We headed out with plans to take a ferry across the river, ride north, then take another ferry back and return. There was no elevation gain on this ride, unless we counted climbing the stairs at Fortmond. Rain had us cut the ride short, taking an earlier crossing than Henry had originally planned. We did find some lovely dessert near the en of the ride
Henry had mapped out various rides for the group. Neil, Mike, Henry and I would do longer rides, while Paula and Sandra would often drive out partway and do a shorter ride with us. The terrain was quite flat, as expected. It was easy for the group to stay together. There were times though that I wished for bigger gears than what I'd brought for touring in Ireland!
Cycling is a lifelong national pastime here. It was Saturday and the paths were absolutely full of cyclists, many older couples out together, and lots of folks of e-bikes!
I took a round about way back to Killarney. I headed up Moll's Gap and then back over the Gap of Dunlop. Dunloe was crazy busy with e-bikes and horse carriages and walkers! Seems they kick the passengers out to walk the steep bits! Definitely check out the video!
I had hoped to stay at the same BnB I had a few days prior, but it was booked. I had booked another place and dropp[ed my gear there before headed out to the Castlemaine climb.
Unfortunately the place I found was right on a busy road, with the room right at the front. I was uncomfortable leaving the window open, since it was right out to the street. But it was hot and noisy. So note to self not to stay here again! But it was handy for the train bright and early the next day. I'd take the train back to Dublin, pack up the bike and then fly to Amsterdam for the second leg of the trip
Our friend, Dave Cain, alerted us to Priest's Leap, a few years ago, when he toured around Ireland. It's been on the list since. John and avid rode it a few months back, and now was my turn. First thing though was breakfast at Maison Gourmet. Then I'd find some proper Irish roads with grass up the middle and free range sheep. I even saw another lone cyclists, coming down the side I was climbing. I survived the climb, but was very happy I was staying in Kenmare for two nights and could ride it with less gear. I returned to town for a great lunch at my favorite French bakery and then take on another short loop before heading back to the BnB.
John came over earlier in the year and travelled out west with David. They stayed at a BnB just outside of Kenmare that he raved about. So it was a must stay place for me. I reserved it for a couple of nights and then plotted a route via the Ballaghbeama Gap. This gap has featured on a few trips for us, so I knew what I was getting into. What I didn't expect was crazy traffic. Just after the pass, I saw an oncoming cyclists, then a speeding rental van, and another touring cyclist. This road is normally very quiet, but for some reason, lots of vans were here on this day. The day started wet, but sun came out by the end of the day. I found a great afternoon snack in Kenmare before making my way out to the BnB
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| The view from the BnB |
After a day with family, Dave headed out with me briefly to catch the train west. It was a bit of a journey, with a change of trains, then finding the bnb, but daylight in Ireland lasts well into the evening, so I had time after arriving to take in a loop up the Gap of Dunlop. I was quite lucky to bump into a local who kept me company and showed me a lovely shortcut at the top.
This was my first trip after the pandemic started. I pack loads of masks, along with my bike and touring gear. A group of friends were planning to get together in the Netherlands for a week. That's too short for me to travel all the way to Europe, so I decided to bookend it with stays in Ireland. This coincided with my nephew's birthday, so I planned to start the trip in Carlow, see family, celebrate the birthday and then head to the west coast.
John's sister picked me up at the airport and graciously drove me down to Dave and Siobhán's house. After my red eye flight, I thought about taking a nap, but instead decided to put the bike back together. It's been a while, and I ended up texting a few photos back to John to remind me which side had spacers a such. But I managed to reassemble the puzzle and then headed out for a short ride to check everything on the bike was right and clear my head of cobwebs.
The next day, I set out for Mount Leinster, one of the toughest climbs in Ireland. It was a glorious day for it, with mild winds and wonderful views at the top. It was nice to do it somewhat lightly laden, as well.
