My whole life I have been haunted by a man in yellow. Hiding behind trees, lost in ravines, jeering me from clouded peaks. His haughty stride and easy amble, held aloft by bright stick, fully sustained by a simple backpack. I am jealous.
The Man in Yellow points north and he points south. He does so without too much care, accepting no responsibility for travellers left astray. His head never lifts to check.
In December 2023 I decided to finally go tête à tête with Monsieur Jaune on the 28th day of the month. 7 days after the winter solstice. With the sun rising at 8am and gone again by 4pm. It was senseless.
The 130km stretch through the length of Wicklow encompassing the Wicklow Mountains National Park is designed as a hiking trail. It is sometimes visited by hardy Mountain Bikers. As far as I know nobody has bikepacked it on a normal bike. And for good reason. It is hardly something I would boast about. It is not a good idea.
The combination of the this senseless bad idea intrigued me. I had no answer as to if I could complete it. So I had to find out.
MUSIC
Arcady – Toss The Feathers
Chrsity Moore – Among The Wicklow Hills
The Fureys – The Lonesome Boatman
Planxty – Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór
The Dubliners – The Glendalough Saint
Liam Ó’Maonlí – Sadhbh Ní Bhruinneallaigh
The Dubliners – The Marino Waltz
Sweeney’s Men – The Waxie’s Dargle
3 Comments
Fantastic Mark and friend! 🎉 What an achievement to get back to complete the unfinished business 🏆 Such an enjoyable watch and knowing what the route is like to walk, I’m in awe that you both took your bikes along! What a physically and mentally challenging trip to do and hugely rewarding no doubt! The very best to you for France – fair play for quitting the job too!! 😎☘️
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All the best on the big adventure Mark 👍