Day 6 Virtual Cycle Against Suicide 2020

Day 6 Virtual Cycle Against Suicide 2020

Enniskillen to Cavan 

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!

Did the Kllyhevlin look after us all last night? Or What!. great food. Thanks to Phil and Joey for the wine.

Its a bit wet this morning as wet re standing here. But its virtual so we can have what we want. might as well get the spot of rain over before we start. Jo was doing her stuff with the face painting and nails this morning . So get the orange stripes on. But bear in mind its raining and shortly you could look a sight!

This morning we are heading South from here and its break for the border. Through Lisnaskea, we will be cycling along Upper Lough Erne and you'll think you're on the Riviera. Across the border and into Clones. If anyone remembers a few years ago on the Cycle Against Suicide, we went from Virginia to Clones! Drumlin country! It started to roll shortly after we left Virginia and it was incessant. Up and down and up and down. You would just get over one nasty little hill and there was another in front of you. Pulled the legs out of and drained your mental energy. There was anger appearing! By the time we got to Clones we were all beat up and it was getting dark if I remember and we had to make Monaghan Town before dark. One of those memorable days.

Well I pleased to say we will be travelling that road again today. Only in the opposite direction and that's not any easier. So the Jelly Baby Marshalls better be ready with adequate supplies.

We are entering the Ancient Kingdom of Breifne, a medieval kingdom in Gaelic Ireland. And keep in mind you will still be in Ulster. We finish the day in Cavan Town and our hostelry for the night is The Farnham Estate Spa Resort. Transport is laid on and dinner tonight is with the compliments of John X. Gibbons and Frank Mc Guirk is picking up the drinks including the wine. Give it up for the boys!!

Before we go. Rain is nearly gone and sun will be out shortly. I think its downhill all the way with wind at our backs.

If you haven't done so already! Top up your bottle, turn on your Garmin, check your tyres and donate €8 (at least) to 

gofundme.com/f/virtual-cycle-against-suicide-2020

End of Day 5 Virtually Donegal to Enniskillen 68km

End of Day 5 Virtually Donegal to Enniskillen.

Got into Enniskillen in good time today. Jo Little met us on the bridge in Pettigo and led us in with a full brass band on their bikes. Boy they could play. We had to give them some social distancing(whatever that is!) because of all the instruments, especially the big drum.
The roads in the north are brilliant, no pot holes. But they talk funny!
The scenery was lovely. Cruising down along the lake. Breathtaking. We must come back here in September. I hear the craic is gonna be ninety! Cant wait for that.
Tonight we are in for a treat Jo has us booked into the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Philomena Mary Murphy has offered to pay for the dinners tonight so tuck in. Joey Mc Daid is supplying the wine.
Don't stay up too late cause we have an early start. We are heading back south to Cavan tomorrow via Clones ( we might see our wee Barry)
Sleep well and donate if you haven't already done so, you €8 (at least) to :-

gofundme.com/f/virtual-cycle-against-suicide-2020 

 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2F3OxaQ-2-U8Q%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3yTLXrMXdiR77Taef9CqRb5YqrO3hG-i4Hx59OVDmaoh-UUjoVeyTaWTU&h=AT050wM-KhVuDqHHDo5rFWdm5OF4l774J2OsqMYWtLOD6OfhiIB8ggR3VdcTbSC_S3pp9BoHoCKQ2nUQZR2nqwg43bJGRH7FEOn1oy2SIU3zvAJznSv2TLsCcbfo3BfK1dO6iGC4Ic0B1RdxHN_b4Mw4KMBVd3uuTMiv

Day 5 CAS Virtual tour Donegal to Enniskillen

Day 5 Virtual Cycle Against Suicide 2020

Good morning everyone. Would someone go and get those cyclists down off those trees! We are leaving shortly!

