Ireland 2024 Day 09 Dundalk to Belfast

Team at the start of Day 9 Dundalk to Belfast

All up bright and early, ready for the final days ride, just a little amble up to Belfast.

Bikes all looking a bit tattered and torn, a bit of TLC would not go amiss, but sure they will be able to survive this final stage.

Soon crossing the non-existent border back in the UK, you can tell by the state of the roads though, back to the pot holes and rough roads. Little skip through the border town Newry, then picked up the Newry-Portadown canal tow path. Excellent riding on the traffic free cycling trail, 20 odd miles or so. Met Eric in Portadown, replenished drinks and chocolate bars, before riding off into the green, green pastures of the stunning Northern Irish countryside, heading for the, quality City of Lisburn, group split up for this last section, everyone getting a little bit excited as we come to the closing stage of another amazing ride. I was on my own in no-man’s land between the front and rear groups, then with complete surprise found the guys in the square having a sneaky drink before the last 8 miles into Belfast. They thought I had carried on straight to Belfast, but the ever thoughtful, self appointed Captain, would never contemplate that sort of behaviour.

After some keenly awaited refreshments, we all took of all the jackets and rode into Belfast in the striking Green and Red attire, looking like the professional outfit we are, that all went a bit pear shaped as we some of us choose to ford the little stream rather than take the hump backed bridge, needless to say some riders got a little bit wet, all good fun.

Started the final stage to meet the wife’s and partners eagerly awaiting us outside the Hotel in Belfast Titanic quarter. As per custom the boys let the oldest guy take the front as the peleton rounded the corner to the cheering waving partners.

Once again it’s been a pleasure and a privilege to ride with theses dedicated athletes, who are a credit to the village.

Thanks for all the support and generous donations to not only Henry’s big build fund raising, but also to the team itsself. One last thank you to our dedicated driver Eric, cheers mate, really appreciate it – well done.

Photos from the R&R day in Belfast

A big thank you to all those that have donated so far

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Ireland 2024 Day 08 Carlow to Dundalk

Team at the start of Day 8 Carlow to Dundalk

Well, guess what, another late night with the same retrobates, listening to the Irish singer in the bar – no tippy toe dancing though – calfs will not take it.

The penultimate stage today, gentle 100 mile stage, not much climbing, ideal to sort out a thick head. Same as always, little bit quiet for the first couple of hours, well for that matter, all morning. Even the first stop, struggled to take in any solids, once again burning the candle at both ends, decided I can still wear the jeans, but can’t stay up late! So apologise profusely as I can’t recall a Scooby do about the morning section. So had to concentrate for the next section.

The young super stars Linney, Rylan accompanied by the ageing super star / model Cathal sped off, while the old gits were still milling about. Just as we finally got going, message came back that they had a mechanical issue. Eric got into emergency mode gunned the engine of the van to rescue the stricken Rylan whose crank had come loose, by the time we got there, everything was all in hand, soon back on the road, thanks to Eric’s quick response, his motor never more than 15 minutes away.

On we sped, missing out Dublin, riding through horse racing country. Went passed The Curragh and Punchestown, both iconic Irish courses. Pushing the pace now trying to close the gap between us and the young guns, was not going to happen. Steve Richards pushing out the big watts, something had to give, it surely did his chain, no need for Eric this time, Bingo finally got his tool kit out from his backpack, chain fixed in no time, bit of a mismatch with 11 speed link on 12 speed chain, bit technical, but it worked. On we ploughed on to Navan, lunch in Ryan’s Bar, lovely land-lady made us so welcome, great Irish hospitality, few Guinness just to settle our stomach. Then off we go again whizzing through the Irish lanes, heading towards Ardee, meeting up with Carmen and her husband Joe, Carmen is from the the Village, Michelle Bailey’s daughter.

Back in the saddle, for the final flurry to Dundalk, great roads and slight descent all the way. Good days riding.

Community Play in Aylesham

All are welcome to enjoy this collaboration of music, video and speech

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Ireland 2024 Day 07 Clonmel to Carlow

Team at the start of Day 7 Clonmel to Carlow

We have to get things into perspective, Polly from Clonmel was so interested in the tour, she donated 10 euros into the pot, a very nice lady and knowledgeable about Duchenne disorder, not bad at snogging a swell, so I am reliable informed. Another good night with this Snowdown dream team, waxing lyrical about the day’s tough ride and Carl’s great anecdotes throughout the day, absolutely brilliant. Then the team drifted off to get their well earned beauty sleep, they do deserve it. Big Dave and I stayed up a bit later to talk tactics about the next day’s ride, or to put it bluntly spoke a load of rubbish with a couple of good lads from Dublin. We finally took the stair way to heaven (another song in that) way past midnight.

