Page 13 - DLNaug2016-1009
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The is an unsupported cycling race from Dublin to
Derry (checkpoint 1), then along the Wild Atlantic Way to Kinsale (checkpoint
2), and then to Blarney Castle (or the pub). That means I had to carry all
my sleeping gear, repair stuff and extra layers with me on my bike.

I entered this race only 2 weeks before the start date, and 3 months after
breaking my ankle. I entered the race with no expectations, and thought that
if I finished in 10 days that would be ace. I also knew I could always get the
ferry and train back home if my ankle was causing me problems.

In the 2 weeks before the race I had to order and test quite a lot of new kit
(an intact helmet, cycling shorts, light-weight sleeping bag, bivi bag etc),
familiarise myself with the route (turns out I didn’t have time for that),
organise transport and insurance and get a little more confident on the bike
again.

Before I set off, my bike was my main worry. It’s a Scott Foil, a carbon
aerodynamic road bike with an aggressive geometry, and not a good fit for
my long legs and short reach. But I’d been on long rides on it before and was
keen to just get on with it, so I did!:)

On the way to Dublin, at Chester train
station, I spotted a guy who had a
suspiciously bikepacking-ready bike with him.
Turns out Jesko was another
TransAtlanticWay Racer! I was ridiculously
tired from my journey down (I had less than
3 hours sleep) and couldn’t stop giggling
about what we were getting ourselves into.

                                              Just off the ferry in Dublin and cycling to Trinity

                                      College. Photo Credit: Jesko von Werthern

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