The Willow Wheelers’ Cycling Trip in Spain, Easter 2024
By Tom Kealy, Jacob Browne (M6) and Ben Neary (J6)
During the Easter break, members of the Willow Wheelers travelled to Salou on the East coast of Spain. Almost 100 members including students and their parents went on the trip. All the bikes and luggage were loaded onto a truck and shipped off to Spain before the main group travelled. It was particularly exciting for me (Ben) because my whole family were going on the trip.
On Sunday morning, we got up early, it was still dark as we headed for the airport. We arrived in Spain at 10:00 am and then we got on our bikes and started cycling. To begin with, we did a short cycle along the coast. Fortunately, it was warm, in fact, the first two days were bright and sunny. On our first cycle, we stopped at a local restaurant, some people choose chicken nuggets and chips whilst others had a delicious Spanish Paella.
Next day, we tried a more challenging cycle up the mountains, it was difficult going up the hills as it got gradually steeper. Our mums were falling behind so Mrs O Donoghue sprinted up to Jacob’s dad to tell him to wait. There was a great treat in store when we stopped at our next restaurant. We had olives, crisps, Spanish salami and barbequed leeks, and meats. To eat the leeks you had to peal off the burnt skin and dip it in a creamy sauce, delicious yum!. Of course we had a lovely dessert of ice-cream to finish.
Our greatest challenge was to cycle up to a monastery on a hill. That day we cycled 72 Kilometres mostly uphill. Naturally, we were tired but proud of our achievements. Some of the terrain was difficult such as gravelled paths, and muddy tracks.
The Legends’ Cycle
On Thursday, Ben’s big brother and dad did the ‘Legends Cycle’. This is a tough cycle that 5th Year Wheelers undertake to mark their last year with the Willow Wheelers. I (Ben), felt so proud of my Dad and brother when they arrived back that evening. We could see all their lights as they came nearer and everyone was out cheering. One day, I hope to do the Legends with my brother Max and my Dad.
A great trip…..
It was great to get away and to try out something different. We had some great laughs, particularly with the First Years who were in rooms on the same floor. Every day of the trip was different, we went to new places and saw castles, mountains and small villages. On the last day we went Ferrari Land, there were massive roller coasters, some of them were very scary. We went on Red Force, one of the scariest rides in the world.
The Willow Wheeler trip was a great experience and we look forward to going again next year. Perhaps, one of the nicest things about the trip is cycling with your family and friends, plus we got to know some of the older boys.
Article by: Tom Kealy, Jacob Browne (M6) and Ben Neary (J6)
