I took advantage of the improving weather today and rode into Belfast to check out the new pedestrian/cycle bridge at the Lagan Weir. The media were just dispersing and the bridge was open, so I used it for the first time to go to the Dock Cafe for a cup of coffee. As I cycled down past the Odyssey Arena I was confronted by the first of the tall ships with two oil rigs in the distance at Harland and Wolff for repair. It is unusual to see three oil rigs in the shipyard at one time as there is another over by the twin cranes Samson and Goliath.
I took a few photos of the 'Morgenster' before the crowds arrive for the 'Tall Ships' event in Belfast from Thursday 2nd July until Saturday 5th July. I then went to the Dock Cafe for my cup of coffee. It is a popular spot with cyclists and the food is good.
After enjoying my cup of coffee, I cycled down Queens Road to the entrance of the Harland & Wolff Repair Yard. I took a few photographs of the two oil rigs before retracing my steps. I could see the masts and rigging of another tall ship on the opposite side of the harbour. I cycled back over the River Lagan and followed the NCN cycle route out through Clarendon Dock up to Duncrue Street where I turned into the Belfast Harbour Estate and right onto Northern Road. I followed the road round to the road junction at the Harbour exit where I turned left onto Dufferin Road. I could see the tall ship berthed in Pollock Dock.
I enjoyed the run today despite the breeze. I had a tailwind home so it was a comfortable spin back. There was another tall ship in Belfast Lough off the County Down coast about Bangor obviously en-route to the harbour. It was nice to see the first of the ships which have arrived. The event looks set to draw the crowds.
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