nbjtours

Salthills, Galway City

90 miles

3937 ft

Today’s ride was centred about the sky and the highlights were all around Clifden which was just over 20 miles from our start point.

These included the Sky Drive, a road around a narrow peninsula near the town, and the Alcock & Brown memorial together with the history of the Marconi telegraph station which was just adjacent to their crash site. This involved a lengthy visit which put us behind schedule for the day but it doesn’t really matter as long as we finish during the daylight.

It would also be remiss not to mention that bird that Nick detests so much. We heard it ceaselessly in Spain, Portugal and France on our last two trips so it would have been so upsetting not to have heard the bird of nbjtours on this expedition, even if it causes Nick so much pain.

At some stage last night the scouts went quiet and we all got some sleep. Although the weather forecast said no rain and a nice day today once again the drizzle came in. When I said to the local scout leader that the morning had started softly her response was that it was just morning as it is mostly like this.

For the third day in a row therefore we set off damply as the mizzle descended. The weather stayed on an off like this with an occasional flash of sunlight for the first two legs. The only dry leg being the last one.

The first stage had plenty of short up and down and whilst we got wet we had decided to wait until we got the Sky Road entrance before we added its extra 10k loop. Luckily, as we looked at the peninsula a shaft of sunlight hit the far end so we decided it was worth a punt.

The Sky drive was a pretty diversion off the main Connemara loop road ( more of which later) before we dropped into Clifden itself.

After Clifden we managed a coffee stop just at the entry to the Alcock & Brown information point at Derrigimlagh ( Derry-gim-la) where Nigel and Monica had got to , having already successfully been shopping for pastries.

Although threatening rain again, as we were on top of the moor we thought we’d cycle to have a look at the monument. Although designed for walkers we managed ok and probably saved 45 minutes by doing so.

Information boards gave the history of Alcock & Brown’s first flight across the Atlantic in 1919 fully 8 years before the next successful attempt by the more celebrated Charles Lindbergh.

These boards were set around a three mile walk around the Marconi listening station which ran from 1907 to 1922. This was simply an amazing achievement as they built a power station to power the equipment as well as living accommodation all on site in the peat bog. The locals in town in Clifden were not connected to electricity until 1950! These two incredible achievements show what man can do to overcome challenges positively.

Interestingly the site is of a similar age to the Titanic so was a nice link. It was where the Marconi trained wireless operator from the Titanic came from and learned his trade.

As we spent well over an hour exploring this interesting and well presented site (although only foundations remained of the houses, industrial sites, railways and paths) we advised Nigel that we would be a bit late to lunch. It was after 3 pm we finally made it!

The route then followed round the coast of southern Connemara which whilst less hilly and dramatic than the northern section still remained dotted with islets making the scenery interesting including this pretty harbour at Roundstone.

To reduce the miles and avoid the main road I then managed another nbjtours special track. This time aided by gates at both ends. Just increasing the test of man and machinery.

After this interlude we then had the most dramatic section of the ride as we cut off the peninsula by going straight across a large peat bog valley for seven to eight miles. The scale of the site, where turf cutting was still very much in operation across the the whole valley, was difficult to imagine and is not truly reflected in the photo below.

Just after rejoining the main road at a very late 3 pm we found the camper in this attractive spot and the sun had even come out for us to enjoy our belated picnic.

With still 30 miles to go mostly on the main road we agreed a quick tea stop before the end. Rejoining the main road another cyclist joined our Nick led peloton for 2/3 miles without a word but was happy to be helped along. Luckily we turned off along a smaller road for a few miles to escape the traffic. It was here when we almost bumped into these horses loose at the roadside that we heard the first Cuckoo of the trip. As ever Nick denied its existence but there was no escaping its plaintive notes.

Rolling back onto the main road we had 20 miles to go and this was probably the busiest and most unpleasant road we have had to cycle all trip. As ever Nick led the peloton to our tea stop with 12 1/2 miles to go

By then I’d had enough of the road and wanted off, so slipstreaming a bus to help overtake a wobbly local cyclist and with a following wind drove the peloton harder the last ten miles to get the campsite near Galway, keeping up with a very slow VW Golf for the last four miles and holding our position in the traffic jam behind it. We all felt a bit better for that.

