TransAtlantic Way Cycle Race Day 3

Our stop in the 'Blair Witch' house was a real experience. When we first set up camp and tucked ourselves into our bivvy bags, sleeping bags and liners all seemed real well and it didn't take long for us to drop off. However, at some uncertain time in the morning, we awoke to some unintelligible Irish voices from outside. We both froze in our bags and feared the worse. I figured they must have known we were inside as Jamie was snoring so loud before he was awoken. Thoughts crossed our minds that they were the IRA and we were in a building that was storing arms. Oh heck, they're gonna knee cap us both. How do we explain this one?! These voices remained for what seemed like forever (and forever is a very long time) and then we heard the noise of burning rubber. One of them was clearly in a vehicle and was burning doughnuts outside our camp. 'Doughnut Dan' as we dubbed him, appeared to stick around for a while before tearing off. Thankfully once off they didn't return. Jamie and I managed to sleep quite fine following this and our experience didn't seem quite so frightful once morning light appeared. Further menace was noted in the morning however, my air mat had deflated and we both had some midge bites. In addition, I think Jamie was covered in mosquito bites too. The mozzy's never bothered with me but Jamie was riddled with bites throughout our adventure.

By 7 a.m. we were out of our dwelling for the night and back on the open roads. It was quite misty initially but still frightfully warm. Wow, we were on day 3 of our adventure already.

Today we had formed a plan to ride through Glenveagh National Park and search out a bike shop. I think we had intelligence from Kay suggesting a bike shop on route. Can't recall exactly what happened but my notes record 'bike shop found, no joy'. Hmm. Maybe I'll remember more as I continue to write this experience up.

What we did find was the gravel section of the National Park. We took a while to descend this section for 2 reasons. The first reason was because Jamie was searching for a tracker that had been lost here (with a promise of beer if found). The tracker was not found (phone signals were poor in this area). The second reason for a slower descent was my fear of breaking more spokes. I tore down with some speed but remained cautions none the less.

Gravel section of the Glenveagh National Park

Cycling through the park was great. The views were stunning and there was a stillness in the air. Such beautiful waters and lovely single track.

The cycle past the castle was lovely too. Not the most amazing castle ever seen but a great sight to behold all the same. Most castles we saw were in ruins, but they still looked awesome.

Such an excellent breakfast stop was found. Clear of the National Park, we stumbled on Coffee Go Leor in Falcarragh. Of course we opted for the Wild Atlantic Way Breakfast. I ate more black and white pudding on this adventure than I had ever eaten in my life before. I tasted black pudding at home and wasn't a fan, now I'm kinda accustomed to it. White pudding is much more yummy than black. Who'd have thought?!

At this point in our adventure, I was yet to taste a Guinness. Guinness was advertised and promoted everywhere. Jamie had made it a mission of his to ensure I drank a pint of the stuff in Ireland before our return. Time would tell.

At another point in our adventure we had found a bike shop (Kay most probably provided the intelligence). Ah yes, I remember, the bike shop looked more like a 'Sports Direct' store though the shop girl was sure that 'the mechanic' could help. Problem was, the mechanic was on a call out and would not return for a couple of hours. No bother, we found somewhere to eat and if I remember correctly, we ate more pudding, mushrooms and chips. I think we had a couple of pints too (cider for me). After a few trips back to the bike shop, we located the mechanic but sadly he was not able to help with my broken spoke. Ireland bike shops are not modern and a bolt-thru axle was considered very modern age here. He was unable to remove 'the something' on my wheel and had no spokes of a suitable length. The mechanic was a helpful chap and suggested I call 'Don' in another bike shop some distance away. Don sounded grumpy on the phone, stating that he was fixing bikes and spokes already for other TAW riders but agreed to look at my bike if I cycled to him. There was nothing for it, we headed to Don's.

Cycling to Don's was great. We appeared to be high above sea level and all the houses we could see looked just like miniature models. I loved cycling by the coast and seeing the different colours of the sea, smelling the ocean air and seeing stretches of beach.

