Day 7: Kenmare – Mizen Head!
‘Cheers Val’, ‘no thanks Val’! Ciaran remembering the two phrases he used the most this week!
I’m trying to think of ways to describe what it was like @ 2.56pm today as our lads & lassies crossed the finishing line @ Mizen head and ended what was a heroic effort all week. Leaving Malin Head last Saturday morning this point seemed so far away, we have passed through some of the most beautiful & toughest countryside in Ireland along the way.
Hoards of supporters with their ‘vuvuzela’s’ & champagne gathered to watch the team burst across the line with Tony Burke Moran crossing first. Many questioned whether Tony would have had the stamina to sustain the challenge for the yellow jersey but Tony you have earned the right to laugh in the faces of all those doubters!!!
Firstly a big thanks you to all @ The Kenmare Bay Hotel who were more than happy to put us up last night as their charity of the year is also Barnardos!
Leaving Co. Kerry this morning spirits were high and especially amongst the ‘Corkonians’ who had an extra pep in their peddle as the border was soon to be crossed. Healy pass was the first mountain to be descended and the team picked up some pace in their pursuit of Mizen. The day started off with spitting rain but as we came out of Glengariff jackets were thrown by the roadside, and I might add for me to pick up!! Again the lads just seemed to be getting quicker as we arrived in Bantry in no time at all. Robbie had managed to catch us up as he decided to have a lie in this morning and left a little after us! He said he was getting his bike fixed but we’re not sure! Half time breaks were also becoming shorter as the lads & lassies had just one thing in their sights. Heading further south Toormore was the next stop for lunch. Quick sandwich and a bit sun bathing & the atmosphere was rising as everyone knew this stop would be the final pit stop of the week.
As myself and my fellow crew members waited @ Mizen Head, alongside all the supporters we could see a crowd of cyclists gathering in the distance! After the final team talk it was all systems go as they headed for Mizen Head!
You could see the joy, well actually maybe more relief as they came through the yellow ribbon! Champagne corks popped bikes thrown over the edge it was over! Malin to Mizen had been conquered!!!
Lads & Lassies from my own point of view very well done, it was a great week something none of us will ever forget. I sure when you guys all take your relevant seats on Monday morning whether it is in offices or waiting rooms and you feel that little twinge you’ll look back with a proud grin on your faces!
There as so many people we need to thank from everyone we have met along the way to Ellen for her superbly taken photos all week & lest we forget Mairead. Mairead has put a lot of time and effort in behind the scenes in order to ensure the week ran as smoothly as possible! Great week Mairead & thank you!
A big thank you, to you Joe from all the team for all your blogging and keeping the rest of the world abreast of our movements………
The support along the way has been super and I’m sure Barnardos will find plenty of uses for all our efforts!
Team Boehringer!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Day 6: Listowel – Kenmare
Day 6: Listowel – Kenmare
It was certainly ladies day today in our trip from Listowel to Kenmare. For the 1st time this week all three ladies took to their bikes with Mairead making her debut in the cycle. As we loaded up for our penultimate day on the bikes the sun was beginning to creep out again. We also just want to say a big thank you to Liam in the Billeragh House hostel. Apart from his super hospitality he also made a sizable donation to the fund. Most of the cyclists found the trip from Listowel to Tralee comfortable enough as there wasn’t too many tired heads in Castlemaine for our 1st pit stop of the day. Before leaving Listowel we decided to check out bike shops in Tralee to get Kens spoke problem sorted once & for all, good thing we did! Just as we arrived @ Anthony O’Halorans bike shop Tralee, the phone rang again. It was Ciaran wondering where we were, he needed our help! Tony raced back to pick him up, safely and within the speed limit of course! He had a complete blow out on the stretch into Tralee. I think his sister Brigin had sabotaged his bike when she came to cheer him along!