Having seen so many sheep, a request had been made for a lamb stew which was a fab success thanks to the combined efforts of Nigel & Monica. The rain held off and we still managed to eat outside.

Another good day with plenty seen and some good mileage under our belts. As I write this the rain has begun and sadly the weather forecast for the next two days looks dreadful so it may be that our bottoms have a rest which will be a shame as there is some great cycling to be done. Having seen the cyclotourists carrying all their gear I cannot quite understand why Ireland is a good destination to do this.

Other than protecting our delicate backsides the rain tomorrow will allow Nigel to get one of his new rear tyres checked out as it appears that it has a slow puncture caused by a stone trapped in the tread. Amazingly we have had no such issues with any of the bikes despite the rough and off road cycling

Let’s hope the forecast is not as bad as it looks. Our positive being that we have managed to do the first seven days successfully, even if it has rained a little every day.

Day six

Connemara

95 miles

3756 ft climbed

Today was another great day. The highlight without exception has been the amazing scenery that we have enjoyed since entering Connemara on the third leg of the day, no doubt aided by the appearance of the sun but stunning none the less.

When you get three chaps together it doesn’t matter what age they are the normal thing to do after a while is to regress back to boyhood. Today we had plenty of opportunity to muck about during the first two legs and these are a couple of the photos we were able to publish.

Once again the day started soft with light drizzle in the air as we left the campsite. It was not quite as heavy as yesterday but still made the first hour and a half damper than we would have liked.

The route initially took us on a mix of small roads linking through to mostly cycle paths on regional roads which allowed slightly faster riding than usual. We went through adjacent towns Colooney, Coolaney & Cloonacool which must be most difficult for the postman Coolaney being a very attractive one horse town with the high street having had two on the pavement fuel pumps one of which remains in use.

We then took the low road which was a quiet back road running behind the hills which had farms dotted along it, less than half of them being occupied as above. About half way along this twenty mile stretch of road was a football pitch complete with stadium. It looked superb and as usual someone was cutting the grass. We really wondered where they found any players as there were simply no houses around.

After 30 miles a standard breakfast of croissants and coffee was taken at the entrance to a part completed house and we set off on the next leg

Having missed out on the fun of a cycle path yesterday the route had two bits of fun added today. Firstly a five mile section of Greenway into Castlebar which was a mostly gravel path running beside a river that Nick claimed was full of otters!

Then following Castlebar we had a real rough track to negotiate for a couple of miles which had followed an EU supported bypass in the process of being built.

The rough track ran next to an area where they still cut peat for fuel and we were able to see the little stooks they put up to dry them out.

The only issue with taking the track was that it by passed the camper which had lunch although our stop which we took in Aghagower was prettier. As ever Nigel was gracious in moving on to us and we had our picnic in the shadow of the ruined church and 11th century tower.

We agreed with Nigel to meet again at the campsite and leaving, little did we realise the stunning scenery that we were about to witness.

It started when we saw this mountain and then as we moved off the small roads we hit the N59 which lead to Connemara. Although we had not really felt it, we had been climbing all of the second leg so then had a downhill section of around 8 miles to one of the three fjords in Ireland – Killary. Who knew Ireland had fjords.

The sun coming out helped but every turn brought a new and beautiful vista. We honestly have put this leg up as one of the prettiest we have ever done on all of our trips.

Of course the sun helps but the photos simply do not do justice to the incredible landscape.

At one viewpoint we chatted with an Irish couple from Dublin who said it was better than Kerry and interestingly the lady from the campsite said that although Connemara has similar scenery than the more famous ring of Kerry they do not have the number of visitors, so if you come to Ireland bear that in mind.

It is difficult to choose the best pictures but I have included a number that Chris , Nick and I took.

Leaving the main road we turned off to run past a high Lough and came across Nigel on his motorcycle ostensibly out to buy some beer but understandably having a quick play on the twisting roads.

Having seen Nigel we only had three miles to go to our coastal campsite to rest our weary legs and backsides. Following a rapid shower, chicken, potatoes and salad dinner was followed by our compulsory post dinner beach walk which was the most spectacular of the tour so far as we could see sun and rain clouds massing giving a JMW Turneresque quality to the view.

