1st day
See the suffering! The photos show the lads in the bar at the end of the first day (some sensible photos will be added later, we hope). Read on... We didn't strap Dan to the roof rack - the Lone Rider made his way by train to Prestatyn, and amazingly bumped into the rest of Team Minogue, who arrived on the sea front at about the same time. Serendipity has played an auspicious part so far. Al and Martin were dismayed to discover that the campsite that has originally been booked was waterlogged and unavailable (the address Marsh Lane should have been prophetic). Al tore off to intercept the Team on Prestatyn seafront, while Martin sought alternative B& B. Happily, the hotel he and Al were booked in to for the night - the Halcyon Quest Hotel in Prestatyn - had enough spare double rooms to put everyone up for the night. We narrowly averted a mass stay in Pontins. The name of the Halcyon Quest had always seemed a good omen, and so it turned out: the staff were all kind and helpful, many customers were curious to hear our story, and an old Irishman advised that on all accounts we must not attempt St Patrick's Hill in Cork, which during the professional Tour of Ireland had reduced grown professional cyclists to tears. Team Minogue had already experienced the Hill from Hell just before Prestatyn, which nearly took Ste (struggling with a recalcitrant gear) out. Ste will no doubt give his own account in time, but as he just about managed to slog his way to his waiting companions, they said words to the effect 'oh good here he is' and, suitably rested, all charged off again, leaving him to continue his trial by ordeal without so much as a breather. In the end, a deeply satisfying day, with Team, support van, and Dan all coming together harmoniously at the end of a gruelling ride. After unexpectedly luxurious accommodation and a good meal inside them, refreshed by sleep in proper beds, they are now riding towards Anglesey.
See the suffering! The photos show the lads in the bar at the end of the first day (some sensible photos will be added later, we hope). Read on... We didn't strap Dan to the roof rack - the Lone Rider made his way by train to Prestatyn, and amazingly bumped into the rest of Team Minogue, who arrived on the sea front at about the same time. Serendipity has played an auspicious part so far. Al and Martin were dismayed to discover that the campsite that has originally been booked was waterlogged and unavailable (the address Marsh Lane should have been prophetic). Al tore off to intercept the Team on Prestatyn seafront, while Martin sought alternative B& B. Happily, the hotel he and Al were booked in to for the night - the Halcyon Quest Hotel in Prestatyn - had enough spare double rooms to put everyone up for the night. We narrowly averted a mass stay in Pontins. The name of the Halcyon Quest had always seemed a good omen, and so it turned out: the staff were all kind and helpful, many customers were curious to hear our story, and an old Irishman advised that on all accounts we must not attempt St Patrick's Hill in Cork, which during the professional Tour of Ireland had reduced grown professional cyclists to tears. Team Minogue had already experienced the Hill from Hell just before Prestatyn, which nearly took Ste (struggling with a recalcitrant gear) out. Ste will no doubt give his own account in time, but as he just about managed to slog his way to his waiting companions, they said words to the effect 'oh good here he is' and, suitably rested, all charged off again, leaving him to continue his trial by ordeal without so much as a breather. In the end, a deeply satisfying day, with Team, support van, and Dan all coming together harmoniously at the end of a gruelling ride. After unexpectedly luxurious accommodation and a good meal inside them, refreshed by sleep in proper beds, they are now riding towards Anglesey.
Great to hear how you are all doing - memories of the event when you look back will now have to be termed halcyon days. I think a proper night in a bed was well deserved.
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