Stage 2: Killarney to Limerick, Tues 26th August

Day Two, and another successful day it was...

Doris, Kay and Joe had put us up in fine style in Killorglin on Monday night, so after a hearty breakfast of porridge, wholemeal toast, bananas and more we made our way back to Killarney to the start-line for today (which was the finish-line from yesterday by the way, to the exact metre!! Guards...) and the lads were away again.

Today's route took us through Gortnacarriga, Farranfore, Castleisland, Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West, Adare and Limerick. Although there was one tough 6K long climb between Castleisland and Abbeyfeale the boys said they'd be alright without a support vehicle for the first half of the stage, so Tom stayed in Killarney to try and get some more "branding" arranged for the van.

 After a few attempts I found the man who was up to the job of dressing our fine vehicle (Liam's van remains name-less by the way, it's between Edina Merc and Talulah Stopworthy at the moment, suggestions welcome...)

Kevin at the Killarney Advertiser was the day's hero, and joins a long list of people who have donated their time and resources to help us raise as much for The Marie Keating Foundation and Temple Street hospital as possible (and we'll have a long, long list here when time allows).

 The advertising should help us raise at least an extra couple of hundred euro on the road, so thanks again to Kevin and his colleagues who were really helpful at very short notice.

 Mean-time, the boys were really motoring. A quick stop for a drink at Abbeyfeale, and Rob was happy that an average speed of 24.7 Kilometres per hour was being maintained. "We're maintaining an average speed of 24.7 Kilometres per hour, I'm happy", he said.

 Another cyclist, who did not wish to be named, said "I'm sick of that fella slowing me down, he's like a tortoise on a tricycle up the hills".

 As it turned out, the cyclists beat the driver to the nights' lodgings, again a donation, two really spacious and comfortable rooms in the Travelodge, arranged for us by Deirdre and Lorraine.

 As things stand, we've a constitutional couple of pints in front of us, the lads are feeling good, and we're looking forward to tomorrow's leg, which takes us to Athlone...

Tom