Lovely breakfast all the team bright and fit and ready for the days ride, plus Dave and I putting on a brave face.

Off we go, brilliant start following the path along the river Suir, for the first 20 odd miles, whizzing past the fly fishing men, absolutely stunning, just eating up miles. Came off the river path, joined a little lane, the Snowdown train pushing the limit and a little bit more. Finally a little bit of respite as we join the old Waterford to Cork railway line, re-opened as a tourist attraction, nice ride, few tourists about so Dave and I had little rest.

Hit Waterhord then headed inland on some great lanes, loving the life of a full time cyclist, without a care in the world. Arranged a stop in Fermoy, a quiet little town, nearly had a disaster, the first pub was not open, but the lovely landlady directed me to one that was open, lovely people. We had a little bit of refreshment at the The Terpoint Inn, also caught up on bit of sleep, my mum said I have been burning the candle at both ends, personally I am knackered trying to keep up with Rylan, Cathal and Linford, not happening.

Final 27 mile little push to Carlow, great fast road, did it all in no time, but I need to own up, I just, sat on Bingo’s and Dave’s wheel all the way, well I am on my holidays.

All in all nice steady, easy ride for this well tuned outfit, but in the digs at 15:30, happy days but not much sightseeing going on.

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Ireland 2024 Day 06 Kenmare to Clonmel

Team at the start of day 6 Kenmare to Clonmel via Cork

Profile of Day 6 Kenmare to Clonmel via Cork

All good after a big night and a long road home last night, sure we had three pints for the road last night but it was a long winding road (another song in that). What a great Irish singer last night – Eric was so pleased, I did have a go a at the Irish dancing , same again 100% effort no skill but managed to get the locals ripping it up.

Mate not a bad head in the morning, this Henry’s team is rocking and living the dream, ripping the Atlantic coast ride apart, well the young guns are, getting all their Strava points us older ones are more intrested in finding an open pub, sure the landlords are tunneling in the UK, more about that later.

We soon sorted it out as we ploughed on through the hills of Derry, passed the highest pub in Ireland Top of Coom, fair play i said to Mark Moses (the most considerable rider ever) glad that it was not open, one of the sly smiles and a thumbs up, one of the long ride home guys from last night – solid rider. Onto County Cork, should have worn my Clare hat as we manoevered through the tricky streets of Cork, was a bit hectic, their red flags floating in mellow defeat, win or lose on the booze.

Climbed out out of Cork, just rolling, the shout went out, stopping for refreshments at 80 miles my minds on an ice cold Guinness, as we powered are way up to Big Daves homelands, Clonmel, Tipperary, nothing fussed Dave he just rides hard strong and fast. I was on his wheel, riding through the little lanes, putting on the pace, then the shout went up, that the young guns have landed, we are mile’s behind, but smiling and looking forward to some light refreshments as we cruise though the Tipperary countryside, then I realised this ride was sponsored by the temperance society, we rode 100 odd miles without a beer, I give Dave a serious look 8 miles out, he know the score as we steamed through to our luxurious hotel, everyone was there, laughing longest ride without beer but did it with gritted teeth.

Night out with boys Shane and Kyle, once again doing the backroom stuff at the bar!

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Ireland 2024 Day 05 Tralee to Kenmare

Great evening in Tralee lovely meal but maybe a bit rich for this gaggle of finely tuned athletes, either that or the guys have been mixing the drinks. Eric was a bit disappointed that he did not get to see a genuine Irish band, just a lad playing Dolly Parton covers, it was a blessing for me as the Irish tiptoes dancing plays havoc with my calf muscles.

Bit of a mismatch for breakfast some in the local cafe, others porridge and chocolate bars – all good preparation for a tough day in the saddle.

Set off around 08:15 ,late but no blame on Carl, we run a no blame culture on this tour, but rest assured Carl is to blame for most of the events, but what an asset to the team, would not change a thing. Nice gentle start to the day out to the Dingle peninsula, with a pretty significant climb up the Conor Pass long steady 3 miles climb, all steady away climbing away at an even pace, nice climb bit like the big ones in Pyrenees, Linney had the drone out filming the old gits coming over the top. We had a minute at the top taking in the fantastic scenery – superb.

