Mizen - Malin

superrdave

I'm planning on doing mizen malin this year again starting in august and just want a couple of tips.

I did it a couple of years ago with a friend, me on a trek 1000 entry level road bike with straight handlebars and my friend on an old mountain bike (obviously we switched about every 10 k cos it was impossible to keep up any sort of speed on the mountain bike) but this year me and my brother are doing it and we're going to get new bikes (and also, thankfully, have someone else driving with our tents and stuff) and i was just wondering what anyone else recommends. Our budget is probably only about 400-500 each. the trek 1000 i had has since been stolen so i cant use it again. would you recommend road bikes (obviously not very expensive ones) or hybrid bikes? i will be keeping the bike afterwards but don't really need any sort of carrying capability, seeing as this time we have support.

also, does anyone have any good route ideas? last time we started in cork city, down to mizen, up through kerry, tarbert-killimer ferry, doolin (then we cheated and took the ferry to inishmore and on to rossaveel), clifden, westport, (an abortive attempt to go to achill in the rain, only to abandon it at mulranny), sligo and then straight up the main road from there. I want to do it properly this time (that is, without skipping past galway and saving 100k like we did last time, even if we did more than compensate for it with starting in cork/going to connemara/trying to go to achill), but also kind of scenic too (that is, off N roads as much as possible).

last time we averaged about 80-100kms a day and plan the same this time. we do kind of need to get the bikes by easter so we have enough time for training etc.

also (and this is a bit cheeky) seeing as this is for charity, could anyone recommend someone who might sponsor the bikes (or even some of the lesser stuff e.g. proper cycle clothing and kit) for the cycle?

is this bike good value: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dawes-Giro-200-Mens-Road-Bike-58CM_W0QQitemZ140290902139QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Bikes_GL?hash=item140290902139&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1298|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

TinyExplosions

BeOne Storm 2.0 -just over 400 euro atm with the exchange rate, and a whole lot of bike for the money. You'll appreciate the drops for the longer distances (more had positions means more comfort!), and the components are very good for that price.

As for sponsorship, I don't know anyone off hand, but basically put together a little pack about who you are, who you're doing the ride for, and send it off to anyone and everyone -if you don't ask, people can't say yes!

(What charity is it for btw, as they often have people to help with fund raising and such like)

p

I did it last summer. Was pretty cool - we got some amazing weather and saw some great parts of Ireland. I'd recommend avoid major cities if possible. It's a natural tendency to go to the major ones, but some of my best memories are from staying in the small towns & villages.

Regarding bike, I'd say any decent bike will do. There's some serious climbs on day 1 & 2 and a decent one in donegal. Other than that's it's decent enough.

To get there, we got the train From Heuston to Cork, then got the bus from
Cork to Tooremore via Skibbereeen.
We did a quick 20k run from Tooremore to Mizen the day we arrived, then headed out from Tooremore the next morning.

Here's our route. I put the place we actualy stayed in brackets if it's different.
Mizenhead (Tooremore)
Killarney
Spanish Point (Milltown Malbay) (I highly recommend The Bake House cafe here!)
Galway
Ballhaunis
Ballyshannon
LetterKenny
Malin Head (Carndonagh)


Regarding bikes, I think any bike would do. Most of us did it on hybrids or road cruisers, though one guy did it on more of a mountain bike. Noone did it on a racing bike, and I'm not sure it'd be the best idea. We all were fine. I think any bike would do you, just get one suitable for continuing to use next year and oen that's not too heavy. I'd say a second hand bike would get you the best value in that price range.

Good luck!

silver campaign

I was looking into doing that with a friend in May aswell.
We were thinkin of using entry level racing bikes, like a specialized allez or Trek 1.7 or something.
Do you not think these would be suitable.

FrankGrimes

I hope to do this this year if I can get some of the lads to come along and if we can sort out a backup driver (would like to avoid putting the load on the bike if possible).

