I Cycled Ireland, I ran Wexford!

These last ten days have been an internet-free zone, as I trudged the country on foot, cycle and tyre!  I set off on Monday, 15th August, on a personal odyssey - to cycle across Ireland in three days to raise money for the Jack and Jill Foundation (to care for sick children).  The idea came to me a month earlier - so I had to buy a bike!  Relearn how to cycle!  Acclimatise my posterior...  And start fundraising... My brother Kevin and brother in law Mark had hoped to join me on the full cycle but unfortunately they could only make it for parts of the journey, yet were it not for those two lads I wouldn't have done the requisite training or planning.

The lads and I set off to BT's positive sign!

Monday morning:  up with the lark and feeling great.  Had breakfast, packet my gear (light change of clothes in rucksack!)... watched  a 'youtube' video on how to change a bike tyre!  Kevin and Mark were to accompany me on the first 30k, out towards the village of Maam.  We were delayed slightly due to a tyre problem on Kevin's bike (youtube video came in handy already) but we were on the road by 10am.  I'll never forget climbing up Ard na Bleaisteiri to see my cousin, aunt, father and mother out waving us off with makeshift banners!  We were doubly waved off by sister Roisin and friends Ronan and BT up at the village and away we went... The first 30k were a delight, with great banter between the three brothers.  Weather conditions were perfect - no wind, no rain.  I felt sorry for the lads as we descended toward Kane's pub in Maam, because the descent, which ran for at least 4k, would have to be climbed by the boys on the way back!  After a cup of coffee and warm toastie, I set off on a long solo journey, while the lads cycled heroically back up the hill towards home.  I would link up with Mark again on the third leg of the journey, from Cavan to Louth.  

Maam to Cong was absolutely stunning, but slightly tough.  Lough Corrib was beside me all the way, providing the eye-candy!  I broke for another coffee in Cong, and felt strong.  My plans were to cycle 114k that first day, going as far as Castlerea.  From Cong I continued up through Ballinrobe and Claremorris, where I broke for a light lunch.  At this point the idea occurred to me for the first time to journey 55k further that first day to the beautiful town of Carrick-on-Shannon.  Could I do it?  I said I'd assess the situation in Ballyhaunis.  By this time the rain was heavy and falling steadily, I was wet to the bone but not overly affected by it.  At Ballyhaunis I pulled over, got my phone out and called my brother Richie:  'book a hotel room for me in Carrick-on-Shannon, I'm going for it!'.  From Ballyhaunis to Loughglynn and from there on to Frenchpark I felt great, but the rain got heavier and heavier, and the sky began to darken.  It was past six now, but Carrick was just about 20k away.  My legs were beginning to tire but I kept going on and on and on, wondering 'where is Carrick'?  Eventually I saw the beginnings of a town and a sign that broke my heart: 'Welcome to Boyle!' AAAGH!  I had taken the wrong road and ended up 15k off track!  The constant rain and tiredness had left me dazed and dopey (what's new??!).  I reached for the map in my rucksack but it was all wet and torn.  As I stood forlorn  on the side of the road a kind stranger put me on the right road again and I just put the head down and went for Carrick, reaching that wonderful town with clothes dripping wet at 7.30pm.  170km done.

Beautiful Carrick on Shannon, where I stayed the first night...

Tuesday:  Following a sound sleep I awoke at 8am Tuesday morning, had breakfast, walked around Carrick and got back to my hotel room to prepare for the big cycle when the local radio station, IRadio called to arrange a meeting for 11am.  Thank God, and Ronan, my runners were now once again dry (I had stuffed them with newspaper the previous night on big Ron's prompting).  The radio crew were there to lead me all the way to Cavan, much to my shock and delight (word of my cycle had been spread by my radio-working sister in law, and I was the 'colour-piece' of the day!).  This day was absolutely beautiful: sunshine, little breeze and the most beautiful lakeland countryside of Cavan and Leitrim.  Thanks to my very long cycle the previous day, I only had 74k ahead of me on day two.  I got to Cavan town, where the Fleadh Ceoil (trad music fest) was in full swing.  I was so chipper I even had three pints of Guinness that evening!

Fleadh Ceoil in Cavan, and the girls from IRadio who led the way there...

Wednesday:  Day three was a pure lap of honour!  There were only 74k left in my mammoth cycle and I was to be joined by brothers-in-law:  Michael Woods, Michael Minnock, Benny, Mark, sister in law Theresa and friend Brian Murray.  We set off from Cavan around 1pm, leaving a very busy road to head for Ballieborough, Kingscourt, Dromcondrath, Ardee and finally Stabannan.  Outside Dromcondrath we were joined by Ciaran Maloney and the 'Champs Elysée' atmosphere was beginning to build!  The town of Ardee, being our last 'town stop' was the start of the 'carnival' atmosphere, as we were greeted by 20 supporters, family and friends alike -most of whom hopped on a bike to join us on the last 9k journey to the village of Stabannan.  On entering the village we were joined by about 50 others, children and adults, all cheering and supporting (little did I think this crazy idea of mine would grow such legs!).  We raised €3,300 for the Jack and Jill Foundation and had a whale of a night!  Men and women in the pub that night vowed to make it an annual event, in which they would all join in ( was that drink talk?)!  All in all:  170k in day 1, 74k day 2 and 74k day 3.  Not too bad!

I still have to write about the Wexford 4mile Run - that should be a post of it's own tomorrow!