Distance: 96 km
Time: 4 hrs 36 mins
Av Speed: 20.7 km/hr
Av Heart rate: 110 bpm
Calories Burned: 2994
Distance so far: 348 km.
Punctures so far: 0
Set out this morning at 8.30 from the front of Hayes' Hotel where it all began. Liberty Square was almost deserted, not like match day.
It was a clear morning with low cloud but with no rain or mist. Still comfortable to cycle in short sleeves.
In Templemore there was a little more action on the wide street as groups assembled around mini-busses decked in blue aand gold ready to set off for Croke Park. It was a similar story in Roscrea. I saw that one pub owned by a great Tipp Gael was still closed. Might be all day as he will definitely be at headquartes also.
Roads were much quieter till after noon; much quieter than yesterday morning. As I passed by one house my first impression was that there had been a great party last night with plenty of overnight guests.
Shortly before Roscrea I was faced with the worst possible sign for a cyclist...ROAD CLOSED ...DIVERSION AHEAD. Luckily, being Sunday, it was clear straight ahead over the new M7. it isn't ready yet but progressing nicely.
Roscrea also has a number of antiquities. The street passes right through what was the monastery of St Cronan with the Round Tower on one side and the Romanesque church buildings on the other.
As the morning wore on the sun broke through a number of times and I could see my shadow across the road...a good sign. in the early afternoon, a beautiful balmy breeze was gently blowing in over my left shoulder. definitely more of a help than a hindrance. This cooling breeze would be appreciated by the Californian followers of this blog. Wonder are there followers further afield. Just post a comment.
Wearing my diesel-spy hat, I noticed prices all around E1.20+, but in Roscrea at E1.18 and then at a few garages in Birr it was at E1.17. Will that be lowered over the next few days?
Near Ballinahown (after Ferbane) I could hear the sound of many motorbikes in the distance to my left. A prestigious moto-cross event was taking place and I detoured to view the action. Stayed around for a while and took a few photos. Must have been over 100 riders over what looked like a testing course through woods and hilly fields. I was positioned near a gap in the course by the woods when a rider veered off and was heading for me (not at speed). I was a little bewildered. Jumped to left and right to avoid him. He still kept coming following me. Stopping he raised his visor ...Stanley from Ballypatrick. I was shocked. What were the chances of both of us meeting up in ths neck of thew woods (literally). He had just punctured after 2 hours into a 3 hour race and had been doing well. It really is a small country.
Finally, I arrived in Athlone at 2.00 pm. The streets were crowded with people from all across Europe - a Euro Festival is in progress all week and a parade of the nations in mid afternoon. This was just one of the many shows / festivals that were advertised along the way. Watched part of the parade but got myself in front of a screen before 4 for the Big Match. Naturally, a distinctly Galway bias among the other viewers. I was in a tiny minority but really enjoyed the result. But better needed against Waterford.
Another dry pleasant day for cycling and now more than halfway to Malin Head.
Thank God for the health and for the energy.