6.30am on Saturday 30th August 2014 - I rolled down my driveway with my bike packed and waved off by my mum & dad.
I didn't do a trial run with all my kit on the bike, so was waiting for something to fall off before I even made it to the main road. Nothing did, result!
I met my good friend Andrea 'what hill?' Harrower about half a mile from my house and after a few photos, we were on our way to Hillsborough to pick up another two of the crazies. Julie & Cathy met us on the road just outside Hillsborough and on we went.
This was it, the beginning!!
A few photo selfies along the way and a farewell stop, with Andrea having to head home due to dependents. She had got me a little leaving gift, but I'm saving that for later.
Next stop was the petrol station on the A1 for a quick bite to eat, as I didn't have breakfast before I left.
We all had a sneaky wee sup of whiskey behind the shop like naughty schoolgirls, before heading to Banbridge, then the towpath at Scarva.
At Scarva, another of my awesome friends Nicola and her two girls met us, as I said my good byes to Julie and Cathy. I hope they found their way home?!
I had only told Nicola a few days before leaving about my trip, but she knows what I'm like! From there Shenna, amazing cyclist and doing great things on the track and road, rode with me down the towpath to Newry. She's a great pace setter, I did just about keep up with her hauling my 15kg of kit!
In Newry we all met up again and I was treated to the biggest fry ever, I did need it and it was yummy. Thanks Nicola.
Then I was on my own. Pedalling through Newry and toward Dublin.
Freedom on the open road, yeehaa.... Then, it rained.
I artfully avoided a stray hen on the road when it took off in fright at the sight of me. I didn't get the chance to ask why it crossed the road unfortunately.
A low flying seagull also nearly took me out as it tried to get its great mass airborne from the street in Rush.
There was also more rain, headwinds and then sunshine.
So, I peddalled the rest of the day, for 9 hours in total, to Rush north of Dublin. For having done no training, or any kind of exercise this year, 146km (91miles) cycling on the first day was surprisingly okay.
That was until 2.30am that night. I got up to go to the toilet and ooooo my knees. I could hardly climb out of the tent and walk!! I was like an old crippled woman.
As I hobbled back to my tent through the sea mist with the stars twinkling through, I feel asleep again to the sound of the ocean waves.
Day 1 - 30.08.14
Anahilt, Co Down to Rush, Dublin
6.30am to 6.30pm
9hrs 4min cycling
146.6km (91.1miles)
4165 calories
4603ft asc
4960ft des
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