After yesterdays disaster Robbie wasn’t getting any more comfortable in the yellow jersey as himself and two of his fellow competitors took the scenic route into Castlemaine. Derek was the 1st to pull in and Maureen followed in a close second. We also had picked up Mr Dave Soden & he did a super job guiding the lads along the way. After a quick fruit stop it was onto Killarney for lunch & what a lunch stop it was. When we arrived Tony went to check out a suitable place for him & his camper to park. After being asked to leave one of the oldest & well known establishments in Killarney we pulled into ‘The Killarney Oaks Hotel’. Tony asked for permission from proprietor Eamon Courtney & with parking approved we started into our sandwiches. Much to our amazement out arrived one of the staff members with an endless amount of chips & more sandwiches. To top it off Eamon dropped out enough bottled water to keep us going for the rest of the trip! Lovely staff and beautiful hotel based on the Muckross Road, would recommend a visit to the Killarney Oaks if you’re ever in Killarney!
And so it was onto Kenmare for the last leg of the journey with Peter joining the group to get a bit of exercise. He may have been regretting his decision when he realised what was ahead of him! I’ve said it before on this trip but words could not describe the mountain the lads had to climb, great determination was shown by everyone and you could see the joy on their faces as the flew down into Kenmare!
Tomorrow is the last day guys, please keep the donations coming in, you can find the link on our facebook page & it’s easy to do!
It was certainly ladies day today in our trip from Listowel to Kenmare. For the 1st time this week all three ladies took to their bikes with Mairead making her debut in the cycle. As we loaded up for our penultimate day on the bikes the sun was beginning to creep out again. We also just want to say a big thank you to Liam in the Billeragh House hostel. Apart from his super hospitality he also made a sizable donation to the fund. Most of the cyclists found the trip from Listowel to Tralee comfortable enough as there wasn’t too many tired heads in Castlemaine for our 1st pit stop of the day. Before leaving Listowel we decided to check out bike shops in Tralee to get Kens spoke problem sorted once & for all, good thing we did! Just as we arrived @ Anthony O’Halorans bike shop Tralee, the phone rang again. It was Ciaran wondering where we were, he needed our help! Tony raced back to pick him up, safely and within the speed limit of course! He had a complete blow out on the stretch into Tralee. I think his sister Brigin had sabotaged his bike when she came to cheer him along!
After yesterdays disaster Robbie wasn’t getting any more comfortable in the yellow jersey as himself and two of his fellow competitors took the scenic route into Castlemaine. Derek was the 1st to pull in and Maureen followed in a close second. We also had picked up Mr Dave Soden & he did a super job guiding the lads along the way. After a quick fruit stop it was onto Killarney for lunch & what a lunch stop it was. When we arrived Tony went to check out a suitable place for him & his camper to park. After being asked to leave one of the oldest & well known establishments in Killarney we pulled into ‘The Killarney Oaks Hotel’. Tony asked for permission from proprietor Eamon Courtney & with parking approved we started into our sandwiches. Much to our amazement out arrived one of the staff members with an endless amount of chips & more sandwiches. To top it off Eamon dropped out enough bottled water to keep us going for the rest of the trip! Lovely staff and beautiful hotel based on the Muckross Road, would recommend a visit to the Killarney Oaks if you’re ever in Killarney!
And so it was onto Kenmare for the last leg of the journey with Peter joining the group to get a bit of exercise. He may have been regretting his decision when he realised what was ahead of him! I’ve said it before on this trip but words could not describe the mountain the lads had to climb, great determination was shown by everyone and you could see the joy on their faces as the flew down into Kenmare!
Tomorrow is the last day guys, please keep the donations coming in, you can find the link on our facebook page & it’s easy to do!
Day 5: Kinvara – Listowel
Day 5: Kinvara – Listowel
‘We have concored all mountains put in front of us & now we cross the mighty Shannon’, Daniel Bedford 23-6-2010.
Asking any of the lads before we boarded the ferry crossing today they would have told you it was the toughest day they have faced so far. Everything had started smoothly enough @ Kinvara and the scenery going through The Burren was absolutely amazing, pictures to follow. Peter had joined the group as replacement for Barry who did a sterling job throughout the week. As we approached Lahinch for our lunch stop news broke once again that Ken was in bother. Nightmare problem was back again, the replacement spoke had barely lasted a couple of days. For a few moments panic set in as to where we were going to find a bicycle repair shop, never knew bike shops were so few and far between! Business idea for ye lads! Tierney’s bike shop in Ennis was the closest one to us and thanks to all there for their help.
