nbjtours

Three years after our last adventure through France and fully two years after this route was originally completed and booked we finally were back on the road.

Once again Chris, Nick & Neil on their bikes supported by Nigel and Monica in the revamped camper which draws complimentary glances wherever it goes in its distinctive FIAT 500 green

It is fair to say that everyone was a little apprehensive of the trip with the cyclists perhaps not as fit as before because of COVID or in Nick’s case not having sat on a bike for a Month because of work and Nigel keen to know that his masterpiece was ma enough for the job.

The camper left Hadlow on Thursday morning in the heat wave that was hitting the SouthEast and we had a pretty trouble free drive to Cairnryan to pick up the ferry to Belfast and although we were booked on the early Friday crossing we were persuaded at the port to board the 23.30 boat which got into Belfast at 02.30 am.

As we arrived the rain began but we were able to park up and get some sleep before collecting Chris and Nick from the airport as they flew up first thing. The plan was coming together

It was always our intention to start at the Titanic Dock and with the rain hammering down a full visit was in order. It was an interesting and at times emotional tour knowing the enormous loss of life that took place.

The visit allowed the rain to move on and our shorter day of cycling of only 28 miles could start in the dry.

We left Belfast on good cycle tracks avoiding the busy streets and were out alongside the attractive Belfast Lough. Nick disappointed that there were no Vultures although we did spot some Alpacas later which calmed his Peruvian roots!

Turning off the shore path we then climbed for around 4 miles initially on an attractive cycle path before quiet roads and some bumpy farm tracks over the hill which gave permanent views of Belfast and the iconic Harland & Wolff ( H & W) cranes

All was green and certainly the Emerald Isle has begun how we envisaged – a little damp , hilly but attractive. Passing through one town the flags of the Ulster Volunteer Force were prominently in evidence so we were keen to move on trusting that our very non correct Spanish and Portuguese jerseys caused no offence to anyone.

Here Chris is seen coming through an unconventional and unexpected detour. Honestly the no entry was not at the other end but the bit of off roading always makes these trips more fun! Coming down off the hills towards Larne we went through this attractive village of Gleno. The gradient making us happy we were going down rather than up

A final view of Larne Lough before we headed into town to meet the camper with as ever Nigel and Monica set up, beers ready and supper including the magical beetroot and apple salad meant that we had not forgotten how to get these tours underway.

The camper did not miss a beat and the shorter mileage enabled the rain to be avoided and got the cyclists into the groove making our first day a success.

Whilst not outstanding it looks as though we may get a couple more dry days to enjoy certainly the Northern Irish part of the trip. The Causeway Coast and meeting up with an old cycling pal are set to be the highlights of the trip tomorrow as we look to start ramping up the miles.