Of interest, was the fact that we saw little 'graffiti' in relation to 'the troubles' of Ireland. Most wall paintings referred to 'Free Palestine' or similar. I'm not even sure if the picture above was to do with 'the troubles', the chap on the right looked like Hitler...

In more modern times, like now, I figured Ireland was more together. The map of Ireland above was made of rocks from all different counties or regions in Ireland. Looked pretty amazing.

Was always great to stop at a view point and have a view. Well, what else would you do? Ah, was also great to stop at Don's in a place called Adara.

Don was a great chap and super friendly. I felt guilty for thinking he sounded grumpy on the phone. We spent ages at Don's and he chatted some and following checking internet a couple of times, removed parts from my wheel with incorrect tools but most importantly fixed the broken spoke! Wahoo! Don was a teacher in his past and taught a whole load of local folk mathematics. So pleased were Jamie and I that we could continue our adventure and hopefully not waste too much more time.

Happy again

Due to time wasted (though spent appropriately) we were not able to reach a pre-booked hostel. We cared little and figured more wild camping meant more wild adventure. Jamie had proved himself to be a great buddy and cycling partner here. He never grumbled about my broken gear, stuck with me for hours waiting for folk to appear or stuff to be fixed (others would have carried on) and was pleased as punch to change plans and 'go wild'. Top block, little did he know we would end up sleeping outside a shop window.

Not sure how well we slept, but sleep we did. Jamie's snoring certainly indicated he was sleeping a little! My sleep was shortened a trifle because my air mat deflated in the night and a re-blow up was required. I would get cold once my body was against the floor. I think the many miles and huge amount of adventure helped me to drop off and snooze somewhat.

Day 3 (201k)

TransAtlantic Way Cycle Race Day 2

Woke up on day 2 feeling relatively fine. I had no back ache at all, not even a little bit. Amazing to think that just a week prior I was in so much pain and struggled to walk and sit. Only real menace was that my eyes felt like they had sand in them and I had a little sun burn. Jamie appeared to have no  major issues either. Once out of bed it was nice to shower although there was no soap. This shower proved to be my last for a good few days.

Following our showers, we sat down for our amazing breakfast. This amazing breakfast did not include a fry up like we were led to believe. This was a do-it-yourself breakfast that consisted of cereals, toast and yoghurt. Ah, and 'the eggs' were in a basket on the side but we did not indulge. This was a hostel and we had to cook, wash and dry everything we used.

Oh the horror we had when we went to collect our bikes. The room where they were stored was not a room at all. They were outside on a roof or something and covered in rubble and builders gear and surrounded by a few builders who were building away. Just like Mr Fat Man the night before, these builders appeared put out when we went to retrieve our bikes. We were glad to leave the hostel and continue with our cycling endeavour.

Today was the day that we actually started to cycle the Wild Atlantic Way. It really felt that our adventure was in full swing now. The little Wild Atlantic Way signs were now going to be a common occurrence of all our rides until the finish.

TAW Day 2 (194k)

Not long after leaving Derry, we had also left Northern Ireland and all the sign-posts, car number plates, currency, etc had changed again. The cycling was awesome with some great climbs and perfect hot weather once more. We felt very blessed to be able to participate in this event and reflected that although we were now 'skinted', what a privilege it was that we were actually here. Some folk surely were not cycling because of lack of funds. (Some folk were cycling because they had 'sponsors' and were gifted with bikes, luggage, clothing, bike-fits, etc).

The great hills we cycled often had awesome view points at the top. How great it was to stop and have a view and think 'wow, we just cycled that'. God's creation in Ireland was really mind-blowing.

Great views a daily occurrence.

The weather being so hot again was causing tarmac to melt in places. In other places, fresh tarmac was being put down. On one occasion (in fact two) we had to dismount bikes to avoid our tyres popping due to the hot tarmac.

Hot tarmac, hot days, hot cycle action

The hot weather was great. It was excuse enough to stop for ice creams. Oh, ant the coke we drank too!

Nice views all around

It wasn't long before we encountered a beach. A lovely empty beach. Being on a jolly, we had to stop and pay a visit. Such a lovely stop - the perfect place for an impromptu picnic.

How silly I looked with my peak pointing upwards

Jamie found a crab!

