Kilkenny to Kildare 88km
Some of the boys had gone off to mass the next morning when I awoke. Hope they prayed for me.
We are heading for Abbeyleix and then to Kildare today. There is very much a sense that we are heading for home now. Im feeling good in the body. No stress in the legs. I am surprising myself. I thought I would be exhausted by this stage. But I have been good. There was a get-together last night in one of the local hostelries, open to everyone including the hosts. But we decided to pass on that one and opt for an early night.
After breakfast of bacon and eggs and sausages, John, Mary's son, will take Joe and I into the start.
The weather is fine but still has that cold, even chilling breeze that gets into the bones. So, dressing accordingly, Im ready for any eventuality.
Today promises to be an easy route into Kildare. Its a while since I cycled these routes but from memory the roads are wide and the terrain is flat. So, bring it on.
Stradbally comes and we are now in the area that I am more familiar with. Passing the best cycling coffee shop in the world, Stradbally Fayre, we head for a Sos Beag in a big field were there is a children's funfair. There is a great atmosphere here and as we relax in the sun there is music and dancing which we eventually partake in. As is our natural bent!
Leaving Stradbally, I can smell Kildare. Vicarstown, Kildangan, Monasterevin too Kildare. I love being able to tell about the pulls and drags of the area as we go. After all im home.
Kildare is, unlike any other venue, a bit disjointed. Bikes one place! bags in another!
Clubmates are appearing now offering homestays. Hugh comes to welcome me in and take us to our homestay. It such pleasure too to see him and other club mates. Sometimes I get the feeling Im doing this with different cycling friends. My club mates are my cycling friends and I like joining the two. Therese is keeping us and 3 members of the Garda Siochana , Tom Ann and Pat, who are cycling in memory of their friend and colleague who took his life some months ago. These are great people and the hospitality we receive is superb. We have a lovely evening of craic and reminiscing. Its great to be back in home territory.
We are heading for Abbeyleix and then to Kildare today. There is very much a sense that we are heading for home now. Im feeling good in the body. No stress in the legs. I am surprising myself. I thought I would be exhausted by this stage. But I have been good. There was a get-together last night in one of the local hostelries, open to everyone including the hosts. But we decided to pass on that one and opt for an early night.
After breakfast of bacon and eggs and sausages, John, Mary's son, will take Joe and I into the start.
The weather is fine but still has that cold, even chilling breeze that gets into the bones. So, dressing accordingly, Im ready for any eventuality.
Today promises to be an easy route into Kildare. Its a while since I cycled these routes but from memory the roads are wide and the terrain is flat. So, bring it on.
Stradbally comes and we are now in the area that I am more familiar with. Passing the best cycling coffee shop in the world, Stradbally Fayre, we head for a Sos Beag in a big field were there is a children's funfair. There is a great atmosphere here and as we relax in the sun there is music and dancing which we eventually partake in. As is our natural bent!
Leaving Stradbally, I can smell Kildare. Vicarstown, Kildangan, Monasterevin too Kildare. I love being able to tell about the pulls and drags of the area as we go. After all im home.
Kildare is, unlike any other venue, a bit disjointed. Bikes one place! bags in another!
Clubmates are appearing now offering homestays. Hugh comes to welcome me in and take us to our homestay. It such pleasure too to see him and other club mates. Sometimes I get the feeling Im doing this with different cycling friends. My club mates are my cycling friends and I like joining the two. Therese is keeping us and 3 members of the Garda Siochana , Tom Ann and Pat, who are cycling in memory of their friend and colleague who took his life some months ago. These are great people and the hospitality we receive is superb. We have a lovely evening of craic and reminiscing. Its great to be back in home territory.
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| totally over my head! |
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| I met Dave on CAS a few years ago. Great to see him again. |
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| Christy is back in all his glory. |
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| Joe Fallon... legend! |
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| Micheala! What a woman! Nornie of course! |
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| Doreen is back! Fantastic! |
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| Is Kilkenny a hurling county? |
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| The cream! |
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| The mayor came to worship at the alter of Padric |
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