It was hot.
I was at University studying music in 1970. The third term ended in 5 days.
I was frustrated. Spending too much time indoors, sitting, listening, writing, and performing, while outside I could see friends who were on other courses enjoying themselves in the sunshine, laughing and relaxing on the grass, creating artwork, and generally experiencing a much healthier lifestyle.
Something had to give.
And out of nowhere, a thought entered my mind. Most probably inspired by having listened to Symphony in E by Arthur Sullivan, composed in Ireland and often referred to as the Irish Symphony, composed in homage to Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony. I thought you might like that piece of esoteric info!
Anyway, enough about music! I will get to the main point.
I decided to buy a bike and cycle during my summer break to Ireland from where I lived in Surrey.
305 miles!
Why not?
That would mean cycling from where I lived in Surrey to Fishguard in North Wales and taking the ferry over to Rosslare in Southern Ireland.
I decided to give it a g0.
That weekend I went back to my parents’ home and went to the local bike shop. The owner said that he would build me a bike and have it ready in a week.
I bought two small panniers. I packed them with a bike repair kit. A sandwich box. a change of clothing. I was totally unprepared as I was so inexperienced. I didn’t even pack waterproofs! Let’s see what happens next.
My father on hearing of my plans offered to drive me to Oxford to start my journey from there. That was such a generous and kind offer and I accepted it.
Now only 230 miles to cycle from Oxford to Fishguard.
No internet. No Google Maps. I bought Ordnance Survey maps and plotted my route. Then I located youth hostels along the route and phoned and booked them in advance. This was not going to be easy. If I didn’t reach each day’s destination in good time I would be cycling in the dark and have nowhere to sleep.
And what if I got lost and had to find my way back to the proper route?
Was I mentally and physically strong enough to complete this self-imposed pilgrimage?