Today we are heading out on another short day 65km across the border into the beautiful County Fermanagh, among the rushes. We leave Donegal with a heavy heart as we cross the border at Pettico with a Sos Beag along the banks of Lough Erne, after 30km. Lunch in St Marys College in Irvinestown. We cycled this road last year, in the opposite direction,I think and were taken with the beauty of the place. Then its on to Enniskillen where Jo Little has promised to give us a huge welcome party. knowing Jo, it will be a homecoming like no other. She is planning to do Face painting and nail painting for the brave hearted.

 

There have been some complaints in the last few days about the quality of the jelly babies being given out by the marshals. That they are not Bassetts! Your executive committee has been informed and Im assured a meeting of the executive took place into the night and the matter has now been resolved.

I know we are half way around and usually this is the time people begin to find it difficult. And maybe start to flag but keep going. Declan Mc Guinness has agreed to sing us a few tunes on the road today. I don't know how he can play guitar and cycle at the same time but he says he does it all the time so we look forward to that. Paramedics stand by!

Another celebration today guys. Its Kathleen Tobin (super gran) birthday today. Kathleen has cycled every day, every cycle, every kilometre every year with Cycle Against Suicide some 8000km. A legend. Tell a story about Kathleen. in 2013 the first year we did 1400km over 14 days and Kathleen was with us the whole time. Every time you would meet Kathleen in the peloton and she just grinding away with the head down. "Howya Kathleen!" she wouldn't lift her head. You would just get a response "Fine!" Anyway. On 14th and final day we were cycling down Drumcondra Road heading for the finish and 'BANG'!! Kathleen blew a tyre! Had to stop. Word quickly went around 'SUPER GRAN HAS BROKEN DOWN, WE MUST STOP AND GET HER GOING AGAIN!' But there was 600 of us and we couldn't stop. But someone gave Kathleen a load of a bike and she made it to the finish. 😄😃😎😍 Happy Birthday Kathleen. 👏👏👏👏

Ok !! lets mount up. check you Garmin, check your tyres and make your donation if you haven't already.

gofundme.com/f/virtual-cycle-against-suicide-2020  

End of Day 4

Leaving Sligo this morning in bright sunshine we skirted the town and and headed out part Drumcliff church, the burial ground of WB Yeats where he asked us to 'tread softly cause you tread on my dreams'. From here we circumnavigated the Mighty Ben Bulben before hitting the Wild Atlantic Way.
We cruised at a nice pace along the Atlantic through Bundoran, quieter now  than usual at this time of year. And onto Ballyshannon the birthplace of there great Rory Gallagher. Onto Rossnowlagh and into Donegal Town.
Happy and sunburnt everyone was appreciative of the shorter day. when is the hailstones coming?
We have to have hailstones. No self respecting Cycle Against Suicide trip is complete until the hailstones come!
Our digs for the night? Lough Eske Castle! Luxury! Its a little bit out but we have coaches and bike transport laid on. Tonight there will be time to explore the grounds of this beautiful place or sit around in medieval luxury and soak up the atmosphere.

Not bad for a donation of €8 euro for 8 days  :-

gofundme.com/f/virtual-cycle-against-suicide-2020 

Tomorrow if you can drag yourself away we are turning south east and leaving Donegal. Heading for the border and making for Enniskillen. I promise you a rose garden.
Enjoy your evening and night in Donegal. Buy yourself some Donegal tweed in Magees or a nice aran sweater. Or just take away your memories of Donegal.

Night night, sleep tight and don't let the bugs bite!
Oh and ... WASH YOUR HANDS!

Day 4 Sligo to Donegal Town 68km

Virtual Cycle Against Suicide 2020 Day 4

Sligo to Donegal Town 68km

Good morning everyone! I hope you all slept well in you're luxury homestay The Sligo Park Hotel.

Didn't they look after us very well? Dinner last night, chocolates on the pillows, spare bed for your bike, brekkie with newspapers this morning.

I think we should make this a regular feature! What about that Caroline?

