Tours & Events

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Another new venue this year is deep in the South Hams at "The Church House Inn," Rattery. 19 of us gathered for this festive occasion with a couple of absentees for one reason or another. Glad Julie & Mike made it up from Looe; nice to see them at least once a year. We all finally assembled in this lovely garden room of the pub, a couple of late arrivals as usual, Bonny on her long trek from Meavy & Andy E., who could not get out of bed in time for a midday lunch. It was rather noisy at first as we were sharing the room with other diners, but we managed to finally drive them away. We eventually got down to eating what turned out to be a wonderful & tasty meal, if not a little filling for those of us who had three courses; I suppose the pints of beer didn't help.

  I got up to give a little chat & reflect on the events of the year, i.e., the name change of the club + our summer tour in the Welsh Brecons, which we were blessed with wonderful weather. Also looking back at our day on the beach & dip in the sea fully clothed for some of us, I forgot to mention my Sue's excitement of the frolic only to discover when stepping back onto the beach that she still had her mobile phone in her pocket, an expensive swim. Bonny, not satisfied with the shallows, decided to head out into the Bristol Channel, heading for North Devon, + we will never forget the sight of Graham B. in his underpants.

Anyway, a very successful Christmas lunch, which everyone enjoyed.

 Trevor

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Exploring Ireland on Two Wheels: A Journey to Remember

From September 7th to 21st, 2024, I finally embarked on an Irish cycling tour I’d been dreaming about for years. Cycling solo was tempting, but the costs were just too steep, so I set off with two great companions—Mike and Sue.

The Journey Begins
We kicked off our adventure by driving from Pembroke to Rosslare, with our three bikes safely strapped to the cycle rack. The return fare came to £639—a small price for the convenience and freedom of the open road.

Week One: Discovering the Heart of Kerry
Our first week was spent at a comfortable apartment nestled in the heart of Kerry (off the Tralee-Castleisland road) for £664. This location was perfect for exploring the nearby Dingle Peninsula and the stunning hills right behind our lodging, where every ride offered a new perspective on Ireland’s rugged beauty.

Week Two: A Tapestry of Irish Charm
Our next stop was near Skibbereen at a delightful, renovated Irish cottage affectionately known as the Chocolate Box (£408). From this charming base, we ventured to explore quaint towns and scenic routes through Durrus, Bantry, Schull, Mount Gabriel, and Coomacullen. Remarkably, the second week turned out to be even more spectacular. We enjoyed almost perfect weather—with just one rainy day during our visit to Killarney—and the countryside was breathtaking. The locals we met along the way added to the magic, offering warmth and a welcome smile at every turn.

This cycling tour was more than just a physical journey—it was a deep dive into Ireland’s stunning landscapes and warm culture. I’m already dreaming of my next adventure on two wheels!