Day nineteen: Warrenpoint to Holywood

After breakfast we headed for Newcastle and our final hole at Royal County Down. Despite a rather eccentric weather forecast the night before on tv predicting the warmest day of the year, we got soaked as we pedalled through what can only be described as a torrential sea mist. After twenty odd miles of this, the weather lifted as we arrived in Newcastle at Royal County Down and we were met with some bemusement as we tried to explain what exactly we were trying to do. They very kindly agreed to let us play the ninth hole and even provided a buggy and driver (Jimmy) to take us out to the tee. Jimmy halted play so that we could tee off and gave us advice on where to aim etc and even spoke to us as if we were proper golfers, but spent most of his time searching for our golf balls in the rough.
Our largest crowd of the tour (Stephen's parents, Pat and Eddie) gathered around the green to watch us finish and we shook hands on the end of the golf and Stephen's victory (and course record). With only the cycle home to complete, we had lunch then set off. Neil's eccentric mounting (of his bike) resulted in a gashed ankle and dislocated saddle. It was agreed that while spectacular it was not as entertaining as his "James Brown...I Feel Good" mount.
On the way Neil did a live interview with George Jones on the radio just outside Ballynahinch. Little or no offence was caused, and a man in a yellow van let Stephen and John listen on his radio. Celebrity status did not seem to affect Neil's cycling and we continued knowing that by the time we got to Carryduff it would be downhill almost all the way home.
We survived the horror of the Forestside junction and arrived back at Holywood Golf Club to be met by our loved ones blowing horns and with lots of balloons. We had a couple of drinks in the by now hot summer sun before going home.

And so for this trip, no more golf, and no more cycling......

Today: 58 miles

Final total: 1182 miles

If you have been following our blog, let us know at cycle@tourofireland.co.uk, and don't forget we are trying to raise money for The Breast Cancer Campaign so go to www.tourofireland.co.uk to donate.

Thanks for following our progress, we will continue to update our fund raising progress in the coming weeks.

Cheers

John, Neil & Stephen

Day eighteen: Malahide to Warrenpoint

A day filled with golf and cycling (unlike yesterday).
The day began with the intrepid team cycling from Malahide to Portmarnock before breakfast. This turned out to be a bit further than we thought and nobody there knew anything about what we we doing. They let us play our hole (the 14th) which we played almost like proper golfers.
We returned to Malahide for breakfast and tearful farewells with families before departing.
Dissapointingly the next course we were heading for was only a good 3 iron from Malahide in a straight line (not one of our 3 iron shots then), but that was across a bit of the sea. So we had to cycle the long way round (about 10 miles) to get to the Island Golf Club. Golf and a bit of lunch there before heading on. Stephen now had a commanding lead in the golf he would do well to lose.
We left for Baltray, which we took a rather roundabout route to get to, but the welcome was well worth it. After playing their first hole they treated us to an excellent meal although, not surprisingly, they didn't let us anywhere near the Lady Presidents lunch.
With a detailed hand drawn map from the pro off we went again, spirits high as we would be arriving home tomorrow.
Realising we still had a fair distance to go to get to Warrenpoint by dark, it was heads down as we passed Dundalk and across the border to Newry. Downhill into Newry and completely flat to Warrenpoint helped considering it was just short of 100 miles for the day. The captain of Warrenpoint golf club bought us a drink in the bar (our celebrity status having spread far and wide). A pint of Guinness and a gravy chip later we went to bed.

Today: 98 miles
Total: 1124 miles

Day seventeen: Malahide

Day seventeen was another excellent day: no golf and no cycling.
The day was spent either at Dublin Zoo, sightseeing in the city centre or in Stephen's case repairing the Moulton (aka "The Heap of Junk").
After a swim with the wives and kids and a meal out at the local Chinese restaurant all retired to bed. Apparently summer holidays can be like this....

