Dublin!

well, I'm in Ireland for the first time in 37 years! Simon and Anita made sure I got to the ferry port on time this morning after we had a really relaxing night with Simon's Aunt & Uncle in Shropshire. Thanks Elisabeth and Maurice!

The wittiest comment I've had so far on the bike was from the harbour gaurd at Holyhead: 'Not another one', which is a huge improvement on 'that's a quare bike'.

After getting lost within 5 minutes of leaving the port (the road signs are not good) I realised that Dublin is not really that cycle-friendly. I don't think turning right is something the Dubliners ever get to do. Seriously...

I met Eileen, my first host on the famous Ha'penny Bridge. It's then I realised just how heavy the bike is when pushing it up the steps. I reckon about 60 kg fully loaded. About the same as a small woman! Eek. It also wobbles a bit fully loaded and for the first time I'm actually really nervous on the thing...

So, we wandered up to the Focus Ireland office where Sinead took us for a sandwich and a coffee. Anyone who knows me realises you should NEVER give me cappucino...

Nice to get a bit of a reception rather than just roll up... I couldn't get any of the Focus people to ride the bike, tho. Shame!

Great news... I was on Ray D'Arcy's radio show in Ireland yesterday and he's done me a massive favour! I've been offered accomodation from Arklow to Connemara and it seems to keep rolling in... thanks to everyone.

I've also had my first Irish sponsorship which is brilliant, and I'm just about to break the £2000 barrier in the UK :-)

Also, my old mate from London from way back in the day, Mike Dolan heard me on the radio and got in touch... We lost touch a few years back, and I'm meeting up with him tonight... So far so good! just going to sort out my second night's accomodation now, and then have my first taste of the so-called Craic!

It starts tomorrow!