Malachi O'Doherty

At the age of sixty, O'Doherty is faced with being overweight and diabetic. Having been a touring cyclist in his youth, he decided to purchase a new bicycle and take up of long distance cycling again. He discovers it is hard work and accompanied by pain but he does become a fitter person. He also realizes that he enjoys the ride for what he sees and hears along the route he chooses and not for the punishing fitness routine he sees other cyclists following. He calls his cycling tootling which is his word for relaxed cycling.

There are some descriptions of cycling in Northern Ireland and one of a more detailed trip he took in south western Ireland in County Cork.… (mais)