Day 8 Tralee to Bantry 120km Monday 4th July.

Had a good nights sleep in the hotel and get myself organised and repacked. After a leisurely breakfast I called a taxi from the hotel to get me to the start. The driver asked me if the route was a secret today. I was curious when he said no one seemed to know. He has been ferrying riders to the start line all morning and there is sure to be a big influx of riders today. It being Tralee, Jim Breen's home town. We did have a larger number this morning and before we had the morning safety briefing for all the riders we paid tribute to Aidan, with a minutes silence. A motor bike out rider who had worked for CAS in the past and was a bike Marshall on some of our club sportives back in Naas. Aidan was killed yesterday not far from Tralee while on a charity motor bike ride. RIP.

This in mind we were advised that today was going to be a hard and long day, the longest of the 2 weeks. 120km and a lot of climbing. Something we are not used to on this trip. We are  told we were going over the Caha pass between Tralee and Glengarrif. That's what they weren't telling us.
I was now marshalling on the trip and all the marshalls had a meeting about what to expect. Ride 2 abreast shoulder to shoulder into the left. No breaking the white line under any circumstances and help struggling riders where we can and watch out for each other. Punctures and mechanicals were not to be fixed on the road. Wait for the bus and sweep wagon and get in. No exceptions!
Rolling out of Tralee and heading for our first stop in Killarney. Beautiful morning, sun shining . Forecast was right! Maybe we will get a good day for a change.
It was an uneventful ride to Killarney. Everyone enjoying the nice weather and the cycling was apace. The lead car must have been told to kick it up a bit as its is now more enjoyable. Less bunching and everyone up for the ride. We hit Killarney to another great welcome in jig time and stop at the Kerry Coach head office ( Kerry Coaches were the sponsor of all our coaches). Food and some photos and then we are off on the next leg.
As we left Killarney, the skies opened and it poured on us for over an hour. So what's new! Soaked to the skin again....!! Downcast we plodded on to Kenmare.
In Kenmare I was lucky.  I had opted to put a complete dry change of clothes into my day bag the night before and changed as soon as I got under cover and was comfortable for the food stop. I was asked to do Marshall for the rest of the trip cause more help was needed with the larger numbers. It's great to get the power back ;-))
The climb was ok , some struggled but we could help the weaker riders and it felt good. We have about 600 on the ride today.

What a beautiful part of the world this is. The scenery going over the pass is stunning and with everyone spread out over a distance on the climb we stop to regroup near the top. Rain has stopped now and it wild and beautiful all around us.
Cresting the pass there is a fantastic descent of about 10km into Glengarrif, Exhilaration! Then the final push for Bantry Bay.
The ride finished with 2 God-awful steep little climbs up towards Bantry school where we parked up our bikes, got some food and sorted our homestay.
There is 3 of us being looked after by Rita and Rob in their home.
Such a welcome shower, nice few beers and some great craic and food cooked by Rob.
Bed now. Tomorrow will see us to Skibereen via mizen head and Clonakilty.
Gavin is meeting me in Clonakilty and will ride with me into Cork for dinner, a birthday party for him and Emily ( her birthday in 2 weeks). Can't wait for that.
Sleep/ dream time now.

Day 7 Limerick to Tralee 110km

Today we left Limerick after spending the night in the hands of Des and Dolores. Peter, who was staying in the house with me, coaxed me ( didnt take a lot! Just sayin!)to go to a pub in Limerick for a beer with the other lads on the CAS who had arranged a night out, half way round.
Reluctantly I said I would. ;-)
Taxi home to the house at 2.30 am was how it ended up. But have to say it was a great night.
Dolores and Des took us back to the Dell building where we had left the bikes. The facilities provided were second to none. Bike racks, heated building, great toilet facilities, food. What more could you ask for.
Was reasonably ok to cycle this morning. I knew the carbs from the Guiness would kick in at any time. As it was it was about lunchtime before I felt anyway right. (Note to self...dont have the last pint! Its the killer!)
We were hit with some heavy showers from the start but all in all not too bad of a day.
Pace was fast today we had a tailwind of sorts which I knew would change when we turned at Tarbert. when we reached Tarbert I was ready for food. The people from there put on a great spread for us and set us up for the last 50 km to Tralee. All organised in less than a week! The kids put on some Irish dancing for us and the presentation given was brilliant. The sun was out now and we were all trying to catch a little warm sun sheltered from a cool wind. How good it feels to have sun on your body when its so cold.