Danny’s brother Jonathan, paid the lads a visit in Lahinch on their lunch stop to boost moral and after a quick bite we were on our way again. As Maureen was out of action taking Ken to bike hospital myself & my co-drivers took over following the crew. Two minutes out of Lahinch and just after the turn to Spanish Point we noticed the blue jersey of one of the lads. Who was it? What had happened now? On our arrival @ the scene we saw it was Robbie. Couldn’t believe it when he told me what had happened. If I gave ya one guess what would ya say? Whatever Ken had it was rubbing off on the rest of the team, namely Robbie! The ‘Spoke’!! Ok phone calls had to be made to get the logistics of this right. Albert was called and he took Robbie to Ennis to get it fixed. Ourselves Tony and new arrival Peter were now in charge of following the team to Killimer. If I tried to describe the wind conditions the lads & Valerie were facing words couldn’t do it justice. Not alone were there quite a few hills the wind also slowed things down considerably.
Robbie had been fixed up and was making his way with Albert, I’m sure he did his best to keep up with the jeep but his yellow jersey was under serious threat! Down two men we arrived @ Killimer in time for the 4.30 crossing to Talbert. On arrival we were met by Tadhg. After a lovely photo with our previous leader saddles were boarded for the final run into Listowel.
A beautiful dinner was prepared for the hungry troops and once again an early night will be had by all.
With the donations flowing in from all the locals we have met on our stop offs the target for Barnardos is well on its way to being achieved, thanks again guys!
‘We have concored all mountains put in front of us & now we cross the mighty Shannon’, Daniel Bedford 23-6-2010.
Asking any of the lads before we boarded the ferry crossing today they would have told you it was the toughest day they have faced so far. Everything had started smoothly enough @ Kinvara and the scenery going through The Burren was absolutely amazing, pictures to follow. Peter had joined the group as replacement for Barry who did a sterling job throughout the week. As we approached Lahinch for our lunch stop news broke once again that Ken was in bother. Nightmare problem was back again, the replacement spoke had barely lasted a couple of days. For a few moments panic set in as to where we were going to find a bicycle repair shop, never knew bike shops were so few and far between! Business idea for ye lads! Tierney’s bike shop in Ennis was the closest one to us and thanks to all there for their help.
Danny’s brother Jonathan, paid the lads a visit in Lahinch on their lunch stop to boost moral and after a quick bite we were on our way again. As Maureen was out of action taking Ken to bike hospital myself & my co-drivers took over following the crew. Two minutes out of Lahinch and just after the turn to Spanish Point we noticed the blue jersey of one of the lads. Who was it? What had happened now? On our arrival @ the scene we saw it was Robbie. Couldn’t believe it when he told me what had happened. If I gave ya one guess what would ya say? Whatever Ken had it was rubbing off on the rest of the team, namely Robbie! The ‘Spoke’!! Ok phone calls had to be made to get the logistics of this right. Albert was called and he took Robbie to Ennis to get it fixed. Ourselves Tony and new arrival Peter were now in charge of following the team to Killimer. If I tried to describe the wind conditions the lads & Valerie were facing words couldn’t do it justice. Not alone were there quite a few hills the wind also slowed things down considerably.
Robbie had been fixed up and was making his way with Albert, I’m sure he did his best to keep up with the jeep but his yellow jersey was under serious threat! Down two men we arrived @ Killimer in time for the 4.30 crossing to Talbert. On arrival we were met by Tadhg. After a lovely photo with our previous leader saddles were boarded for the final run into Listowel.
A beautiful dinner was prepared for the hungry troops and once again an early night will be had by all.
With the donations flowing in from all the locals we have met on our stop offs the target for Barnardos is well on its way to being achieved, thanks again guys!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Celtic Caravans
Just want to say a big thank you to Celtic Campervans who donated a 6 birth van completely free of charge for the week! Without this van the cycle would be near impossible. A big thanks to Steve Bradshaw CEO of Celtic Campervans! Contact Steve @ Celtic Campervans @ 087 27 949 27!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day four: Collooney - Kinvara
Day Four: Collooney - Galway
To start today we just want to thank a couple of people. Firstly Pat Kelly from Swinford Motors who let the lads & lady cyclists store their bikes over night in his garage. Makes it a lot easier when ya don’t have to be lugging bikes in and out of the van so thanks a million to all at Pat Kelly Motors Swinford & also a thank you to Francis Roche. Francis let us use her car park for our first stop today in Ballyheane & she also donated to the Barnardos fund & Tony says she said to put his name on the ticket but it’ll be Francis Roche for now!
