I had made the decision and i was off.
I set off on July the 7th 2004, it was a good day and Belfast was warm and sunny, i was off and i didnt know when i would return.
It was tough to begin with, i was using the bike alot previously but not on this scale.
I planned to cycle from around 6am everyday to around 3pm and then look for accomodation.
I reached Newcastle on the first day and i stayed at a BnB. The weather was fantastic.
I set off early the next day heading for Newry, i ended up taking the wrong road and ended up a few miles off course late in the afternoon. Back on track i ended up spending the night in Carrickmacross in the Republic of Ireland, not far across the border.
I stayed in a quiet BnB in the little town. My body felt bad, i even felt like giving up on this crazy hairbrained journey, i was questioning my decisions already.
I got a good night sleep and set off early the next day feeling better.
I headed towards Dublin on a very busy road. Large passing trucks proved menacing and gave me little berth.
I had friends in Dublin and thats were i planned on staying when i arrived.
I passed a bad traffic accident on the outscirts of Dublin. The roads seemed menacing and dangerous.
Dublin proved to be a problem, how to get into it as the afternoon wore on and stay on safe roads. Motorways and Dual-Carraigeways were of course a No-Go.
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