Day 1... Dublin to Brittas Bay

Last night could be described as a Big Night... Eileen and her friends and Mike & Lara all made sure I was shown a good night in Dublin...

This morning I felt distinctly worse for wear and, yes, I know whose fault that is...

The first job was to pick up Eileen's new bike from the UCD bike shop. There I met Rob, possibly the most entertaining man I've ever met in the bike trade. Just go and buy something from him and you'll know why. Especially if he sees your mobile phone and doesn't like it...

Anyhow, Eileen led me through the insane one-way systems of Dublin on her new bike to our start point at St. Stephen's Green. Eileen's friend Catherine was to ride off with us, and Mike came to see me off... so far so good.

A guy from Chicago came up to me and asked me how long I had the tallbike... There's a big tallbike culture there apparently, and he knows some of the guys who ride them...

Anyway... Catherine is a force of nature and no mistake. What a star... If she were doing the ride she'd raise about 1000 Euros a day. She got me a free SIM card from the o2 shop, a free lunch from IN in Dalkey (which was really VERY good) and has been trying to drum up sponsorship and places to stay all over the place... Thanks! Shame she won't be in Dublin on my return, I reckon I owe her a beer...

So, after spending ages pootling out of Dublin and around Dalkey, I set off on my own... After being warned that the coast road was VERY hilly, I set off only to find I was in my easiest gear within 3 minutes. I spent a lot of time in that gear, if truth be told... The Hill out of Wicklow was the toughest today. I'm sure there is MUCH worse to come!

However... I have to say I couldn't have been luckier with my second hosts! Eily & Conor live in a beautiful extended cottage in Brittas Bay and, well, I'm living in complete luxury here. Really comfortable and I could easily get used to their lifestyle! I cannot thank them enough for their 'nothing is too much trouble' hospitality... they're drumming up sponsorship from their friends as I sit at there computer with my kit in their washing machine and a beer by my side. Amazing!

I'm very tired after my 46.5 miles. As if it needs saying...

I do feel a little bad that I didn't stop and talk to the family at Wicklow Head. I got a big round of applause and the offer of a drink, but I was completely exhausted and just wanted to finish the day's ride. Loads of folk have been waving, hooting, talking and just generally making me feel really welcome, and the drivers have been really patient too. I like it here.

Oh, one thing... the coast road? It's a LONG way from the coast in places... Short day to Enniscorthy tomorrow to see my aunt and uncle...