Though now past the longest day the sun actually went down later today than yesterday as we are further West and we can only hope that the scouts camping nearby don’t sing until past midnight, although they are still up as I write this at almost that time!

More fun awaits tomorrow but after a day like today who cares.

Day Five

Strandhill nr Sligo

84 miles

5063ft climbed

You have to remember not to answer the question in detail as in these parts this is the greeting meaning hello. So a hi is fine. Most folks are very friendly and Nigel needs no invitation to talk to someone, so when we arrived at the first stop of the day a local young mum with her son Freddie was chatting with him next to the camper. Later on with Chris and Nick we were discussing which route to take and a guy stopped and asked if we were ok. He then offered his advice and we were able to avoid the worst of the hill but still see something interesting.

Drivers have been respectful of us cyclists waiting behind or giving us space so we have felt very welcome in this part of world.

Waking up this morning the forecast was not wrong and today began very soft with a fine drizzle in the air. Breakfast in the camper was enlivened by the sight of a couple of hares bounding round the campsite. Chris was sure that one was the size of a big dog!

Starting promptly at 8 am we set off straightaway uphill and for a while the rain increased so we had to stop to put on our waterproofs

There was quite a bit of climbing early on in the damp as we went over the headland. The road here was new in parts and we reckon that the majority of men are employed tarmacking as we must have passed 6 or 7 roadworks in progress. If not in roadworks the job is some form of gardening , mowing the lawn or more likely using a petrol strimmer clearing out the weeds. We lost count of how many men we saw doing this. This is in part due to the fact that most houses have large grass lawns in front of them and the house appears to be set back at the rear of their plots.

If anything the rain increased on the way down and we got wetter – the only saving grace was that it was not cold and the wind had dropped.

As we came into Donegal the rain eased and the roads appeared dry so perhaps the town has its own microclimate. Thankfully we warmed up and dried out quickly.

Our breakfast stop was arranged just after Donegal and we saw the camper as ever so safely completed leg one. Nigel surpassed himself here as when we started coffee and pastries Monica said “stop that’s dessert you have scrambled eggs and frankfurters first!“. Needless to say we did demolish the lot but reckoned the extra weight slowed down the hill climbing during the second leg.

Pleasingly the weather started to brighten up and we got no more rain and even sunburned though it was not really sunny. This leg was through rolling fields close to the sea with the verges full of flowers including loads of orchids, often the hedges being of naturalised fushias. I will endeavour to do a flora corner to cover all the interesting and pretty flowers later on the trip.

Lunch was at Mullaghmore Head, infamous as the place where the IRA blew up Lord Mountbatten in 1979. He owned the nearby castle, but couldn’t afford to keep it so let it out and used it as a holiday home.

We came to Mullaghmore to check out my work colleague Danni’s aunt Eithna’s famous restaurant ( pronounced Etna as in the Mt) but sadly they got COVID just before the visit so they had to close it but it still makes a colourful picture. Instead we had a picnic lunch outside just along from the village in these terrific surroundings.

After lunch we cycled round the headland enjoying the views.

The last leg saw us approach Gleniff Horseshoe but this was where we chatted with the nice fellow who suggested we just check out the mill rather than cycle the steep circuit round. This saved us 4 miles and a lot of sweat. We cycled there and had an enjoyable walk round

Leaving the mill we ran either side of the busy main road on smaller lanes mostly designated as part of the Wild Atlantic cycle way passing below the impressive peaks Benwiskin and Benbulbin

The small roads were fine but often had grass so thick down the middle it needed mowing and probably was. Whilst going along these roads Nick and I heard Chris cry out in pain so we both came to an emergency halt. Chris had caught a bee in his mouth and whilst spitting it out quickly he must have got stung on his tongue. Luckily the bee cannot have had time to properly inject his poison so after five minutes or so Chris and his tongue were back to normal. Crisis averted.

