Aarons 2 Canal Cycle

Ed Payne, April 2026

I don’t how this is going to go as a report or what shape it should take but I’m going to write a few things and hopefully they all fit together as a story that is worth your time and effort.

I suppose in order to figure out why this event came to be we have to go back to the start. 3 years ago I organised a fundraiser (See that, I’m only 4 lines in and already mentioning what I did) that meant me running the 2 canals as quickly as my little legs would take me. With amazing help and crew we pulled off a very successful event, even if I do say so myself.

Only six years old at the time and swept along with the excitement that filled the house Aaron very shortly afterwards said he felt he could run the same route. Not knowing who I was talking to at the time I swept it aside and said something like, yes maybe, when your older you definitely could!!

Aaron however wasn’t satisfied with this reply and about a week later, the exact timeline may not be fact safe but you’ll get the gist, he came to me again and said, Daddy, I could run that event soon, not when I’m older like you said. This time I gave his  theory more time and we discussed how difficult I found it, the lows I went through and how demanding it was on my body. I’m sure he thought, well, you might have found it difficult Dad, but you ain’t me!!.

We discussed it further and to be honest I’m not sure who mentioned it first but the word cycle was thrown into the mix. I agreed that it would be a much more manageable task on a bike and that’s the moment the penny dropped for him. His eyes widened, he had got the go ahead to follow the route, to create his own excitement, he was locked in. Remember now that’s nearly three years ago.

The chats became more regular, questions about the stops, the route, where we would stay, how long it would take. Trying to encourage but manage expectations Jen and I nurtured his plans and ideas. Unable to steady the tide I agreed to cycle one of the canals “The Royal” with him the following summer.

It was late into the summer holidays of 2024 and as always between work and my own outings the cycle had fallen onto the back burner. He approached me one day and in the way only Aaron can and with the utmost understanding he said, I know we have had a busy summer, I have had so much fun and loved it but we haven’t done the cycle. I’m not one to stand in the way of someone wanting to get something done so Jen and I got to planning. The following Sunday morning we were in Dublin and ready to roll. He cycled 50km that day. His tyre went flat 5km from the end but still he pushed the peddles.

Work and I think school meant we had to wait for the next weekend to continue the journey. I’m not known for my skills of preparation, more of a jump and find out kind of guy, and the next day out was no different, only a few Km in Aarons tyre went flat again as I had done a pretty poor job on repairing it.

Had I a repair kit with me? ….. No

Had I a pump with me? ….. No

Had I a very committed young man with me? …. Absolutely.

I reckon he cycled half of the 64km total that day on a flat or a near flat. No complaints, no blame, he was doing his thing and getting it done regardless. The next day with a properly fixed tyre he rolled to the end of the Royal to a group of awaiting friends and family. The bug was well and truly biting now.

His Granny gifted him a trophy which was placed beside his bed that night and little did Jen and I know that although we thought we had gotten the bear back to sleep, we had in fact hit the bear with a baseball bat. It wasn’t long before he started mentioning more plans.

I could defiantly cycle the 2 canals.

I could raise for charity.

We would have to start early each day so we can’t come home this time, the travelling delayed us last time he would say.

Now, this is where the saying, doctors differ and patients die comes to mind because some of you will think I am mad, maybe even reckless, to encourage a then 7 year old to plan a 300km cycle. But as someone who doesn’t see anything as impossible I wasn’t going to be the one to tell a child they were thinking too big.

So we were back at it again, questions, plans, dates, schedules etc. 2025 slipped past and yes I thought he was still too young and I had a box or two I wanted to tick myself, running is a selfish sport, especially of your runs last for days. So I ran, he watched, but all the time he was focused, he knew his time was always getting closer, please try to understand the patience this child has shown, never pushing it, able to discuss at  length but yet understand that his event was still in the distance time wise. He watched me run in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, in fact he and his mother actually crewed for me on the very canal path that he was so eager to cycle on himself but yet he waited, stayed calm, poised and prepared.

