Back home in London by lunchtime. Only wish I could have had a relaxing week afterwards here as a tourist, as it was my first time in Ireland.
Once again thanks is too small a word for John and all of his friends and helpers. Laid-back organisational brilliance, with real homespun hospitality from all. Loved the idea of showing the controllers photographic evidence of rider, bike and control town, when otherwise it was too late for receipts.
This ride certainly delivered as promised, and more. Great to ride and chat with audaxing friends old and new. Some marvellous scenery, and quiet climbs on small roads, and some fast adrenaline-rush and filling-rattling descents, as well as long descents which helped keep up average speed. My hilly season to date certainly helped with the hills, which of course are steeper in places than averages might suggest
. A 1200km audax is so long that by the end it almost becomes a part of your being, with rider road and bike in harmony and unison, and the final 160km were equally enjoyable as the first, except every now and then I had to remind myself not to slow down too much, as I definitely didn't want to miss one of those fantastic finisher's medals. Also, sleep deprivation does funny things, and my speed dropped in the last few hours, but its still possible to be self-aware enough to ride safe.
To summarise, another classic 1200k audax is now in the calendar, tempting you to enter, in maybe 2 year's time. Will look at the facebook photos , and hopefully post all of mine there later as well.
