Marius has been an avid cyclist throughout his life, but the most memorable cycling experience dates back 40 years. Back then, we embarked on a 5-month cycling journey across Africa. The route took us through countries in the Sahel region on the fringes of the Western African desert, passing through Burkina Faso, and continuing on to the tropical landscapes of Togo, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.
Although the bicycles were basic, they allowed us to explore the countryside and steer clear of the mosquito-infested shanty towns and urban areas. We did however face numerous punctures daily !!
These days, Marius' cycling equipment looks nothing like our old, rusty bikes... featuring a lightweight titanium frame, a wide range of gears, well-maintained & effective mechanics, and tyres suited for the terrain & weather conditions.
This time around, hopefully there won't be too many punctures !!!
Over the past three years, Marius has conquered the highest mountain passes in the Alps and Pyrenees, including iconic climbs such as Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier, Stelvio Pass, Col du Tourmalet, and Col de l'Iseran (at an altitude of 2770m).
Driven by a sense of adventure, his passion for cycling, and the luxury of more free time in retirement, Marius is now planning his next solo cycling expedition. This time, he will pedal from the scenic Mizen Head in County Cork to the stunning landscapes of Malin Head in North Donegal, starting on 22nd June.
Just like 40 years ago, I will accompany him on this journey, this time in a campervan acting as a support vehicle, canteen and accommodation.
Marius is choosing to take the scenic route instead of the shortest one, opting for less crowded small country roads and partly following the Wild Atlantic Way.
The route spans across numerous counties and covers a distance between 720km and 780km, depending on the final path chosen. Total elevation: 4,535m.
His journey will take him from Co. Cork towards Bantry - Glengarriff, then tackling the winding Healy Pass in the Beara Peninsula, which is the closest thing to an Alpine Pass in Ireland.
Heading north through Co. Kerry, he will visit Kenmare, Moll's Gap, The Killarney National Park, and the famous Gap of Dungloe.
Following the coastline, Marius will depart from the Dingle Peninsula towards Kerry Head, Ballybunion, and take the ferry to cross the Shannon Estuary at Tarbert.
Continuing north towards Kilkee Cliffs, Doonbeg, Doughmore Bay, Spanish Point, Lahinch Beach, Doolin, and Lisdoonvarna, he will try to avoid the busy national roads in Co. Clare as much as possible.
He will head North-East from Galway towards Tuam and the midlands, passing through Ballymoe, Tulsk, Carrick on Shannon in Co. Roscommon.
Continuing straight North through Co. Cavan, Leitrim, and Fermanagh, he will then head towards Barnesmore, Ballyboffey, Burnfoot, and Buncrana, enjoying the breathtaking scenery around Malin Head along the way.
While this cycle presents a personal challenge, its other goal is to raise funds for the worthy charity MSF.
Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is a world leading medical humanitarian aid organisation.
Being independent, neutral, and impartial, they deliver medical care to areas most in need and offer emergency aid to individuals impacted by armed conflicts, epidemics, and natural or man-made disasters. Their assistance is provided without bias, regardless of race, religion, gender, or political beliefs.
MSF operates in more than 70 countries, reaching locations inaccessible or avoided by others. They have a massive impact in Gaza and operate despite extremely difficult conditions.
Marius & Isabelle
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