HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY ☘️
I’m going to try and document this trip like i did the WAW, mainly for my own recollection so feel free to read or scroll away , I’m not “phishing” for followers!
A long awaited bikepacking trip , multiple illnesses having scuppered last years plans . This trip seemed in danger also when the blessing that is our first grandchild , transferred a cornucopia of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses 🤮💩🦠.
The way my immune system is at present I’ll probably get the bubonic plague on this plane or TB at the very least.
So little to no training then , Mrs Duffy certainly would not approve. Ah well , at least I won’t have to cycle with her after her 3 month training camp down under, poor Eamon.
Outrageously early start for a 6am flight. Small hiccup at airport when bikes were overweight (as expected). A kindly aerlingus staff member reweighed my bike with wheels on the ground and it instantly lost the same weight as me in the last 3 months. Magic .
To be completely frank and honest the lounge experience was poor. It didn’t open till 4.15am and the barista ( notoriously reclusive) didn’t start till 5am. I assaulted my palate with a machine thing , lukewarm and tasteless , a nameless Banker neighbour would have called the manager for less.
Onwards to gate 355 on a bus 🤨.
As a certain friendly nephrologist would say in more colourful language, our flight companions are a somewhat interesting bunch. From young lads obviously not heading for the sun but certainly intent on staying well hydrated ( having started as they meant to go on )to families ready for all the pleasures the windy islands have to offer. We do have a few things in common , low vitamin d , pasty complexions , immune systems on the brink of collapse and aversion to humidity over 90% , soon all to be rectified🤞.
First night in Arrecife then day 1 is a short (45km) cycle to the island of La Graciosa , no paved roads there apparently, it’ll be just like the A2 then.
Hopefully bikes 🚲🚲will arrive in one piece. AirTags suggest they may indeed be on the plane which is a good start at least.
I’m hoping Hattie Jacques will be on check-in to welcome us at the Hotel Lancelot.
You may recollect the ASS score and the MSS ( marital status score) from the WAW trip. I will revive these for the craic.
Starting point will obviously be :
🍑 score 0/5
🚦 MSS green.
Post script
Hattie was not on reception , Sybil Fawlty was a goddess compared to our monosyllabic staff member. who wasn’t having any of an early check in.
Bike bags now dumped at LBS , and bikes all built up. Exhausted and I haven’t turned a pedal yet.
COC.