Little descent into the quirky town of Dingle, had a quick refreshment stop in Foxy Jon’s Hardware and Bicycle pub. Excellent place full of character. Little incident as we left our esteemed young gun took a low speed tumble and cracked his frame, in a normal tour this would be a disaster, not with this sunshine crew, little split and gaffer tape all sorted all done by the experience riders, the two young ones Linney and Rylan took the time to hire a donkey and go to see if they can catch Carl – obviously they did.

Back on the road all sorted, speeding ahead without a care in the world, in retrospect we should have concentrated on cycling the route, first thing Glen the lad from Blean, accused me of going off course, so we thought we would stay together nothing can go wrong, it surely did. I think Glen wanted to look at some properties at the top of the mountain, but after a bit of a giggle we managed to get back on the course then fair play he smashed the next 20 or so miles, but message to self book Glen and I on an orienteering course when we get back. Or for that matter all of us, after we reconvened at The Griffin in Castlemain, we realised we all got a bit misplaced, except Bingo and Dave who sailed through.

Looked like it maybe a long day, but we soon got the Snowdown train steaming down the highways and byways of County Kerry, no stopping this express train now. Few little climbs and stunning decents. Straight through Killarney, seemed like a lovely town, but this train not stopping full steam ahead, rumour is Bingo and Dave are closing down on a bar in Kenmare. Not to be out done we push the pace a little more desperate to get there, one last twisting climb then a 4 mile descent into heaven or so I thought. All went pear shaped as I missed the turn, but only a mile away, this time is was just the excitement honest.

Great digs: Mary made us so welcome, offered to wash all our kit, and recommended a cracking pub with live Irish music, lovely Irish hospitality again.

One tough day but loved every minute in a perverse way – great riding with a super team.

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Ireland 2024 Day 04 Ennis to Tralee

Well done County Clare, first all Ireland championship in 30 year’s they partied all night long. Managed to get the team back in bed before 1 in the morning, and gave them an hour lay in what a captain.

So we rolled out of the party town Ennis, everyone had a massive hangover, even the poor lad servicing the breakfast he felt so bad, but least he turned up. On we go on this amazing tour supporting Henry’s inspirational family let’s support them as much as we can respect 100% .

It threatened to rain a little but nothing to serious as we hit the winding cycle tracks and byways, pretty evident that the Romans never came to the emerald Isle, the scenery is stunning, but maybe the hulking hurling players and their just as strong partners scared them off.

All of us enjoyed the rolling hills and gentle descents, plus the obligatory off road section, that always seems to be there. Maybe Bingo and I should examine the routes more carefully – no way we are tough athletes from Sunshine Corner.

All the riders reconvened just before the ferry across the Shannon – sure there’s a song in that! Great spread put on by are dedicated driver and chef Eric doing a great job, not easy looking after 11 thoroughbred athletes. Then a gentle ride down to the ferry terminal in Killamar, all smooth rode onto the ferry met the girl we met in the mad bar last night, fair play she turned up at work she was snogging outside the pub last time I seen her, not with me I might add.

Then on to the ferry, bikes all stored, then up to the poop deck to watch the dancing dolphins, they looked so good, but so did the young guns dancing last night. With a bit of space on the car deck a young family started an impromptu game of hurling, the dad Barry let Rylan and I have a go, obviously Rylan is a natural, bloke wants to sign him up, as for me as a famous old Aylesham manager once said to me, you’ll never make a hurling player all the time you have a hole in your arse (he was talking about football in them days, but every sport the same 100% effort little class, but it’s taking part that counts thanks Mum).

Raced off the ferry all fit and ready for the little soirée to Tralee, looking for a little soft drinks outlet or maybe a pub but low and behold they was all closed, maybe my Mum had phoned through, thinking we are drinking to much, probably correct.

Finally in the last few miles all going brilliant, then another little off road section, our iconic super rider actually fell off blamed his chain coming off, then his protege hit a hedge all will be revealed later, but the old git without a scooby do sailed on without a care in the world, it’s called skill.

Great day riding with one strong team, all going to meet up for big meal later. All will be revealed in the next episode

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Ireland 2024 Day 03 Curry to Ennis

A lovely nights sleep in luxurious rooms but think that maybe the budget is done now. Let’s worry about that tomorrow. No breakfast in the hotel though, as the restaurant didn’t open until 8am, the captain said no, so it was porridge and Mars bars for breakfast – not a problem.

