nbjtours

Portrush

Day Two 76 Miles 5046ft

We all know that you don’t get something for nothing and that is not only true for goods it is also mostly the case for a good view as it requires some effort or energy to get higher up to look out upon a great vista. Today there were plenty of great views but equally plenty of climbing. Nick explained that this effort is known as the View Tax. I have a feeling that Ireland is going to charge a lot of tax over the next two weeks whether the weather allows a view or not! Today the tax was certainly worth paying thought the aching muscles may not agree!

Over the last 15 years or so cycling has brought us a great deal of pleasure and friendship since our first Hadlow Tower to Eiffel Tower event back in 2007.

Mike Harriott who was one of our original team until 2013 moved to Northern Ireland with his wife 5 or 6 years ago so we were really pleased to be able meet up with him at his holiday apartment in Portballintrae and share some memories. He even wore the Le Puy cycling top we were presented the first time we cycled there in 2008. Cheers Mike.

The morning dawned cool and windy but no rain so we were able to get away smoothly at 8.30 to start the first real day of the trip.

Leaving Larne we headed north along the A2 coast road ( so much nicer and quieter than it’s namesake in Kent). What a great road, it hugs the coast with barely a hill, the only difficulty being the incessant westerly wind which hit you in the face each time we went round a headland.

Stopping briefly at a small town en route we noticed this van . We thought he had died. All we can say is that we are not sure how he markets himself as he may be struggling for clientele!

After around 20 flat miles we were treated to a couple of super steep ramps of around 20% coming out of a town before the turning away from the sea and heading inland on a 5 mile climb to where a belated coffee stop awaited.

Heading towards the climb we just missed a sharp shower and were lucky to only get a few spots of rain on four or five occasions all day.

By this time Nick’s Full NI Breakfast from his B&B had worn out and very unusually for the teams mountain goat halfway up the hill he ran out of puff and needed encouragement to the coffee stop which was just before we started on the long descent into the westerly wind. Having consumed three pastries plus a top up he declared that he was ready once again and was back to form for the rest of the day.

This detour was to see the avenue of Beech Trees near Armoy known as the Dark Hedges made famous by Game of Thrones. Traffic is banned but we were able to cycle along amongst the fans of the show rather underwhelmed.

Heading North and back to the coast at the attractive seaside town of Ballycastle we then turned left to head straight into the westerly wind to run along the north coast observing the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge before stopping for lunch .

Both Chris and I felt the constant up and down accompanied by the headwind reminded us of the final stages of LEJOG where the road from Bettyhill runs to John O’Groats. Whilst roads have typically been very quiet this is the holiday coast full of mobile home sites so was the busiest road we cycled on all day but still so much quieter than home.

Continuing into the wind our next stop was the inspirational Giant’s Causeway where we decamped from the bikes and with Nigel and Monica enjoyed some time walking down to see the famous basalt columns Although windy the sun and blue sky allowed the visit to be enjoyed even more.

After remounting Nigel and Monica set off to set up camp which was ten miles or so up the road whilst we had a short detour to catch up with Mike before continuing on the final pedal to the campsite in the ever cooler temperatures and strengthening wind,but managing a quick stop to check out Dunluce Castle.

This evening our campsite is opposite the Royal Portrush Golf Club home of the first Open to be held in NI. As ever upon arrival Nigel had the tents up and Monica had steaming plates of sausages and mash ready to feed the exhausted cycling trio. The first full day was successfully completed.