Portumna

<p>The launch of the Royal Canal Greenway last month — now the longest greenway in Ireland, stretching from Kildare to Longford — has got us excited for the prospect of summer cycling getaways!&nbsp;</p>
<p>With more and more greenways popping up around the country, it's clear that Ireland's appetite for outdoor recreational spaces isn't going away anytime soon. So, we've rounded up some local cycling trails, bike shops, and info on all the health benefits that come with getting up on that bike!</p>
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<h5 style="text-align:center;">A cycling trail along the Great Western Greenway, Mayo</h5>
<h2>So, how does cycling positively affect your health?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-top-5-benefits-of-cycling" target="_self">Research shows</a> that cycling has many positive effects on the body and makes for a pretty good workout.&nbsp;</p>
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<li>The 'seated' aspect of cycling means <strong>it's easy on the joints</strong>, making it an ideal activity for those suffering from age-related stiffness or joint pain. Unlike walking, which puts pressure on your knees and ankles, cycling focuses your weight on a balanced pelvis instead of your legs.</li>
<li><strong>Cycling helps build muscle and bone: </strong>You use muscles in your buttocks, thighs and calves to pedal forwards and with the backstroke, you use your hamstrings and hip flexors. Maintaining your posture on the bike also forces you to engage your abdominal, arm and shoulder muscles, while the overall act of pedalling increases your bone density due to the way the muscle pulls repeatedly on the bone.</li>
<li><strong>A great aerobic exercise:</strong> cycling helps get your heart pumping, improving your circulation and blood flow to your brain. In turn, this releases endorphins (or feel-good chemicals) that make all that pedalling uphill well worth your while!</li>
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<h2>Local Cycling Trails</h2>
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<p>Check out the 'Bonaveen Cycling Trail' in the Hikes &amp; Trails section of the Xplore Portumna app. This narrow, winding trail is located in Portumna Forest Park — there'll be no shortage of gorgeous views here!</p>
<p>Get turn-by-turn directions and a comprehensive map of routes on the app — download links are at end of the article.</p>
<h2>Shop local for all of your bike needs</h2>
<p>Don't forget to check out the 'Listings' section of the Xplore app to discover owner-operated bike shops near you. Many of them have online stores too - click the website link on their page to find out more about their products and their business.</p>


On Yer Bike! Cycling Health Benefits & Local Trails

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