring their waste with them. When contacted for comment, a spokeperson for Donegal County Council said: Maintenance to greenways is limited to what can be carried out within existing road maintenance resources, and there is currently no specific Greenways maintenance budget allocation from the Dept. Dept grants for 2026 are due to be allocated in the coming months.

Nice tops the list as one of Europes most iconic cycling destinations. This coastal town has been thescene of many a Tour de France stage finish and start, as well as hosting the Grand Dpart in 1981and 2020; a historic gateway between the Mediterranean coast and the great Alpine climbs of thisgrand tour. It offers the practical advantage of heading straight from the city centre into the nearbymountains, following quiet backroads, conquering legendary cols and sweeping descents that haveshaped our imagination of this magical destination for decades.And its not just the roads. Off-piste there are a host of gravel routes in Nice that take riders weavingthrough the forests of the Estrel Massif, up into rugged and rocky mountains, across ancient donkeytracks trodden in over centuries, and over some of the highest unpaved roads of the Cte dAzur.If youre in town for a European cycling holiday, this classic Nice cycling guide will help you getclipped in and riding the routes that have etched this city into cycling history.NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTESLEISURE NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO CAP DANTIBESThe ride from Nice to Cap dAntibes is a friendly first taste of cycling on the Cte dAzur, following thecoastline westbound and curving through the neighbourhoods of Cros de Cagnes, Le Lautin and LaFontonne. The route doesnt stray too far from sea level, giving you a close up of the local marinas,beaches and seaside towns, with long stretches of smooth road and open views across theMediterranean. Riders easing themselves into the area enjoy modest elevation and a relaxed pace;an ideal coastal loop if youve got first-day-in-the-saddle or recovery-ride energy, or youre simplylooking for a chance to experience the hum and sights of Nice road riding without kicking up into thehigher mountains inland.Nice to Cap dAntibes Route Info Distance: 75 km Elevation: 600 m Level: LeisureINTERMEDIATE NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO ZE & COL DE LA MADONEFrom the Eat Sleep Cycle Hub at the citys Port, this classic Nice cycling route heads east along thecoastline before turning inland, climbing steadily through the hillside villages that overlook the azureMed. The road above ze has long been a proving ground for professional cyclists, most famously asthe setting for the Col dze time trial, a traditional finishing stage of ParisNice. Beyond ze, theascent passes through the village of La Turbie and onto the Col de la Madone, a climb known for itsmanageable gradients, quiet tarmac and uninterrupted views back towards the coast. Its one thatdemands a steady effort rather than brute force, a great day-two spin and a first real taste of theclassic climbing that characterises cycling in and around Nice.Nice to ze & Col de la Madone Route Info Distance: 70 km Elevation: 1,500 m Level: IntermediateADVANCED NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO COL DE BRAUS & COL DE TURINIOne of the regions great road rides; a long, demanding and beautiful route that carries riders deepinto the Maritime Alps. Leaving Nice, the road gradually kicks up through the Paillon Valley along theCol de Nice, before the energy changes at the foot of the Col de Braus, where percentages hit doubledigits at points on the tight switchbacks these foothills are known for. After descending into Sospel,theres a chance to grab lunch and coffee. Next up is a