Old Bikers never die, they just go on tour.

[Cousin Jack]

Back on the ferry. By God the Dublin city centre traffic is a mess!

Bus lane on the left x2, 1 traffic lane, bike lane on the right. followed by bus lane on the right, bike lane in the middle and traffic on the left. Why am I not surprised when the changeover lights cause huuuuge delays.

Pics later, wifi on the boat is pants.

[Cousin Jack]

Now on Anglesey. so pics

[Cousin Jack]

[Cousin Jack]

And N.Wales tonight.

[Cousin Jack]

Finally home. Few more pics to come, but tonight I am just chilling.

[Cousin Jack]

Well it was a slightly damp, sometimes chilly, but overwhelmingly beautiful trip around Ireland. For those considering where to go on tour, please do consider Ireland!

Roads. Mostly excellent. Yes there some bumpy pot-holed ones, but a lot less than in the UK. The Irish seem to have spent a LOT of money on sorting out their roads. Of course the minor, unclassified roads in the mountains are like goat tracks, but hey ho, you don't have to use them, but they do lead to some astoundingly beautiful places with almost zero tourists.

Food, excellent too, although my missus would not have been impressed with the choices. My waistline may have suffered a bit.

Hotels, mixed. All had clean beds and clean bathrooms which is all that was essential.

Overall, it makes the UK look shabby.

40 years ago I went to the Ring of Kerry and thought how poor Ireland seemed. 30 years ago I went again, and it wasn't much better. Both trips were limited by horrendous road surfaces. This time around the boot is on the other foot. Ireland looks clean, polished, colourful and gives every indication that the economy is fine.

I may well go back in the car, and take the missus next time.

[Cousin Jack]

Only downside was that we lost one of the group. Alok and his girlfriend Estie, had a bad crash. Estie was bruised and shaken but OK, Alok broke 6 ribs, bruised his spleen and ended up in Belfast ICU. He is mending now, but is not allowed to fly back to Canada for at least 3 weeks because his lungs wont cope with cabin altitude.

No idea of the cause, looks like he just lost control, ripped into one grass verge, careered across the road and ripped up the other verge. No other vehicles involved. A stark reminder that motorcycles can bite, a small mistake can have big consequences. Ride safe!