Lahinch to Arklow, August Bank Holiday 2009

On Thursday 30th July five cyclists and a support team of five set of to Lahinch Co. Clare, with the intention of cycling to Arklow Co. Wicklow over 3 days covering Aprox 313km.
One might ask WHY???? But it was for a very worthy cause one of the cyclists Paudy O Brien is heading to South Africa in November with the Niall Mellon Trust.

Day 1: Lahinch – Kilaloe Aprox 90km
We set off on Friday morning in wet weather but in good spirits stopping in Ennis for lunch before the final leg to Kilaloe. The weather turned very nasty for this bit and the entire team were glad of a shower and feed at the National Water Activities Center (NWAC) in Kilaloe. Thanks to Diarmuid O’ Briain for making us feel welcome.

Day 2: Kilaloe - Durrow Aprox 92km
Day 2 started a little more tenderly with everyone realizing the task ahead of them but with the main N7 road the bikes were flying along. Passing through Nenagh and Roscrea and finishing in Durrow Co. Laois. Thanks to the generosity of Francis Minogue (Provincial Commissioner South East) the team had a great night’s sleep and were already looking forward to Day 3.

Day 3: Durrow – Bunclody Aprox 76km
We set out from Durrow on Day 3 a little later than the previous two days but we were also aware that we had slightly less ground to cover. The terrain was also a little more varied over this leg of the route and the cyclists dealt with it admirably making good time all the way to Bunclody. We then returned a few miles to Kildavin GAA ground where the local scout group had organized the sports complex for us to stay in. The thought of one days cycling was appealing to everyone at this stage.

Day 4: Bunclody – Arklow Aprox 55km
LAST DAY and the entire team were feeling the strain of the weekend both mentally and physically. The team made short work of the journey to Gorey where they stopped for lunch and continued to Arklow. On arrival in Arklow the cyclists were greeted by their support team some onlookers and some representatives of the Niall Mellon Trust. We then proceeded to the Arklow Sea Scout Den where the leaders there gave us much need showers tea and buns!!! Big thanks to Jimmy and Majella Myler.
Paudy and the entire team would like to thank everyone who helped in any way in the time before during and after the event.

 

Support Team & Cyclists on Arrival in Arklow
Left – Right: Pat Dunne, Cork, John Glasset, Cork, Peter Butler, Charliville, Sam Sutcliffe, Cork/Dublin, Paudy O Brien, Cork, Colin Raune, Cork, Paul Doyle, Dublin, Dee Murphy, Cork, Noel O Conner, Dublin, Peter Roche, Cork