Friday evening 18th May and four of us were off to Ireland, Peter Smith, Mark Tucker, Pete O'Connell and myself, Roger Fleet. Three of us met at Innes Downs roundabout and picked Pete smith up at Exeter Services, then on for a non eventful ride the Pembroke Docks to embark on the early morning ferry to Rosslare, or was it late night, not sure where one changes to the other.

We were off to Tully, "where?", well that is what I said when I was first told and it took some finding on the map as the description of the cottage said approximately 1.5 miles from Galway, Western Ireland. In fact it is more like 70 miles NW as far as you can go, and was not marked on most maps I'd looked at. It's just west of the Connemarra National Park and the scenery was superb. As on all my previous trips I'd make notes in large letters for my mapcase so I knew what junctions to take. So when we leave Rosslare and head in another direction I,m completely lost, the day of the GPS has arrived, the other three bikes all had these new toys fitted. I was still using my Silva compass and sextant so I had to keep up.

Well we got there ok but the GPS systems only managed the village, my research will Google map paid off and I led the last 100yards, sorry metres, we were now in Ireland. Ensconced in our spacious bungalow, with us all having a double room each, supplies for the weekend were required, and of course we had to vet the local brew. I think Pete O'Connell's local research for the trip was a bit flawed as he was drinking cider.

The week went well with rides most days through various mountain passes and around Loughs, weather was slightly drizzly and overcast,but mostly dry and bright with no major rain requiring waterproofs. Evenings where a lot wetter in the local bars and very enjoyable,with Pete O striking up a friendship with 'Mikey' and his invisible identical twin.

Eventually the week came to an end and the weather forecast was deteriorating as we headed home to the worst weather of the week. After spending a night at the Holiday Inn in Pembroke, the ship did not dock till approx. 1.00 am, we set off about 8.00 for ride home in consistent rain with diesel spillage on all bends and roundabouts for approx. 25 miles until we overtook a horse box with the driver refitting the fuel cap. We arrived home just at the same time as the bad weather arrived in Cornwall, we must have been just on it front. Should have left earlier.

Thanks to all as I had a great week and especially to Mark who organized it . Below are a selection of photographs from the trip.