January 2026, still on school holidays we looked at the year ahead and this time there was an event that was going to have to happen inside these 12 months. So June is out, August is out, July is busy, the conversation continued, the chances looking slimer and slimmer. Committed to not letting the lad down again I suggested Easter, one word borrowed another, work the main problem but not a impossible one we all of a sudden had a date. On the 7^th of April Aaron would be in Shannon Harbour to cycle the 2 canals.

The planning ramped again, the biggest debate being for whom the event would be in the aid of. After much debate and I mean much, a lot of which happened before the date was even picked he settled on two charities. Don’t underestimate how much time and thought he put into this part of it. But the decision was made and the were charities approached and they were delighted. He was gaining momentum now.

Throw in a bit of training, but let’s remember this lad swims, plays rugby, football and horse riding. The odd day he can be found farming, not to mention Parkrun. So bike time was limited but the engine was there, mentally he had been getting ready for over 2 years.

I jump now to the 7^th of April, we are driving to Shannon harbour, two bikes in toe and a jeep full of cloths, food and nervous excitement. Jen had lined up a chat with Ian on Today FM and Aaron was the kick start for the day. After his radio job we took the photos, turned on the tracker, saddled up and pushed off.

How did I feel? Nervous, this was my little man I was with. Did I know he could do it, I didn’t care, we had started, every km was more than enough from here. But I did know how hard he would take it personally if he failed? Of course! Aaron is deep, he felt the weight of the €2000 he had already raised, this in his eyes was an expectation to finish, to do what these donators wanted to see. Me and you, we all know that’s not the case, we all know as long as he did all he could then people would understand but in his eyes he had set a goal and anything short of that was just that, it was short. This sat heavy with me, it was up to Jen and I as parents to not only show our kids you can think big things but it was now up to us to help them to do big things.

Carve it up any way you want but I knew if we got 2 good days under our belts (or bums) we could turn for home and make it happen. I discussed this with Aaron, chatted about wind direction etc. So the plan was to finish the Grand (140Kms) in two days and then see what comes our way on the way home.

So we rolled though day 1, amazing paths, no problems. Jen and Ben crewed from the jeep. Aaron well aware from his times in the crew vehicle himself knew the importance of food and water and he was so good. He thought all food through, usually a white bread man, he changed to brown cause he had heard that was more healthy so ordered only brown for the whole event.

About 20km in he said his tights were rubbing his legs. Said to me its not a problem yet but they are pinching me. 10km further he stopped me and said Dad I need to change these, they are rubbing and pinching my legs. So aware, so present, I was amazed. We met Jen and Ben (legend crew team) and sorted it and he instantly remarked that it was better.

Family came out to met us, we clipped the Kms, the paths good, gentle wind on our backs and the mood lively. I have accommodation booked at the 70km mark so the finish line was set. We crossed 65km, he was getting tired but remarked that this was now his longest ever cycle, I could sense this shook off some of his nerves, he was starting to see that some ceilings are glass and if he broke that one well maybe he could break some others this week. 68km came and he rolled into his mothers arms and we called it to a close for day 1. So far we were going to plan.

If you are still thinking how wrong it is that we are those parents that pushed our nine year old to a 70km cycle just so we could live our childhood dreams through him and we could have or maybe even did some long lasting physical damage to this boy, then this is your last warning that this is not the report for you and I advise you to close now and go read some other fairy tale! 😉 

Aaron ate well that evening like he did every evening and dessert was a slice of cheesecake. The cheesecake became a bit of a thing and the day didn’t end right if it didn’t end with cheesecake.

We hit bed early, knowing another 70km stood ahead of him tomorrow and again not being used to kids and endurance events I wasn’t sure what the legs would be like in the morning. 6:45 came and he was awake and waiting. I tried to get him to relax but it was a waste of time. We packed up, ate, packed more food, filled water, wrapped up against the cool morning air and rolled on.