When leaving Collooney this morning we were minus a man, Danny was struggling with a knee injury. Weather was not quite as beautiful as we’ve had on the trip so far, a few grey clouds hanging over head.
Sandwiches prepared for our first stop we left Collooney and went in the direction of Ballyheane, crossing the border into the beautiful Mayo (I’m from Mayo). The lads & ladies have been saying all week how they just couldn’t wait to arrive and see for themselves everything they’ve heard about Mayo over the years!! Very proud moment!!!
Its gets better, after a tough drag from Ballyheane we made our way to BALLINROBE!! On our arrival in B’robe Danny was escorted at high speed to the ‘centre of excellence’ surgery on the Kilmaine Rd! There he received major surgery on his knee & after a few photos with the relevant people we departed. But wait Danny was on a bike, how he could do this in such a short period of time, what a man, Danny Boy! The last time we saw a man raising from the dead like that was Lazarus!!
Record times were once again recorded on the last leg of the journey, Kinvara being our stop over for the evening! Arriving @ 5 @ the hotel, togs on & straight to the Beach. If you remember I said above it wasn’t as hot as yesterday so people didn’t last long! Dinner & Bed is the next step me thinks… talk tomorrow!
And again guys & I know we’re repeating ourselves but it’s so important thank you for all your support and keep the donations coming in and we'll definitely make our target of €20,000 for Barnardos!
To start today we just want to thank a couple of people. Firstly Pat Kelly from Swinford Motors who let the lads & lady cyclists store their bikes over night in his garage. Makes it a lot easier when ya don’t have to be lugging bikes in and out of the van so thanks a million to all at Pat Kelly Motors Swinford & also a thank you to Francis Roche. Francis let us use her car park for our first stop today in Ballyheane & she also donated to the Barnardos fund & Tony says she said to put his name on the ticket but it’ll be Francis Roche for now!
When leaving Collooney this morning we were minus a man, Danny was struggling with a knee injury. Weather was not quite as beautiful as we’ve had on the trip so far, a few grey clouds hanging over head.
Sandwiches prepared for our first stop we left Collooney and went in the direction of Ballyheane, crossing the border into the beautiful Mayo (I’m from Mayo). The lads & ladies have been saying all week how they just couldn’t wait to arrive and see for themselves everything they’ve heard about Mayo over the years!! Very proud moment!!!
Its gets better, after a tough drag from Ballyheane we made our way to BALLINROBE!! On our arrival in B’robe Danny was escorted at high speed to the ‘centre of excellence’ surgery on the Kilmaine Rd! There he received major surgery on his knee & after a few photos with the relevant people we departed. But wait Danny was on a bike, how he could do this in such a short period of time, what a man, Danny Boy! The last time we saw a man raising from the dead like that was Lazarus!!
Record times were once again recorded on the last leg of the journey, Kinvara being our stop over for the evening! Arriving @ 5 @ the hotel, togs on & straight to the Beach. If you remember I said above it wasn’t as hot as yesterday so people didn’t last long! Dinner & Bed is the next step me thinks… talk tomorrow!
And again guys & I know we’re repeating ourselves but it’s so important thank you for all your support and keep the donations coming in and we'll definitely make our target of €20,000 for Barnardos!
Day three: Donegal Town - Collooney
Day three: Donegal town – Collooney
8.45 am & leaving the hostel the temperatures were already 16 degrees. A sign of things to come… the day was only getting hotter! We had another new comer to the group as Valerie made her debut in the jubilee cycle &
No trip to Sligo would be complete without a visit to the grave of WB Yeats. From there we made our way into Sligo town to find a bicycle repair shop in order to get a pump for Kevin, this shop was to prove vital later in the day… read on to find out more!
