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Thursday, June 7, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
My Gratitude to all involved
I want to thank the following people:
Sarah for getting me to go
Eammon Linnane
Aidan Flynn
Malcolm Good
All support:
Jack
Jean
Frank the Cop
Peter and Jackie
Angela
Alan
All those that made it possible. I want to thank the heroes too:
Donal
Thomas
Seamas
Martin
Pat
Joseph
I will be on this again, these guys made it very rewarding for me. I have had my medal and t shirt on since and I am enjoying the celebration. I think I want to do it all on a tandem next year, if they let me!
What an experience! Pictures to follow.
Sarah for getting me to go
Eammon Linnane
Aidan Flynn
Malcolm Good
All support:
Jack
Jean
Frank the Cop
Peter and Jackie
Angela
Alan
All those that made it possible. I want to thank the heroes too:
Donal
Thomas
Seamas
Martin
Pat
Joseph
I will be on this again, these guys made it very rewarding for me. I have had my medal and t shirt on since and I am enjoying the celebration. I think I want to do it all on a tandem next year, if they let me!
What an experience! Pictures to follow.
Final Day: My favourite Day and on a Tandem with Seamus the euro champ!
82km very hot
Today truly is my favourite day, I got ready and was first to the bikes to get my bike organised and get the pedals off for the tandem. It was confirmed I would finish on a tandem what an honour I thought. I had the fear that this was going to be hard and I would let someone down. I had a few substitutes that would take Seamas all the way if he needed.
The start was shaky but I had a good coach he knew I would be okay and hung in there. The hamstring was a bit dodgy but I knew my work would nearly be done. I just kept anchoring in the feeling that this was about Seamas and us going over that line together. He was like a power engine in the back. The hours just flew by and I knew it would be a great day.
We had scones and tea in Buncrana in the hotel we were staying in that night.
Off again and on our way to Malin. Now the final stretch was supposed to be very difficult with a vicious climb I was nervous. We arrived into Malin to a festival, it was amazing crowds lifted the spirits and there was about 12 seats you wanted to have on 6 bikes, I had one of them. The honour of finishing this challenge on the front of a tandem with a hero on the back. The cameras, the kid, the crowds all helped. I needed some extra help on my hamstrings, Angela gave a helping hand. From here on I thought this will be hard. 16km to the end, I will do it on my hands if I have to.
We headed off one of the last in the group. We were cruising, where were these hills they were talking about, there they where. I described as much as I could to Seamas and let him know about what was coming. He was a power horse he was just so strong it was great. We had 2 big hills to the end. The buzz would get us there it was going to be great. Lock in the feeling of how it will feel to get to the end. The last climb was hard real hard I had a great support over the day particularly Sean and Shane who were great they got this they knew what it was about, thanks guys. The last hill come on we can make it and we did it was amazing, one of the best places to be on a day like this is were I was. It emotional and rewarding. They had arranged for a burger van to serve us and champagne and treats were given out. Martin Gordon and Michael Lawless were the first tandem across the line and I was delighted for Martin, he really enjoyed it.
That night we hammered into the pints. I got christened BamBam the guide dog as I was bumping into things while leading the guys around.
The mullet made it to Malin and he was delighted.
We went for it on the booze and it was well earned!
Today truly is my favourite day, I got ready and was first to the bikes to get my bike organised and get the pedals off for the tandem. It was confirmed I would finish on a tandem what an honour I thought. I had the fear that this was going to be hard and I would let someone down. I had a few substitutes that would take Seamas all the way if he needed.
The start was shaky but I had a good coach he knew I would be okay and hung in there. The hamstring was a bit dodgy but I knew my work would nearly be done. I just kept anchoring in the feeling that this was about Seamas and us going over that line together. He was like a power engine in the back. The hours just flew by and I knew it would be a great day.
We had scones and tea in Buncrana in the hotel we were staying in that night.
