{"id":14481,"date":"2014-08-03T15:28:56","date_gmt":"2014-08-03T19:28:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=14481"},"modified":"2015-07-02T14:59:48","modified_gmt":"2015-07-02T18:59:48","slug":"day-37-sunday-august-3-larne-to-belfast-northern-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=14481","title":{"rendered":"Day 37. Sunday, August 3 – Larne to Belfast, Northern Ireland"},"content":{"rendered":"

With a short ride today, we were in no hurry to rush out into the pouring rain. \u00a0Sleeping in and another luxurious leisurely breakfast allowed the rain to clear before our departure. \u00a0A couple of photos of Larne\"DSCN1172\"<\/a>as we pedaled out of town and along the Larne Harbour.\"DSCN1185\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The dramatic cliffs and hills of yesterday mellowed to lush green fields.\"DSCN1193\"<\/a>We focused on the tiny patch of blue \"DSCN1195\"<\/a>in a sky\u00a0filled with dark clouds, hoping we could ride without the rain today. \u00a0As we crested our climb, \"DSCN1203\"<\/a>we had marvelous views \"photo\"<\/a>of the Irish Sea \"DSCN1204\"<\/a>and the City of Belfast in the distance.\"DSCN1205\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A change in\u00a0the wind and velocity\u00a0and we knew it was only a matter of time before the rain in the distance was going to reach us. \u00a0A five minute downpour reached us, before we could hide in a coffee shop. \u00a0With extra time before we could check in, we stopped in Carrickfergus \"DSCN1220\"<\/a>for a cappuccino. \u00a0A ten mile leisurely ride through a park\"DSCN1224\"<\/a> and along a bike path, where we rescued a couple of locals from a flat tire.\"DSCN1225\"<\/a>The bike path \"DSCN1231\"<\/a>took us all the way the into the city of Belfast,\"DSCN1234\"<\/a> avoiding busy streets. \u00a0A quick shower and out to discover the city. \u00a0Two block from our hotel, we stumbled upon a wonderful market\"DSCN1244\"<\/a> filled with art, music,\u00a0food\"DSCN1248\"<\/a> and sense of whimsy.\"DSCN1247\"<\/a>The Titanic was built in Belfast and as they will quickly point out, “it was floating when it left.” \u00a0Our touring was cut short by rain, but a quick duck into the oldest bar in Belfast, \"photo-5\"<\/a>a perfect stop\"photo-6\"<\/a>filled incredible detail…..and Guinness beer.\"DSCN1264\"<\/a>We tried for more sightseeing,\"DSCN1275\"<\/a> like the City Hall,\"DSCN1271\"<\/a> but the rain was going to get the better of us, so we found a place for dinner. \u00a0The Northern Whig House had a story to tell, too. \u00a0 Three communist revolutionary statues within the restaurant,\"DSCN1287\"<\/a> were purchased from the former\u00a0Czechoslovakia. \u00a0A quick stroll back to our hotel,\"photo-7\"<\/a> before the next downpour. \u00a0Hopefully, the rain will finish up before we ride tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\t\t