Leaving the beach and continuing forward, we found the end of a rainbow. Indeed, at the end of this rainbow was a collection of those super nice (the best) cereal bars we were given at the start. I think a leprechaun had left them there for us. We promptly tucked these bars into our jersey pockets and left with beaming smiles.

Folly at Malin Head, Ireland's most Northerly point

Our journey took us to Malin Head which is Ireland's most Northerly point. This was also where scenes from Star Wars was recorded - could see why, it was 'far out'. It really blew my mind that Ireland's most Northerly point was in Southern Ireland and not Northern. Northern Ireland don't seem to get a good deal in my book - they have little land space in comparison and don't even have the most Northern point. Crazy!

Could Yoda live here?

Wow, we were in Ireland baby!

Awesome views from Malin Head

Jamie and I were living the dream. Cycling an epic event with such stunning scenery and perfect weather to boot. And, with long stretches of straight down-hill, what could possibly go wrong?!

As well as cycling lots, we would eat lots too! Cycling and eating are both great activities and both hobbies of mine. Frequent stops to a supermarket for food (and tea for me and 2 x cups of coffee for Jamie) were a frequent feature.

Funny the things you notice whilst cycling in Ireland. One such funny thing was the fact that they don't 'give' but rather 'yield'. Ha!

The first broken spoke of many

Had posed the question earlier, 'what could possibly go wrong?'. Well, that was answered when I had started to climb the biggest, most severe hill of this challenge. This was the first 'Mike Hall KOM challenge' hill (we think). Was so enjoying this tough climb when all of a sudden 'pop', grr, oh no, a spoke had broke (and front mech wasn't shifting perfectly either). This was a slight menace to say the least, especially as my (rear) wheel had so few spokes anywhere. Taped the spoke to another and carried on. Jamie made contact with his good lady (Kay) back in England and she was on the case of searching for a bike shop to repair broken spoke.

So much for the 'luck of the Irish'. 

With only mild anxiety following the broken spoke, we cycled until it was dark. Tonight was going to be our first wild camp. Before we had to look for a suitable spot, an abandoned house just appeared. Without further thought, we entered this building and settled down for the night. Little did we know that this house was oh so similar to the Blair Witch project...

Doo's sleeping quarter

Jamie tucked up

Our first wild camp was in this great building. It looked a little different in daylight. The darkness told a story of it's own...

TransAtlantic Way Cycle Race Day 1 (and pre-race blurb)

Jamie ('Mac' 'Tim's Friend) and Doo ('Tim') after completing TAW 2018

Wow, Jamie McLeod and myself completed the TransAtlantic Way (TAW) cycle race on 18th June 2018 in 11 days, 10 hours and 44 mins. This was a superb adventure and the first for the 'Adventure Squad'. Below is a summary of collected thoughts, photo's, facts,  and memories in an attempt to capture our adventure and share our experience. Due to there being so much content, each day will be posted as a separate blog entry. Oh, and the reason we were cycling this adventure was simple - we wanted to celebrate Jamie's 50th birthday and, well, no one else would cycle it with me.

The adventure really began as soon as I had left my abode in the village and collected Jamie from his domicile in Town. We both hugged and kissed our family members goodbye prior to setting off an a 3-4 hour drive to Holyhead Ferry. As is our custom, we stopped for a Maccy D's on route.

Expensive this adventure of ours, maybe too expensive for a pauper like me. As soon as we got to the ferry point we had to pay a whopping £90 for parking expenses. Before we got on the ferry we were stung again and had to shell out another £40 to transport our bikes on said vessel (£10 each, each way). Not sure what this 'bike money' was for as there was no where suitable or decent bike storage or security provided on the ferry. We were joined by a few other crazy folk who had also entered the race. Once on the ferry, we slept.

