Day Seven - End of the Road

Pauline, Stef and Adrian saw the band of riders off from Letterkenny with the sun still shining. Just a matter of 50 more miles to take us to Malin Head. The first half passed for most without any dramas but when we landed in Buncrana and Brian was missing, it appeared we had a problem. Well, Brian had a problem with a buckled wheel that could no longer support his frame. The support team had to make a quick u turn and head back to sort out the wheel before we could head on to Malin where we had a welcome party awaiting.

A long haul over the hill form Buncrana and a speedy descent into Carndonagh was very picturesque (apparently) as it flew past. Then, with 5km to go into Malin, the skies opened and everyone got a severe soaking. A pint in McGonagle's and sandwiches provided by the team chef was essential to prepare us for the last run up to Malin Head. While we waited, the weather changed again and we were afforded the opportunity for some beautiful pics on the final section.

Blue Sky at the end

At last a smile from Brian

A celebratory drink and a pat on the back for all involved. It's no mean feat to cycle the length of Ireland, but throw in the Aprés Spin antics and the challenge becomes a lot more daunting.
Thank you for following us on the journey and if you haven't checked out the donations page, please do.

http://www.justgiving.com/mizenhead2malinhead

Glad it's all over - well no!

Last Leg

About to embark on the last leg of the ride and it would be natural to expect the radlers to be on their last legs! However, fuelled by passion, enthusiasm, camaraderie, desire and copious amounts of fermented apples, it's not as daunting as it should be.

Malin Head awaits........

Have you seen my bike?

Day Six - Slaying the Grey Squirrel

Bernard Hinault knows nothing about cycling the lanes and back roads of Donegal but today we were happy to emulate (at least in our heads) some of the antics that would have been regarded as Hinaultesque in his heyday. Like cycling through a hedge and into a flood. Well, with only one day to complete the challenge, who cares?

Centrally located in the Diamond, todays's lunch venue

The rain had decided to stay east so we were able to cycle shower free all the way today and the last section from Donegal provided some interesting terrain. Big Al set the pace (as usual) and was happy with his Strava average. Two long downhill stretches either side of Ballybofey gave everybody a bit of a thrill, especially Alyson who tucked in behind Jonty's arse. There's drafting and draughting. Guess which you get with the big lad? But he's still alive which is a bonus.

Jonty checks out his Tralee B&B

Tonight we are invading the pubs of Letterkenny with our collection buckets. If you have yet to contribute, here is the link.

http://www.justgiving.com/mizenhead2malinhead

Iron Horseman Pass By

Cycling through Drumcliffe we detoured briefly to pay our respects to William Butler

And then Brian spotted this sign.

Eew Aw!

Day Five - Cycling on the N17

Today we left Galway in blistering sunshine with 87 miles of road ahead of us. Tuam was to be the first stop of the day but just south of the town, Blue Sky team leader took a tumble. The result means we are down one rider who has had to retire with a broken collar bone.

Torn shirt and bloody knees

The weather held up into Dunmore for market day and lunch in Ballyhaunis. On down to  Charlestown where Brian cajoled the village idiot and almost ended up with a key in his eye for his trouble. Jumping onto his bike, the gentleman continued to challenge Brian's legitimacy and Brian responded by asking him to repeat himself as he was hard of hearing. This only exacerbated the situation so we cycled the next section looking over our shoulders for the madman with the sharpened keys.

Cycling on sunshine

We have been joined by Adrian, the bodhran player from Drumsurn, who has promised to show us the best spots in Sligo for bodhran players. Big Rab won't be playing but he will be anaesthetising!

Tomorrow we are returning to Ulster!

Day Four - Galway Races

A late start since today was a relatively short recovery run up to Galway. A few roundabouts to negotiate, before the group split into a couple of racing teams. The Blue Sky team ably led by Big Rab were first to roll into Gort for a refreshment break at Sullivans Hotel.

Sullivan's Hotel - the home of good Catholics

Only ten miles to do before lunch which was taken at Moran's at The Weir. A good choice. Fortified for the spin into Galway, all arrived in good spirits which prevailed into the evening as we tackled the pubs and bars of the seaside town.

Moran's for Guinness and oysters

Tomorrow we are off to Sligo for pre Fleadh Craic which might mean some more Guinness and oysters. Hurrah!

Day Three - And the Rain Came Down

The day started with the incompetent staff at the Lake Hotel refusing to reduce the cost of Alyson's room for single occupancy which was a bit tight and then before we were a mile down the road, wee Rab got a puncture. The support vehicle was doing hand brake turns on the lawn of The Lake Hotel so he had to repair it himself before getting on the road to Listowel. The weather was still holding up and the Horseshoe provided ample sustenance to see us on our way to Tarbert for the ferry cross the Shannon.

Brian opts for stacks of beer!

The Broad Majestic Shannon before Alyson got seasick

Unfortunately, when we landed on the north side of the Shannon, with 30 miles left, the weather turned. Driving rain and a busy road made the ride treacherous. A pit stop was required so Fanny helped out with a quick sugar boost and there was a real turf fire which was a pleasant respite. We need to remember that this is Ireland so we shouldn't be surprised by the changeable weather.

Glad today is done and thankfully tomorrow is a simpler recovery spin to Galway for some real partying!

And I ask you friend, what does a fella do? Cause her hair was black and her eyes were blue. So I took her hand and I gave her a twirl. I lost my heart to a Galway girl.

Looking for her still - it's a metaphor of course!