MIZEN TO MALIN 2011
Post date: Jun 29, 2011 10:31:11 PM
MIZEN HEAD TO MALIN HEAD 2011 RIDE REPORT
On Thursday the 2nd June, 17 members of Youghal C.C. undertook their biggest challenge on a bike and for some, their biggest challenge on a bike, ever !!. Over the June bank holiday weekend the group came together to cycle from Mizen Head in Co. Kerry to Malin Head in Co. Donegal which in lay mans terms, from the most southerly part of Ireland to the most northerly part of Ireland. The group was led over the weekend by Team Captain, John Bulman and Vice Captain, Ina Walsh who were both suitably supported by Wayne “Fonda” Fitzgerald, Jonathan Tobin, Pat O’ Brien, Jim Wyse, Michael O’ Mahoney, Eoin Wyte, Brian Sanders, Tony Walsh, Jason Collins & Ross prentice ( aka Jedward ), John Healy, John Walsh, Marty O’Keeffe, Mark O’ Riordan and Anthony Kenneally.
Stage 1 of this event departed Mizen Head, Co. Kerry and covered a mountainous 158km route through Bantry, Glengarriff, Kenmare, Killarney and finished in Tralee, Co. Kerry. Dry but overcast weather accompanied the peleton for this stage which took in the climb over the Caha Pass and Molls Gap.
Stage 2 was a long and sometimes hilly 200km route which departed Tralee for Listowel, Tarbert and the ferry crossing, Kilrush, Lisdoonvarna, Lehinch, The Cliffs of Moher and finishing in Oranmore, Co. Galway. This was to be a tough stage on the bike for all with a block headwind off the coast blowing into the peleton’s face for the entire stage however it was a very sunny and scenic day on the bike for all with plenty of sunburn and smiles on show at the end of the stage in conjunction with the ever becoming popular Wayne “ Fonda Workout ”.
Stage 3 was another long 192km in the saddle which traveled mostly along the Saw Doctors famous N17. The peloton departed Oranmore for Tuam, Claremorris, Sligo and finished in Bundoran, Co. Donegal. This was again to be a long tough stage on the bike for all with the continuing block headwind blowing into the peleton’s face for the entire stage. The day in general was fairly overcast for the majority of the spin but the Sun came out again as we hit the coast in Sligo and we all enjoyed the scenic views on the run into Bundoran, a seaside resort that was packed for the weekend along with our accommodation in “Fawlty Towers”.
The 4th and final stage of this challenge, was a mountainous 162km route to Malin Head. The day however was not going to go to plan. We departed Bundoran in heavy rain for Donegal & Ballybofey which took 5 hours of very tough miles on the bike in the driving rain and the usual block head wind.
6 punctures had to be repaired in the first 35km which was a pity as we only had 2 in total during the previous 3 days cycling and to top it off the cold rain had us soaked and frozen to the bones. With the road conditions and weather continuing to worsen, safety was becoming of great concern with some of the group unable to break or even change gears due to the cold and wet. It was decided by all to cut the stage short so we all completely changed our wet gear for dry and departed for Leterkenny where we held up for the night, after getting a further 2 punctures of course. It was certainly the coldest, wettest and hardest day on a bike for this scribe as well as everyone else. All was not lost however as the forecast for the following morning was dry so with some swift logistical changes the stage was to be completed the following day. Long hot showers were very welcome the day and spirits picked up quickly that evening were the local hospitality was enjoyed by some and really enjoyed by others.
An early start was organized for the following morning to complete the final 80km of this challenge and so the peleton departed Letterkenny for Buncrana, Carndongh and finally Malin Head, Co. Donegal where we all completed the event on the last steep climb to the finish.
In total, a distance of 712km was clocked on the computers for this event which will certainly be long and fondly remembered by those who took part as well as the remainder of the club. A special mention however must be given to the two ladies who took part in this event, Ina Walsh & Mairead Walsh.
Ina Walsh ( O’ Reilly ) I believe is the first woman from Youghal to complete this event. She was the perfect example for any cyclist, Male or Female, on how one should train and take part in such an event. Well done to you Ina from all your companions that weekend.
Finally, the biggest thank you and round of applause must go to Mairead Walsh, wife of John Walsh of the Village Greengrocer, Castlemartyr. Mairead gave up her own time to support all of us cyclists during this entire challenge. In her Village Greengrocer Van, she was the one that got the bikes to the start and from the finish of the event, she transported all the baggage and supplies, kept us fed and watered every day, navigated the parcours during the event, was always there with the spare wheels when we punctured and most importantly, kept a watchful and supportive eye on us all, particularly on the last day. From all of us at the club Mairead, we sincerely thank you for your part in this challenge as with out your help and more importantly, your support, none of us would have completed this challenge and we look forward to your support when we cycle the Tour de France next year !!LOL.
Quote of the week however has to go to one very special lad who informed us all on the eve of the final stage that “ it only rains when the tide is fully in”. Well is must have been in all day of the final stage after the soaking we got !!
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