See also The Green Divide ( prelude ) in last post
And Then There Were Three ……
This says it all
I am too old for these ridiculously early starts. But that’s not the only bad news. Our spiritual director / directeur sportif and beer sommelier John Harty is wounded and out of action. 14000 km a year on zwift has at last come “back” to bite him , despite interventions by several physios , a multitude of pharmaceuticals and even the sleeping Joseph.
Flight EIEIO to Schiphol on old McDonald airlines. Struggled to get bike bags down to 23 kg ( max for aer Lingus compared to Ryan Airs generous 30kg) , Once I took out the Bentley recommended accommodation directory supplied by Big Plate I was sorted.
We will be lost for entertainment and witty repertoire. However the show must go on with a deflated team , herself , myself and Jan Sweeney our secret weapon who is not only fluent in Dutch but has a significant palmares as a VERY successful time trialist .
Taxi arrived on dot of 3 , picked up Jan and speedy trip to airport. Quick coffee .
Bikes appear to be on board 🤞
Uneventful flight. Got bikes built fairly fast and away on first section to Bussen. Absolutely amazing cycling infrastructure from airport. Stopped for a traditional breakfast, can’t remember what it’s called. Eggs on bacon on bread.
Today was liberation day bank holiday. We met these vehicles about 4 times on our route. Held us back a lot but lovely.
Onward on many bike paths , gravel paths through forests and some small roads. Pan flat. The roads and gravel here are as smooth as the leather on John Murray’s sporran. But not as smooth as John Hartys legs after a Veet session. No potholes not even on the gravel. The Rostrevor Warrenpoint Road was rougher than anything we cycled today.
By km 120 the legs were tired but we didn’t stop again as wanted to get checked into hotel before 7. Room is tiny , you couldn’t swing a mouse never mind a cat, and the shower has flooded the bathroom. No sign of any Bentleys in car park.
Must go , need dinner.
