Story
11/09/26 update:
As I sit here tonight, on the last night, before the last day's cycle, it is a feeling of Christmas Eve.
The thought of coming into my home town in Ballinscreen, and meeting family, is very exciting. I hope I don't get too giddy and take off too quick and then crawl home.
I'm not sure which is creaking the loudest, me or the bike, but hopefully we will hang in there one more day.
This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I had no idea how I would be feeling after the first week, so I definitely had no idea how I would be feeling now, on the last day. As you don't get a trial run at this, hope is all I started out with.
This was never a challenge, it was to have a lot of fun along the way, and I definitely did have fun.
Audrey had all the stress. Driving a motorhome the whole way around Ireland is not an easy job. Most of the roads we were on were not fit for anything other than a tractor or a sheep. She was also still working and she had a dinner ready every night. No way would I have made it this far without her.
Thanks to S.T.E.P.S who are the real heroes in all of this. People look to them for help. These people carry the real pain and S.T.E.P.S are their only hope. My pain will be gone sometime soon.
Thanks to everyone who kindly donated. Watching the numbers going up, kept my legs spinning. All the kind messages I got from family and friends really humbled me and motivated me.
Meeting old friends along the road, that I hadn't seen for years, was special and thank you for making the effort.
So I will sign off with only 50km left to do, I want people to know, if you put your mind to something, you can do it!
Chris.
07/09/26 update:
Week 3 complete and we're well into week 4. Tough going in the West in the first 3 days, with 50km winds. Eventually had to come off the Wild Atlantic Way. Cycling through the countryside of Galway and Mayo was beautiful and peaceful, with all the flags around Mayo, the celebrations are well from over yet. Even the cows looked content.
We camped in Knock when we were there and spent a lot of hours just taking in the peace and observing the great faith people have. This is the time I appreciated more, that I'm so lucky to be able to do something like this and not everyone is this lucky. The pain in my backside and legs will be gone in a few weeks, but other people's pain remains.
The last week has finally come. My legs are still spinning well. I'm trying to be clever by doing a long tough day, then start later the next day. It seems to have worked this far.
The last week will be tough through Donegal but knowing I am almost there will keep me motivated and the legs spinning, and my nieces have booked baby sitters for the 12th, so there's the extra motivation 😂
Seeing Ireland this way is a privilege, it's a stunning country, even with its heavy rain, and the Irish people are fantastic and welcoming, so proud to be one of them.
Must keep going, my bike is calling...
Chris.
29/08/26 update:
Week 2 complete. The weather was great until Thursday, got very wet, then picked up again on Friday. Cycled to Dungarvan, my second home, We've now covered 698km (430 miles).
Hoping to be on the Wild Atlantic Way next week, heading north.
I've been meeting lots of friends along the way and they've been amazing hosts. Thanking everyone for your generosity and continued support for this very important cause.
Still feeling blessed that I'm able to do this.
Chris.
23/08/26 update:
After a very damp start from Portstewart to Cushendall, the next 5 days were dry and more enjoyable.
After cycling 410km (255 miles), we arrived in Dublin yesterday evening and looking forward to starting again tomorrow (Monday) for another week.
Legs and body still feeling good. Thank you everyone for your generous donations. This is such a worthy cause and I still feel very lucky to be able to do this.
Chris.
Hi all
Many years ago I made a promise to myself that if I was fit and well at 60, I would cycle around Ireland. I have hit 60 now, so if I talked the talk, I must walk the walk (or cycle the cycle). Unfortunately, I don’t have any idea how fit and well I am, but I will find out soon.
On the 17th August, starting in Portstewart, I will cycle across the Glens of Antrim, down the east coast, back up the Wild Atlantic Way and finish in my home town in Derry.
I am not doing this on my own. I will have Audrey in her motorhome, encouraging me up every hill and perhaps maybe joining me some of the way on her bike.
This cycle is not a challenge; this is hopefully something we can both enjoy and experience Irelands beautiful rolling hills. Fingers crossed for the weather. But also, if we can raise awareness of mental health struggles in young people.
As years go on, I consider myself a very lucky man. I have been mentally and physically fit all my life. But life is not always this way for everyone. We are joining up with S.T.E.P.S. who are a fantastic charity that works so hard on raising awareness of suicide and mental health, especially in young men.
Myself and Audrey both have children and are very aware of the challenges that life can have on young people. So, if we can raise money along the way, that would make it an extra bonus. It might even help to keep my legs spinning.
We will be sending out the route that we will be taking, so people are very welcome to join us at any time. We have both met may people over the years around the country on our travels, so we might get a hot or cold drink along the way. It would be very much appreciated.
Best wishes
Chris