M2M – Day4: Longest day – kilometrage, hours in the saddle, strong wind, burning sun – great day!
Why do we (or why do I?) do this?
Left Kiltimagh at 8.00am and pulled into Letterkenny at 8.30pm (and faster groups may have done this in a couple of hours less). Even allowing for breaks quite a lot of close and personal time for my rear end and the saddle! So what do this? Probably all have our won reasons:
- because it’s there
- because someone asked or challenged me
- to raise money for great cause
- because that’s what I do every two year (except during covid)
- because I want to do it both ways (or more)
- for the craic, friendship, comradery, sense of team…
- …and lot’s more
For me – first time because I was asked/ challenged, 2nd time – to do it the ‘other way’, this time – well -just made sense (if that’s possible!).
Sunny and windy
Some highlights
Without doubt – getting there. And the last climbs out of Ballyboffey and before dropping down into Letterkenny were definitely sent to test us. But all the cyclists came through.
Late lunch in Bundoran – much needed – and thans for making mor sandwiches when we were well behind the clock.
The 99 in Ballyboffey – later in the evening.
The views of Benbulben and Mullaghmore.
But most of all – congratulating (and being congratulated) by all your fellow cyclists after completing the 188km windtunnel event.
On a personal level found it much easier to negotiate the Barnsmore gap in the company of other cyclists than late at night with the sunlight failing (back in 2016).
The continued high standard of support from the great crew – important for supplies, repairs, moral support, keeping us safe on the road.
And remembering previous trips in 2018 and 2016.
Looking forward to Day 5
Can’t wait to get back on the bikes at 9am and make our way out to Malin and Malin Head. Bring it on.