The only downside of the smaller roads is that often you get short sharp climbs and the last one as we approached Sligo was particularly nasty causing Chris and me much grief. Nick who had started the week perhaps a little off peak form has certainly rediscovered his climbing legs and mostly led the peloton all day apart from the last five miles when his Garmin had died and he had less of an idea than usual of where to go.

Sligo was very busy and we had to negotiate across three lanes to turn right to find our road to Strandhill passing a fully laden cyclotourist for the second time today.

Arriving safely at the campsite once again we did manage to have an end of day celebratory beer outside with some Spanish salty snacks but the fresh wind off the sea meant pork chops and mash was consumed indoors . The beach walk today was brief and surprised us as we watched an 8pm surf school lesson.

Completing day five we are now properly into the tour and backsides and muscles are just a little sore. The weather has not been too unkind and fingers crossed it stays this way. Tomorrow sees us heading west into Connemara with only 3000ft of climbing expected so a relatively flat day.

Portnoo

Day Four

75 miles

4039ft

Lucky, lucky, lucky is one of the Australian chanteuse most famous songs and today we were all three luckies. Lucky with the weather, the scenery and the route.

Starting on Malin Head the first third of the ride today took us across the Malin peninsula to the Lough Swilly Ferry The next third to lunch was north of Letterkenny through agricultural land before the final leg took us into wild Ireland over the mountains and to the west coast. All this apart from the final 5 km was under a blue sunny sky. Although the forecast is not good for the rest of the week the fact that today was so good should ensure we retain some good memories of the trip.

Leaving Mali Head at 7.30 early enough to catch the first ferry we ran alongside Trawbreaga Bay to the market town of Malin before crossing the bridge and heading up and over the peninsula to Buncrana to catch the ferry across Lough Swilly.

Whilst there was not much traffic really, it was the busiest road we rode on, as there were plenty of mummies trying to get their kiddies to school on time. We guessed that the school served the much wider community as we came in to town.

Getting to the ferry at Buncrana Nigel had set up coffee and pastries outside next to the van. Monica was concerned that we’d get guzumped on the ferry so Nigel moved the van to the front of the queue leaving us sitting in the middle of the quay!

Getting on the ferry Nigel was concerned that the rear of the camper would ground out but the crew were readily prepared with planks of wood to put under the wheels. They did a good job and getting the camper on the ferry took longer than the all the rest of the passengers combined ( three cars and three pedestrians). Monica need not have worried about room on the ferry!

Out of Buncrana we ran next to Lough Swilly on a nice flat road, before then turning off onto some quieter rolling lanes surrounded by farms with many lazy cows that Chris was concerned were always sitting down.

Lunch was to be taken near Church Hill which was near to where we had watched the rally the day before and one of the reasons for not riding yesterday.

As usual Nigel and I had agreed the approximate location of the next stop and as ever he surpassed himself with this set up! Whilst we did not have any wine the bread was broken respectfully.

We were additionally lucky that we were able to eat outside, possibly for the only time this week.

The first two legs had been great but.the best was saved for last. Leaving the attractive church over looking Lough Garten, as we rode on the houses reduced and the farms disappeared. We then found ourselves climbing over the R254 pass. A long gentle climb into the mountains.

Looking down

The main climb which was about 4 miles long was then followed by almost ten miles of downhill reversing the sequence. Starting with moorland , then derelict buildings before starting to see farming again. The number of old (potato famine related) and newer derelict buildings was surprising but we understand that this is the least inhabited part of the whole of Ireland

About halfway down but still in the middle of nowhere we came across this old gentleman walking his 1930’s bike so we stopped to ask if he was ok. We were not sure what he said ( and we did ask three times) or if he understood as the only noise we heard was “aie” and he was happy to see us move on.

Finally the river we had been running down started to open up as we approached the sea and whilst it still remained sunny we could see the clouds approaching

Not wanting to disappoint right at the death we even found a cycle path to run on for a few kilometres. Ireland measures in kilometres and Vauxhalls are Opels so we are really in Europe here.

The sun disappeared behind the cloud for the last 5 km but as we got to the right campsite we were pleased to see that pale Green camper waiting and welcoming us to our destination. As ever the beers were ready and it was time to relax at a relatively early 4pm.

