The triumphant trio celebrate at Malin Head!

Mission completed. Victoria Bridge just outside Sion Mills was the starting point of our last day on a memorable and never to be forgotten adventure from Mizen to Malin. 3 became 4 with Barry joining us along with 5 out invaluable out riders, Trevor Alan Colin John and Glenn. with gusto we pace through the stubborn,early morning fog as we add to our 5 day tally of 435 miles. Rosie takes a heavy fall at Prehen but with typical determination and never say die attitude she is straight on the saddle and we arrive at Harry’s Restaurant Bridgend an hour and a half ahead of schedule.
More wonderful hospitality from Harry’s staff, (Colin had a special surprise!) as we relaxed before our numbers increased even further with riders from Omagh Belfast Letterkenny and locally, to support us to the end. The North Pole Bar was the next stop and again ahead of schedule as the sun burnt away the fog to release a most glorious day. Fitting for the end of a wonderful week of cycling.

Hilda, manager of the North Pole Bar, met us with even more hospitality and refreshments as our numbers swelled including to over 20 young and old. Photos, now a compulsory part of each day completed, we left behind the flat roads from Harry’s to face the hills of Donegal. I feel a song coming on!

The rise out of Dunree was challenging but the freewheel into Carndonagh was a joy. Outriders marking our route although Lisa did feel the need to checkout the road for Moville for some reason. Malin Town and 13 km to go pointed the sign. But the road planners did not account for Rosie’s dog leg and scenic route. Left after the Five Finger Strand and up a spectacular climb, piece of cake it definitely was not! Standing on first gear, zig-zagging the climbs were conquered. Closing in on almost 500 miles we met 3km from Malin Head. Rosie, Patrick, Martina and Chris moved to the front and escorted by the motorbikes set off for the final 3km: emotions were high. As we rounded the final corner 1km from the finish we could see the glint off the cars and feel the anticipation from those waiting. Rosie led the charge Patrick and Chris decided to do it in slow motion! Families friends and colleagues covered the embankments and with cheers whistles and horns resounding across the Inishowen hills we completed the challenge we set ourselves 6 days ago. An amazing finish to amazing week.

Celebrations were the order of the day, A proud moment for all involved.

Rosie, Patrick and Chris extended their thanks to everyone who supported them along the route, families and friends who provided refreshments on the day, those that have contributed to date, and to our 5 outriders who kept us safe to the end. A final thanks to out Editor for the great work on developing this site.

No one took Chris up on his offer to sell / give away his bicycle so we were so taken by this experience that we have decided to cycle across America next year…. sorry that was obviously the effect of too much sun. until the next event ……..

Rosie heads to Nigeria next weekend so look out for further fund-raising event and encourage further donations.