Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Warrenpoint!!!

What a night!!!! The wind and rain was gusting up to 70+ km/h outside our bedroom window. We were curled up in bed (separate beds!!) wondering what kind of weather we were going to have to face in the morning. As it turned out we awoke to find the sun beaming down on Strangford lough with the only evidence of the previous nights storm being the odd bit of seaweed and fallen branches strewn on the roads.
After a short trip across the flat calm lough we headed towards Newry.
Despite the beautiful weather the going wasn't entirely easy as the wind was blowing in our faces however we didn't mind too much after witnessing the previous nights weather!!!
We spun along the road through Downpatrick finishing up in Warrenpoint for the day. We checked into the snazzy and luxurious Whistledown hotel in Warrenpoint where we received a warm welcome. We tucked into a delicious meal in the hotel's restaurant before heading for an early night.

We awoke the next morning and filled our bellies full of porridge and fruit to set us up for the day. During breakfast we met the delightful Mrs. McAnulty from Warrenpoint who we really were honoured to meet. After breakfast we hit the road and headed out towards Newry stopping briefly to repair a puncture on Cathal's bike! After passing through Newry we began heading South again towards Ardee. We stopped for a delicious Carvery Lunch in the Dundalk Superbowl where we were welcomed by the proprietor James Walsh and Graham Russell the local sports development officer. After a quick bite we enjoyed a few games of bowling before hitting the road again.
En route to Ardee we were joined by Nigel and Cathal from the Ardee Cycling Club who chatted away to us helping to distract us as we climbed the final few hills into Ardee! Upon arriving in Ardee, Eamon Martin very kindly, and very immediately, took our bikes away to his shop, Wheels and Heels, for a well needed service. Our gears have never felt so good. While Eamon slaved away on our bikes, we were greated with drinks and sandwiches in the Ferdia Arms. Many thanks to them for putting on a delcious spread for us hungry cyclists.
Many thanks to Leonard and Fidelma Townley for giving us a bed for the night and even washing our smelly clothes!!! Also many thanks to Emma Townley for cooking us a delicious meal and tasty cups of tea to fill our bellies after a long day!! It also worth noting that not only did the Townley family put us up (or put up with us) for the night but they also arranged a Coffee morning in Ardee to raise finds for the CFAI. Well done to all involved!

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