classic beast, the impressive Col de Turini,with more switchbacks and sudden exposure, gaining height quickly as the road twists towards the1,600 m summit, a frequent feature in the Tour de France. After that, its a gentle 50 km sweep backto Nice. Its a route that demands respect and careful pacing, but rewards effort with expansive viewsand a clear sense of just how far the roads above Nice can carry you.Nice to Col de Braus & Col de Turini Route Info Distance: 115 km Elevation: 2,700 m Level: AdvancedNICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTESLEISURE NICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO LA TURBIE & FORT DE LA REVREThis gentle gravel loop offers a quiet introduction to the citys surroundings, climbing gradually aboveNice into the wooded hills that sit between the coast and the high mountains. The route is a mix ofshort stretches of tarmac with wide gravel tracks, winding through Mediterranean forest and openclearings before reaching Fort de la Revre. From here, the views stretch across Monaco, Cap Ferratand the Med, just in case the pines make you forget youre on the Riviera. This is a non-technicalroute ideal for gentle exploration for newbie off-roaders or a calm and scenic rest-day spin. It will liftyou quite literally out of the bustle and into woodland for some serious perspective. Start or end at theEat Sleep Cycle Hub at 11 Quai des Deux Emmanuels at the Port for a ride-inspiring espresso or chatwith our staff.Nice to La Turbie & Fort de la Revre Route Info Distance: 30 km Elevation: 650 m Level: LeisureINTERMEDIATE NICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTE: MONT FRION GRAVEL LOOPThe Mont Frion gravel cycling loop takes riders up inland from Nice into quieter, wooded terrain,trading coastal views for a sense of growing remoteness. Experienced roadies that have felt the thrillof a cols multiple switchbacks with relish in the satisfaction of the gravel equivalent. These tracks feelcut into the hills and ancient woodland, making the most of wide fire roads that wind past firs andoaks, with openings that reveal the valleys and ridgelines of the Maritime Alps. This is another 50-50tarmac-gravel ride, where the track is largely rideable throughout, (beware of the odd sandy section),but the sustained climb means this route requires more might than its shorter, coastal cousins. Aclassic Nice gravel route is there ever was one and a great balance between endurance and off-roading. Its a longer day in the saddle, so start out at the Port with a coffee at Eat Sleep Cycle orCaf du Cycliste before heading on your way.Mont Frion Gravel Loop Route Info Distance: 75 km Elevation: 1,900 m Level: IntermediateADVANCED NICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTE: VIA DEL SALEThe Via del Sale is one of the most ambitious Nice cycling gravel routes accessible from the Niceregion, tracing an old military and trading road high above the valleys on the border between Franceand Italy. This route requires some logistical planning as a short car journey is required to reach thestart point. But once youre clipped in, the following 100 km offer pure, unspoilt Alpine beauty. Thisroute is a mash-up of ancient donkey tracks, fire roads, ridgelines and switchbacks the ultimatecocktail of memory-making tracks experienced riders dream of. This is the pinnacle of gravel riding onthe Cte dAzur. It might be a few kilometres from the coast itself but if youre in Nice to ride, thisbeast is unmissable.Via del Sale Route Info Distance: 99 km Climbing: 2,800 m Level: AdvancedAny questions? Drop us a message or come and see us at our Eat Sleep Cycle Hub in Nice, at 11Quai des Deux Emmanuels, right on the Port, for a pre-spin espresso.The post Classic Nice Cycling Routes appeared first on Eat Sleep Cycle.