Day sixteen: Gorey to Malahide

Day sixteen began well with the discovery that Des had removed our damp washing from the washing machine and had hung it in front of the fire to dry (after returning from a party late the previous evening). It turned out that in the absence of firelighters he had used a blowtorch to light the fire. He then got up the next morning to make us breakfast.
All ready to go Des thought he had seen the last of us as he waved us goodbye. Unfortunately at this point Stephen's Moulton bike completely fell apart, the skewer holding on the rear wheel breaking. This seemed like a startlingly original way of not having to do any more cycling by Stephen, but Des had other ideas. After trying to use parts from his daughters bike he decided the best plan was for Stephen to use his mountain bike. Stephen was overjoyed that his odyssey was not yet over.
And so we proceeded to the European Club at Brittas Bay, where we were met by the owner, course architect and president (the legendary) Pat Ruddy. The hospitality wa excellent, the golf poor before we cycled on to Malahide to meet our families.

Day sixteen: 75 miles

Total: 1026 miles

Day fifteen: Midleton to Gorey

A long, long day cycling with not much else. To keep our spirits up Neil designated this "International Day of Song". This followed the previously unannounced "International Day of Drivel", "International Day of Nonsense", "International Day of......".
We left Midleton and cycled via Youghal, Waterford, New Ross and had tea in Enniscorthy. Realising that we would not make our intended destination, Neil phoned his friend Des who let us stay in his house in Gorey. Unfortunately he was going out to a party so he met us on the road to give us the key. Despite a puncture in Neil's tyre (see picture) we made Gorey before nightfall, and then to bed.
An otherwise somewhat dull day was improved by the discovery that the big news was that the world record for a gathering of people dressed as Smurfs had been broken in Castleblayney Co. Monaghan with a total of 1253 people. Front page news (honestly!).

Day twelve: 54 miles
Day thirteen: 75 miles
Day fourteen: 40 miles
Day fifteen: 125 miles

Total: 951 miles

Day fourteen: Old Head of Kinsale to Midleton

After breakfast we cycled to Old Head Golf Club (all three of us this time) On arrival we were greeted with lots of apologies for our treatment the previous night and they couldn't have been nicer on what turned out to be one of the best days of the tour so far. Old Head is a fantastic place and a wonderful golf course and we were allowed to play a complete round rather than our usual one hole. They lent us sets of clubs each (in pink bags of course) and two buggies and gave us lunch afterwards.
Only a bit of cycling to do....
We left later than we had hoped but headed off towards Waterford via Cork. In Cork we got a bit lost and decided to call into the local Garda station for directions. They decided that the best way would be through the tunnel but then realised that bikes were not allowed. After deciding that it was just too difficult to describe the route through Cork the best idea seemed to be that we would follow a squad car through the tunnel! So we then chased a police car along the streets of Cork (with blue light flashing). At one point John hit a bump in the road and his panniers fell off so our friends with their blue light had to wait while these were retrieved.
Luckily we made it through the tunnel unscathed if a little breathless and headed on to Midleton where we stayed at a B&B.
All of the team are now sporting ridiculous suntans...tanned on arms with white hands, and tanned on legs from cycle short length down to just above the ankles with white feet. Very sexy I'm sure.

Day thirteen: Killarney to Kinsale

Day thirteen began with a trip to The International Hotel and a go on the virtual golf there in order to sort out Neil's disintegrating golf swing (with limited success).
On we went up and down various hills and an excellent lunch along the way in Mills Inn. On reaching Bandon we stopped for directions (plus bananas, snickers & drink, which has become our most common meal), and then cycled on for the Old Head of Kinsale. Having eventually found out that we had cycled past where we were staying (Neil having decided not to ring earlier) Stephen & John decided to go on to the golf club in the hope of a free sauna or some such thing. Neil decided he had had enough and announced he was going to have some Hool-a-hoops then go to bed.
On arrival at the golf club, Stephen and John were point blank refused entry by a man on the gate. Perhaps he had a problem with pink lycra. They then went straight to the local for dinner and a pint.
Arriving later at the B&B, Neil was found asleep in bed. I believe it was almost 9:30pm.

