Day 5: Doolin to Galway

Doolin to Galway was a ride of two halves. The first 30 miles were as good as it gets; beautiful weather, stunning scenery and quiet roads. Heading north out of Doolin the boys skirted round the coastline amongst dramatic karst (limestone) scenery - the famous "Burren". Huge tracts of bare grey limestone pavement spread inland from the road to the right and to the sea on the left. In the grikes between the clints (the gaps between the sticky up bits) grew an astonishing array of colourful flowers (blue, purple and yellow ones for the botanically minded) and even holly trees.


The team couldn't believe their luck with the weather - 2 consecutive days of West Ireland sunshine must surely be getting the meteorologists scratching their heads and searching back through the record books. Leaving the charmingly named Black Head behind them the boys pushed on to Kinvarra for a spot of lunch. The harbour side cafe produced an excellent seafood chowder, and the lemon sponge cake helped to restore seriously depleted calorie levels - a prudent  safety measure with the mileage being done.



If the pre-lunch session was the sublime the run in to Galway in the afternoon session was the ridiculous. With occasional thoughts of the Pogue's "Fairytale of New York" lyrics, the boys pressed on and huge trucks rumbled past on the main ring road. Billions of euros of European regional aid had seemingly done nothing to update the crumbling roads or reduce the number of bike sized pot holes. 

With some thanks the lads arrived at the campsite to the usual welcome sight of the crew, van and tent (and Holly's waggy tail). The evening brought about the first sighting this year of Nick, the Probert challenge's most dedicated supporter, increasing his tally of  international meetings with the team after previous exploits in Scotland and Switzerland. This time he was bravely, or brave heartedly, accompanied by Ellen - 21st great great etc granddaughter of Robert the Bruce. The band of seven headed for the Galway golf club for an excellent evening of good company, good food and Guinness. When it looked like the group weren't going to win any of the prizes being announced for the day's competition they decided it was time to leave - with rash promises by Greg of a 7.30 start tomorrow. (Yeh right!)