Today we are off to Donegal. 68 km of nothing but hills. Should be an easy day. The hills will turn instantly to downhill if shout out loud "TWO BY TWO AND STAY INSIDE THE WHITE LINE". I promise you!

The first Sos Beag is Henry's Bar in Cashelgarren lonely after 11km and Pete will be there with bananas all over the place.

Lunch is at Magh Ene College Bundoran. as always a 1km mountain climb up to there! But you'll be fine cause the food will be magnificent.

we will finish at Abbey Vocational College Donegal.

Going off Virtual for a minute. Donegal has a special place in there hearts of everyone who ever donned the Orange. Donegal is the place where Brenaun lost his life while Moto Marshalling for us.

It was a cold wet miserable morning when we headed out for Letterkenny. Brenaun was doing what all our wonderful motorbike marshals do. Checking and blocking side roads and roundabouts for the peleton,so we are safe. Today and everyday we remember him. Our homestay hosts took us all back in for a second night after administering to us in our misery when we returned , unable to continue. Donegal will always be in our hearts.

Good luck and be safe

Fun stuff first before we go!

Its James Vahey's birthday today!! Think he has only one more birthday before the pension! That right James? ;-D

Everybody sing happy birthday to James.

End of Day 3

Today was another good day on the bike. Tough going over 97km. I hadn't don't that in a while but after an hour on the turbo trainer my ar*s was pained.
It took a while for the marshals to get the idea of funnelling jelly babies to the peloton as something they wanted to do. But they soon got the idea.
Dave Byrne eventually showed up in his ducky helmet and his music. Have to say he was missed. Dave always keeps us going. usually at a hilltop urging on the stragglers.
As there was no hills on the route today he just had to keep up.
Some decided to take hills I preferred to have flat to downhill. Im so lazy!
Bohola sounds African and Kiltimagh made me think of Christy. Christy Moore not Christy Bannon!
Swinford reminded me of pork chops and Charlestown made me think of Clarke Gable but 'frankly my dear, I don't give a damn'. Tubbercurry made me hungry and I was glad when Sligo and the Sligo Park appeared.
An exhausting day and I just want my 4 course dinner a few pints of the black stuff and off to bed. My bike is in the spare bed tonight because she kicks!
See you tomorrow for tomorrows route. Sligo to my favourite county (apart from Antrim that is) Donegal.

Its Virtual and I wish it wasn't.

Night night!

Have you washed your hands?

Day 3 Castlebar to Sligo

DAY 3 VIRTUAL CYCLE AGAINST SUICIDE 2020

CASTLEBAR TO SLIGO 97 KM

Good morning everyone hope all are well and ready for todays cycle.

How was your homestay last night? Do tell us how you got on. Be creative.

Hope you all got your turbo trainer cycle, your walk or run in yesterday and are fit and ready to do it all again today.

There weather looks good for today although we could have some snow or hail or simple old rain. We will decide as we go.

One thing I can say is the road is all flat or downhill. For those who want hills I have put in some hills too.

Todays trip is 97km (no bother to ye). Leave here we go to Bohola, Kiltimagh,Swinford, Charlestown, Tubbercurry and onto Sligo. Your Homestay tonight is The Sligo Park Hotel. As always your evening dinner and drinks are supplied. 

We won't need the marshals today cause everyone has been remarkably well behaved . Riding two my two and keeping inside the white line. The marshals job today is to bring jelly babies to all the cyclists when they want them. All you do is raise your hand and a marshal will arrive at your shoulder instantly. Last thing is when you have done your chosen exercise, share your experience below. Virtual or otherwise. But stay safe and 

THIS IS THE REAL BIT!

All you have to do is :-make a single donation of €8 for the week to Cycle Against Suicide

http://email.gofundme.com/ls/click…

And remember ! Its ok not to feel ok and its absolutely ok to ask for help!

WASH YOUR HANDS!

End of Day 2

What a first cycling day.
Everyone did their hour on the Turbo Trainer or walked or ran their required distance/time.
Well done everyone. this is the way we will get through this.

