Other than a few punctures and the very occasional tumble from the bike the entire group arrived at the first rest point without incident, with 32 miles done. Fruit, sweets, minerals, chocolate, crisps and gunge in general was freely distributed to all the cyclists (thanks to our generous sponsors).

For this part of the journey we were off the main roads, so with very little traffic, and an abundance of countryside and sunshine, it was very enjoyable.

We stopped briefly in Trim before heading off along what is traditionally the most difficult part of the cycle, the road between Trim and Kinnegad. This route is both open and undulating, but with our unusually good weather we seemed to make light of the normal difficulties and arrived in Kinnegad without expending too much energy. There were a few stragglers at the back, but far fewer than usual. Most were kids who did not cycle with the Wheelers regularly, but in determined fashion, they made their way along the route to Kinnegad, helped and encouraged by some of the senior members of the club.

Kinnegad marks the 60 mile point of the cycle. This is our main rest point, and most people took the opportunity to tuck into soup, sandwiches, tea and apple pie in one of the pub's on the main street.

Both the food and the service was excellent. The proprietor of the pub is well used to our annual visits by now. With everyone in good spirits, most of the talk was of how easy it seemed to have been to get this far compared to other years. The group stayed in Kinnegad for about an hour and a quarter, before re-mounting the bikes.

With the sun still shining on us we left Kinnegad and headed for Enfield. Back on the main roads again we were conscious of the increased traffic around us. The group as a whole kept in as far as possible to the side of the road. The entourage of cars that were part of the cycle provides an additional buffer between ourselves and the other road users. Remarkably the group was still keeping together very well at this point. The few that could not quite keep the pace were still being helped along by some of the senior guys.

On arriving at Enfield we piled into the Statoil garage forecourt. Once again copious quantities of gunge was distributed in a vain attempt of calm the insatiable appetites of the kids. But to no avail. Still munching and chewing the group departed Enfield, destination Lexlip.

Just past the landmark  "Mother Hubbards" we felt the main road, and travelled the back roads via Maynooth to Lexlip. At this point in the cycle some participants hit the marathon equivalent of "The Wall". The legs just want to stop and the only thing that keeps people going is will-power and the promise that a rest is not far away. Sure enough some of the heavyweight members of the group began to migrate toward the back of the peleton. The few kids that were finding the going tough were still being helped along by the seniors.

Once up the final drag that marks the arrival to Lexlip, the group flopped en-mass onto the grass verge / footpath at the side of the road. The seemingly ever full gunge wagon appeared again, and the kids got another welcome sugar fix. We had made such good progress during the day that we had to wait until the appointed time for our police escort to arrive.

With Father Hally now in the group we left Lexlip with our police escort and joined the main dual carriage way that passes through Lucan and brings us to the round-a-bout at the M50. From there we travelled through town to the south side of the city and on into Blackrock.

Getting within sight of the school and cycling through the gates to the sound of the car horns and police sirens was great. It was a fantastic achievement for all that completed the cycle.

While I am thanking people, I would like to say a big thank you to Sharon, Leah, and Rachel Tracey, whose expertise and dedication with the camcorder throughout the day, made the above photos possible. Apart from an impromptu ballet display by Leah, they all seem to be happier being behind the camera than in from of it, judging from the few shots we managed to get of them as they rushed for cover behind hands, cars or whatever they could find.

Finally thanks, congratulations and pat on the back are due to Christy for organising yet another successful 100 mile cycle. Lets hope that there are many more to come.