Day 1 - Sligo to castlederg

Well it's all go. I flew into Dublin on Friday night and then caught the train to Sligo on the Saturday morning. Arrived just after midday in Sligo and on asking directions for the highstreet got offered a lift to the bike shop from one of the rail staff. I am liking this town already. Went around to Chain Driven cycles on the highstreet and had a brilliant welcome - Lightning was waiting for me in one piece and ready to roll. Huge thanks to Steve for taking such good care of her. You can tell when someone takes care of bikes properly when he asks if you had bent one of the handlebars on purpose to deal with a wrist injury before putting it straight in a jiffy.

Set off from the shop at about 13.00 and took Steve's recommendation to avoid the mainroad by heading along the lough gill road. Good tip it was too as scenery was grand. Lunch at Dromahair before heading off to Manorhamilton, Kinlough and then on to little roads to take in the border at Manger. Turns out I was on the right roads but no signs for border although with hindsight I should have twigged that a big sign saying 'drive on the left' in 3 languages on a tiny country road was a giveaway. Into Belleek before signs for the worryingly named Boa island. Then saw a sign for a place called Lusty Beg so didn't take place names too seriously around here!

Thought I was being clever by taking a shortcut towards Castledurgh but ended up on road of broken dreams. Ok not really but it was a series of short sharp uphill slogs followed almost immediately by losing almost all the height gained. Arf. Eventually joined the mainroad and did at least get a grand coast downhill for a while.

Arrived in Castledurg just before 9. I have to say a huge thak you to Olga and all her team at the Derg arms for making me feel so welcome. From the lovely lady behind the bar who helped with my bike, to the restaurant ladies who were great to chat to and the chef and sous chef for stocking up the Vonster to fight another day. Retired after a half of the black stuff for some stretching and wondering what the legs will be like in the morning.