Off again and on our way to Malin. Now the final stretch was supposed to be very difficult with a vicious climb I was nervous. We arrived into Malin to a festival, it was amazing crowds lifted the spirits and there was about 12 seats you wanted to have on 6 bikes, I had one of them. The honour of finishing this challenge on the front of a tandem with a hero on the back. The cameras, the kid, the crowds all helped. I needed some extra help on my hamstrings, Angela gave a helping hand. From here on I thought this will be hard. 16km to the end, I will do it on my hands if I have to.
We headed off one of the last in the group. We were cruising, where were these hills they were talking about, there they where. I described as much as I could to Seamas and let him know about what was coming. He was a power horse he was just so strong it was great. We had 2 big hills to the end. The buzz would get us there it was going to be great. Lock in the feeling of how it will feel to get to the end. The last climb was hard real hard I had a great support over the day particularly Sean and Shane who were great they got this they knew what it was about, thanks guys. The last hill come on we can make it and we did it was amazing, one of the best places to be on a day like this is were I was. It emotional and rewarding. They had arranged for a burger van to serve us and champagne and treats were given out. Martin Gordon and Michael Lawless were the first tandem across the line and I was delighted for Martin, he really enjoyed it.
That night we hammered into the pints. I got christened BamBam the guide dog as I was bumping into things while leading the guys around.
The mullet made it to Malin and he was delighted.
We went for it on the booze and it was well earned!
Sligo to Letterkenny What a send off
Today is my favourite Day!
132km Weather was beautiful. Ipod power was my secret from now on. I was cruising now and I knew I could make it. The climb from Bundoran to Ballyshannon was long and heavy. It was a bit more of a group know that that injuries had kicked in. Aidan and Tom wanted to see what my free wheeling was like, and we had a few competitions to see how I would get on.The last climb to lunch was long but worth it. After that Conor and myself went completely made mad on the second half of the day. Letterkenny we knew had a bit drop into it, big drops mean big climbs. The last drop to Letterkenny was a serious drop I knew 90km was possible but only got up to 67km the roundabout arrived at high speed.
That evening had another jacuzzi that was well needed and made the difference. Martin Gordon was doing Jesus Christ impressions in the jacuzzi. We got the steam room up to temperature as well. Martin is such an inspiration to us all. I met this guy on the first night and he was a lovely guy, but I saw him come along on this week and come and show his true colours. He only lost his sight 5 years ago and knows that science will let him see again. Martin's parents are an inspiration as well so positive, Jake his Dog was there to cheer him on too. I knew from this point on he was going to be a major part of this trip and many more like it. I don't think I left his side from this point on, he just lifted my spirits and was such a good guy. I got one of the nicest complements from him when he said I was a great set of eyes to have around.
We had a few pints that night with the end close it was nearly time to celebrate. After 3 pints I had enough courage to tell Seamas I was ready to Tandem with him, he told me there were lots of people willing. I knew tomorrow would be special and was hoping I would get the honour.
132km Weather was beautiful. Ipod power was my secret from now on. I was cruising now and I knew I could make it. The climb from Bundoran to Ballyshannon was long and heavy. It was a bit more of a group know that that injuries had kicked in. Aidan and Tom wanted to see what my free wheeling was like, and we had a few competitions to see how I would get on.The last climb to lunch was long but worth it. After that Conor and myself went completely made mad on the second half of the day. Letterkenny we knew had a bit drop into it, big drops mean big climbs. The last drop to Letterkenny was a serious drop I knew 90km was possible but only got up to 67km the roundabout arrived at high speed.
That evening had another jacuzzi that was well needed and made the difference. Martin Gordon was doing Jesus Christ impressions in the jacuzzi. We got the steam room up to temperature as well. Martin is such an inspiration to us all. I met this guy on the first night and he was a lovely guy, but I saw him come along on this week and come and show his true colours. He only lost his sight 5 years ago and knows that science will let him see again. Martin's parents are an inspiration as well so positive, Jake his Dog was there to cheer him on too. I knew from this point on he was going to be a major part of this trip and many more like it. I don't think I left his side from this point on, he just lifted my spirits and was such a good guy. I got one of the nicest complements from him when he said I was a great set of eyes to have around.
