Youghal

Once again, Al used his beguiling ways to charm the hostelry where he and Martin had reservations into offering the lads accommodation as well, and negotiated the price down considerably from the figure that was first suggested. The wringing wet conditions underfoot meant that the camp site conditions were atrocious.

It was not until 7:30 in the evening that the first of the cycling crew straggled in. One by one the exhausted party arrived and were delighted to find that they all had rooms with a sea view. Not only this, but they were also able to catch the Champions League match between Arsenal and Barcelona.

It is difficult for me to express the admiration that I feel for their efforts. The team have made it through some of the most difficult conditons and terrains, at least two people have felt quite unwell throughout the trip, but they have all fought together and held together, and broken the back of the enterprise. The total cycling mileage to date is 366 miles; more than 70 miles a day on average over the 5 days, and these are amateur cyclists.

By comparison tomorrow should be relatively easy.

We understand that the Just Giving fund has broken through the £8,000 barrier today, so Asif must fulfil his pledge when he gets back to Didsbury on Friday evening.