Fore warned by people in the know we were expecting a change to grass on the trail. Knowing what’s coming, doesn’t making it any easier. Soon after we started the tar and gravel disappeared and we were we pushing through grass. Now each peddle stroke counted, each stroke felt full of effort. Its no secret, each stroke was just bloody tough. We were still cycling uphill as if he needed any more challenges. At times it was a mix of mud and narrow paths, encroaching hedges. What a change from yesterday, but no complaints, he just pushed, ate well, I tried to explain there may not be much grass left but it kept coming. I was watching the time, aware that 70 was the target but this was a tough day and he can only do what he can. But slowly the tracks improved and the locks turned to downhill locks and the moral boosted. All of a sudden we were passed 50km and Aaron was in good form. He was unsure if he was going to make the 70 but wanted to continue. 60km we met Jen and Ben, decision time, he was confident he could go another ten. We chatted, as parents you have to read between the lines at times but you also need to build trust, show that what your hearing is what is your main decision factor. So we listened, he ate a bit of pasta and we rolled.

4km further and 6 to the finish I see him hold his side… That’s new I think to myself.

I have a stitch he confesses,

Pull in and we’ll talk.

Knowing Jen had already shot ahead to the hotel and was maybe even stuck in the traffic protest jams I knew calling it quits here was doable but not ideal. We sat down and the stitch ripped at his side. He cried, we hugged, I explained it will go, he told me it wouldn’t. In my heart and head all I wanted to do was pick him up, wrap him in cotton wool and bring him home safe and sound. Is there anything worse than watching your child cry when you feel that 99% of the reason they are crying is your fault. But I had to put my head and heart aside and show no weakness. I explained that in the build up we had discussed tough times and large tests and he was right in the middle of one. He was struggling to grasp this, of course he was, he side was screaming at him. 10, 20, 30 mins (I’ve no idea) passed. I got an smile to break through, he was still sore. I spoke to his competitive side, I hid my sensitive side that was engulfing me and willing me to call the day off and just ring Jen. I asked him to try walk a bit, he agreed. I offered to take his bike, no chance of that, he wasn’t going to get any help, he and his bike had to do this all as a unit. If he was walking, he was walking with his bike in hand. We covered 500, 600 700 meters.

I’m gonna try a peddle he said.

Stay on the pavement and we’ll go slow here I told him.

Not long later he dropped down onto the cycle path and his legs were turning ok. Stitch residing a bit. Not long later again he was clipping 17km an hour and shouted back to me that his stitch was gone and asked what direction are we going at the lights. Under my watchful eye he cycled the cycle lanes of Dublin as if he was at it all his life. We cruised along like he owned the place. And just like that we landed up on the Grand Canal Square and he had done it, we went to the point where the canal and the river are split by one final lock gate and we hugged. He was so happy. I was so proud. He was right here carving his own character, he own path, this was his plan, his goal. I was along for the ride and I was lucky to be there. People passed us by, just a farther and son out for an evening cycle is what they saw, but they were witnessing something different. Not everything is what is seems I guess.

Only one job before we finish day 2 was to cruise across to the other canal and meet the rest of the family. On route, roads quiet, we are both focused, Aaron goes to get into the cycle lane, approaches the pavement at a wrong angle and goes down hard. Like any parent I watch on, awaiting the response from his body to the impact. He is tired, we are so close, I could nearly see Jen and Ben. No tears, I can tell its sore though, he wants to out of there. “I’m fine” I’m told. We get moving again, I blame myself, I am to blame, I should have minded him better, should he be here at all? What am I doing? He is nine, This is dangerous!! Ed your out of your depth again but this time its not just yourself your harming! Grow up will ya!

Aaron eats well again, more cheesecake to finish. 2 days done, 140km and 1 canal conquered.

Day 3 and we are homeward bound now, the worst of the paths are behind us but going West into a westerly breeze will cost him energy. My cousin and past crew member Robbie was there with us to help us get out of Dublin. Didn’t take long for the winds to get up and Aaron started to learn more about aerodynamics than in any school lesson. Distance wise we didn’t have as much to do, we had three days left in the plan and 150km to cover so he “Only” had to do 50 per day now. The weather however was no longer on our side, a storm brewed for the following day so Aaron decided it best we go as far as we could on day 3 to make it easier on day 4 and the storm wouldn’t affect him as much. Up hill we went again, into the winds, showers came, cold nasty ones. We got a hail shower, he joked, only a few hit me in the face Daddy. Yet to complain, yet to show weakness, he was thrashing it! 50km came and he said we wont stop till the number starts with a 6 and that’s exactly what he did. At 60km, we loaded the bikes and headed for cheesecake.

