nbjtours

Glengariff

69 miles

4764 ft climbed

Today was always going to be about the climbs. We hoped to do the Gap of Dunloe , Molls Gap and the Healy Pass. I am writing this as torrential rain is pelting down outside but am pleased to say that apart from a short shower early on and a bit of drizzle later we saw more rain but we’re not under it until the tents were safely up.

We initially rolled out of Tralee on some smaller roads and it stayed dry for the first 28 minutes.

The roads were a bit rough and had been resurfaced recently but rather than do the whole road width the paver must have only been 5 feet wide so that’s all they did. We eventually came across them because as usual we ignored the road closed sign but the chaps were happy to stop and guide us past.

These roads led towards the Gap of Dunloe which we could see from afar as a genuine gap in the chain of Macgillycuddys Reeks ( I had to include that as it’s such a good name)

Although the weather continued to be threatening the rain just about held off.

Finally getting to the Gap of Dunloe we had to share the road with lots of tourists and the local jaunty cart drivers. Some less than willing to move over and let you pass.

The whole ride up the gap was a super fun one with different scenery and even a very steep section of up to 19%

Waiting patiently at the top of the hill was the Green camper where Nigel and Monica had set up breakfast which we were only too happy to enjoy having climbed the hill.

Whilst enjoying our coffee and croissants Nigel spotted a lone cyclist pushing himself up the hill on a hire bike and invited him in.

After coffee Daniel from Hervey Bay, Queensland joined us for the next ten miles or so from the top of the gap of Dunloe to the top of Molls Gap Only 21 he is spending nine months travelling most of Europe ( next stop Sicily) before going back to Oz to join the navy and go in the submarines. A gutsy thing to do and we wished him luck. We guess he wanted to see life above the water before taking the plunge.

Having left Daniel who was going back to Killlarney we swept down the descent until we had to turn off down a smaller road where I had a bit of a scare as my handlebars came loose on the bumps so I had to stop to tighten them up. A short stretch of track then followed before we the had a ten mile stint to lunch.

After a brief visit to the stone circle at Kenmare ( two euros to see it was a joke )

The route went along the edge of the Beara peninsula and by the last two miles into the headwind I was struggling, slipping behind Chris and Nick so needed a Karen flapjack moment to fire up for the last couple of miles before meeting the camper at a very picturesque location at this headland.

The weather was due to change with a big Atlantic depression due to bring in some rain so we were keen to give the Healy Pass a go as soon as possible. Whilst the clouds looked ominous apart from a little drizzle the rain held off.

The climb was almost 1000 ft but steady with the gradient only hitting 13% right at the end so it was an enjoyable ride up. Our effort ( view tax) was rewarded with views both ways as the clouds lifted a little. This was more than my mum managed on her visit to Ireland in 1959 when my parents drove to the top on two occasions to get a view and just got cloud.

Looking over the other side the road twisted and turned back on itself and just as we were about to leave we heard the farting like note of Nigel’s motorbike and watched him carefully climb up to us. When he opened his helmet his grin was almost as wide as the opening. He enjoyed himself but warned that the wet roads were greasy so not to take any chances round the bends.

We all had a blast coming down and met up with the camper just after the end of the descent. Looking at the weather coming and having completed the main events of the day we decided that the last 8 miles would be better off in the camper so the tents could be put up whist it was not raining. So we ended the cycling part of the day on a real high. Good decision

A terrific ham, coleslaw and potato dinner was demolished as usual and whilst I caught up on writing yesterdays blog Nick once again came from behind to beat Chris and Nigel at cards despite continuing to profess he knows nothing. The debate on how it was achieved was worth listening to!

Another great day with all three climbs achieved and some fun downhill sections. We all agree the ranking was Dunloe, Healy then Molls although Molls is perhaps the most famous.

The rain which is pounding the camper at present ( I can hardly hear myself think) is due to go on all night but hopefully stop by 9 am. As long as Nick and Chris have not been washed away we are looking to ride down to Mizen Point before calling in on Nigel’s friends later to stay the night.