We had a lovely spin on our bikes this morning. Hard to believe really, because the puddles were frozen each side of the Old Golf Links Road, as I made my way to Felda. We sat and chatted for a while. At least there was no one telling us we were mad in the head, as happened last Saturday. I hate to be different from the herd so I feel slightly put out when I hear that. But if there is 3 or 4 of us we can't all be mad, can we?

Anyhow, shortly after 10 we rolled out and headed down the road towards the Coachmans. I don't like that stretch of road and would prefer to go through the 'Rock and come out at the Greengates. But no one else has ever complained, and as I often say to Angela: if it ain't broke don't fix it. In any case we turned right shortly thereafter for the Commons Road. Don't particularly like making right turns since I was hit by the truck at Ballymac roundabout in May 2000. Can't turn properly and depend on ears and an assertive hand signal if alone, depend on other  if in group. Anyhow, to get back to the Commons Road, we went to the end, up over the Motorway bridge, the Railway bridge, past Applegreen and left for the N52.

I have to say I'm awfully fond of this next piece of road. This is where I recovered from that near fatal accident, when I couldn't keep up with the group anymore (not a lot has changed I hear you say). No one saw me as I struggled to the 5 crossroads, puffed to Babeswood, and panted to the junction with the N52. It is one of the quietest roads I know except for the day I cycled into the Good Friday procession. For all the world it was like Holy Week in Seville, which was eerily apt since I was going to Spain that June to do the Camino.

At Parra Bwee's Cross (not even locals know that one) we split into 2 groups. Fast guys went straight to Ardee and us less fast turned at Cluskey's (Duffys) Cross for Tallanstown. Ah, the bliss of it, 4 friends taking it nice and handy, lots of chat, as we strove for Tallanstown with minimum effort. Straight through, out by Denis Smyths, following the Glyde, and off for Killanny. This road is even quieter than the 5 Crossroads and is a pleasure to cycle. The road from Louth Village joins it at the Mills of Louth (that has a ring to it but I've never seen anything there) and the road to Knockabbey shoots off.

In Killaney I was tempted to stop at Top Shop for old times sake but I'm afraid those days are gone. We turned right for Essexford, crossed the Carrick Road and continued on a lovely road to Inniskeen. Once again the Poet's Rest was an oasis of warmth and hospitality on a bracing day. We had hardly sat down when the other group joined us. I couldn't believe it. By suggesting Ardee and Carrick I thought they would be at least 15 minutes behind. Still that's the lovely thing about the group - we start together and we somehow manage to come together for the coffee stop. 

After the usual craic and ritual slagging some of the group got edgy and wanted to go. One of my friends hadn't finished her tea and it suited me to have another cup of coffee with lots of sugar so we remained, Finally it was time to go and the 3 of us headed over that lovely bridge on the Fane and on for Finnegan's Cross. If you go left there you head for Annaghvacky and the Blayney Road. Right brings you to Little Ash. It's a gorgeous road and we really enjoyed it. It gave us a chance to work our way back into the cycling after the long rest (Not that there's anything wrong with a long rest OK!). From there it was on to the Stonetrough, another right turn, Knockbridge and home. I think it was probably 50k, I know I told a little lie,  but when you're having fun at least 2 dimensions disappear - time and distance. Who's counting!