We left Galway city from The Bish at dead on 10am.
Donald Trump did the motivational speech. Reminded everyone to fill their bottles with some diluted disinfectant. And switch our bike lights on. Our safety officer was cringing.
Eamon Ryan was our guest starter and he reminded us about our co2 emissions until we got out into the countryside.
And we were off.
Trip to Claregalway was tough , fighting our way through the breakfast traffic. But we made it.
Some wanted to know. Seeing we were VIRTUAL could we not have gone via Connemara! Some actually did and got to the Sos beag before the rest of us.
The sun was out, it was warm and being all downhill we were coasting nicely.
Marshals were doing their usual thing. Showing off their cycling skills. Flying up and down the place doing their stuff. Pink really suits some of them!
The orange Ferrari was finding it hard to keep ahead of us for most of the day and we arrived in Castlebar at 10.45am.
In time for lunch.
Everyone was then transported to Breaffy House in limousines for a good afternoons sleep and to get ready for a big day tomorrow.
Tomorrow is Castlebar to Sligo staying at the excellent Sligo Park Hotel.
97 km tomorrow so get good sleep.

Not before donating you €8 (at least) to

https://www.gofundme.com/f/virtual-cycle-against-suicide-2020

Day 2 First day on the virtual bike Galway to Castlebar

Cycle Day 1 Galway to Castlebar

Good morning everyone!

I hope everyone is well after the night we had last night. Hope the heads have recovered.

What about the hotel? wasn't that something? The Great Southern. Everyone enjoy their 4 posters?

Great to see so many out and ready to go in 'The Orange'

Bit of housekeeping first !

Has everyone donated their €8 to:-

https://www.gofundme.com/f/virtual-cycle-against-suicide-2020

Brilliant.

Add you name to this post if you want to be a marshal for the day. Or to hand out bananas at the Sos Beags. Pete Christian is in charge of that job . But he is a bit slow these days and needs all the help he can get.

The usual suspects are in charge of the day bags and the night bags. But as this is a virtual trip we only have virtual day and night bags. So you can carry you own.

If you haven't signed up for a homestay then too bad. you'll have to stay in a suite in Breaffy House Hotel. So lesson is ...sign up early for your homestay!

Motor bike Marshalls are virtual too so they could either be on bikes or motorbikes depending on the degree of hangover you are experiencing. As always let us know how that goes later in your posts on my blog at:-

www.virtualcas2020.blogspot.com

Safety talk is not necessary except to say. when your on your turbo trainer, or bike or walk or run for 1 hour today you stay within the 2km distance limit. Its the only part of this trip that is not virtual!

Ok! ARE WE ALL READY TO GO?? (that's virtual shouting)

Our route today is 89km, everyone should be able to keep up as its all downhill for the first 88km then there's an almighty climb up to the school in Castlebar. Peter Dennehy will be pushing everyone up that hill. Just hold onto his runners on the back of his bike.

First stop is Claregalway for soup and sandwiches. I know! we usually only get water and bickies but its day one.

Cruising up to Tuam for lunch which is ala carte in the best chippie in town. there you will have time to listen to music and lie in the sun for 2 hours. Before heading off to Ballindine, Claremorris and Balla before the finish in Castlebar.

All the 'racers' in the group can bomb off for the last 10km if they wish as fast as they can as long as they don't pass the Ferrari lead car.

So that's it guys. Have a great Day 2 and stay safe! Look after each other and wash your hands!