Left the hotel just after 8am, as we could not get the bikes out of compound – operator error on the captains front!

Started the ride in dark heavy clouds with rain threatening at any moment – and it duly came. Got off the main road an spent the whole morning on bike trails, really good surface, but the middle part could do with a cut. The scenery would have been beautiful if we could see little as the rain and mist came down. Met Eric in a lay-by to replenish our chocolate bar supply and drinks then off again. With the rain getting steadily worse, nothing you can do about the weather just pedal through it with grit and determination. Also we are getting through it with Carl’s wicked sense of humour. We carried on until the little town of Athenry, then stopped under a bridge for some more snap, I was freezing – glad when Eric arrivedand able to put more clothes on – we all did. Very quick stop the onto the seaside town of Kinvarra and a lovely pub stop in the Pier Head bar, few Guinness for the hard core, then noticed a few ciders and worse still the young guns on Irish coffee, what ever is happening.

All settled in watching the All-Ireland hurling final, County Cork v County Clare, we are in County Clare so you can imagine the local support, it was manic. We still had about 26 miles to go so some of us left with 4 mins to go, County Clare just winning.

Nice ride back through the twisty country lanes, with then persistent rain and mist restricting the stunning view. Even had a red deer trotting up the lane, no time for a picture, but Glen the lad from Canterbury sketched it for us during one of his many comfort breaks.

Finally entered the Town of Ennis, the young guns steam-rolled past us to try and claim the stage win, however the ever diligent commisionaire had altered the finish point, as the whole town was out celebrating the histrionic win for County Clare. Honest the town was buzzing, that’s me finished for the night need to get on celebrating two great wins; Steve Richards stage win and the yellow and blue County Clare army.

The Counties of Ireland the team are cycling through

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Ireland 2024 Day 02 Derry to Curry

A great nights sleep in a proper bed makes you feel so much better. Top class place. Made us feel so welcome, arranged for us to watch the under 20s rugby and got the breakfast crew to come in early so we could have breakfast at 7 rather than scheduled 8 – top people.

However the owner was a bit grumpy in the morning and said I was in his space! But fair play they they did put on a great spread, never seen Bingo leave stuff on his plate before, Eric manged to get a big bowl of pasta, spicy tomato sauce and cheese from the chef, excellent lunch sorted.

Left the digs just after 8 in the pouring rain, not too cold though, small blessings. All kept together for the 1st section, keeping tight on the slippery roads, then started to spread out a bit as the confidence increased, but the rain never let up, in fact it got a bit worse, stopped for a coffee in Ballyborfr, I know it’s unheard off but our bodies are temples, need to treat them like thoroughbred racehorses – sometimes.

Pushed on again with the rain persistent but all in good spirits and riding well. Then it all happened one of the team dropped an empty gell packet, I was devastated stopped duly picked up the offending packet tucked it up my shorts, then gave him the biggest telling off in living memory, then gave him the punishment of dragging me around for the rest of the day, more about that later and the name of the offending rider will never be revealed, unless I am bribed.

We rolled on to Barryshannon or something like that, met Linnies mate Ryan and his lovely partner in Finn Macools pub, great guy and good company, liquid lunch so much for the body of a Greek God, like I said will power of a chocolate fish. Carried on with the weather finally starting to brighten up, could actually start to see the wonderful scenery on brilliant roads and total respect from the drivers so good to see. Pushed on with the help of the troubled litter lout pulling me into the top group, he will definitely not do it again. Then Mark Moses put up the call I am Hank Marvin, lucky only a few miles from Grange and the Morons Inn (aptly named), once again great crowd in there donated 55 euros from the locals, Kevin 5 euros and Patrick 50 euros fair play to them, then Eric put on a glorious picnic spread great stop and moves Eric up the tour drivers list.

Final push to the finish in Tobercurry. It was apretty brutal last stretch slightly uphill against a headwind but ok. Steve Richards riding like a super hero pulling us through.

Bingo gets an added attachment to his bike a Donegal gaelic football flag, Linney attached it – not successful though nearly went between his spokes!

Final 1.5 miles from the finish, this guy from Canterbury makes his move sprints to the front, obviously done nothing all day! The lads play with him an reel him in with consumate ease. Steve Richards is distraught his mate Marc Tonks out-sprints him after he had pulled him through the last 20 miles, he even burnt his bottom lip on his front tyre as he rolled in – great ride Steve.

All in all a tough, difficult ride but fair play to the powerful young guns, great riding.

