And they’re off ….

It’s quite a peculiar feeling cycling out your gate and down the road thinking to yourself “ I’m on the way to Africa … really … Is that not a bit mad”…. but on Thursday afternoon, with lots of things left on the To-Do list and the war of organisation incomplete, it was time to hit the road for Wexford to get the ferry to France the following day.

Having never ridden the bikes with luggage on them, never tried out late changes on racks, saddles, shoes, bike computer … and cycling with my crazy brother who’s not a cyclist – I figured it was slightly risky attempting to make the journey to Wexford in one day.

After scrambling to do a few last things around the house, we chucked stuff at speed into the pannier bags and then time for a quick and stressed looking photo with the neighbour.

We headed into the city and out to Templelogue  - the disbelief fading minimally that I’m finally on the road …. after all the speculating, planning, googling, e-baying, talking …. like that nervous feeling of doing something for the first time.

But on the road surely we were and some Irish rain to prove it  …. cycling with the over-packed 25 kg of luggage taking a bit of getting used of and especially with after a wrong turn up by the hills of Dublin City Golf Club towards Brittas.

With the descent of nightfall we made it as far as Baltinglass … feck the camping … some 2* hotel luxury here we come … not too sure if we will last a couple of days or a couple of months but Day One is behind and time for a bag of chips to celebrate.

The following day, rain free and easy street to Rosslare, with a few detours in Wexford town and beaches surrounding we made it in plenty of time for the Ferry – France here we come.