Síle O'Hanlon
Senior Cycling & Active Leisure Editor
gobuiltbyaroflo Ltd
About
Who She Is
Síle discovered her passion for cycling accessibility while working as a community health coordinator in Drogheda in 2008, where she helped establish the first seniors' cycling club in County Meath. She's spent the last 16 years learning what actually works for older cyclists — not from theory, but from leading group rides, testing routes, and listening to real riders. Her background in Sports and Leisure Management from Waterford Institute of Technology combined with hands-on field experience gives her something most cycling writers don't have: genuine understanding of what mature cyclists need.
Over the past decade and a half, she's documented more than 40 cycling routes across Ireland's midlands. The Boyne Valley's flat terrain and historical significance captured her particular attention. She's collaborated with Meath County Council, local heritage societies, and the Irish Cycling Federation to develop sustainable tourism routes that serve both conservation and community wellbeing. What drives her work is straightforward: active ageing shouldn't be complicated. Routes should be safe, well-signposted, and genuinely enjoyable for people in their 60s, 70s, and beyond.
Specialisation
Areas of Focus
Senior Cycling & Active Leisure
Designing safe, accessible cycling experiences for older adults isn't just about choosing easy routes. It's understanding fitness levels, medical considerations, confidence building, and the social aspects of group riding. She's worked with over 400 older cyclists across Meath and Louth, learning what actually encourages people to stay active and engaged.
Boyne Valley Heritage Routes
The Boyne Valley offers something special for cyclists: flat terrain, historical significance, and genuine community connection. She's mapped and tested the region's best routes for older riders, paying attention to surface quality, traffic patterns, water access, and cultural sites worth stopping for. Her knowledge isn't academic — it's earned through hundreds of kilometres on these roads.
Accessibility & Route Planning
Accessible doesn't mean boring. She brings together careful attention to gradient, surface conditions, and stopping points with the cultural and scenic rewards of cycling through heritage landscapes. Every route she documents considers real accessibility needs: where you can safely rest, access water, find facilities, and enjoy the ride without struggling.
Community & Sustainable Tourism
Active leisure tourism benefits everyone when it's done thoughtfully. She works with local councils and heritage organisations to develop routes that bring visitors while respecting communities and landscapes. This means considering seasonal impacts, supporting local businesses, and ensuring routes remain sustainable for years to come.
Background
Professional Journey
Community Health Coordinator
2008–2012 | Drogheda Community Health Services
Started the first seniors' cycling club in County Meath while working in community health. This role gave her direct insight into the health benefits of active leisure and the barriers older adults face when trying to stay engaged. She learned that proper support, accessible routes, and community made all the difference.
Sports & Leisure Development Officer
2012–2018 | Meath County Council
Worked directly with the council on route planning, accessibility standards, and leisure tourism. This is where she started formally documenting routes across the Boyne Valley, collaborating with heritage societies, and building partnerships with the Irish Cycling Federation. She gained experience in policy, stakeholder management, and sustainable tourism development.
Cycling & Leisure Writer & Consultant
2018–Present | gobuiltbyaroflo Ltd
Now as Senior Cycling & Active Leisure Editor, she combines field research, community consultation, and evidence-based writing. She's documented over 40 routes across Ireland's midlands, created practical guides for mature cyclists, and worked with organisations on making cycling accessible and enjoyable. Her work bridges the gap between policy, on-the-ground experience, and what actual older cyclists need to know.
Qualifications
Education & Recognition
Degree
Sports and Leisure Management, Waterford Institute of Technology
Certifications
Irish Cycling Federation Recognised Route Developer, Accessible Tourism Standards Training
Experience
16 years in senior leisure and cycling accessibility, 40+ documented routes, 400+ older cyclists worked with directly
Partnerships
Meath County Council, Irish Cycling Federation, Boyne Valley Heritage Society, Louth Community Services
Philosophy
How She Works
Field-Tested Knowledge
Every route she documents, she cycles herself. Not once — multiple times, in different seasons, different weather, different times of day. She tests surfaces, checks signage, verifies distances, and notes where people actually need to rest. This means her writing comes from real experience, not assumptions.
Real Rider Input
She regularly leads group rides with older cyclists and listens carefully to their feedback. What looks accessible on paper might feel intimidating in practice. She's learned that confidence matters as much as fitness, that social connection drives participation, and that small details — a water fountain, a bench, good views — make the difference between a route people enjoy and one they avoid.
Evidence-Based Writing
She combines her field knowledge with research on active ageing, injury prevention, and accessibility standards. This isn't just personal opinion — it's informed by what works for older cyclists, backed by her professional experience and genuine understanding of the topic.
Practical Guidance
Her writing focuses on what people actually need to know. How to choose a route that suits your fitness level. What to bring. How to prevent injuries. Where to find facilities. Realistic advice for real cyclists, not theoretical perfection.
Featured Writing
Recent Articles
Practical guides for older cyclists and active leisure enthusiasts
Getting Started: What Every Senior Cyclist Needs
The essentials for older cyclists ready to get on the road safely. From bike choice to clothing to what to carry, a practical checklist that covers what actually matters.
May 20, 2026
Boyne Valley Routes: Easy Loops for Your Level
Detailed maps and descriptions of flat, scenic routes across the Boyne Valley. Each route includes distance, surface conditions, facilities, and what makes it special for older riders.
May 18, 2026
Basic Bike Maintenance Every Senior Should Know
Simple, practical maintenance tasks that keep your bike running well. No complex mechanics — just the things that actually matter for reliable, safe riding.
May 16, 2026
Staying Safe: Injury Prevention for Older Cyclists
How to avoid common injuries and stay healthy while cycling. Practical advice on posture, pacing, conditioning, and knowing when to take a break.
May 14, 2026
Get In Touch
Questions About Cycling?
Whether you're planning your first ride or looking for route recommendations, reach out. She's happy to discuss cycling accessibility, route planning, or active leisure for older adults.