Day twelve: Waterville to Killarney

After an excellent breakfast, we went to Waterville Golf Club and played the back nine in fine weather. The golf continued at it's usual poor standard and several balls were hit onto the beach.
We then departed for Killarney around the famous Ring of Kerry. This turned out to be made up of lots of long ascents followed by enjoyable descents and of course great scenery. Also on the way from Waterville at a viewing point we (along with many tourists) encountered the worst accordian player in Ireland as well as a man with a sheep and a goat.
Stephen left his spare tyre (for his bike) in Waterville and had to get some Americans we had met to take it to Killarney.
In Sneem we met Michael Grade and had the biggest ever 99 ice creams.
At Moll's gap was a shop claiming to be the most interesting shop in the South. We had previously seen a sign for the most westerly chocolate factory in Europe and also a sign for Ireland's only beach bar.
We advanced on Killarney and met Tracy in town and we followed her to her house where she was putting us up. Unfortunately she drove at several hundred miles an hour but we pedalled like drug fuelled Tour de France contenders to keep up and arrived safely, if breathless. We were treated to excellent hospitality and the largest strawberry pavlova ever to exist in Ireland (it didn't exist for long).
Neil, as if he had nothing else to worry about, is now worried about the tan on his legs, which does just look like dirt. The other members however look like they have visited Ballybunion's Suntans 'R' us.

Day eleven: Ballybunion to Waterville

Day eleven began as a typical summers day in Ballybunion: dull and damp. Suitably clad for the weather (John had two showerproof jackets on) we set off into the gloom. The weather improved as we approached Tralee, and we set about finding directions for the golf club. Neil confidently predicted the first person would know. Half a dozen locals later no one had any idea. As it turned out Tralee golf club is not in Tralee but about six miles away. Eventually we found someone who knew not one but two ways to the golf club. He recommended one route but when we cycled off down the other one he chased after us to tell where we had gone wrong. He reluctantly agreed to let us continue and we eventually made to Tralee Golf Club.
The golf club were extremely welcoming, made a generous donation, and gave us lunch after we had massacred their lovely 2nd hole.
Off we pedalled towards Waterville which was a lot of hills but we eventually made it and had tea in the clubhouse before retiring to the excellent Brookhaven Lodge where we were treated to tea and fruit bread.

Today: 91 miles
Total: 657 miles

Day ten: Lahinch to Ballybunion

Day ten appeared and was grey and damp. We set off after breakfast and the weather quickly became miserable. It continued in the same way as far as Doonbeg, our next hole.
Doonbeg is an extraordinary place approached by a long drive (about a mile) before arriving at the luxurious clubhouse. The golf shop was perhaps aiming at a different market than usual pros shops as amongst other things it was selling diamond jewellery.
Everyone there couldn't have been friendlier and the club gave us an excellent lunch. The golf itself wasn't too bad so all were in good spirits especially as the weather improved and some visiting americans gave generously to the cause.
Off we cycled confidently to Kilrush where Neil got his wheel fixed and left the other wheel for Patrick (see yesterday's blog). Then on to Killimer for the ferry to County Kerry. Despite the best efforts of diversions for road works we made it to Ballybunion and played the 10th on the new course after literally minutes on the driving range. This paid off as the golf was it's usual poor standard (John winning the hole with a six).
After eating well at the golf club, and picking up some sponsorship on the way out, we retired to bed at the house of a friend of Neil's.