Arrived at Trinity College

About 3-4 hours later we had arrived on Irish soil, disembarked the ferry and cycled 1/2 mile to Trinity College. Here we met a whole number of bike packers and had a big fry up together and participated in some general cycle fraternising. This was a weird day really as we largely just wanted to start the race and sleep a while beforehand if we could. The race did not start until the following day and we couldn't just crash out as our shared room was not ready. Our room must have been cleaned over and over again because each time we asked if it was ready (and we asked on a few occasions) we were told 'it's being cleaned, come back at 2'. Hmmm, what to do? We figured we'd take our bikes to the storage area at the college where a miserable woman stated it would cost 6 euro's to leave our bikes un-attended against a wall in this open area because 'that's how it is here'. Hmm. We decided I would look after bikes and Jamie would visit the 'Book of Kell's' (which is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables) exhibition at the college. When Jamie returned, I was asleep on the grass.

Irish Whiskey and Guinness, what else?!

On wakening, we found a suitable place to store our bikes - in a TAW van. We then went deeper into Dublin and Jamie tasted an Irish Guinness and me an Irish Whiskey. The weather was perfect, very hot and sunny and we hoped our adventure would continue in this vain. A superb fish and chips (with rock salt) dinner followed our drinks and we were starting to buzz with the pre-race excitement.

Race goodies - T-shirt, bum butter, tracker, cap, brevet and 'wonder' bar

Late afternoon and our room was finally ready. We faffed a little ensuring our bikes were set up ready for race day. My harness was causing issues but it was soon sorted. I had picked up a mascot in town too, 'Travelling Ted', an Irish bear who would accompany Jamie and I on our travels. He had pride of place on my front mud-guard.

Travelling Ted

Our spot trackers were collected too (which enabled friends and family to watch our dots on a dot tracker system throughout the race). The race briefing was attended and few rules were discussed. Essentially we were told that this was a self-supported and managed race. If short cuts were taken then there would be time limits imposed. Generally, have a good time was the flavour of the talk. Around this time we were also given race memento's - a TAW 2018 t-shirt, some bum butter, a cereal bar and a Epidura cap.

In the late evening we went and ate some super nice noodles and rice. Returned to our rooms relatively early. After popping my pain killers and some valium, lights were out at 8:15 p.m. When we awoke it was race day!

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The 12k trek to the start

Before our race began, we had another super big breakfast, just like the previous day only more of it. We then had to cycle to the start, a short distance away. Once at the start we had to wait for our wave to be waved off. Jamie and I were in the last wave because we were a pair (of idiots) and had to sit a whole hour before we could depart.

Ready for the off, off

Ready for the off

Moments before Jamie and I were waved off we were interviewed by the race guys, however, we cannot find the video that was posted. We essentially wished each other well, shook hands and were buzzing that we were about to start an epic adventure in glorious sunshine. My dynamo light was causing me a little grief as it just wouldn't work (and did not work throughout whole adventure) - am hoping the cable is the only real issue. Prior to the off, we had our brevet cards signed by Adrian (the event organiser) too. Adrian signed 2 cards for me, I was using this day 1 as my RRtY audax for June.

TAW day 1 (232k)

How awesome it felt to finally start. Our plan for today was to simply cycle to Londonderry. We hoped we would reach the first checkpoint (peace bridge) and get our brevet cards signed and sleep at a hostel that was pre-booked. Simples.

Jamie, rolling on the TAW at last

The start was almost perfect. Hot weather and a very welcome tail wind. Despite the gradient being gently up-hill it felt as though we were descending. Our first stop was at Navan, the 50k mark, where we had a Maccy D's and felt like audax cyclists.

My daily notes, rice pudding and spork

Our next stop was at Monaghan where we had covered 120k by this point. The weather was so hot that tarmac was melting in numerous places on the road. How cool was that?! This was a nice stop, especially for Jamie as he was given free chips by a fellow TAW cyclist. I purchased rice pudding (plus chicken sandwich) and was pleased (once again) that I had packed a spork. At often times (though not always) I would scribble down notes about our adventure and charge garmin at our feed stops.

Road closed, really?

Was very strange cycling into Northern Ireland. Just like 'that', the road signs changed (and distances were in miles and not km's), the car no. plates changed and currency was now sterling again.  I had created the route to Londonderry (as the compulsory TAW route did not start until we reached the Wild Atlantic Way), however, we stumbled upon a closed road. Some random road worker informed us the road was closed (we had seen sign after sign stating same) but eventually said 'hmm, you'll get through'. Get through we did, though this was a close call and we had to climb high banks and embark on some off-road action. What an adventure we were having already!