Don't forget to donate €8 (at least)

Gets you 8 days, 8 nights in a luxury hotel or homestay, full board, sunshine everyday (might throw in a few hailstorms)

Day One Route Galway to Castlebar

Tomorrows route :-

Heading out from Galway, St. Josephs/The Bish in the city.  We will be heading for a lunch stop at The Presentation College in Tuam. Our first Sos Beag is in Claregalway Community Centre. Then onto Tuam. From there we head for Claremorris, Balla and then to Castlebar and St. Josephs Secondary School.
Distance is 89km and its flat to downhill all the way

Don't forget your donation ! Its only €1 a day.
Donate €8 (at least)
To complete the route and get your virtual medal you must cycle on your turbo trainer for 1 hour, cycle on the road for 1 hour, run or walk for 1 hour ( remember to 2km radius limit from your home). Start and finish when you like.
Remember to post your experience here in the comments section. Ill write a book when its all over!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/virtual-cycle-against-suicide-20…

DAY 1. TRAIN FROM HEUSTON TO GALWAY FOR THE START TOMORROW.

This morning I decided to cycle into Houston station from Naas. All my usually lift opportunities were either asleep of otherwise cocooning.
The weather was fine and bodes well for the coming week.
I have been looking forward to this 8 days since we finished in Dublin last year.
The road was remarkably quiet because of the coronavirus (that's not virtual!)
Im so looking forward to seeing all my buddies from CAS. Im not sure who will turn up so that's another part of the adventure.
Hope everyone on the trip has.....

well I finally got to Heuston station . there was a large crowd of well wishers gathered there to send us off. Joe Dixon was there with Micheline and they were getting some great shots in and around the station.
We ll had designated place es on the train. Bikes were stowed in individual carriers. Social distancing at on foot apart and secure from the rocking rolling of the train as it hurtled towards Galway. The dining car was open for business and all food was free. Anything you wanted. Christy was picking up the tab. Daniel O Donnell was going up and down the carriages singing rock and roll songs and a bit of blues. He was only doing requests.
I ordered a couple of pints of Guinness from a Guinness trolly which was delivering to your table.
we had full WIFI and big screens which were playing movies and spinoff videos.
Arriving in Galway we were all booked into the Great Southern Hotel. James Vahey was paying for that I heard! While Steven Rafferty was sorting the dinner for everyone. There was an argument with him and Titch. Titch wanted to pay! (is Titch from Cavan?)
Great night was had anyway after and we all headed off for an early night. Ready for tomorrow.
Tomorrow is Galway to Castlebar via Tuam

Hope everyone has signed up and donated €8 for Cycle Against Suicide its gonna be a great week.
Its virtual sunshine all the way!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/virtual-cycle-against-suicide-20…

Later I will post up the route for tomorrow from Galway to Castlebar

INTRO...

Hi Everyone
Today was to be the start of the 2020 Cycle Against Suicide, with a train trip from Dublin to Galway. I know lots of you are so disappointed that it is not going ahead at this time. And lots of non-cyclists were looking forward to us coming through your towns. So to whet your appetite for September, I am proposing
we go on a VIRTUAL CYCLE. This is open to everyone, not just cyclists, not just CAS people. Take your kids on it. Those who are cocooning can join in for all 8 days or 1, if you've never ridden a bike before you can join in.
We will cycle the route (virtually), stop at the sos beags (virtually), have our lunch in the virtual schools and maybe even have some Virtual Homestays.

This would have been our 8th Cycle Against Suicide so in recognition of that, we invite everyone to join in, invite 8 other people to join you, donate €8 to the Gofundme page below in aid of Cycle Against Suicide
Its over 8 days starting today with the Virtual train ride to Galway.

Over the following days you can either Cycle on a turbo trainer for 80 mins,
Cycle on the road or track for 80 mins (keeping within the designate 2km limit), Run for 80 minutes, walk for 80 minutes.
Lets do this Shoulder to Shoulder breaking the cycle of suicide on the island of Ireland (and globally) .
Please share this also on your Facebook page.

I have started a blog where I will post the VIRTUAL ROUTE every day and I invite you to send your virtual experiences of your day be they actual of virtual and who knows what we will do with those! ;-D
Its VIRTUAL so be creative.

Blog address is ... VIRTUALCAS2020.blogspot.com

Gofundme page is...

https://www.gofundme.com/f/virtual-cycle-against-suicide-20…