I started getting into cycling around 2010. I used to have bikes growing up, and I’d cycle around the place every now and again. As I got older then I decided one day in Secondary School that I’d start cycling to school, since I already had a bike at the time. My dad got a bike using the Bike to Work scheme but rarely used it, so during the weekends and whenever I got a chance really, I’d go for a spin around the place, down to Monkstown or further on, depending on how I felt. I did this for a few years after, I had planned to do charity cycles or join a cycling club, but never got around to it. Two of my friends from work would join me cycling every now and again and it was great, before you knew it, you were 30/40km done already. One day, one of the lads heard about a charity cycle from Cork to Galway during the summer. So we all signed up for it, along with another guy from work. We did a few spins between Cork and Youghal to get our legs used to the distance beforehand. When the day came itself, it was a Friday morning, the rain pelting down, not the best start I suppose. The first stop, Cork city to Mallow wasn’t too bad. At each stop, there was food, water, gels, sandwiches and/or massages if you needed them. There was a support car throughout the trip in case you ended up puncturing at any stage and couldn’t change it yourself. Mallow to Charleville wasn’t bad either, although we almost got lost in Charleville almost taking the wrong road. The rain again, getting worse at this stage. We refueled and went on towards Limerick, the final stop off on Friday. The rain calmed down a small bit and it was fine when we made it into Limerick itself. We all arrived in the South Court Hotel at different times, but not far apart. We changed, showered and went down for grub. It was pretty nice! Unfortunately I didn’t stay for long and headed to bed shortly after, bate from the days ride. I awoke the following morning and changed the gear I had, which was still soaked at this stage. Not the best choice of color shorts, but oh well, you live and learn I suppose. We all set off together again for Galway the following morning. The first stop being in Ennis, the second being in Gort and finally to Galway city. This was the hardest part of the weekend, we were trying to avoid the motorway as best as possible, so we were going the back roads for ages. Lots of climbing, which was alright! I can remember the worst part being the part into Galway, there was a bit of a steep hill, which, after almost 100km in the legs, was like torture on the legs. We made it though, I wasn’t that far behind my buddies which was grand. I wasn’t out for racing haha. We dropped off the bikes to a lorry and we left the group so we could go to the hotel we were staying in for the night, as opposed to the hostel we were arranged to stay in. Later on that night we walked to another hotel where there was a small party for us afterwards, so we chilled and enjoyed it there! The following day, we got the bus back to Cork and the bikes met us there also! The whole weekend was really well organized and it was fantastic throughout! If you have a chance to do it in the next few years, don’t hesitate! It’s well worth it altogether. My bucket list entry was to do 100km in one day, we did almost 200km throughout the two days! So, even better! 🙂