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!

Day Two - Decent Descents and Positive Ascents

Another fine start to today's ride saw the radlers spin down to Glengarriff for a coffee stop before the first ascent of the day.

Homage to Pete McCarthy - never pass a bar with your name on it!

Up and over the long climb to Kenmare gave us a speedy descent down to Tom Crean's restaurant for lunch provided courtesy of Aileen (the grand daughter of the legend Tom Crean). That's two pubs in Ireland with Tom Crean association that have provided sustenance to the riders in two cross country rides. Thanks again Aileen and Morgan for a fantastic lunch and we will be back to see you soon.

Aileen and the team at Tom Crean's, Kenmare

Leaving Kenmare, we cycled via Moll's Gap and the Avoca shop where Alyson maxed out Will's Amex. This gave us a long downhill run of about 25km where Stuart got cramp in his fingers from squeezing his brake levers, which makes a change from his usual cramps. To be fair, it was a hairy descent with a few switchbacks where it would have been easy to head on a bus load of American tourists if we hadn't been careful.

Top of Moll's Gap - she was a quare girl

Tomorrow is a long haul to Ennis via the Tarbert ferry so  tonight will be a quiet one - aye right!

Day One - Waiting for an Alibi

An early start from a dull, damp Belfast saw us arrive at our Bantry HQ earlier than expected which meant we were able to visit the lighthouse at Mizen Head and commence the ride!

The Tiny Life tag wrestling team get ready to rumble

Blue skies, temperate climate and High 5 amphetamines aided a pleasant start, cruising into Goleen for our first fuel stop of the day. Alyson got to the bar but ordered two drinks too many as Davy and Brian couldn't find their way out of Barley Cove. Worried about the light conditions, the gang pushed on while Stef waited waited at the Fastnet Bar and the boys pints got warm.

The Three Amigos enjoy the weather

Rolling into Bantry in ample time to join the Bank Holiday revelry in Wolfe Tone Square where a cover band played Thin Lizzy and we waited for Davy's alibi for cycling round BarleyCove 3 times before following the team.

All this meant that tomorrow's cycle would be much shorter than originally planned so we decided to stay in the pub until closing time - carbo loading you see.

More spares and extras

Thank you to Seamie Downey for providing spares and extras at the 11th hour as we set off on the road to Mizen Head.

I'm glad to report that all riders have registered and even the Tyrone Terror turned up to deliver a special good luck message to the exotic tourists.

Strange bloke in the background

Bedtime. Tomorrow will be a long day.

Spares and Extras

Quite obviously we will get the odd puncture and might need to adjust gears, saddles and hoods, so I made a trip to the bike shop today to stock up. For;

Stuart - 2 tubs of Vaseline (1 for him and 1 to share)
Jonty - 1 Oxygen tent, 1 defribulator and a Priest (ouch!!)
Brian - 4 tubes, 2 tyres, 3 in 1, 7 happy meals and 1 credit card application form
Big Al - A pair of crutches, a sling and 2 elasticated bandages
Jimi - 1 Nose Clip
Stef - Ear defenders (she's sharing with Jimi)
Alyson - 1 Inflatable personal trainer, 2 tubes of fake bake tanning lotion and 2 rice crackers per day
Big Davy - week's supply of haggis, neaps and tatties
Big Rab - 1 English/Scottish phrasebook
Wee Rab - Copy of Westlife's Greatest Hits for him to mime to
Pauline - A diary, to plan ahead
Me - Flight ticket (one way) to Brazil

Stuart extols the virtues of Vaseline to anyone who's interested

The exotic contingent arrive tomorrow with a whole herd of haggis on tow. It's open season on haggis hunting in County Down so keep your head down. 

Maillot Jaune favourite injury shock

Gravely concerned about the condition of his gear cable, Big Al, our tour professional, made a visit to the Seamie Downey Bike Clinic in order to remedy the problem. Little did he know, that within a matter of hours he would be facing an even graver concern, putting his whole participation in the event into question. Al, however, the eternal optimist, was not keen to undermine his position " en tete du peloton", by admitting his concern but the evidence was clear when he was spotted hobbling from his four-wheeled vehicle today.

Al tries to hide the pain

Fear not, Big Al, it's not a race and besides Big Davy has just completed his 2 day crash course in Sports massage. Together, we will get you there!

Remember the reason for the challenge and if Al is prepared to suffer (well he is sharing with me), then so should you!!

http://www.justgiving.com/mizenhead2malinhead

Pimping Jonty's Ride

We are in debt to the vehicle maintenance team at Laurelhill for the time and effort in customising the team support vehicle for the upcoming challenge. It would not be possible to take on the roads of Ireland without the "Broom Wagon" to transport us to the start and to lessen the hardship on the road by serving as our luggage courier and spares back up. This is not as simple as it might sound and consequently it has been necessary to customise and adapt the vehicle  to accommodate the portmanteau that Jonty insists on carrying around the country.

Making room for Jonty's hair straighteners

With Jonty's kit on board, someone will have to assume the Mr Softee pose atop the vehicle. The big lad loves getting the wind in his hair!

The photo includes a timely reminder as to why we are going to be on the road next week so in case you have forgotten, here's the link to the donations page.

http://www.justgiving.com/mizenhead2malinhead

We are Cutting Edge

Called in for a pre cycle trim and the Vidal Sassoon of Belfast, better known as Frankie "Scissorhands" Campbell, presents us with a healthy wedge of paper money to top up our collection purse. £100 and no less, so it's a huge thank you to Frankie who has been very supportive of our charity fundraising in the past. So if your hair looks grim and you need a trim, get down to The Cutting Edge, of Ormeau Road, Belfast.

A firm handshake from Vidal

Upon my return, I have had confirmation from Aileen, the proprietor of Tom Crean's Restaurant in Kenmare that she will provide lunch for us on day two of the challenge en route to Killarney. Thank you Aileen and we look forward to visiting the Tom Crean next Monday.

Some of you might be familiar with the career of Michael Fish, top weatherman of the 80's. Someone purporting to be his representative (Brian Bream) has called to say that high pressure will precede a warm front in south west Ireland next week which will lead to balmy cycling days and hot restless nights. Jimi can't wait! I would like a second opinion. Where's John Kettley?

Countdown Begins

With less than a week to go, the team are easing down on the training and commencing the carbohydrate loading, aren't they? Well maybe some while some others have decided to eat less crisps and pizza - Brian's latest get fit quick regime. The last one involved changing from cheese and onion to ready salted but the downside was the parallel requirement to drink more Magners to quench the thirst brought on by the new flavour. Outcome meant more time in the steam room and less time in the loo and a new set of Salter's electronic "I lie about your weight" scales, so everyone was happy. 

This time there will be no hiding place, especially when you have an arse the size of a JCB. But, hey this is not a race. We are here to help each other complete the challenge. Mizen to Malin or bust!

Check out the video and get ready to ride.

This is where you will find regular updates on the progress of the intrepid band of "Radlers" as they make their way from Mizen Head to Malin Head via a succession of beautiful towns and villages across the length of Ireland.

This year we are cycling in aid of Tiny Life and you will find the Justgiving donations page at http://www.justgiving.com/mizenhead2malinhead

Check back as H Hour approaches - Sunday 3rd August.

LLL