Ireland day 11 Westport to Sligo

Tracy's early night yesterday was really a cunning plan so that she could squeeze every second out of her birthday! Her bike had been decorated overnight by Mark, Wendy and Taff and a cake left on her pannier rack. We took our water bottles down to put on the bikes before breakfast and she walked straight past it without noticing because they had moved it to a more prominent position. I'm starting to worry about her eyesight, as in one town we passed 3 lifesize plastic elephants on the high street, with a sign saying not to feed them. She didn't notice the elephants or the sign!

I'm stood in the doorway that Tracy walked through. How did she miss this? What's her name, Blind Pew?

It's Tracy's birthday by the way - did anyone say?

After breakfast we had the traditional faff followed by our briefing and geology lesson from Taff. Today's lesson was all about Drumlins and Moraines, both lateral and terminal. Might be homework and a test this evening. We sung a rousing rendition of Happy birthday to Tracy, because apparently it's her birthday.

We had a gentle ride out into rolling countryside, making pretty good time. Brew stop included some of Tracy's birthday cake. 

Tracy's birthday cake - thanks to Mark, Wendy and Taff

Don't let the scenery...

... distract you from the fact that...

...it's my birthday!

Our lunch stop was an old wooden mill, now a shop and obligatory cafe. They make the apple lattices on the old looms out back. It was a good lunch though.

A Drumlin - a hill made from glacial sediment. Classic upside down spoon shape. Thanks to Muir for the photo!

The afternoon, whilst nice riding seemed to go on longer than expected - but eventually we arrived at the Glasshouse Hotel in Sligo. I immediately headed to Gary's cycles, finally getting a replacement tyre. This shop could be dangerous to my bank balance if it was closer to home - so many bling bikes and kit.

I got a message from Tracy walking back to the hotel, reminding me of the room number in case I had forgotten (I had) and saying that she was having a shower. Not having a key to the room, I was relegated to the bar and an early doors pint of Coors. The hardships! Our bags were already in our rooms plus some extra birthday cake. It's Tracy's birthday - did you know?

A nice Brucie bonus on arrival.

The group reconvened, after a quick change and shower, in the bar, looking for a solar eclipse. The clouds did not cooperate and we unfortunately didn't see much at all. 12 of us headed to an Italian to celebrate Tracy's birthday (did she mention it's her birthday)

When is a takeaway not a takeaway?

When they sit you outside, charge you takeaway prices, but still bring you drinks 

A nice meal with great company before heading to the pub across the road from the Hotel.

A heritage pub apparently - not much been changed over the years. Kind of interesting - at home we'd call it a lack of investment.

Lots more chat, beverages consumed before lethargy caught up with us. I was feeling the effects of the beer, the birthday girl was stone cold sober.

Distance travelled: 71 birthday miles

Total distance: 646 miles 

Cake of the day: Birthday cake

Tracy Whinge factor 3/10 - mostly about making her sound like a small child with a birthday obsession on this blog