RTT08 Update.

[chrislarkin]

Wot we dun the last day.

Some of us were able to get up before noon after the night before, but not everyone. It was the official rest day so guys went off in groups to do whatever they wanted. Conor Pass several times in both directions was one of the favourites. I dug out the Dom and Catsbum and I did a bit of green laneing and genuine off roading up into the mountains including the spectacular ride along forestry tracks amongst lakes, hills and valleys. Being a smart ass I told Catsbum we would go back a different way which would involve a water crossing. When we got there I ploughed on in my normal track, hit a large, submerged rock and went over the top into the rushing torrent (about 12" deep of peaty brown mountain water heading for the sea) and got completely soaked. Catsbum thought this was very funny. The bottom was so slippery that I could not lift the Dom so Catsbum had to wade in to help. He did not think this was so funny as he had spent the morning trying to dry out his kit which was now getting very wet again. Before he came to my rescue he tried to get two lads, who were standing on a bridge watching, to get in and help me with the bike but the response he got was something like "I'm not fecking going in there mister". After we had the bike out the same lads very helpfully pointed out the rock I had hit and I reckon they had put it there! Anyway, Martin and I had a blast and he took lots of pics but not one of me in the river (I hope).

This morning almost everyone has gone and Castlegregory will be a quieter place from now on. It was a privilege for Syra and I to have been able to share some of the pleasure we get from living here with as good a bunch of mates as you could have. The whole week has been full of great memories which I expect others will share in other posts along with zillions of pictures. If I get Moderator status I will be able to edit the posts so that only the true versions of some events get viewed!

So, thanks to all for coming and for contributing so much. I reckon we nailed the best chocolate cake in Ireland along with the best chowder (Bondy and I were on a joint quest for this one), rode some of the best roads and got as wet as possible several times. Thanks for the bike in a block - it is amazing.

Carpedian love (not the 900 kind) to you all from Syra and I. You now all have a crash pad in the Wesht if you need it.