Remember back in the last century when bicycles were human-powered and thieves stole them by clipping locks and riding them away? How quaint! Now the bicycles have motors and people steal them by using artificial intelligence: Heres how:Alvo said the scammer also fabricated screenshots of YouTube analytics.A YouTube creator would know its fake, but 99 per cent of people wouldnt.He believes AI tools played a role. This is a pretty clever scammer, but its unlikely he did this without the help of Chat GPT, Alvo said.And heres a local news story with more deetails:I have to admit I am torn. On one hand using someones good name to steal merchandise is reprehensible and disgusting. Yet on the other hand Im oddly tempted to pretend to be Path Less Pedaled and scam $50,000 worth of wildly undergeared bicycles:I wish him luck on what at this point can only be a quest to discover a gear so low that pedaling it will actually propel the bicycle backwards.Speaking of e-bikes, are they replacing car trips, or are they turning our shared recreational spaces into a hellscape? I dunno, but there does seem to be more anecdotal evidence of the latter:Of course, many of these problems are nothing new. For example, old-timey non-motorists have been failing to yield to pedestrians in Central Park for years, one riders commentary notwithstanding:Some believe bikes, electric bikes, or e-bikes, and pedestrians are sharing the road well in Central Park with new markings only improving things.When Ive been in Central Park, its never been a problem with people crossing, said Ira Gershenhorn, a cyclist who lives near 104thSt. and Riverside. People get across.Sure, some of them do get acrosseventually, if theyre lucky enough not to get hit by someone in a PNS jersey:[Can you describe the rider who hit you? Yes, he was wearing a flesh-toned bodysuit that said PNS on it.]If this was the standard we applied to traversing stuff then wed still be crossing the Atlantic via Viking longship:Presumably the reporter asked the cyclist a follow-up question, but he was already talking to another reporter for a story about housing prices in the area:[People buy apartments.]Meanwhile, another local resident and park user was rear-ended by a kid on an e-bike:Columbus Circle resident Roberta Simon was running in Central Park when she was hit from behind by a 15-year-old on an e-bike. She woke up four days later after brain surgery.E-bikes should not be in the park. They are motor vehicles, she said. A common thread is enforcement. There is no enforcement. There are a lot of accidents that happen that are not reported.Thats what happens when you dont wear a running helmet.Central Park is also home to the Century Road Club Association, which runs bike races in the park, and if theres one phrase that scares the ultra-competitive Fred set even more than mechanical shifting its raised crosswalks:If we recognize that there needs to be raised crosswalks at some locations to slow people down, thats something we could continue to talk about, David Saltonstall, the Central Park Conservancys Vice President of Government Relations, Policy and Community Affairs, said. Hopefully, everything will get worked out at some point in the near future. This is an ongoing process.The CRCA has been competing with the running clubs over use of the park for years, and if the raised crosswalks come in you can say goodbye to bike racing in the park once and for all.As for me, Im torn. As a pedestrian I say raise all the crosswalks and put barriers across them for good measure. As a cyclist I say kick out all the ebikes and add more pedestrian crossings under the roadway. And as a contrarian I say if people cant agree how to use it then they should just remove the roadway altogether. I mean isnt it a park? Why the hell do you need to go around and around it in circles? Isnt that why we have a velodrome?Oh, right, thats in Queens. Eeew.Finally, further to yesterdays post about reinventing mountain bikes as gravel bikes and gravel bikes as mountain bikes, Pinarello have just taken their mountain bike and decided, Fuck it, its a gravel bike now:I mean theyre not even trying anymore:While the press release waxes lyrical about how the Grevil MX is shaped and reinforced to withstand the high torsional forces typical of aggressive gravel riding, the bottom line is that the frameset is a repurposed Dogma XC mountain bike. A review of the geometry numbers corroborates our assumptions, with the same 67.75-degree head angle, 75-degree seat tube angle, 101mm trail, and 425mm chainstays (in medium) as the Dogma XC. It even utilises the same 100mm 32 Float Step-Cast (SC) Factory fork. The main difference lies in the inclusion of the Most Talon Ultra Light cockpit, which is found on the brands flagship road andgravel bikes.Now thats a scam. Still, this does look like it could be the ultimate Central Park bike. I think Ill pose as a gravel influencer, get one in for review, and see how it handles itself on those raised crosswalks.