That leg to Tralee was some good cycling. Wind was gusting but , in a big group its easy to hide. and we had a huge reception in Tralee when we got there.
I'm feeling pretty good today. The legs are holding up very well. My bike is beginning to creak a bit. No! Not my bones! Think it's bearing problem or back wheel. But it's not holding me up. I'm in good form.

Its here that I hear of the sad death of Aidan Lynam, a motor Cycle support rider who had supported us in the past and at sportives back in Naas. Killed on his motorcycle while doing the thing he had dedicated himself to. Raising funds for Downs Syndrome Ireland. Its a sad day.

In Tralee my home stay is the Brooklands Hotel. I'm sharing with another lad who I don't know but that's ok. Taxi to hotel. I'm looking forward to the freedom of a hotel for the night.
In,  big shower, pamper, get the smellies on and down  to the bar for a Guiness, a steak and plank myself down in front of a big tv and watch Rory mc Ilroy win the world match play. Sure what else would you be doing.
My roommate hasn't shown yet and it looks like there will be no discussion over who gets double bed and who gets single.
I disgorge my bags and get everything dried out. I love making a mess in my room!
Crap internet access is my only complaint.
Great nights sleep for the trip to Bantry tomorrow .

Day 6 Birr to Limerick 97km

Saturday 2nd May 2015
Joe and Claire left me back to the start line after a nights sleep which seen me over sleep
It was raining steadily and had been all night long. The occasional car that passed in the night I could hear splashing on the road
Anyway, they got me to the start line in time and I enjoyed showing them around.
Start time was 10 am and as usual we were punctual.
I was worried about the cold more than the wet cause the cold is harder on the body than the rain so I waited till the last minute to store my bag in the lorry.
When we got going it was quite comfortable . Although it was raining constantly now, it was bearable. Once your wet your wet.
The pace has picked up today and has eliminated the risk of crashes ... Well almost.
The sos beags are great cause they get you an early break mostly unexpected.
Arriving in the hall they  had a lovely spread of mostly fruit . Best sos beag of all.

Heading down to Nenagh in the wet was lovely cause most had forgotten the rain cause it was constant. But the reception in the school was poor. I know it's Saturday and people find it difficult to front up. But if your going to host the cycle..... Do it! And do it right. People are counting on you.
We had yesterday's sandwiches and no coffee or tea.
Heading out of Nenagh heading for Limerick, I was in a complete change of clothes after the soaking of this morning.
I was toasty and dry for the presentation
Bob Carley and Colm Hayes from 2FM have arrived and the presentations are good. Very funny and moving at the same time.

 Dave and Brian from Newbridge, new NCC recruits

The spin into limerick was a pleasure even in the rain
Limerick Main Street was like Oxford street on a Saturday afternoon and we sailed through the center amongst all the shoppers.
Full with shoppers who gave us a great reception
Got to Dell factory in limerick for our food, homestay and relax

My homestay didn't front up but Peter Denehey from last year offered me a bed in his homestay cause they had a guy who didn't show and I accepted. I didn't feel comfortable about checking out the homestay I had booked cause I was nervous about when I might get there.
Dolores, our homestay lady, picked us up and took us to her house and fed us beef stew and potatoes and rhubarb tart, before we decided to head off to the meeting point pub for a relax and a few beers.
What a great idea to meet guys with their clothes on and have the craic.
Great night home by taxi at 2am
Roll on tomorrow.....quietly!

