Bikes against Bush - Monday update

by Ray Mon Jun 21, 2004 13:28

Midland radio (102 fm?) are interviewing him in a few minutes. He was interviewed earlier today by RTE, could be on News at One. More details later...

by rothar cadre merrovininñgvanjans. Mon Jun 21, 2004 13:57

well folks they're on the flat and over the pale.

In canal, bog and prison country.

Vicarstown County Laois
near Athy on the Barrow line is popular with boaters on the canal preparing to explore the River Barrow. It's varyingly described as an attractive port on the Grand Canal, and a useful base for walking, cycling, boating and fishing. It isn't often decribed as being useless for provisions. (It doesn't have a single shop). Buildings of interest include the 1860s Grattan School and Grattan Lodge (built in 1882 by Henry Grattan's Grand-daughter Lady Pauline Grattan Bellew). There is a pub and a concrete jetty. Vicarstown does not have any shop @ all so the bi-revolutionary Rothar cadre will need to be prepared.
(make up your morning snacks in Crosskeys)

Stradbally County Laois.

Originally a community associated with the monastery at Mon au Bealing founded in the sixth-century by St. Colman Mac Laoighse. The Normans dominated in the thirteenth century. The Franciscans came in 1447, but the village in 1550 was still a small cluster of cottages. By 1734 it still had only two stone houses and a few mud cabins. Its present form was established by 1740, slowly extending along the Maryborough-Carlow road and around the square towards Stradbally Hall, the home of the Cosby family under whose patronage and influence the village developed.

A village with an active community spirit, it continues to improve its appearance and rating in the national Tidy Towns competition. The annual Stradbally Steam Rally organized by the Irish Steam Preservation Society at the beginning of August on the bank-holiday weekend is justly famous. There is a Steam Museum opposite the 1870s labourers cottages.

SO!
don't go dropping litter after lunch.

by Dermot via Ray Mon Jun 21, 2004 13:58

At the moment, outside Vicarstown, going to Stradballey for lunch.
Met in Kildare by Gerry from the Kildare anti-war group, and camped in Ken's field last night. Thanks to everyone for the lovely barbecue.
This morning, cycled off through Crosskeys, and picked up a copy of the Irish Times to see their picture on the cover.
Did an interview for Midlands radio a few minutes ago, will be broadcast at 1.
Got a call from RTE news at one this morning, while the camp was being broken up, and was interviewed over the phone, that should be broadcast in a few minutes.
There are now seven cyclists on the road and one more in the support car, two more joining tonight.

The bikers say they'd like to dedicate this leg of the journey to Anne Behan an activist and environmentalist from the Kildare anti-war group, who sadly died recently.

If you want to join the cycle at any stage, the route for the next few days is at the link below. More updates tomorrow lunchtime.

(Apologies from Ray for any errors in transmission)

by Anonymous Mon Jun 21, 2004 14:17

Anyone know roughly how many are on the Bikes against Bush trail, at the moment??

And has anyone got any idea of figures for Saturdays anti-bush marches - Dublin, Cork, Galway???

Best of luck to all the bikers, ye're doing a great job!!!

by Ray Mon Jun 21, 2004 14:20

Seven cyclists, one support in the car. There are two more joining tonight. I don't know how many people took part in earlier stages, or if there are more planning to join in later.