Ken's Half Century Tour Day 1

The lady at the check-in desk asked where our 4th biker was, saying that if we checked in without number four then they would be buying a new ticket... And so, as per usual, we anxiously awaited Bowser's arrival.

  He arrived five mins before the cut off mulling over the benefits of filling up here or in Europe, oblivious to the fact the procrastination almost cost hundreds in ferry costs, but potentially saved 43p in fuel. Gotta love him! 

I've reached the age where my mates are clicking over the half century marker. Not being sure on whether to cry or rejoice we decided riding out the emotions was a good idea. 

Six of us from different parts of the country motored 260miles towards our rendezvous at Pembroke. 

At time of writing I'm sat on the ferry heading to Ireland. To my left is Ken, who's already turned 50, but the trip is named in his honor. To Ken's left is Paul M, I'm not sure on his age, but if he's not 50 then he's had the toughest paper round in the UK.

Opposite Paul M is Damo, he's 50 in the next few days and drinks 50 glasses of wine a night, the pickling keeps him looking young.  Damo, the heavy footed galoot, lost his gear lever on the way down and had to detour for repairs. 

To Damo's left is Paul B, he doesn't seem to age, but he is late for everything, even aging it would appear. Finally we have my old travelling buddy Jason, like me, he's knocking on the door of 50 and is currently enjoying a nanna nap. 

Our destination tonight is Wexford, the last time we were there two of the bikes got broken into. I'm carry a massive chain this time to  deter (or whip?) the pikey tealeaves with. 

Made it! First Guinness 

The A level results had just been published and Wexford was thronged with teenagers. Many of the pubs several deep at the bar and hot and humid like saunas rammed with excited teens.   There was a noticeable age gap between them and us old farts. We retreated to a safe distance and watched this man totally embarrass the middle aged gentry, dancing like a clown to a Michael Jackson number on the pavement. 

Perhaps the highlight of the day for me was Jason going out for an evening in town in pyjama shorts!  He'd forgotten to pack trousers.. amazing. I'll try and find a photo.