3 days done now and 200km covered, the whole movement getting some traction, money flowing towards two great causes and a mountain of good will and energy being directed to a boy that was capturing the hearts of those watching on.

Storm due at 1pm we rolled as early as we could to get ahead of it, 40km the target to stay on track. Trail good now, mood strong, weather crisp but dry, strong headwind was the biggest challenge. That was until he was sitting in the jeep enjoying his morning ham and cheese roll and as van was coming toward the jeep he reached to close the door out of the vans way, missed the handle and fell clean outta the jeep. Falling right onto the same spot he had two evenings previous, reopening the wounds. Tears flowed, jokes didn’t work, he wanted to stop. In that moment the tiredness in his legs and body got to him, the pain in his knee, in his view, wasn’t worth fighting. Now I know what your thinking, how could you push him on? You have to make the decision for him, you have to pull the plug and deal with the consequences. And I’m fully aware that the reason he missed the door handle and feel from the jeep was no accident it was another sign of just how tired the boy was. So ya, I thought about allowing him to stop, I’m sure Jen did too, we are not monsters. Time passed, tears slowed, smiles appeared. We chatted, he refocused. Every family works differently, don’t forget that, we work together, we are each other’s strength, likewise we can use that to be each other’s weakness. More time passed, more chat. I lifted him onto the bike, he wasn’t impressed, Bending was sore, I rolled up his leggings. Too pushy? We are all different! More time passed, more chats. Not many choices offered but the right one was eventually taken, he rolled. Slow to start, I keep the chats going. He loves to talk, so do I. I notice were moving now, he doesn’t, we’re talking, we’re moving. Time passes, kms pass, 40km the target at the start of the day, the fall at 20, he cycled 53km that day and I asked him to stop at 40. He said we aren’t stopping till it starts with a 5. Who’s pushy now I thought!!

The storm rolled through, we had beaten it that day, only 32.5km now stood between Aaron and Clondara. Oh now your jumping on the bandwagon I see, he can do 32km, he’s gonna make it. We glamped that night, converted horsebox, serious fun had. The storm shook us, we joked.

Day 5, the end in sight, excitement built, I tried to manage it, both his and mine you’ll understand I’m sure. We were both on an emotional roller coaster. My little baby was sore, he was tired, running on excitement and I wanted to help him, to wrap him up but I wanted him to finally bring his dream to life, to cycle the route, to raise the money, to be able to say to himself, yes I can.

We turned North with the canal and a Southerly breeze hit our backs and lifted us on our way, the locks dropped in front of us, it felt like he was getting help from everywhere, people cheered him on, I chatted him about the previous days. I locked away some memories I will treasure for many years. I learnt skills from him I will use in ultras in the future. We talked, time passed and Clondara came into view. His friend cycled out to join him for the remaining few km. He knew what the finish line looked like, but he looked at it different this time, I saw him compare it to the way it had happened over and over in his dreams night after night and I could tell he was happy with the real thing. He touched the end, we high 5’d, we hugged, I cried, he laughed, we thanked each other, he told me he was proud of himself and ran off to play with his friends.

Aaron has raised over €5000 for the two causes and in case anyone has any doubts every cent of that will go to the charities. As a family we spent a week together helping and growing together in our way and to us that’s the goal. So everything needed to make this come to life was our cost, our problem. This was going to happen regardless, Aaron is just the kind of kid that wanted to help others as much as he could along the way.

Aaron learnt last week that there is a big difference between saying you’ll do something and actually doing that thing. He is nine, many people go through their whole lives and don’t get to experience the joy and freedom that comes with learning that lesson.

High 5!!