Rapha has released its first designs for USA Cycling, with the new kit collection spanning road, track, mountain and BMX. The brand will be the kit provider for the USAs cycling athletes from 2026 through to the end of 2029, which will see it supply the home nation at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Rapha says the kit evokes the lightness and grace of a rider in full flight and mirrors the explosive energy of a new generation of American talent. The collection is said to draw inspiration from the 1984 Games, which the brand calls a watershed moment for American cycling the home nation took nine medals in Los Angeles. The partnership is taking Rapha into new disciplines, such as track, BMX racing and BMX freestyle. Rapha Recognisable elements from the Stars and Stripes are blended with a sense of movement. Rapha says a lightspeed pattern is at the centre of the designs, adding to a long tradition of using patterns to express motion and speed in sportswear. Aesthetics are matched with functional performance, with the pattern said to be a response to a specific request from USA Cycling athletes for a lighter-coloured kit suited to hot conditions. Kate Courtney will be looking to take Gold on home soil. Rapha Stars and Stripes detail features on the sleeves of the Rapha USA Cycling jerseys, with the left arm showcasing a navy Rapha armband and script logo. Five unique 'story labels' are part of the collection, celebrating the full range of USA Cycling disciplines. Rapha and USA Cycling are plotting to take success in this graph-paper-esque design. Rapha Fran Millar, Rapha CEO, says: This kit represents over a decade of world-class competition and innovation. Weve left no stone unturned so that when USA Cycling athletes show up for their country, they can stand on the start line with total confidence.

Decathlon CMA CGM Team expected their biggest new signing to front a fresh sprint project in the opening weeks of the season. Instead, Olav Kooij is stuck watching from the sidelines, ruled out for an unknown length of time by an illness that doctors are still not publicly identifying. What was mean...

This weeks Debrief features novel gadgets and upgrades from Cotic, Petzl, and Growtac, the all-new Tarptent ProTrek, Ti Starling cranks, multiple events to check out, and much more. Find it all hereThe post Friday Debrief: Gadgets from Cotic, Petzl, and Growtac, Tarptent ProTrek, Ti Starling Cranks, and More appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Simon Yates decision to walk away at the peak of his powers has split opinion. Some see a rider leaving too early. Others see someone who chose the right moment. One of the clearest defences of Yates choice has come from inside the peloton. Speaking to In de Leiderstrui, Sjoerd Bax argued that if...

Our Reader's Rig of the week comes from Erin and Megan in Colorado, who share the loaded Co-Motion Java tandem they recently pedaled down the Peru Great Divide and the GDMBR. Check out their bike and learn about how it serves as a rolling representation of their relationship here...The post Readers Rig: Erin and Megans Co-Motion Java Tandem appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Today, Belgian Cycling Factory (BCF) announces the launch of The Tracker, a new range of bikes through Nukeproof. The Tracker is a four-model hardtail mountain bike range. Its designed to bring quality mountain biking to riders at accessible price points.(Photos / Nukeproof)The lineup includes the Tracker Pro, Comp, Race, and Sport models. The price range runs from 599/539/$695 to 1099/999/$1276. The bikes draw their name and philosophy from the early days of off-road cycling in the UK. The Tracker is a Forgotten Part of MTB History(Photos / Stooge Cycles)It seems that in the UK, there is a forgotten part of MTB history. Its said to predate the American Klunker by a few decades. Back in the 1960s and 70s, riders modified standard bikes with features like chunky tires and distinctive cowhorn handlebars. These few mods helped tackle dirt trails before dedicated mountain bikes existed.(Photos / Stooge Cycles)(Photos / Stooge Cycles)I searched the interwebs for some info and found what I was looking for on British bike company, Stooge Cycles website, it read: Try and find any mention of Trackers now and youll draw a complete blank, all that history pretty much wiped out, didnt even make the switch to Google it had become that irrelevant by the time the internet happened. And thats a real damn shame! These bikes shaped lives, my dads generation in particular. They ruled from the dawn of post war Britain all the way through. America had the Cruisers and us Brits had the Dirt Trackers, which predated the American klunkers by a good 3 decades. Think about that for a moment!Nukeproof TrackerThe bikes emphasize the fundamental appeal of mountain biking getting out on the trails and having fun, whether youre exploring local paths or building skills on more technical terrain.The tracker frames are built from6061-T6 aluminium, featuretapered head tubes, and 2.4 tire clearance. They are specd with quality branded parts including Nukepoof saddles, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and tubeless ready rims.Practical details include a discreet removable seat stay bridge for mounting mudguards, rack mounts and a hidden kickstand mount, allowing the Tracker to double as everyday transportation. Sweet.Developed by Nukeproofs in-house team, led by Product Manager Tom Bugler and Engineer Dale McMullen, the Tracker series maintains the brands build quality while targeting a broader audience. The frame design takes cues from Nukeproofs Scout hardtail, featuring similar geometry with a relaxed head angle and tapered head tube optimized for the bikes 100mm fork.For riders looking to get into mountain biking or those seeking a straightforward, capable hardtail without premium pricing, the Tracker series could be a great starting point. Check them out at the link below. Nukeproof.comThe post Expanding its Reach, NukeProof Launches Tracker Range of Super Affordable Hardtails appeared first on Bikerumor.

