Not even half-way on Day 1 of 14 and I’m in trouble. Long climb out of south Dublin and it’s a struggle to make progress. If I get 27 more of these – one every half-leg – I will need to drop out.

At the back of the long stretched convoy, one of the marshals has given me a boost of energy, effectively telling me I needed to push on or quit. Anger can be very effective as a short-term fuel source, though I suspect the person doesn’t realise just what truly spurred me on.

Later I got a boost – a strong cyclist beside me with their hand on my back literally pushing up the hill. That was a first for me, not something I would normally like at all, but given the circumstances I kinda needed to accept it.

Made it through 1/14.

I’m lucky enough to be able to take the time off my work for up to 2 weeks if necessary, so I’m going to try do as much of this thing as I can. I will have to work some evenings, but that’s a small sacrifice.

Starting out from Leixlip, my first mechanical took 60 seconds – an issue with the newly installed rear mudguard stays having a minor disagreement with the chain – easily resolved and back on the road.

Pitstop at Heuston station after a quick spin in the N4, a random stranger asked me to mind his bike while he changed – came back in an orange jersey! That was a good start to the day, and made light work of finding the start at RTE.