2018 Cycle against Suicide

An epilogue is a sum up of the event. Im not sure if thats an easy task. Because there is so much that went on in these past 10 days. I started this trip no really thinking too much about it except that its a sort of pilgrimage for me. I felt I had to keep my record going, if nothing else. But as the start day grew closer I found myself getting more excited about meeting old friends and doing another epic ride. So when it came I was really up for the challenge. What I hadnt factored in was, I would be meeting great people who struggle every day with issues and the bravery and resilience of those people to keep going. And not only keep going. But who shine through their struggles. Those people would be cycling alongside me. Some, from previous years, didn't make it through. And are gone forever now. To see that there is help out there now, if anyone wants to talk. Were there never was before and that help is reaching into and is available to anyone who wants to talk, or not tal...

Damien our homestay dropped us into Carrick after we said goodbye to Imelda and the cat. Sun is starting to breakthrough after a dull start and promises to be a warm day. Shorts and cycle top are the order of the day. Along with sunscreen. I met lorna from St Mary's in Naas. she has come across to see us off. Im last away as usual and it hard to catch up again. Tom, Adam Weafer(Redrock fame),Me, Therese and Dan Conor Gisane tattoo Wonderful dancers. Kieran who is our video king and a good friend The legend that is Ron Glendinning

OMG! The last day! I always hate this day on the cycle. Everyone is at ones and twos! Nobody knows weather to laugh or cry. A lot of writing down contact numbers and emails. Been meaning to get them all week. Now I've no pen! text me! Call me ! then ill have your number! A lot of that going on. But we still have today. Its a 60 km trip to the food stop and having done the 100 miler on this route I know its relatively flat to down hill. The midlands of our beautiful country is great for cycling if not a bit boring for the climbers. But suits us today as the legs are beginning to talk back! Joe Dolan has obviously not taken offence at our antics last night, cause the sun is beginning to make a hesitant appearance. Warmers are rolled down, zips are retracted as we roll out, some 500 strong. Lakeside wheelers are with us, in support of their county and its great to see the colour. Catching up on guys in the peloton. Having the craic, going over stuff, assessing the 10 days. what ...

Heading today for the Hen Party Capital of the universe that is Carrick-on-Shannon. Get into the hall where we left our bikes yesterday and the school has a group of fabulous dancers who have a very uplifting routine, dancing and miming to a song. Such talented girls. The weather seems to be on the turn and we are all hopeful of a bit of sun and heat after all the cold wet and windy days. Tobercurry is our lunch stop and the whole town seems to be out to greet us in. I happen to bump into the Mayor on the steps into the food hall and suddenly the photographers arrive and I'm posing! Another 15 mins of fame! Inside the hall, listening to the presentation and the music I hear Jim Breen is in the room somewhere . Jim is a special guy who was the instigator of all this 'madness' and I am dying to meet him again. I found hime eventually and we have a nice few moments of a reunion. So pleased about that. Then after the usual hullaballoo we are off again for Carrick. Arrivi...

Great night at the Pub quiz. Needless to say our team won nothing

I woke this morning to heavy steady rain! After a couple of beers and a good sleep I am ready for the day. Albeit not the start I want. Sean and Ann have a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs bacon and bagels ready when we finally surface. Dylan, my housemate, is a vegetarian and he is well catered for. He is riding around Ireland on a BMX bike! But then he is 18 years old and well capable. Sean drives us to the start and we are ready for whatever the day throws at us. But its more rain! After we gave our presentation to the school we are ready to roll out for Ballyshannon. For some reason our first leg is only 20km. Inexplicable! Rain has now eased and we are in a strong head/side on wind. Making the day short 70km but excruciatingally hard. Travelling down the beautiful Lough Erne after a quick lunch, all would be great if the rain hadn't returned and now we had a very wet mistly rain that soaks everything. In Beleek, on the border , we have to say goodbye to our PSNI off...