Day Four

The cycling team are really suffering now. They had a wet cold night, and there are at least 3 requests for B&B accommodation in Wexford tonight, if that can be arranged, though some are determined to slog on and finish the tour as intended. [why does the word macho so insistently come to mind?] Asif woke up at 4:00am lying in a puddle of cold water; Dan, who seemed to be a bit under the weather with a cold yesterday was feeling better this morning. This could be good evidence for the restorative powers of the black stuff. However, most of the tents are leaking, and are increasingly difficult to re-pack and stow in the van. The chap's clothes are all damp too, but their teeth are gritted and their spirits remain good.

The little camping stove did heroic service this morning, pushed well into the back of the van because of the wind which kept threatening to snuff the burners. Two large pans of porridge were consumed as seconds were required, and coffee made. The teapot had mysteriously vanished en route (always hated that green teapot anyway) and the two packs of matches that were definitely packed at the outset had similarly absented themselves, but Al's lighter worked, though some scorched finger ends resulted. It was a cold, dismal start to the day for the cyclists, but by the time they meet up with Al and Martin at Arklow they will probably have warmed up.

John Sodeau has been in touch to confirm that arrangements are in hand to greet the team at the University in Cork. He was able to tell us that the accommodation is opposite the University, so there will be little further cycling for the exhausted team once they arrive.

Pictures will be posted when received. For those who have been following the blog, please be aware that it has been neccessary to go back and edit some earlier posts, making corections, additions and uploading photos.