Once again Nick put Chris through his warm down paces. It does truly look like Santa has fallen out of his sleigh.

Taking a shower the toilet block was in the process of renovation. Strangely it had four unisex rooms comprising basin , loo and shower. Two had been completed and the other two were in the process of being done. The cubicle I used had a workman’s extension cable plugged in and he was operating his angle grinder just outside the door!

Nigel’s Thai curry, again followed by strawberries and cream were well appreciated by three very tired cyclists who were able to reflect on one of those cycling days that are memorable for all the right reasons

The rest of the week looks as though we may have burned all our matches on one day as it has started to drizzle as I write this and the forecast is more of the same or worse Let’s hope they are wrong. At least we have this day safely in the locker and our view tax was paid with pleasure!

Malin Head

Day Three

7 Miles 735 ft climbed

Ok so we have to admit to a bit of cheating here but today was originally not going to be on the bikes at all. However, having found ourselves at our overnight stop with the sun shining we thought that we had better make the best of it and from the most northerly inn in Ireland we cycled to its most northerly point

Malin Head is not named after the French for evil ( it is Irelands windiest and sunniest place) but is a corruption of the Gaelic Malainn meaning hillbrow

The big event of the day in this part of the world was the Donegal International Rally which takes over the town of Letterkenny and attracts young male petrolheads from all over the island of Ireland and is the biggest sporting event in the northern half of the country.

Interestingly speaking to a local spectator he said that being tucked away in the corner of the country partly hidden by Northern Ireland, Donegal is considered semi lawless as people here get on with life and don’t bother with the Garda. Sadly this attracts the young chaps who race their cars around town during the event.

Well as we were here it would have been rude not to go and see it so we left our campsite in Portrush by 8.30 and headed off to Ireland Passing via the NorthWest 200 motorcycle race track and some heavy rain showers we were happy that we were not riding this morning.

Irish tarmac rallying is big as there is only one race circuit in the country so speed demons rally rather than race aided by the fact that it is easy to close roads to do this here The atmosphere in the crowd was quite something as we all walked down to the stage and clambered into fields lining the corner. There must have been around 1000 people just here in this remote part of the world. The cars then entertained popping and banging their way round with the venerable Ford Escort still being the most numerous and spectacular. This was the 50th anniversary of the rally and they had a number of ex winners including Finnish world rally champion and MEP Ari Vatanen having a go in their old cars.

Having seen the stage we then walked back to enjoy lunch of frankfurters and baked beans in the camper expertly cooked by Nigel at Monica’s suggestion.

Luckily the weather had improved although remained cold with a strong northerly wind, so after replenishing the food cupboard in Derry, when we arrived at the most northerly inn in Ireland the choice was made to do a bit of cycling. This also reduced the cycle tomorrow morning before having to get a ferry.

Malin Head was windy and beautiful but the northerly wind had made the decision to wear full cycling tights and three layers a good one. Having wandered round the head we then decided to visit The Wee House of Malin as Nick was keen to see what it was all about.

The road down was steep at 25% and this rather pathetic edifice was all that greeted us surrounded by heras fencing. It was possibly a mistake to descend but following Chris’s lead Nick and I also made the climb back up successfully

The sea is so clear here and after another hearty meal of steak , potatoes and coleslaw washed down with Strawberries and Cream all five of us had a quick walk to the beach followed by a Guinness in the bustling pub. Chris and Nick staying in their B&B and the camper parked opposite.

It is almost the longest day of the year and with the sun in vision we were lucky enough to see it going down into the sea at 10.11 to end another successful day.

Portrush

Day Two 76 Miles 5046ft

We all know that you don’t get something for nothing and that is not only true for goods it is also mostly the case for a good view as it requires some effort or energy to get higher up to look out upon a great vista. Today there were plenty of great views but equally plenty of climbing. Nick explained that this effort is known as the View Tax. I have a feeling that Ireland is going to charge a lot of tax over the next two weeks whether the weather allows a view or not! Today the tax was certainly worth paying thought the aching muscles may not agree!

Over the last 15 years or so cycling has brought us a great deal of pleasure and friendship since our first Hadlow Tower to Eiffel Tower event back in 2007.