On arriving in Strandhill being Monday morning the lads were in work mode so we stopped off for quick call to the pharmacy & the gps surgery! Heading down to the beach and on a day like this you can only describe it as amazing! Left to right as far as the eye can see was an amazing sandy beach, but dotted around the car park signs read NO SWIMMING which was a disappointment for some!
After some light refreshments on we went but after only two mins on the road disaster struck… Word filtered through to us that Ken was in trouble, a spoke had broke! We rushed to be at his side! As his bike was loaded into the van we darted towards the bicycle A&E in Sligo town we had visited earlier in the day. Panic over bike was fixed in half an hour and Ken was on his way again!!
The enthusiasm for work did not stop in Strandhill another call was made to the Surgery in Tobercurry.
So today as it’s the longest day of the year we have decided to have another bbq @ the lovely cottages we are renting for the night in Collooney… not before myself Ciaran, Kevin & Robbie have a quick swim in Strandhill, lovely way to round off an amazing day! Will keep ye all posted to let ye know how we go!
And again guys thank you for all your support and keep the donations coming in and we'll definitely make our target of €20,000 for Barnardos!
8.45 am & leaving the hostel the temperatures were already 16 degrees. A sign of things to come… the day was only getting hotter! We had another new comer to the group as Valerie made her debut in the jubilee cycle &
No trip to Sligo would be complete without a visit to the grave of WB Yeats. From there we made our way into Sligo town to find a bicycle repair shop in order to get a pump for Kevin, this shop was to prove vital later in the day… read on to find out more!
On arriving in Strandhill being Monday morning the lads were in work mode so we stopped off for quick call to the pharmacy & the gps surgery! Heading down to the beach and on a day like this you can only describe it as amazing! Left to right as far as the eye can see was an amazing sandy beach, but dotted around the car park signs read NO SWIMMING which was a disappointment for some!
After some light refreshments on we went but after only two mins on the road disaster struck… Word filtered through to us that Ken was in trouble, a spoke had broke! We rushed to be at his side! As his bike was loaded into the van we darted towards the bicycle A&E in Sligo town we had visited earlier in the day. Panic over bike was fixed in half an hour and Ken was on his way again!!
The enthusiasm for work did not stop in Strandhill another call was made to the Surgery in Tobercurry.
So today as it’s the longest day of the year we have decided to have another bbq @ the lovely cottages we are renting for the night in Collooney… not before myself Ciaran, Kevin & Robbie have a quick swim in Strandhill, lovely way to round off an amazing day! Will keep ye all posted to let ye know how we go!
And again guys thank you for all your support and keep the donations coming in and we'll definitely make our target of €20,000 for Barnardos!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Day two: Burt - Donegal Town
Day two began with Ciaran waving goodbye to the walls of Derry (he's from Derry!) as we set out for Donegal town. The sun was shining bright but the temperatures did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm and determination shown by the lads & for the first time, lady! Maureen joined the lads for the second day and set off like a bat out of hell! Once again it was Robbie Des & Kevin who were the pace setters followed closely by Derek Ken Danny Ciaran & Maureen.
As the team approached Letterkenny a little pot hole may have caused problems for some from which they quickly recovered. I don’t think they had much choice as around the next corner they faced one of the toughest climbs of the day. For myself looking down at the lads & lady it’s the 1st time in all my time in Letterkenny i realised the extent of the valley the biggest town in Donegal lay in.
The 1st stop of the day came in Stranorlar. Valerie & Tony had sped on ahead in the ever reliant camper van and i don't think the team were ever as happy to see oranges and apples on offer! Reenergised leaving Stranorlar & passing through Ballybofey we set out for Bundoran meeting all the mass goers along the way. Our aim was to be in Bundoran for early evening but with the times the team was setting it was again going to be done in record time for the second day in a row, if anything they were getting quicker!
Arriving in Bundoran everyone heading down to the beach crowded with Sunday revellers to engage in a spot of cliff diving!! Kevins idea...! Hungers @ an all time high we arrived back at the hostel to enjoy an expertly prepared bbq, & with that having gone down so well i think it may be time for bed very very soon!