Cinelli says its new Zydeco Washboard gravel bike has enough versatility to adapt to your ride, whether youre using it for commuting, bikepacking or a mix of on- and off-road riding. If that makes it sound as though the Zydeco Washboard is a bit of a catch-all bike, thats exactly the point. Cinelli says its latest gravel bike, which launched at the Velofollies trade show in Belgium, will adapt to your ride. The Zydeco Washboard is a modern, multipurpose gravel platform designed for riders who want one bike that does it all, Cinelli claims. Read more: Best gravel bikes in 2026 top-rated carbon, aluminium, titanium and steel gravel bikes reviewed Two models, one frame The Cinelli Zydeco Washboard Allday. Stan Portus / Our Media The gravel bike is available in two models, the Sport and Allday. Both models share the same aluminium frame, which is dotted in mounting points for racks, mudguards and more, so you can adapt either Zydeco Washboard to your riding needs. Cinelli wanted the Zydeco Washboard to have a modern aesthetic, which means the bike gets a cockpit with semi-integrated cable routing, a flared handlebar and a tapered top tube. The bike also has a modern look thanks to the slightly dropped seatstays, which Cinelli says introduces some extra flex and comfort, even if this is limited due to the frame material. One feature that makes it modern in another way is the Universal Derailleur Hanger, which means youd be able to fit a new SRAM groupset, even if the Sport and Allday models at Velofollies both had Shimano Cues groupsets. There are mounting points across the Zydeco Washboard, including on the top tube. Stan Portus / Our Media Both models have mounting points on their forks. Stan Portus / Our Media The Washboard frame also has a yoke design at the chainstay, where the tubing is welded to a thinner section of metal that runs between the crankset and tyre. Cinelli opted for this design to keep tyre clearance generous at 45mm. As you might expect from an entry-level and practical gravel bike, the geometry is relatively upright for comfort. But if you slam the stem for a racy feel, you still ride the bike very fast, according to a Cinelli spokesperson at Velofollies. Where the Sport and Allday differ is their fork and finishing kit. The Sport has a carbon fork, while the Allday sticks to aluminium. The Zydeco Washboard Sport has a 1x drivetrain. Stan Portus / Our Media The Sport also has a higher-spec Cues 1x drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, whereas the Allday has a 2x Cues drivetrain and cable-actuated brakes. Cinelli says both bikes are affordable, with the Sport costing 2,300 and the Allday 1,500. Cinellis gravel bikes get their Zydeco name from the up-tempo music genre that originated in Louisiana. The music is often played with a washboard. Cinelli chose to name its latest bike after the percussion instrument because of the music, but also because gravel trails can feel like a washboard under your wheels. The Zydeco Washboard has an accordion on the seat tube, which is another instrument used in the Louisianian genre. Stan Portus / Our Media More from Velofollies Van Rysel reveals FTP2 Concept Bike that will double your power and reach speeds over 100kph New Schwalbe Pro One Allroad combines road-tyre speed with gravel toughness for extreme conditions of ParisRoubaix Pinarello adds a drop handlebar to its XC hardtail to create monster gravel bike New Nukeproof Tracker is a bargain range of kick-ass hardtails