Our next stop was at the 175k mark in Omagh. I purchased some pastries here and (unknown at the time) was given change in sterling (Irish sterling looks different to English sterling). I also posted off my audax brevet card here too. Had to take a picture of the clouds covering the hills as they almost looked like a shadow. My dynamo was still not working, but no major menace, I had my friend with me who came prepared with back up lights. A nice Hope light shone the way to the control point.

Peace Bridge

It felt wonderful to reach checkpoint 1, Peace Bridge, in Derry. We were congratulated and had our brevet cards stamped. Next plan was to locate our hostel.

After a bit of mis-navigation, we found 51 Strand Street, our hostel for the night. I rang the bell and a very fat man answered the door and did not present as impressed one bit. He complained we were late and ordered us up the stairs to park our bikes in an outside room. This room was not a room at all, though we did not know this until the following day when we retrieved our bikes. This 'room' was an outside space on a roof or something. Mr Fat Man then showed us our room, a big room with a triple bunk and a double bed. I think he said it was too late for us to shower and was keen for us to go to bed. He was not pleased we wanted to sleep in separate beds and grudgingly went and got clean sheets for Jamie's bunk. 'So, you two don't want to sleep together no. Hmm. I'll have to get extra sheets' he said, in his saddened, 'you have really put me out' tone. His last remark was, 'the breakfast here is very good. We have eggs'. Looking at the size of him, we could not wait until breakfast and slept well with dreams of bacon, sausage and of course eggs!

Tick, tick, tick, boom!

Friday was not a good day. Friday, my back was still painful. I went for a swim and swam 1,000m (40 lengths) just like the previous day, however, I did not feel great for so doing. My back continued to hurt and I thought my chances of cycling the TAW were slim.

Woke up Saturday feeling much better with less pain in my back. Once I was up, the pain had returned but not to the same extent as previous days. Felt much more optimistic and believed that I may get to the start line after all. Such excitement caused me to ponder my kit list(s) again and have now decided to drop the pants and silk ls layer to save just a bit of extra weight. Had no idea what it might feel like to be on my bike but figured I'd wait a while yet. Hoping!

Sunday morning was awful. I woke up in a lot of pain. Seriously doubted that I would be cycling the TAW and felt like I had already let down myself and Jamie. All the money I had wasted spent, all the hours training, all the effort to take time off work, arghh, my head-space was all mashed up. Reflected on how this past week was pants. I had waned to buzz and be filled with excitement the week before this event. I had wanted to look at everyone's bikes and FaceBook posts. Instead, I was full of doom, gloom and anxiety. In the afternoon, I asked SJ to take me to work just so I could collect my (commute) bike and cycle home. A 'test' is what I thought was required. I would not listen to the advice from others and cycle a short distance near home, no, I wanted to see if I could ride my bike and pedal with a certain amount of pain. So, I cycled from work all the way home. Sure, I was in a little pain and my back felt tight but I could cycle. 25k later and I had reached home. Better yet, I had reached the decision that I would cycle TAW even if it killed me (let's hope it doesn't). I figured pain relief would be the way to go and Lin said she'd get me some tiger balm as she felt that'll do wonders. Took a quick trip to my parents (who will be away until my return) to say farewell (and inform I planned to cycle), borrowed some cash and printed copies of route profiles. I had started to buzz a little.

Monday morning saw me re-visit the GP. Thankfully, she felt my back issues were muscular in nature. GP advised I 'listen to my back', I swear I heard my back say 'to Ireland you must go'. Kind GP gave me some exercises to perform to manage back pain and some codeine to take at night. Sweet. I was advised to continue with Naproxen during the day. I felt swimming helped a little last week, so I swam a little today too. Just to make sure riding my bike really was a good idea, I cycled about 20k today for test purposes. Ouch, back still hurt.

Tuesday came. Mixed emotions. Race to get packed. So pleased I was able to go. Am I really a crazy goon? Miss my wife and kids and family. Back soon. Boom!

Check my progress/regress here: TAW Race 2018