Mike Harriott who was one of our original team until 2013 moved to Northern Ireland with his wife 5 or 6 years ago so we were really pleased to be able meet up with him at his holiday apartment in Portballintrae and share some memories. He even wore the Le Puy cycling top we were presented the first time we cycled there in 2008. Cheers Mike.

The morning dawned cool and windy but no rain so we were able to get away smoothly at 8.30 to start the first real day of the trip.

Leaving Larne we headed north along the A2 coast road ( so much nicer and quieter than it’s namesake in Kent). What a great road, it hugs the coast with barely a hill, the only difficulty being the incessant westerly wind which hit you in the face each time we went round a headland.

Stopping briefly at a small town en route we noticed this van . We thought he had died. All we can say is that we are not sure how he markets himself as he may be struggling for clientele!

After around 20 flat miles we were treated to a couple of super steep ramps of around 20% coming out of a town before the turning away from the sea and heading inland on a 5 mile climb to where a belated coffee stop awaited.

Heading towards the climb we just missed a sharp shower and were lucky to only get a few spots of rain on four or five occasions all day.

By this time Nick’s Full NI Breakfast from his B&B had worn out and very unusually for the teams mountain goat halfway up the hill he ran out of puff and needed encouragement to the coffee stop which was just before we started on the long descent into the westerly wind. Having consumed three pastries plus a top up he declared that he was ready once again and was back to form for the rest of the day.

This detour was to see the avenue of Beech Trees near Armoy known as the Dark Hedges made famous by Game of Thrones. Traffic is banned but we were able to cycle along amongst the fans of the show rather underwhelmed.

Heading North and back to the coast at the attractive seaside town of Ballycastle we then turned left to head straight into the westerly wind to run along the north coast observing the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge before stopping for lunch .

Both Chris and I felt the constant up and down accompanied by the headwind reminded us of the final stages of LEJOG where the road from Bettyhill runs to John O’Groats. Whilst roads have typically been very quiet this is the holiday coast full of mobile home sites so was the busiest road we cycled on all day but still so much quieter than home.

Continuing into the wind our next stop was the inspirational Giant’s Causeway where we decamped from the bikes and with Nigel and Monica enjoyed some time walking down to see the famous basalt columns Although windy the sun and blue sky allowed the visit to be enjoyed even more.

After remounting Nigel and Monica set off to set up camp which was ten miles or so up the road whilst we had a short detour to catch up with Mike before continuing on the final pedal to the campsite in the ever cooler temperatures and strengthening wind,but managing a quick stop to check out Dunluce Castle.

This evening our campsite is opposite the Royal Portrush Golf Club home of the first Open to be held in NI. As ever upon arrival Nigel had the tents up and Monica had steaming plates of sausages and mash ready to feed the exhausted cycling trio. The first full day was successfully completed.

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.

At the end of our last trip in June 2019 which finished in the South of France on the Mediterranean. Nigel was concerned that the floor of the erstwhile Rimor camper was giving way

Investigations sadly showed that not only the floor but other major parts of the living quarters were also on their last legs as water had got in and rotted the wooden parts of the construction.

Well as an extremely resourceful fellow and with the pandemic restricting activity Nigel totally disassembled the camper and constructed a 100% new rear section in fibreglass using nis inherited boat building skills So three years later the whole of the bodywork apart from the cab has been made by Nigel.

Now sporting a fetching FIAT 500 pale green the rebuilt Rimor is officially known as a Broomewood 21 but I suspect we will be looking out for “Broomey” as it blends into the Emerald Isle next month.

Although the new bodywork encompasses the same internal layout Nigel has made the shower room a full wet room and added nice upgrades such as solar panels on the roof, USB charging points and integral steps to help climb into the bunks! A simply awesome achievement and testament to his skill and craftsmanship.

Monica has promised some of her famous salads and no doubt will find us some good bakeries for our coffee and cake stops. Training for Chris, Nick and me has been picking up recently so hopefully we will be ready to go.

Roll on Belfast on 17 June.

Here is a link to an interactive map of the proposed route. All being well we will be starting day one from Belfast on Friday 17 June.

http://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/Ireland/PulvDkApXf