9 weeks to go...

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I'm getting a lot of great suggestions and ideas from friends that have been to Ireland before. Three common themes are emerging as truth: 1) Don't plan ahead too much - enjoy making each day an adventure and rely on the locals to share with you the next best place to go and see; 2) No matter what direction we go in we can't go wrong - every sight is beautiful (north, south, east, and west); 3) Everyone has a great time in Ireland and wants to go back.

Some background on our 'gang'; Brian has lived in Europe before and is a seasoned travelor, but now hangs his hat in South Carolina. He has been to Ireland once before and I am sure he is excited to go again (if only to enjoy the great companionship of yours truly and Geoff). It's not every day a group of friends decides to take a bike trip in another country, so I'm sure that is a draw as well! Geoff hails from Alaska but is currently working on assignment in Utah. This is Geoff's first trip to Europe and I know he is excited to see some European culture, drink some beer in local pubs, and enjoy our companionship (I think the last time the 3 of us were physically all together was more than 15 years ago!). At the time of this writing, Geoff is also 'reportedly' the only one that seems to be preparing for the bike ride...I'm in Michigan, have been overseas several times (but never to Ireland), and am not sure how successful I will be driving on the right side of a car...should be interesting.

Speaking of driving, my next task is to reserve a rental car. Our plane tickets are purchased, our bike tour deposit is paid and confirmed, now we need to reserve a car. I also need to purchase a good bike helmet; maybe I should get myself to spinning class sometime soon too! The reality of biking 30 miles per day is starting to sink in...yikes.

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Comments

[Geoff]

Hey Mark, Thanks for the update. To be truthful I am walking and biking more for health reasons with a sidenote to be at least semi-fit for the bike ride. I may eat my words here, but I don't think 30 miles per day will be to bad, I've done a couple of 10-20 mile rides which take an hour to two to complete. Keep in mind we have all day to putte along. Connemara and Redbreast Whiskey are my pursuits along with some local music.

[Mark1965]

Hi Geoff - you're an inspiration as usual. I think this whole trip is based in part on a healthier outlook on life. I'm pretty excited about the biking portion. I can easily picture you and Brian miles ahead of me, though...should we be exploring some hiking options too?

[Mike]

Some hiking suggestions
Hey Mark and Geoff. Im glad that you are excited about your upcoming trip to the Emerald Isle! I see that you are considering hiking Mark. May i offer some suggestions? If you will be in Wicklow, you should check out Sally Gap. It is a great place and it is near a lake that has water as dark as ink!. In County Clare, check out the Burren. It's a limestone landscape with little vegetation worth speaking of. It's almost like being on another planet! Also in Clare are the Cliffs of Moher. They are spectacular! If you guys will be in Dublin, the Dublin mountains are very popular with hikers also. Hopefully what i've posted is of some help to you folks! Enjoy your travels! -Mike

[Mark1965]

Thanks Mike, these are great tips. We will check those spots out. Thanks for the advice.