Today: 58 miles
Total: 566 miles

Day nine: Galway to Lahinch

After breakfast we left Galway on our way to Lahinch intent on visiting some Megalithic tombs and the Cliffs of Moher. The plans then fell apart when just after leaving the town of Kinvara, when attempting to stop for a comfort break (again) Neil and Stephen collided and the deadly Moulton severed two of Neils spokes. After waiting several fruitless minutes to see if they would grow back we decided on another plan. We would go back to Kinvara and ask for help. As we started back, Gerry from the Burren Cycling Club appeared and while not able to help, put us on to Patrick O'Donahue (our hero and Neil's new best friend). While Stephen and John cycled on to Ballyvaughan, Patrick came and picked up Neil and took him to his house. Unable to fix Neil's wheel, he lent him another wheel and said just leave it wherever you get the other one fixed. A real saint!
Our spirits now improved, we had a good lunch in Ballyvaughan before heading for Lahinch. On the way we stopped at the Ciffs of Moher for a bit of sightseeing. Neil decided to try and hit a golf ball to America (see picture). Despite hitting his best shot of the tour, it turned he had woefully underclubbed.
The weather had been good so far but turned bad for the last few miles to Lahinch, and we arrived rather damp at the golf club. We played a slightly bizarre blind par 3 with a big mound in front of the green with some success (Neil and Stephen both had pars). Tea was had at the golf club before visiting the town for a pint then retiring to bed.

Day eight: 60 miles
Day nine: 52 miles
Total miles: 508 miles

Day eight: Westport to Galway

After quality time with families and quality breakfast at Westport Quay, the peleton moved off in the general direction of Galway. All went well until Stephen broke two more spokes so we were slightly delayed as spokes were replaced and wheel realigned.
On stopping roadside for a comfort break, Neil fell off his bike. His son later started spreading the (completely untrue) rumour that he had wet himself in the process.
We eventually arrived in Galway and went down the town for that typical cyclist's diet of curry and beer. Then back to the hotel to bed.

Day seven: Westport

Best day yet, no cycling and no golf.
Instead we spent quality time with family. This included the afternoon at Westport House where Stephen and John were interviewed live on U105 FM by former Clubsound legend George Jones. The interview was only spoiled by the whistle of the passing miniature train, but you probably all heard since I am sure you all listen to George in the afternoon.
Neil rested his weary legs in the afternoon which avoided some of the quality family time.
All good things come to an end and it's back to the cycling tomorrow.

Day six: Enniscrone to Westport

Long, long day in the saddle.
Set off from Enniscrone after usual hearty breakfast, but progress was held up after Neil had a blowout (from his tire). Neil, the ace mechanic then repaired the puncture with a combination of a 1993 Maracycle repair kit and some sticking plaster. So far the repair has held but just in case we bought the only cycle tire for sale in Crossmolina.
On we went, heading west and passed through Bangor Erris and Belmullet before eventually arriving at Carne (next stop America). This truly is the backend of nowhere (and then a bit).
After more rubbish golf (John is now in the lead), and lunch we set off for Westport. The scenery was extraordinary, and reasonably flat, but having cycled quite far already, chat was limited and even Neil's singing was few and far between.
Weariness set in and as the road became more undulating spirits sagged until eventually we arrived at Westport.
Our families were there to greet us and feed us so perhaps it was worth all the pedalling on the longest day.

To update mileage so far:
Day four: 68 miles
Day five: 70 miles
Day six: 105 miles
Total: 396 miles

Day five: Ballyshannon to Enniscrone

Back on the road we headed towards Rosses Point, near Sligo, meeting along the way two travelling German carpenters in traditional travelling German carpenter attire. Sorry no pictures, you will just have to use your imagination. On to Rosses Point where the cycling seems to be taking its toll on the golf. However an excellent lunch kept spirits up.
Next stop Enniscrone where after long hours on the practice ground the golf was perhaps even worse. However the members were very generous to our charity and we had a delicious curry (with Guinness).
We then got caught in a heavy shower on our way to find accommodation but Neil dressed appropriately (see picture) managed to negotiate an excellent deal at a luxury B&B and all slept well.

Day four: Rosapenna to Ballyshannon

After an excellent breakfast at The Rosapenna Hotel we set off in reasonable weather for Ballyshannon. We continued on to Letterkenny where over coffee we had a harsh grilling over the phone by Spectator newshound Sara (apparently we will be featured this Thursday!). After putting it off as long as we could we ascended a particularly severe looking climb out of Letterkenny We must be getting used to this by now as all made it without problems.
At Ballybofey we stopped for lunch in Kee's Hotel, where it was very tempting just to stay but on we pedalled.
As we headed on to Ballyshannon, we were passing close to Murvagh Golf Club, so although it wasn't on our round we thought they might let us play a hole anyway. Again hospitality was great and included lasagne and chips, and a bit of craic with Ronan, Gary, Gerry and David (all pictured..no idea who those pints of Guinness were for) from Omagh. We then pedalled happily the remaining miles to Ballyshannon.
Out for a quick pint in Sean Og's and some chat with the locals before retiring to bed.

