Cycle complete!
And so the final day of the ride brought me back to familiar territory. Back to the ferry port in Ringaskiddy and from there It was a nice, handy 80kms back down to Drimoleague, and to home. At the ferry port I was met by a nice gang (25) from home and of those 10 had volunteered to cycle back the final leg. After a few photos and a bit of craic, it was time to head on and thankfully the weather held up nicely for the day, as we ventured westwards. In Ballygarvan I was treated to a Jumbo breakfast Roll, the first I've had in a year. I must say that it was seriously good to tear into salty bacon and pudding again! We passed through Bandon, where we were joined by 2 more cyclists and then when we hit Dunmanway, a whole load of family, cousins and friends joined for the final dash to Drimoleague. As we rolled through Dunmanway there was a nice cup of tea and a hot scone awaiting me from the staff in the local supermarket. Some of the kids had done colourful posters and cards, which were really special. The biggest welcome was still to come however and as we pedalled through the streets of Drimoleague familiar faces cheered me on for the final mile, with a great crowd gathering outside the Centra supermarket. We were then all generously treated to 99's ice creams and with the sun shining down on us it made it all the more special as we laughed, chatted and celebrated. But I wasn't home yet. There was still a mile and a half to go up to Gurteeniher, and so departing Drimoleague to a chorus of car hooting and beeping, as if we'd just won the county final, I began the final stretch. I don't remember ever feeling such a wave of variable emotions during my whole trip as I did feel in those final few minutes. Ecstasy, elation, joy, thankfulness, worry and relief were just some of the raw emotions I was experiencing. I was so pumped to be finally completing my trip, yet it was hard to believe that it was actually ending. That idea of the trip being over hadn't really hit me over the past few weeks as it suddenly did now. Another terrific surprise awaited me as I passed Fairfield nursing home where many of the staff and elderly patients came out to cheer me on. The final hill and as I flicked back to a low gear Melissa's chain fell off. Ironic it would occur with only 100 metres to go! Anyhow I hopped off, put it back on the cassette and no sooner was I back on it, I was over the grid and pedaling up the drive to the smell of a BBQ in the back yard. As I brought Melissa to a final halt I thanked God for all his goodness in watching over my life and journey the past year and then it was food, photo and party time! Finished!
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The AuthorName: Daniel Ross Top Tips:
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October 2016
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