Day 5 Longford to Birr 107km

Friday 1st May 2015

Longford to Birr 107km

Today I rose early in Longford, the house is out in the countryside and the sun is rising outside my window, lovely sight. Breakfast is tea and toast and cereal. great having the breakfast with the boys aged 3 and 5. All questions...mostly why?
Claire left us back to the start point with her little boy. He didn't want us to leave he was enjoying the company. I took him for a ride on my bike and he was really happy and content for us to leave now. :-)
After a low key presentation we headed out on a cold bright morning for Athlone for our first stop. It was an uneventful days cycling except when I decided to pull off the road for a natural break. As I was slowing looking for a spot I did a 'dell boy fall' on a down slope and went arse over tail with the bike still attached. No major damage . Just a bent brake lever and damaged pride. Glad not too many saw me. Its a most undignified fall!

 Leigh Carr from last year

Christine Lacey from Year 1 and 2

Steve and John Byrne from Carlow and Majorca

 It was 3.30 when we headed onto Birr.

Weather has been good today and I wonder how long it will last.

It's a descent pace on this leg and it's nice to get spinning the legs.

Into Birr at last, cold to the core over the last hour. Can't help thinking about all my homestay experiences since I left Belfast and all the lovely people I have met and even tho we have had some miserable weather I'm sure it will improve and the rest of the trip will be great.

At a Sos Beag stop in a park with kiddies leisure stuff we take advantage.

After all we are all kids at heart.

 This is Martin Veale from Waterford riding this standard issue postie bike all the way around...a pure demon on the hills

 Claire and Joe.

Arriving into Birr we are met in the town square with lots of people to greet us and some great music from a big outdoor stage. It's not long before I met by hosts Claire and Joe Hernon and head to their house for a welcome shower and dinner. After stowing the bike for the night.
Claire offers to take me into town if I want to meet up with any of the lads but I'm tired and just want my bed.
Head to bed at about 10 telling Joe I won't need a call in the morning cause I'll be up.
Next thing I know it's 8.30 and Claire is calling me. :-)
It's pouring with rain and looks to be down for the day.
Arriving at the start it's quite miserable. Not knowing what to wear for the best. Today is going to be a lottery, clothes -wise.

Day 4 Enniskillen to Longford 98km

Thursday 30th April 2015

Enniskillen to Longford via Swanlinbar and  Ballinamore

Andrew and Estelle, our host, took us to the college in Enniskillen this morning for the start of our day. There is a great buzz about the place . All the students and teachers and dignitaries are there awaiting the start of the presentation to the students.
They have a room set aside for the cyclists and are providing cereals, juice, croissants, cakes and scones. With gallons of tea and coffee. There are bananas, oranges, bowls of fresh fruit energy bars and pretty much anything you would get in a good hotel. Wonderful spread.   Students are there assisting cyclists with directions and any assistance required.

The presentation by the school in the assembly hall was a real slick show . Dancers and musicians. Irish dancing and great entertainment.

By the time we got called to the start line the sun has got up and it's positively warm. So warm that I start shedding layers. Back into cycling shorts today, long sleeve jersey replaced with short sleeve and winter gloves replaced with fingerless.
We rolled out of the college at 10.30 am with a great send off by the pupils and teachers. Lots of razzmatazz and loud music. Love these send offs.
On the road everyone's mood is lifted and there is a great atmosphere of laughter and friendly banter. We have 3 gardai with us, riding police issue mountain bikes. They are acting as bike marshals but just ordinary guys not pulling rank. Lots of whistles and sirens and motorbike outriders. In one of the towns we are joined by about 30 pupils on bikes from the school in Ballinamore. They are riding with us for a good part of the day. It's all so much more fun in the good weather.

