Ballyshannon - Strandhill

I was still quite tired tonight, seems by body enjoyed its rest day at Steve's but wanted more rest! We had 60km to do so I powered up on a good breakfast of cocopops, baguette, banana and tea before buying winegums. Cycling saviours. We pretty much followed the cycle route to Sligo which was lovely cycling! Nice quiet roads with not many cars, loudest thing was Timolo's singing and the dogs that liked to bark and run at us...not entirely enjoyable! The dogs that is, rather scary.

We got to Sligo and headed to Chain Driven Cycles where a nice guy tightened up my pedals, they're just old so keep clicking and clanking. I was worried they would fall off or something but hopefully they'll hold for the trip and I'll replace them later on. He pumped up my tyres and centered the back wheel, difficult to get it centered as its a bit too thick for my road bike. Anyway, good shop and awesome service, he took about 10 minutes and didn't charge me a thing.

After this we headed to Strandhill, about 10km out of Sligo for the campsite. He gave us a discount, so we only paid 12euro and pointed us to a dune which was sunken out the wind. Good job otherwise we wouldn't have been cooking! Great campsite and really friendly staff, right by the beach (hence the sanddune).

Donegal - Ballyshannon

After lots of faffing and tea consumption we finally left Steve's at 3.30pm. We decided to just go to Ballyshannon which was 30km away, nice and easy! I just cruised along and tried to freewheel as much as possible, a skill I'm rapidly refining. Got to Ballyshannon and hunted for a good curry sauce. We've decided after a few trials that Uncle Ben's rice may be nice but the sauces are not. The Korma is more like a normal curry, no coconut included and the sweet and sour is made with tomato ketchup!

Having made a decision we made our way to Lakeside Camping and Caravan Park which sounded promising... It was right by the lake so that was nice and the wind was up so no midgies hurray! Everything else about the campsite was pretty dismal!! Early to bed we were going to get ready for 60km tomorrow.

Derry to Donegal

After a nice night's sleep and a great shower in the Derry City Indepenedent Hostel (Great place to stay!!!!) we watched an episode of Stargate, as you do, and then hit the road. The cycle route out of Derry no. 92) follows the Foyle to Carrigans, after which we split off toward Raphoe.

Rain came and went, which was grand, 'cause you dry in the bright spells. Stopped in Raphoe for a wee bight (cheesey chips and a jacket potato) and got some free scones off the nice guy in there!

Then it was onwards to Ballyboffey. Or we tried. 5km from Raphoe I was wondering why I couldn't keep up with Lucky Wally... flat tyre. Put in a new tube, pretty efficiently! Then off again, until my back wheel jammed against the frame. Its frustrating when you can't trust your bike! After Ballyboffey on the main road to Donegal, my front wheel was rubbing against the breaks. It was a good cycle apart from that, a long 80km ish altogether, to arrive at my friend Steve's house, with TEEAAAAAAAA!!!! Glorious tea.

Steve

Tea

We took a day's rest yesterday and hung out, visited Muckross and Slieve League and had lovely dinner in the Harbour bar in Donegal town. Big thanks to Steve and his family for looking after us :).

Now we're off to reallign the wheels, pack and go, target is Mullaghmore, just past Bundoran. Hopefully we can update in a few days!

Ballycastle to Portrush to Derry

We cycled to the Giant's Causeway from Ballycastle. We waited until maybe 2pm for it to stop raining before leaving Ballycastle, on our way out we met the Alaskan couple who are also doing a similar route to us but much shorter distances each day. They were telling us about couchsurfing which they've had some really good experiences and Air BnB's which are a lot more like hostel prices apparently.

They've finished the visitors centre at the Giant's Causeway which looks very impressive. Bit pricey! We had a pint in the Causeway Hotel before heading onto Portush. Nice roads plus lots of downhill which is always good!

Trying to dry the tent in Ballycastle

Some castle...?

Timolo's first time at the Giant's Causeway

We stayed in Portrush in Hilltop Caravan Park which is hugeeeeeeee! I have never seen so many caravans! You can even rent DVDs from the little shop there. The next day we packed up in the rain and headed for Derry, got to Castlerock and I was really getting cold, my trainers were drenched, most of my clothes were soaked so headed on the train to Derry. We could avoid the big main roads this way too as it was quite hard to avoid them but remain on relatively flat ground. Stayed in the Independent Hostel which was lovely and just like someone's house. Met another cycle tourer called Michael, he's been backpacking for about 4 years and is about the start a 5 1/2yr round the world cycle tour! He gave us some good advice and was a really cool guy.

We then met up with Conor from climbing who helped us fix Timolo's pannier, it had started to break a bit and bend at the attachments. After all that was sorted we went to Flaming Jack's and had loads of food! :) 30% off too which is always good.

Castlerock train station

Timolo's camera has magic settings

From Larne to Ballycastle

Suncream stocks still holding strong. Sunglasses remain unused.

First day: Larne to Ballycastle

We missed the train

Well, we missed the train by 30 seconds. My fault for faffing but it gave us an opportunity to wait out the rain and gorge on sweets and coke. An hour later and we were on the train bound for Larne, the weather had improved marginally, it was only drizzling. And so we began our 40mile cycle to Ballycastle.

Lessons learnt:

1) Cycle routes can include gigantic hills
2) People who can cycle up these hills must be made of sterner stuff than us, and probably have lighter bikes/no bags
3) Pushing bikes up 4 miles of hills is tiring
Therefore, avoid hills if possible.

We did have a lovely tea in Cushendall in Arthur's cafe. I highly recommend you go there! We also met Tim's dad in Cushendall, randomly, who was driving his bus, he waved and beeped then Tim ran down the road to see if he had stopped, he hadn't. I'm sure he was on a schedule.

We camped in Maguire's on the edge of Ballycastle, which was lovely and we saw an epic sunset. It then proceeded to rain all night and most of the next day.

What to do in a tent when it rains...

And we're off...

Very quick post, it's Friday night, and we're feeelin right...

Packed and pretty much ready (need to find boxers). Carb loading commenced, chocolcates and sweets acquired, tomorrow, train to Larne and a 40 mile cycle up to Fairhead and Ballycastle! Nice contrast to the formalities of graduation this week. Mind you I do want a sceptre and gown permanently, bit heavy for the bike.

Probably gonna get wet tomorrow. But sure it wouldn't be Ireland otherwise. Will try to post again from Derry!