The biggest challenge on any journey is the not giving up – that’s how I felt cycling out of Belfast on a low, grey spring morning. Ahead lay the whole of Ireland, challenging enough in itself but just one stage in the longer journey towards my first book. Ahead was some 5000 miles of riding, behind some 18 months of research, still further ahead was a year’s work preparing text and illustrations.
Was the book really possible? Many moments of uncertainty lay ahead, around lonely corners on quiet roads, as a tight schedule pushed me on when any sensible rider would head for the pub.
But brilliant times followed too. An early highlight was riding around Rathlin Island with my dad on the bluest of spring days with the Scottish coast seemingly as close as the Irish. Or skylarks hiding in the Donegal sand dunes, ready to awaken me on expectant summer mornings. And heading out of Dublin as the morning sun shone golden on the Liffey, only to watch the day end with a red and lilac sunset in the silence of the Bog of Allen.
My journey came full-circle when an advanced copy of ‘Cycle Touring in Ireland’ flopped onto the doormat. Reading it now, I hope it’s clear my enthusiasm for Ireland remains intact – it’s a superb cycling destination.
On those few days when giving up was most tempting, top-quality gear really helped – my warm, dry Páramo Velez Smock fought off the worst of the Irish weather. But along the way I learnt a great lesson for life as well as travel. On some days you just concentrate on that next turn of the pedals – and the rest of the journey will take care of itself.
Why I chose the Páramo Velez
The ventilation options and the extremely breathable Analogy fabric make the Velez perfect for cycling in temperate climates. It keeps out rain and wind. If overheating is a likelihood on climbs, dropping the side zips or opening the neck usually sorts matters out. At the summit, it’s up with the zips for a walk around or to prepare for the descent. This all saves a lot of messing around with adding and removing layers. Just choose a warmer or cooler baselayer depending on the weather. The jacket is also casual enough to go unnoticed at the pub – to all but the most discerning that is!
Tom Cooper
