76km Tullamore to Nenagh via Birr
Woke up this morning after a mighty sleep. 7am and it misty and overcast. Looks like its going to be one of those soft days that rain appears on you like a dew. At least that awful hard wind has gone and today will be calm. A quick look at MetEireann.ie shows the rain as having, or about to go past. That bodes well for the day ahead at some stage. However, Im still layered up and minding the body from the cold.
We have some nice coffee and scones awaiting us in Tullamore GAA who are hosting our arrivals and departure. They have been so welcoming to us. There is some talk about painting nails!
My homestay for tonight in Nenagh, Paddy is cycling this leg today and we meet up for introductions and a chat. A fellow bike rider and kindred spirit. Its good to meet him.
We have our usual presentations from some wonderful people who give of themselves in an uplifting and challenging way. Brings us all closer together.
Its James Fahey's birthday today. James is a long time CAS cyclist and marshall and he gets his Happy Birthday from the gathered group. A lovely touch.
10.30 now! Time to roll out. The rain is heavier now and its that real wetting rain that only occurs here! But the mood is light, the craic is good and there is an expectation of a better day.
We are very orderly on the road. All riding in two by two formation. But there is still opportunities to mingle. Marshalls are moving up and down the outside of the peloton and the different chats with different people is refreshing. "How was your homestay last night?" is the opener always. Tales pervade! All good. These wonderful people who look after us.
We are scouting around some hills that we cycled last year. The Cute and The Wolftrap. But thankfully we are going around, not over them. Arriving in Kinnety were we had ice cream last time.
Rolling into Birr for lunch and a nice chicken and vegetarian curry awaits. I had both! Lunches are always great. There is a bit of music and leaping around on the dance floor to keep the blood flowing before its time to head off again for the afternoon spin to Nenagh.
A rolling road but very manageable and back to the mingling.
Sun is out now and heat is rising. Layers are peeled off and we are in summer mode and mood again.
I hear a sing-song in the peloton behind me somewhere.
Arriving into Nenagh we are led in by the fire service tender who has come out to lead us in. Not sure the people of Nenagh what has descended on them.
I met up with Paddy, my homestay and he has the car ready for the ride to his home overlooking Lough Derg.
What a wonderful countryside. Magnificent views over the lake. Spectacular hilly place.Most unexpected.
Mary is waiting to greet us and has dinner well in hand.
There is something really special about this part of the trip.
Afterdinner Paddy takes me for a trip around the lake. He insists on a pint in a little country pub where there is a ceili night going on. Only one pint and its home to bed for an early night.
Tomorrow is 95km into Limerick city.
In bed now, legs burning a tad. But should be ready for that.
Night, night!
We have some nice coffee and scones awaiting us in Tullamore GAA who are hosting our arrivals and departure. They have been so welcoming to us. There is some talk about painting nails!
My homestay for tonight in Nenagh, Paddy is cycling this leg today and we meet up for introductions and a chat. A fellow bike rider and kindred spirit. Its good to meet him.
We have our usual presentations from some wonderful people who give of themselves in an uplifting and challenging way. Brings us all closer together.
Its James Fahey's birthday today. James is a long time CAS cyclist and marshall and he gets his Happy Birthday from the gathered group. A lovely touch.
10.30 now! Time to roll out. The rain is heavier now and its that real wetting rain that only occurs here! But the mood is light, the craic is good and there is an expectation of a better day.
We are very orderly on the road. All riding in two by two formation. But there is still opportunities to mingle. Marshalls are moving up and down the outside of the peloton and the different chats with different people is refreshing. "How was your homestay last night?" is the opener always. Tales pervade! All good. These wonderful people who look after us.
We are scouting around some hills that we cycled last year. The Cute and The Wolftrap. But thankfully we are going around, not over them. Arriving in Kinnety were we had ice cream last time.
Rolling into Birr for lunch and a nice chicken and vegetarian curry awaits. I had both! Lunches are always great. There is a bit of music and leaping around on the dance floor to keep the blood flowing before its time to head off again for the afternoon spin to Nenagh.
A rolling road but very manageable and back to the mingling.
Sun is out now and heat is rising. Layers are peeled off and we are in summer mode and mood again.
I hear a sing-song in the peloton behind me somewhere.
Arriving into Nenagh we are led in by the fire service tender who has come out to lead us in. Not sure the people of Nenagh what has descended on them.
I met up with Paddy, my homestay and he has the car ready for the ride to his home overlooking Lough Derg.
What a wonderful countryside. Magnificent views over the lake. Spectacular hilly place.Most unexpected.
Mary is waiting to greet us and has dinner well in hand.
There is something really special about this part of the trip.
Afterdinner Paddy takes me for a trip around the lake. He insists on a pint in a little country pub where there is a ceili night going on. Only one pint and its home to bed for an early night.
Tomorrow is 95km into Limerick city.
In bed now, legs burning a tad. But should be ready for that.
Night, night!
 |
| Deep discussion at the water stop |
 |
| Myself and Micheala with our host Pauline |
 |
| Bit of R & R for Limerick |
 |
| View over the real Lough Derg |
 |
| Stopped at the Mucky Boot cafe and mountain bike trail head. |
Comments
Post a Comment