Peter O'Farrell

15 February, 2023

Howth is always good craic, it has that uncertainty factor with the intricate route, will I stay on course this time, will I go a wandering, have well meaning walkers moved or removed the markers, who's that fast looking lad ahead, have they really got IMRA logo'd cupcakes, can I win the old man prize?

It started this year with a fantastic wide line mass start gallop up a grassy slope. Brilliant. As always optimism went straight to the front and hit the after burners. Once the second stage boosters emptied some of these lads came back towards us more cautious souls. Over the wall, around the corner and into the single track, all well marked and all very reassuring. On on on , up to about 5th place with 1st, 2nd and 3rd out of sight and 4th missing a marked right turn about 60m in front of me. I shouted at him but he was gone. I took the right, dived down some single track, wondered was I in the lead, virtual or real or whatever, rounded a corner and met the 4 lads ahead of me having a confused chat. Only KIllian had taken the right.

We all turned ourselves around - nearly as slowly as donkeys in mirarets (with thanks to Terry Discworld) - and went onwards. Another committee meeting at a Y junction marked on both options found the 5 of us taking the right. That was wrong as it turned out. Killian lost faith in our fools errand first and rejoined the race. We rejoined too after considering a drop into an unmarked steep sided valley.

I briefly lost the will to live at this point and slotted in behind the other racers, the ones who could stay on the course first time round. After a while I realised anon that I was in a priviliged position to be racing of a Saturday and got back into it, passing a few on the way to the end.

The sandwiches and cupcakes were very welcome, indoor changing was also only mighty and sure didn't I get a free extra 500ish metres of fun. Results are pending but I believe Killian got back into the lead, chapeau to him and as I had a headwind to look forward to I missed the prize giving part of the day so don't know if Robert took home the old man's prize

Thanks again to all the lads and ladies who gave up their day so I could play.