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Ireland 2024 Day 01 Belfast to Derry

Team at the start of the Tour of Ireland 2024 in Belfast

Well what a result they closed the bar at 23:30 (gone to the 24hour clock now as I got in a pickle booking the tickets for the ferry), we all moaned a bit but least we got a few hours kip, as I have the will power of a chocolate fish, would have been there all night.

We all reconvened in the breakfast place around 6 after a great nights sleep – well for some of us – others not quite so good. Hadthe full Irish breakfast to set us up for the day allegedly.

All ready for the big off – Carl unbelievably was ready before 08:00 – never heard of in living memory. Great start out of the port then up a few little spikey hills, then a pretty steep one as we got out of the city, then broke through misty fog and the unbelievable scenery through the rolling hills, looking like a proper cycling team all in the same kit. Naturally it only because we have not had a beer yet. Carried on loving the roads, people & atmosphere, so good to be back on the road again. Great riding, lovely scenery just eatings up the miles, through Antrim & the the northern part of Loch Neagh.

Carried on with the experience & knowledge we are smashing the first day.

The young lads now starting to push the pace, old hands keeping up as best we can, then pulled up around 10 miles from Derry. We pulled over for a Guinness at a Ballykelly pub call Calla Blanca nowhere near the beach or Benidorm, but good good Guinness.

Last final 10miles or so to Derry, a busy road but all cool, as we rode into the city we could see signs of the past troubles in this stunning city. Would love to explore the place more, but Guinness calls, got to keep the MPG up (miles per Guinness).

Rolled into the Serendipity House, great reception and brilliant hosts kept us refreshed, all in all a great start to the tour, one little fall but all will be revealed when we have the all data from the complete tour. Over and out.

A big thank you to all those that have donated so far: unbelievable that we’ve reached the half-way mark already. Well done everyone!

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Ireland – to Liverpool

The Tour of Ireland Kicks Off

The team with Henry and family are ready to go

We had our last training ride, before it all starts again. A lovely little ride through the rolling Kent countryside, with Bingo and Jonny, and it was great to see him back on the bike after his little escapade. As we know the lanes and byways like the back if our hand, it’s still refreshing to get lost, or slightly misplaced around the Crundale area. Naturally it was still in Kent so we weren’t completely lost.

We were meeting the rest of the team at the Welfare Club for some well earned refreshments and a good send off from young Henry and his amazing parents . So had to get a bit of a move on, going that fast we missed the Tiger Inn at Stowting, Bingo’s excuse its too blo**** expensive anyway, so crusied into the Rose and Crown at Elham. Then just a blast to the Welfare Club, to meet up with the rest of the intrepid team.

The team leave today (Thursday the 18th July) to drive to Liverpool and catch an overnight ferry to Belfast for the start of their Tour of Ireland. Let’s wish them the best of luck and hope that they enjoy good weather and happy days on the bikes.

9 stages of the Tour of Ireland: anticlockwise from Belfast

Day	Shirt	Year
Day 1	Ireland	2024
Day 2	Barcelona	2022
Day 3	Croatia	2015
Day 4	Cornwall	2021
Day 5	Budapest	2018
Day 6	Barcelona	2013
Day 7	Freestyle
Day 8	Krakow	2019
Day 9	Ireland	2024

Shirt rota for the Tour of Ireland

Well here we go, the start of another epic tour, cycle up to my Mums, trying to get some divine inspiration, but ended up with a big bun, complements of Joanne, Happy Birthday sis.

Met the team at Bingo’s to load both vans before we set off for Liverpool, on the way there, took a call from Stena line, they had a query with my ferry booking! I had booked 4 lads on the 22:30 sailing which was correct, the other 3 lads on the 10:30 sailing apps, operator error. However with a bit of sweet talking and mentioning we was doing a charity bike event about 100 times, the lovely lady amended the booking, just needed to go to the desk before we check in. Once again it’s all in the planning nothing can go wrong.

Decent journey up to Liverpool well done to Glen, Eric & Bingo for driving this lovely crew up there. Arrived at the port in good time, met the lovely lady who sorted the booking out, credit to her great service, with all the tickets sorted, owned up to the lads, normal service resumed. Little wait to get on the ferry, then hey ho here we go straight to the bar, had few beers then a meal, as previously said normal service resumed – too many beers missed the restaurant so more beers and a bag of crisps for tea, proper athletes, then a sleep on the couch, ready for the first day riding. A good day.