First thing is a train trip

It’s Saturday morning and I have to get myself to Newbridge to catch the train to Cork.
It’s been an eventful week of preparation . A couple of short trips on Loretta to make sure she is sound. Two packing days were I have to view and review what I am taking with me. Evening wear is one pair of Craghoppers, a pair of shorts and two t shirts. Two sets of cycling gear and basically that’s it. Toiletries, chargers and various bits of essential bits and bobs. Then a fully loaded practice trip to
See if everything stays were it’s put. The whole rig is quite heavy of itself . But it’s almost un-noticeable when I am rolling. In fact, the downhills are generally faster. Curious! 

The test run was all ok so all is ready to go.
So far so good. Now I’m off!
The train is quite empty but it would be nice if Ianrod Éireann would mark the carriages that take bikes. I ended up occupying a place for a wheelchair! A change of trains at Portlaoise. This time I know what to look for.
On the train I met up with Stephen, from Rathcoole, who is off to Cahir on his bike for a week of communing with nature. He got off at Thurles and I had a quiet peaceful time to Cork.

I met Stephen and his bike on the train.

The weather for the next few days is giving it mixed but improving as the week goes . So that suits. Gavin and Maggie and the kids are picking me up in Cork and taking me to Mizen Head tomorrow for the start.

I found a b&b in Goleen after a lot of searching. Its holiday time and accommodations are at a premium. But I trust in the angels to look after me. I will be missing a lot of the resorts so accommodation shouldn’t be too bad.