Day three: Ballyliffin, Portsalon and Rosapenna

A day of decent weather, great generosity and one nasty hill, oh and a bit of golf!
The day started with a short ride from The Strand Hotel to Ballyliffin Golf Club where buggies were provided to take us to the hole named the Tank. Two threes and a four and we left Ballyliffin slightly smugly and headed for the ferry at Buncrana.
The ride from Rathmullan to Portsalon, while spectacular, included a hill which proved too much for some of the team but all eventually arrived at the golf club. Excellent hospitality included lunch and generous donation and we escaped with our pride intact as we all had fives at the challenging second.
A flatter route took us to Rosapenna where the golf was more of a struggle but the generosity included a presentation from the club captain of money raised at the previous days competition.
On the road donations today totalled over 700 euros!

Todays: 49 miles
Total: 153 miles

Day two: Portrush to Ballyliffin

The second day started with quality time with our families. Luckily Barry's had been done the day before so we forced them to cross the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. The photograph shows the team having crossed the rope bridge, masquerading as part of the Croatian football team. Fortunately all those who crossed the bridge made it back again and after some nourishment we set off once more after bidding our loved ones a fond farewell. The weather was a vast improvement on the previous day's and we did bit of sightseeing at Mussenden Temple. Transport logistics then caused something of a delay when the Magilligan ferry departed early and left us hanging around for three quarters of an hour. The weather continued to be fine as we cycled from Greencastle to Ballyliffin where we watched the end of the tennis and consumed food and drink we thought appropriate for touring athletes (chicken, vegetables and Guinness) before retiring to bed to update the blog, make antry for the video diary and Neil to put the finishing touches to the tour song!

Today: 40 miles

Total: 104 miles

Day one: Holywood to Portrush

The Tour finally got underway today beginning with a preliminary hole, the sixth at our home club of Holywood. The appalling weather relented just long enough for us to entertain our families and a few friends before we set off for Royal Portrush. The terrible rain continued but pitstops in Doagh, Broughshane and Logans sustained us until we arrived on the North Coast to face the 14th, Calamity Corner. The club were very accommodating and in fact supplied buggies, and a driver (Bob) to take us out to the tee. Now the drama could start...

John teed off first and hit a reasonable shot 20 yards short of the green. Neil put his tee shot further left and shorter. Stephen stood up on the tee (a small crowd now watching). Three lost balls later he gave up....

For the record Neil and John both recorded fours.

After a night in Portrush with our families we head to Ballyliffin tomorrow ready to play there first thing Monday morning.

So far we have cycled 66 miles...only another 1000 odd to go!

TV Celebrities

For those of you who missed it we appeared on UTV twice on Tuesday to much acclaim and the odd bit of abuse (people just don't seem to get pink lycra!). As a result of the programme orders have already been taken for several Divnick clubs and Divnick have promised to donate to our cause for each club sold as a result of our event.

Don't forget you can e-mail us at cycle@tourofireland.co.uk with any encouragement, advice or anything at all really.

Only a couple of days to go before we set off so keep checking this blog to see how we are getting on.

Team jerseys have arrived

Our team jerseys have arrived (sponsored by the Richard Schwartz Partnership) so I don't think we will be missed on the road!

Welcome

Welcome to the blog for our charity cycle round Ireland in aid of The Breast Cancer Campaign

We intend to update this blog as we pedal our way round the island and keep you informed of our progress so please return here to see how we are getting on.

Don't forget to check out our website at www.tourofireland.co.uk where you can find details of how to donate to The Breast Cancer Campaign and other information about our adventure.