Thank you for all your support and keep the donations coming in and we'll definitely make our target of €20,000 for Barnardos! Signing off for another night.
As the team approached Letterkenny a little pot hole may have caused problems for some from which they quickly recovered. I don’t think they had much choice as around the next corner they faced one of the toughest climbs of the day. For myself looking down at the lads & lady it’s the 1st time in all my time in Letterkenny i realised the extent of the valley the biggest town in Donegal lay in.
The 1st stop of the day came in Stranorlar. Valerie & Tony had sped on ahead in the ever reliant camper van and i don't think the team were ever as happy to see oranges and apples on offer! Reenergised leaving Stranorlar & passing through Ballybofey we set out for Bundoran meeting all the mass goers along the way. Our aim was to be in Bundoran for early evening but with the times the team was setting it was again going to be done in record time for the second day in a row, if anything they were getting quicker!
Arriving in Bundoran everyone heading down to the beach crowded with Sunday revellers to engage in a spot of cliff diving!! Kevins idea...! Hungers @ an all time high we arrived back at the hostel to enjoy an expertly prepared bbq, & with that having gone down so well i think it may be time for bed very very soon!
Thank you for all your support and keep the donations coming in and we'll definitely make our target of €20,000 for Barnardos! Signing off for another night.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Day one: Malin - Burt (Via Derry for some!)
The muscles are toned, the chains are oiled and they are up for the challenge. Day one of Boehringer Ingelheims jubelee charity cycle supporting Barnardos was about to start. Leaving Dublin @ 9am we had a nice long journey ahead of us, stopping @ Aughnacloy Co. Tyrone for smoothies. We arrived in Malin head @ 3 o'clock and after a quick lunch our intrepid cyclists headed off for the 65km journey to Burt.
With Des & Robbie out front of the pelaton setting the pace & Kevin close on their heals it was sure to be done in record time. But as you can see from the photos you couldn't but stop and take in some of the amazing scenery at the highest point of Ireland.
Coming down out of the mountains into Quigleys point the group really picked up the pace, at this stage having broken into two groups. The lads continued out front with Ken Derek Danny Ciaran Barry, new commer to the pack & the elder lemon Tony making sure all the lads got home safe.
Our leading group asked for directions with only a few km's left & one of the many lovely locals we have met on our 1st day sent them the scenic route taking in Derry city for the second time today!!
Due to great publicity over the local airways we've had great support on route and donations are pouring in making our target of €20,000 more than achievable!
Tune in tomorrow for further updates!
With Des & Robbie out front of the pelaton setting the pace & Kevin close on their heals it was sure to be done in record time. But as you can see from the photos you couldn't but stop and take in some of the amazing scenery at the highest point of Ireland.
Coming down out of the mountains into Quigleys point the group really picked up the pace, at this stage having broken into two groups. The lads continued out front with Ken Derek Danny Ciaran Barry, new commer to the pack & the elder lemon Tony making sure all the lads got home safe.
Our leading group asked for directions with only a few km's left & one of the many lovely locals we have met on our 1st day sent them the scenic route taking in Derry city for the second time today!!
Due to great publicity over the local airways we've had great support on route and donations are pouring in making our target of €20,000 more than achievable!
Tune in tomorrow for further updates!
Night Before...
The journey may start tomorrow but the blog starts now! Fortunately i'm not worried about cycling the lenght of Ireland so i'm here writing this while i can only persume our cycling heros are tucked up in their beds.
We depart Dublin @ 9am tomorrow morning to make our way to Malin head, the starting point. Ya might have noticed it is marked on the map & i'll be keeping you informed of our location throughout the journey with the blue markers. We'll also be sharing lots of photos, stories & all other goings on throughout the week.
But for now I'm off to bed as blogging the length of Ireland is going to be extremely tough for me!!
We depart Dublin @ 9am tomorrow morning to make our way to Malin head, the starting point. Ya might have noticed it is marked on the map & i'll be keeping you informed of our location throughout the journey with the blue markers. We'll also be sharing lots of photos, stories & all other goings on throughout the week.
But for now I'm off to bed as blogging the length of Ireland is going to be extremely tough for me!!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
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