nbjtours

Mizen

48 miles

3278ft climbed

Whilst this circuit of Ireland has quite often hugged the coast and used parts of the official Wild Atlantic Way an NBJTour always has a route that is designed for its riders. In this way we often have detours to see different sights or climb extra mountains or in today’s version extra gates.

The track along the northern side of the Mizen peninsula was very picturesque and incorporated more than just gate climbing but also a Ford crossing

There were terrific views but perhaps we should not have gone through the “PRIVATE farm track, the bull is dangerous” sign. It did give us a bit of light relief from pounding down the roads, with Chris even cutting a path through the high grass. To avoid any doubt there was a metalled road underneath but we doubt many had been down it for a while. Whilst tempting fate we incredibly have not yet got a puncture between us despite abusing our tyres so, the camper on the other hand…..

Perhaps not quite what I had expected but it is these extra challenges and the small off the beaten track ( literally) routes that helps makes these rides so much fun as we see so much more than if we just blasted down the main routes like many others.

Let’s fess up again before getting into the riding. When we woke up the sun was shining but as we were about to start the heavens opened, so fully togged up and ready to go we delayed the start.

At the same time we saw a Velo tourist pack away and also wait until the rain had gone. Chatting to him he had ridden from Strasbourg to Roscoff to get the ferry to Ireland and was then doing Scotland and England before going back to France in October. His bike weighed a ton and we all decided that it was not for us.

As the weather refused to change we decided to cheat again, so put the bikes in the camper and drove to Lidls in Bantry ten miles down the road where it was not raining. We could see that it stayed raining for some time where we had been staying so it was a good move as to start the day wet was not necessary.

Passing through the attractive town of Bantry we then had an up and down ride into the headwind along the Sheeps Head peninsula. This is a recognised part of the Wild Atlantic Way but not a commonly used option.

Nigel passed us and we agreed to meet at the top of the ridge that acted as the backbone of the peninsula, Seefin viewpoint, which was at the top of the goat track.

Chris & I already knew that Nick would be gunning up the track, as Cabrera means goatherd in Spanish, so had a laugh when two big brown hares decided to bound up the hill for about 500 yards in front of Nick as he launched his attack right at the bottom of the hill.

Although only about 500 ft the climb was steep for some good sections of it, so we were pleased to reach the fully Lidl stocked camper, for coffee at the top. Another good Windy descent took us back to the edge of the sea and this time it was somewhat easier with a following wind.

We had a short stop at a memorial gardens for an Air India plane that was bombed in Iune 1985 and a few other pretty jetties before switching across to the final peninsula to Mizen head.

We then turned back into the headwind to make our way to the head. As I explained earlier taking a quieter route ended up with us enjoying views to ourselves and some fun cycling.

Just round the corner, after a long climb always overlooking the sea, so with a great view, Nigel parked up for our traditional French stick picnic lunch which we took in the camper as although it was sunny the wind was so strong

Just as we left the clouds suddenly descended and the view disappeared, the rain arriving. Doning our wet weather gear, luckily it was only needed for two minutes as the squall passed and the sun was back out again.

There were only another seven miles to Mizen Head but with three miles to go there was a traffic jam into which the camper was stuck. A coach and car had a coming together and neither wanted to move. Coincidentally the coach was carrying cyclists from Sligo about to do Mizen to Malin the Irish equivalent of Lands End to John O’Groats. No one was hurt but it did mean we got to the head before Nigel and Monica who remained stuck for another 20 minutes or so.

The views from the head were spectacular with big waves crashing against the angry looking cliffs, seals playing in the currents and interesting exhibits about the nature, lighthouse and radio station to wander round

We then realised we had stayed much longer then we thought at the head so abandoned the last 14 miles to our final destination for the day.

This was Paul and Ginny’s new house. They having just moved to Ireland from the U.K. following both working in the police force where they had met Nigel. Thanks to them we enjoyed a chilli followed by choice of dessert Apple pie and custard or specaloos cheesecake. No pressure now Nigel!

With Chris and Nick taking over downstairs we were made to feel very welcome and thank them both for their kind hospitality.

We now turn away from the coast as we head inland across Ireland to Dublin. Tomorrow we aim for Blarney. Sadly we expect rain every day again this week so have dried the tents out ready.