Riding along for a while with Lorraine who cycled with me on the last two CAS tours she tells me about the " triangle challenge"!
That is, don't eat anything in the lunch breaks that is in the shape of a triangle! Think about it!
No triangle sandwiches! No slices of apple tart! No slices of pizza! Some challenge! I agree to join the challenge . But on arriving at the food station in Ballinamore the first thing I see are lovely egg sandwiches 'triangles'! I was so hungry I resolved to start the triangle challenge tomorrow.
Good fast pace the last 50 km into Longford through some lovely rolling hills. Good to be back in the land of the 'free text'!
It's so lovely meeting new people in the peloton as we cycle along. The group is continuously changing and new faces are appearing alongside you all,the time.    Chatting about 'stuff' as you go. Also, reacquainting yourself with your buddies too. It's a great cycle.
Arriving into Longford town, making lots of noise, to the cheers of the local people as we roll through the town to our destination and finish for the day.
All that remains is to await our home stay. This is an exciting part of the day too. You never know who you host is going to be. But you can be sure they will be different than yesterday and stories and craic will be good.

Claire with her little boy are keep in Joseph and I for the night

Supposed to be a party in Longford tonight for the cyclists but knowledge of the venue is scarce. I'm promised a call when it becomes clear.
Our host arrives to collect me and joe and take us to her home to meet her family. What generous people our homestay hosts are.
Claire has a nice curry waiting for us when we arrive and we meet her 2 boys and 1 girl. The party in Longford was not an issue. I am exhausted. Been a long and tiring day and looking forward to my bed.
We will do it all again tomorrow but one thing I know for sure is ....it will be different than today without a shadow of a doubt.
I'll tell you all about it then.

Day 3 Derry to Enniskillen 98km

I had a great evening with Richard and Ann and got to bed at a reasonable time , suitably and happily exhausted.
After a full nights sleep I was up early for a breakfast fit for a king prepared by Richard.
He brought in his new bike for me to have a good look at . A super Kalkoff electric bike which he has just taken delivery of. A beautiful machine. (NOTE TO SELF! GET AN ELECTRIC BIKE SOMEDAY). It's a lovely machine that does about 125miles to a full charge on a particular Eco setting. He is very proud of it and rightly so.
He transported myself and my bags to the start line and we said our goodbyes. Hope we will keep in touch. in fact I know we will.

The morning at the start was cool and sunny but had a lot of heavy showers in the vicinity. Stood in during the showers waiting for our start time which should have been 9.30 but moved out to 10.30.
Standing around give us all a chance to meet and catch up on all ther craic from last night.
Riding out of Derry today and heading for Enniskillen via Omagh. 98km
We are about 300 strong and riding two by two we stretched for a long way. The PSNI (Police) were brilliant. They escorted us all the way and were there in all the towns and villages along the way. The roads were narrow and we were causing huge tailbacks but the motorists were very patient. When we pulled over the tailback took about 20 minutes to pass. I feel comfortable in the group, even though there are some inexperienced cyclists in the group. The marshalls are good and seem under strict instruction to keep things under control.
The weather is still very changeable. Sporadic locally very heavy showers . We caught about half of them. But somehow it wasn't as bad a yesterday. The temperature was slightly up and there wasn't that icy wind that froze us to the core. And when the sun did make some short appearances it was warm. Everyone's mood is changing with the weather and we are told to expect dry days for tomorrow and Friday . BRING IT ON I SAY.
Rolling in to the college in Omagh we were greeted by a huge crowd of pupils and parents all lining the roadway at the approaches to the school. I never get used to that experience. Lunch was pasta and tea and coffee. Most welcome.
I have to be extra careful with my bike and where I leave it. Cause it's not unusual to find five or six bikes leaning against mine when I come out. Im proud of Lullabelle and I want her to take me all the way around so i need to be kind to her.
With the slight improvement in the temperature there is a bit more craic on the road and it's getting more fun.
Arriving (in the rain once again) into Enniskillen we are all tired and hungry. It's 7.30 in the evening and most want to get to their digs, get showered and hopefully, fed.