We had a few pints that night with the end close it was nearly time to celebrate. After 3 pints I had enough courage to tell Seamas I was ready to Tandem with him, he told me there were lots of people willing. I knew tomorrow would be special and was hoping I would get the honour.
The Art of The Strategy
Today is my favourite day! Galway to Sligo 140km and rainy start. New sponsors for me.
A great nights sleep and I wasn't suffering I was back. Breakfast was fab, this hotel is just brilliant. I have switched to the gear that I normally train in and was fully colour co-ordinated. I decided to take the ipod with me to see what it was like. The weather was a bit murky. The run into Tuam I thought was okay bit of a steady climb but I was feeling good. I came across a few that were struggling and told them to get in behind me. They did and I got them to the first stop. I felt great. From then I got into a hardcore team lead by Sarah and Aoife, with Conor Dave and Brian. We started a bit all over the place and my music led me ahead. We re grouped after lunch and got a serious pro system going, I was loving it. 2km at the front and a rotating pack. The miles flew in and it was great. For about 40km I was in a group of 7 going for it. After that I hung with Conor who was hurting a bit, I knew he wanted to finish and didn't want to leave him. The tides turned then and for the last 10km Conor was a god send. We waited just outside the hotel to let Martin Gordon lead the pack in. It was a great buzz for him.
Tonight I was sharing with Seamas, an ex Irish Cycling Team pro who was with the tandem team in 2003. He lost his sight 13 years ago in a car accident. Sharing a room was a new experience for me, this guy was so independent. When a blind guys asks you to put on Coronation Street it is a bit of a shock but he completely knew what was going on. I personally didn't. The only question he asked me was if a set of socks was white or not but I think he was just showing off (just joking Seamas, I am sure he will read this with his software) Seamas made me realise how normal life was possible, the magic phone and the talking watch, which told me the time all night!!! He forgot to turn it off.
Again I was realising what this week was all about, it was all about the emotional attachment not the cycling. That night at dinner I was beside Malcolm who told me on the last day I would be on a tandem with Seamas, I was an easy target, I was ready my only fear was I would let someone down. But sure would that ever happen....not with one of these guys on the back.
A goodish nights sleep.
A great nights sleep and I wasn't suffering I was back. Breakfast was fab, this hotel is just brilliant. I have switched to the gear that I normally train in and was fully colour co-ordinated. I decided to take the ipod with me to see what it was like. The weather was a bit murky. The run into Tuam I thought was okay bit of a steady climb but I was feeling good. I came across a few that were struggling and told them to get in behind me. They did and I got them to the first stop. I felt great. From then I got into a hardcore team lead by Sarah and Aoife, with Conor Dave and Brian. We started a bit all over the place and my music led me ahead. We re grouped after lunch and got a serious pro system going, I was loving it. 2km at the front and a rotating pack. The miles flew in and it was great. For about 40km I was in a group of 7 going for it. After that I hung with Conor who was hurting a bit, I knew he wanted to finish and didn't want to leave him. The tides turned then and for the last 10km Conor was a god send. We waited just outside the hotel to let Martin Gordon lead the pack in. It was a great buzz for him.
Tonight I was sharing with Seamas, an ex Irish Cycling Team pro who was with the tandem team in 2003. He lost his sight 13 years ago in a car accident. Sharing a room was a new experience for me, this guy was so independent. When a blind guys asks you to put on Coronation Street it is a bit of a shock but he completely knew what was going on. I personally didn't. The only question he asked me was if a set of socks was white or not but I think he was just showing off (just joking Seamas, I am sure he will read this with his software) Seamas made me realise how normal life was possible, the magic phone and the talking watch, which told me the time all night!!! He forgot to turn it off.
Again I was realising what this week was all about, it was all about the emotional attachment not the cycling. That night at dinner I was beside Malcolm who told me on the last day I would be on a tandem with Seamas, I was an easy target, I was ready my only fear was I would let someone down. But sure would that ever happen....not with one of these guys on the back.
A goodish nights sleep.
