Nancy's Live and Enjoy Life Tour part two

[Riverfurm]

Well, I’m heading back to tour Ireland. Last time I only rode through on my way to Belfast for the ferry to the Isle of Man, so I never really got to explore Ireland itself.

Paul, the owner of Celtic Riders, is a good salesman. In his Irish accent he told me:
“Furman… you have to come back and do the Wild Atlantic Tour of Ireland.”
I told him I wasn’t sure—I loved the Isle of Man and Scotland. A few months later, Paul sent me some details. It looked too good to pass up. So, I booked it and put down a deposit.

I’ve got my itinerary now and mapped it out on Google Maps. It might not be the exact route I’ll ride, but it gives me an idea of where I’m going.

What excites me most is not just the roads and scenery, but the people. I found that part of the world so friendly last time, and I love the way they talk.

I’ll also be bringing some of Nancy’s ashes with me, so she can continue her travels and adventures alongside me.

[Doctor350]

Furman, you must go to Ballymoney in Northern Ireland and visit the monuments to Joey and Robert Dunlop. They may have added something for William too. And you have to have a Guinness at Joey's Bar. Don't know what time of year you are doing the trip but the Northwest 200 is on around the end of May in Portrush. That's definitely worth thinking about.

[Riverfurm]

Leaving May 7th. Tour does not begin to the !0th.

[Riverfurm]

Ballymoney is not far off my tour. I think it's doable.

[955i]

Furman, don't leave your camera at home. Great photo-writeups last time out. Thanks for all.

[Riverfurm]

Ireland Motorcycle Adventure – Day 1
Philadelphia to Dublin

I left Philadelphia airport at 6 PM on American Airlines Business Class. First time ever flying Business Class for me. I figured if I was going to start a big Ireland motorcycle adventure, I might as well start it in style.

I’ll also be traveling with Woody, the Motorcycle Men podcast mascot, so you’ll probably spot him in some of my photos along the way.

First task was checking in my giant motorcycle gear bag. Business Class allows up to 70 pounds, and mine came in around 50. Not bad considering all the riding gear packed into it. TSA lines were easy, and TSA PreCheck definitely helped.

After security I headed to the Admirals Club lounge, grabbed something to eat, but skipped the alcohol because I wanted to sleep on the flight. That plan didn’t exactly work out.

Boarded first and found my own little cubicle with an entertainment center and a seat that reclined into a flat bed. They offered me drinks several times… still no. But despite the fancy setup, I barely slept anyway.

Arrived in Dublin early in the morning and took a taxi to the Hilton in the city center. Dropped off my bags and asked if early check-in was possible. They said they’d see what they could do.

My plan for the day was the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, so off I went on foot to buy tickets. Of course I got there before they opened at 9 AM, so that turned into more walking around Dublin until they finally opened.

Bought a two-day pass and did the full two-hour tour. I also timed how long it took to get to the Guinness Brewery so I could plan tomorrow’s visit properly.

By that point the lack of sleep was catching up with me hard. Then I got a phone call from the hotel saying my room was ready early at 11 AM. Perfect timing.

Checked in and immediately took a nap.

Later that evening I went back out exploring Dublin on foot. First pub didn’t serve food, but I managed to survive with two Guinness. The bartender pointed me toward the “ship restaurant,” so off I went again.

Fish and chips, two more beers, and a mini Guinness later, I did even more walking before finally heading back to the hotel for an early night.

Tomorrow: more bus touring and the Guinness Brewery tour!

[Riverfurm]

Woody