Despite usually serving breakfast from 8, my hosts got up early so I could have breakfast at 7. I’m burning lots of calories with all this cycling, so really need to eat. I opted for granola, marmalade on toast, pancakes and eggs. All amazing!
I set off and it wasn’t long until the route took me along a long traffic-free greenway through field with sheep grazing. At one point it was clear a lamb had got separated from it's mother and I managed to reunite them. Pressing on, there were a lot of cattle grids to negotiate, which meant stepping off and walking the bike through. This went on for several miles.
It soon became apparent that my left Achilles’ tendon was quite painful. To ease the pain I lowered the seat a couple of inches and pedalled with my foot forward on the pedal, and pedalled more with my right foot. I did this for the rest of the day and the left foot is still a problem. I’m hoping for some magic overnight...
I made it to Checkpoint 2 at around 4pm and stayed at the hostel for an hour or so. Good to catch up with Tomas there and great to sit down for a bit.
In the afternoon I cycled to a room I had booked in Clifden. I’m now in Connemara and the beautiful landscapes keep on coming. There was a nice end to the day with a rise up to the Sky Road with amazing views before a rollercoaster descent into Clifden.
Self-checked in to my self-catering apartment (for the price of a room) and visited Supermacs once again to sample the amazing veggie burger.
Really hoping my left ankle gets better tomorrow or progress will be slow and painful, at best. Ankle is making a grinding noise and extremely painful to walk. Loading up on ibuprofen. I walked to get a veggie burger. Walking extremely painful. Hobbling along slowly. And not knowing how I'll be able to continue tomorrow. I don't want to do any long-term damage to the ankles.
Now at the local trying some traditional medicine. There are two guys in the pub playing live music. They're very good. They play It's a long way to Clare from here, and they may be right.
I retire to bed not knowing if I'll be able to continue tomorrow.
