Some plans are years in the making. Others arrive fully formed. The idea for this ride popped into my head back in 2019, beautiful in its simplicity: Cycle around the Irish Sea. For all sorts of good reasons (and some not-so-good) it’s taken a while to make it happen.
The plan is to ride north from Blackpool around the coast of England and southern Scotland to Stranraer. Cross to the island of Ireland and travel down the coast from Belfast to Rosslare before catching a ferry to south west Wales. In Wales I’ll cycle north from Fishguard around the coast to Anglesey, then east back into England for the final leg back up to Blackpool. Starting on May Day bank holiday weekend, I’m aiming to arrive back in Blackpool on Spring bank holiday weekend at the end of May.
It’s about 1,250 miles on the map. I’m older, heavier and less fit. It’s been a long time since I did any serious cycling and I’m carrying a niggling back problem. All the signs are good for a successful trip!
I’m planning to cover about 50 miles a day on my trusty Cannondale Synapse, so taking it easier than I have on other tours. I might press on a bit, if I’m feeling okay. I’ll be taking time to mooch around places that look interesting and taking notes in preparation for inflicting another book on the world.
Wish me luck!
7 replies on “The grand plan”
Wishing you joy in your travels and admiring your spirit, I will reciprocate, I will swim in my beloved Atlantic this year and raise funds to go to Donegal with Colin my best friend. Hope your spirits are raised as I feel when I swim off the coast of Ireland.
Cycle for your soul what ever that means to you. 😊😘
Well Big Bruv.. I am wishing you good luck and a peaceful niggle free trip all the way around to maybe Holyhead where I hope to join you and be a pain in the ass for 2 days riding! It’s a long time since we shared time on bikes and that was a trip I’ll always remember!) Simply can’t wait for you to bore me with facts about bridges while we cycle!! Love ya xx
Definitely share your progress and the struggles you overcome alongside the kindness, shown by strangers. My eldest used your first book as inspiration for a senior school essay so keep your notes and logs ready for the next instalment. Plus a bulk order of chafe cream. ❤️ the Angel clan
Sounds wonderful. Nothing like good preparation for such an endeavour. The freedom of the ride is already speaking to me. Enjoy. Even the shitty bits! So life affirming
What a trip – just amazing Paul – really look forward to getting your updates. Here’s wishing you good luck and cake galore!
Good luck Paul. Not sure if you’re brave or daft. We’ll all be rooting for you and keeping a look out on your progress we’ll be your back up team throughout Wales if you need us. I guess we’ll see you very soon. Xx
Have loved reading Day 1 Paul, it sounds the start of a beautiful journey 😊
Enjoy every moment, enjoy the ride, enjoy the cake stops and stay safe xx