Sports day, shower caps and cathedrals
Trip Start
Jun 17, 2011
1
2
10
Trip End
Jun 26, 2011
Armagh, N Ireland, United Kingdom
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Under Peter's leadership, we managed to avoid getting lost as we headed for the Lagan Valley. The river was impressive in its scale and the mix of new developments with traditional industry and later, derelict linen mills along its banks. Interesting also for the diversity of the sporting activities being played as we cycled past, from rowing and canoeing on the water, to volleyball, hurling, bmx and many others alongside our route.
Another surprise was the wildlife we were able to spot along the way. At one point we saw a seal in the river on our way to Lisburn, before the lovely Lagan Valley gave way to a canal towpath where we came across a sleek modern arts centre with a trendy coffee shop.
From Lisburn we headed west past Mazetown and the desolate site of the former Maze Prison and its notorious 'H Blocks', now largely demolished. Pausing for breath at the Maze Racecourse, another surprise was the popularity of the race event, not just at the busloads of people who attend, but also at the obvious desire for many of the men to dress in their best ladies clothes and make-up! As my granny used to say-'Don't knock it until you've tried it'.
At this point the rain began in earnest and Graham set a high standard for the tip of the day competition, with his clever adaptation of a shower cap to keep the rain off, when worn over your cycle helmet. How can we top that?
After lunch stop in a pleasant park in the village of Moira, with the sun shining once again, we head off to Craigavon and Portadown, with a stop at the local bike shop for a new tyre for Graham as we cross the River Bann.
Next stop Armagh City. We have the entire hostel to ourselves, on a hilltop site opposite a very impressive mural on the gable end of a block of flats.
We venture out at night to a local bar where we are made welcome, with a quick walk around the impressive cathedral on its commanding floodlit hill, before another well-earned sleep.