We were given tubs of ice cream by the students of the school and tea and coffee before being united

with our home stay hosts.

 Estelle and Arthur and Joseph and Joe fellow travellers

I'm staying with Estelle and Arthur along with two other cyclists, Joseph and Joe. Arthur has made roast beef and roasties.....delicious . Followed by apple crumble and custard and cream. I had seconds of both.....I'm a growing boy ;-))
After a lovely evening with a few beers I'm happy to turn in.

Some of the guys on the trip

 Ray and Joe and me (eating something)

Dave, Gavin, Dermot, Niall, Richie and Steve

Kathleen (super gran) has done this 3 times!

I'm loving this trip now. Looking forward to the rest of the trip. Things can only get better.

Day 2. Coleraine to Derry via Inishowen peninsula and Malin head.

Tuesday 28th April 2015

Coleraine to Derry via Inishowen and Malen Head

Stayed in a hostel in Carrick A Rede on the north Antrim coast last night. It was good, as hostels go. But we were given wonderful reception and shown to nice warm comfortable rooms. We had the usual bunk beds. I bagged a bottom bunk and got settled in. Some went for beers to the local pub but I was wrecked so decided to make a comfortable bed and got the head down.

Woke at 5.30 am with the wind howling off the sea and heavy rain. Stuck my head under the covers and waited for the sun to rise. Breakfast was at 6 cause we were being picked up at 7 for the bus run back to the start in Coleraine. Amazing breakfast of sausages tea toast , cereal and juice. Set up now for the day!

Went out to see the sky and was greeted with SNOW!!! It's nearly May for gods sake!!!

Bitterly cold as we boarded the bus . Got to the college in Coleraine met up with the other guys and got ready for the off.

Myself with Richie, Paul and Steve and their homestay hosts.

Liam has decided to leave us today to return for appointment in Dublin. Sorry to see him go. 

Just as we were leaving the sky's opened and we got pelted with a rain and hail shower and that seemed to be going to be the order of the day.

However, as the day progressed the weather got a bit better. Rain stopped sun came out and the wind wasn't as cold. Cruising along the beautiful Antrim Coast passed some beautiful beaches and resorts to Magiligan and to the ferry to take us to Inishowen peninsula in beautiful Donegal.

Wind was getting up again as we made the 20 minute crossing in an open boat meant for only cars.

Hugh Durnin met us on the other side, to ride with us to at least the lunch stop in Carndonagh. Good to see him. 

The trip to Carndonagh was nice with a bit of sun and calmer conditions, so we decided we were going to head for Malin. But organizers decided that cause of the uncertain weather conditions we should just go to Malin town and retrace our steps from there to Moville.

Stopping in quigleys Point for a break the skies just opened , with the return of the wintery conditions. We got a further soaking with bitterly cold headwind to boot!

I was beginning to feel there is no fun in this and I decided to settle in for the haul.

Cause of lack of charging facilities last night in the hostel, my phone has run out, my Garmin has run out and my camera is about to calve!

My home stay contact is on my phone. So, I'm going to have to get my phone charger out of my night bag which is in a truck somewhere, charge it up to get the name and number of my host for tonight.

As it happens , arriving in Foyle College  in Derry, my host is there and looking for me.

Richard and Ann are a lovely couple and greet me warmly.

After showing me my rooms and shower I'm soon settled in , warm and refreshed , to a beautiful and bountiful meal.
we have a great chat over the meal and Richard tells me how he has cycled all over the place for many years and he loves his cycling. He proudly shows me his new bike acquisition. A beautiful, battery assisted tourer which he has brought in from Germany. Im very impressed.

Life just gets better and better.

Chat tomorrow, heading to the scratcher and get ready for the trip to Enniskillen tomorrow.