Kilkee to Galway...Will it ever end is this yours or is it just anybody's?
Today is my favourite Day?
Distance 138km beautiful weather. Okay waking up with a dodgy head is not the way to start the long cycle. Luckily Conor hooked me up with a power shake that I thought would sort me out. It did gave me loads but the stomach cramp and flatulence was not worth it. Knowing the roads I thought would be a benefit, in fact once we got going and down towards Doonbeg I realised we had quick a massive ride to Ballyvaughn. We kept on trucking and the miles came in. When we got to Lahinch I thought great. Unfornately I found out I had selected a longer route. We had a long climb up to the cliffs of Moher. I let George who was tandeming with Thomas visit the Cliffs as I sat with Thomas and soaked up the rays. I knew Ballyvaughn was still a good stretch and that was the lunch stop. I stayed with George and Thomas until they could truck on (the weight of the tandem carries them.) I ended up the last in the pack but I just remembered what it was about. The corkscrew dropped was talked up and after the first turn I thought this is what I need, after I nearly dropped off the edge I realised what they were talking about. It was fast and unenjoyable too much breaking after all the climbing. Lunch was close, and jaysus it was good, best sandwiches but only 1 and lovely brownies. I don't even know the name of it I think it was an art centre. The rumours were again all over the place 37 miles or 37 kms no one knew. It ended up being about 44km to Galway and it felt very long. I knew if I made it to the main road I was nearly there, the joys of driving it a few weeks previously. I got to the main road and 17km to Galway I pulled in to get some water (bottled of course) and had a quick refuel on the road. It looked downhill from here and the hot tub on the roof of the hotel called me. I rolled into town into Eyre Square. The Meridan Hotel was lovely. I was delirious on check in and it took me about 30 mins to find my room. I hit the roof for the hot tub and it was fantastic. Dinner was a surprise with a few more choices than usual. Galway is a party town but not for me. I went to the centra got some safe water and hit the hay. George was fairly close behind me. We watched a bit of American Pie 2 until the lesbo bit and the lights went off. Word is I was moaning minutes later.
A great nights sleep was due.
Distance 138km beautiful weather. Okay waking up with a dodgy head is not the way to start the long cycle. Luckily Conor hooked me up with a power shake that I thought would sort me out. It did gave me loads but the stomach cramp and flatulence was not worth it. Knowing the roads I thought would be a benefit, in fact once we got going and down towards Doonbeg I realised we had quick a massive ride to Ballyvaughn. We kept on trucking and the miles came in. When we got to Lahinch I thought great. Unfornately I found out I had selected a longer route. We had a long climb up to the cliffs of Moher. I let George who was tandeming with Thomas visit the Cliffs as I sat with Thomas and soaked up the rays. I knew Ballyvaughn was still a good stretch and that was the lunch stop. I stayed with George and Thomas until they could truck on (the weight of the tandem carries them.) I ended up the last in the pack but I just remembered what it was about. The corkscrew dropped was talked up and after the first turn I thought this is what I need, after I nearly dropped off the edge I realised what they were talking about. It was fast and unenjoyable too much breaking after all the climbing. Lunch was close, and jaysus it was good, best sandwiches but only 1 and lovely brownies. I don't even know the name of it I think it was an art centre. The rumours were again all over the place 37 miles or 37 kms no one knew. It ended up being about 44km to Galway and it felt very long. I knew if I made it to the main road I was nearly there, the joys of driving it a few weeks previously. I got to the main road and 17km to Galway I pulled in to get some water (bottled of course) and had a quick refuel on the road. It looked downhill from here and the hot tub on the roof of the hotel called me. I rolled into town into Eyre Square. The Meridan Hotel was lovely. I was delirious on check in and it took me about 30 mins to find my room. I hit the roof for the hot tub and it was fantastic. Dinner was a surprise with a few more choices than usual. Galway is a party town but not for me. I went to the centra got some safe water and hit the hay. George was fairly close behind me. We watched a bit of American Pie 2 until the lesbo bit and the lights went off. Word is I was moaning minutes later.
A great nights sleep was due.
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