Dublin to Navan First day on the road

Well today was a memorable day

It was the first time in all the years, we only did a half day. Westmanstown to Navan.

40 km.

Weatherwise it was a beautiful day.

I arrived aa  Westmanstown looking  forward to seeing again all my old buddies again from previous years. Ah that was so much fun. Some were there and some were not. That was sad.

Sign on was the usual scramble . Get your number , your stickers and your jersey. Am I the same as  last year or one size up or one size down.

Not saying

Sign on , coffee and a scone and just going around checking in with everyone.

Some not able to cycle, for various reasons and just came to be there , meet the friends and say good luck and wish I was with you. Others not able to cycle but will drive a backup vehicle or volunteer for some other job just to keep them in the craic of this thing.

Jim Breen is not here this year either and it’s a big lose. There is no identifiable figure head driving it on as far as I can see. He will be sadly missed again.

The stories are plentiful

Met a guy who is with his mates from Tallaght and were going to Belfast. When one said how are we getting to Lucan from Tallaght his mate said we are cycling over! Other lad said I Feck Off!! I cant cycle all the way over to Lucan!! Youre going to Belfast for God sake!! Oh Yeah!! Lets go!

Met two other young lads from cork. One bought a second hand bike last week and the other borrowed a bike and they decided they would cycle the 400 km to Omagh or further if they can. Pure mad !! But that’s the attraction of this cycle. Its not all about the bike!

A couple of young guys from Belfast  who are on borrowed bikes. Going all the way to Omagh.
Their youth club leader convinced them to go. Lads with issues. Trying there best to achieve goals.
Such determination.

Arriving in Navan after a lovely spin. The half day is a great idea. Meant there is time to meet up with people and just have a catchup. Hear what has been going on.

I am in hostel accomodation tonight with 12 other lads. Including the two lads from Belfast. Over near Slane. 2 km  outside the town. No food supplied so had to walk the distance into Slane for food. Get a meal and a few pints and walk back. Thankfully it wasn’t a full cycle day.

Didn’t like that, having to walk. Everyone know I hate walking. But walking with the Belfast lads barely out of their teens, listening to stories of life for them in Belfast, growing up is harrowing. Trying to deal with personal issues. 

Nice food tho and a few beers and a bit of craic with the lads. That’s the important thing. New friendships made that will last the trip and hopefully beyond.

Back in bed now. I got the only double bed in the place. Lucky or what.

Pickup tomorrow at 9.15 heading for Carrickmacross and Newry tomorrow.