Brilliant Photographs From Day 6

Many, many thanks to Peter Mooney for the brilliant photographs from Day 6 (second last day) of the cycle – the Dublin - Longford stage. Peter took the photos from the stop at Mother Hubbard’s and then going through Clonard village. We are very grateful to Peter.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peterm7/sets/72157629389088956/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peterm7/sets/72157629752574411/

We were joined on the Dublin - Longford stage by Peter’s brother, Rory. We would like to say a massive congratulations to both Peter and Rory on their brilliant times in the London Marathon – Peter finished in 2:42:00 and Rory broke his PB with a time of 2:48:33 (previous PB of 2:50:30, also in London). Legends the pair of ye! From all your friends in the Joes!

Massive Thank You!

A lovely message that we received from Andrew Durkin, co-owner of Durkin’s Bar, Restaurant & Guest House in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon:

Well done to all your members who brought a bit of excitement to Ballagh for the Easter. We enjoyed meeting them. A great bunch one and all.

Durkin’s sponsored all of the accommodation, food and breakfast for 20+ cyclists and crew for our stay in Ballagh. We cannot even begin to thank them enough for their unbelievably kind generosity and warm hospitality - it will never be forgotten. We cannot recommend Durkin’s in Ballaghaderreen highly enough.

http://www.durkins.ie/

Welsh Valleys

Another Thank You!

A huge thank you to Sheila at Heulfre B&B for all your help and hospitality today in our hour of need. It was very much appreciated. It would be great if everyone could like the B&B on Facebook. It’s the least that we can do for Sheila after what she did for us.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heulfre-BB/157556410974137

http://corwen-bedandbreakfast.co.uk/

Day 4 Update

Unfortunately, it was a bad day at the office today. Blizzard and dangerous conditions forced an early retirement on the road. The lads braved 20 long miles in heavy snow and freezing temperatures, but safety came first. Well done to all for lasting as well as they did in atrocious conditions. These guys are hardcore – many would have given up after a mile today. We’re in total awe of you for giving it a go today.

A kind lady allowed the lads to shower and get warmed up in her B&B; she made them lots of tea and dried their gear in her dryer. We’re blown away by the kindness of strangers.

’Mon the Joes!

End of Day 3!

The guys have checked into the hostel in Llangollen already! 61 miles in 4 hours 50 minutes!

Update from Shane:

Absolutely flawless day today. Not one puncture, a really nice pace, plenty of positivity and encouragement. Spirits were high and form was great. Unbelievably beautiful approach into Llangollen and, after some cold rain and wind crossing into Wales, the sun came out for the last 15 miles. Brilliant day. Well done to all.

To get an idea of the hills that the lads will be facing tomorrow, check out the gallery on the hostel’s website http://www.llangollenhostel.co.uk/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&view=category&id=3:the-area&Itemid=66. We’re so proud of you all!

Legends!

The best day so far!! Even with some driving rain, the guys are on course for doing over 60 miles in 4½ hours! Legends!!

Day 3 Lunchtime Update

Our luck has turned around today! The first half of the day has been reasonably flat. Everyone’s in good spirits and cycling really well. It’s cold, overcast and a bit windy, but, thankfully, there’s no rain. The lads are currently about 10 miles outside of Whitchurch in Shropshire at a garage in the middle of nowhere! They will soon be crossing the Welsh border! Fingers crossed that this afternoon is as good! You guys rock!

’Mon the Joes!!

Progress

Sunday, April 1 2012:

0900	Leave County Pitch in Ruislip, London	30 miles
1200 (approx)	Break for Lunch
1600 (approx)	Arrive in Towcester, Northamptonshire	30 miles
Check into Towcester Silverstone Travelodge http://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/info?hotelId=185

Monday, April 2 2012:

0900	Leave Towcester, Northamptonshire	34 miles
1300 (approx)	Break for Lunch
1600 (approx)	Arrive in Cannock	30 miles
Check into Roman Way Hotel, Cannock http://www.romanwayhotel.co.uk/

Tuesday, April 3 2012:

0900	Leave Cannock	32 miles
1300 (approx)	Break for Lunch
1600 (approx)	Arrive in Llangollen, Denbighshire	30 miles
Check into Llangollen Hostel http://www.llangollenhostel.co.uk/

Wednesday, April 4 2012:

0900	Leave Llangollen, Denbighshire	30 miles
1300 (approx)	Break for Lunch
1600 (approx)	Arrive in Caernarfon, Gwynedd	28 miles
Check into Caernarfon Travelodge http://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/info?hotelId=392

Holy Thursday, April 5 2012:

0900	Leave Caernarfon, Gwynedd	30 miles
1230 (approx)	Arrive in Holyhead for 14:10 sailing
1600 (approx)	Arrive in Dublin, Ireland
Cycle to and check into Jurys Inn, Parnell Street http://dublinhotels.jurysinns.com/jurysinn_parnellstreet

Good Friday, April 6 2012:

0900	Leave Dublin	40 miles
1300 (approx)	Break for Lunch
1600 (approx)	Arrive in Longford	35 miles
Check into Hotel

Easter Saturday, April 7 2012:

0900	Leave Longford	38 miles
1300 - 1400 (approx)	Arrive in Ballaghadereen
Meet and Greet. Relax, get some food and get ready for Challenge Match at 5pm