If you have to carry a lot of gear, fair enough a tourer or hybrid might be the best bet, but if you're not carrying gear I really can't see how it wouldn't be best to be on a road bike, particularly for the climbs? I'd target 150km a day on a road bike but for me would lower that a fair bit on a hybrid so I guess it depends if you want to coast through it or lash through it. It's not as if you'd be going so fast on a road bike you wouldn't still get to take in some scenery.

blorg

If you don't have to carry anything then a road bike would be best IMHO. You only need a tourer if you are carrying significant amounts, you stick even stick a bit on some road bikes and many of the entry level ones have rack mounts and will take at least 700x25 tyres and mudguards.

victorcarrera

IMO:Taking the ferry trip across Galway Bay meant U skipped probably the most enjoyable and scenic part of the route from Doolin along the coast road (flat) or over the Burren (challenging) to Ballyvaughan (Monks pub for seafood too good to miss). Then on to Kinvara through Galway city to Connamara. Enjoy next time round.

ROK ON

victorcarrera wrote: »

IMO:Taking the ferry trip across Galway Bay meant U skipped probably the most enjoyable and scenic part of the route from Doolin along the coast road (flat) or over the Burren (challenging) to Ballyvaughan (Monks pub for seafood too good to miss). Then on to Kinvara through Galway city to Connamara. Enjoy next time round.

+1. I spend a lot of time in the West of Ireland. The strech of road between Doolin and Ballyvaughan, is among the most beautiful that you will find anywher in the world IMHO. It is ideal for cycling (although I have never cycled it - this summer hopefully).
Monks is good, O'Donoghues pub in Fanore is good. Anyone doing a West Coast cycle/Malin to Mizen should definitely cycle through/over the Burren (via Corkscrew Hill and Lisdoon).

superrdave

ROK ON wrote: »

+1. I spend a lot of time in the West of Ireland. The strech of road between Doolin and Ballyvaughan, is among the most beautiful that you will find anywher in the world IMHO. It is ideal for cycling (although I have never cycled it - this summer hopefully).
Monks is good, O'Donoghues pub in Fanore is good. Anyone doing a West Coast cycle/Malin to Mizen should definitely cycle through/over the Burren (via Corkscrew Hill and Lisdoon).

was definitely planning on doing it that way this time. though the most scenic bit last time (and definitely with least traffic... seeing as going through galway includes a stint on the n18!) was from rossaveel to clifden, obviously avoiding the main road from galway to clifden (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=rossaveel&daddr=53.406667,-9.73938+to:R341+to:clifden&hl=en&geocode=%3B%3BFUpeLwMdE1Vp_w%3B&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1,2&sll=53.423855,-9.794998&sspn=0.098609,0.30899&ie=UTF8&ll=53.389062,-9.704361&spn=0.09869,0.30899&z=12). a pleasure to ride. the only reason we went the other way last time was to see dun aengus and inishmore (also worth seeing IMO). thanks for the advice (and sorry for the 'what bike' question... i should have apologised in advance)

and we're doing it for cancer research. last time we didn't have sponsorship at all, which was a bit of a waste i suppose.

Civilian_Target

Yep - for the Northern part of the route, the N15 from Sligo to Letterkenny is horrible, but kinda unavoidable until you get to Ballyshannon, and going through the Barnesmore gap between Donegal Town and Ballybofey. then up via Raphoe and St. Johnstown to Burnfoot, over to Muff and then up the military road to Carndonagh (you'll know it, it's the one that's straight). It's a bit longer but it's probably a nicer cycle.

Biking advice? Invest in a comfy saddle

E@gle.

done this about 2 years ago as part of a charity cycle well malin to mizen actually

Route was
Day 1: Malin head- Donegal town
Day 2: Donegal town- Roscommon Town
Day 3: Roscommon- Horse & Jockey (outside Thurles)
Day 4: Horse and jockey- Cork city
Day 5: Cork city- Mizen head

Main reason we took his route was beacuse we were all from athlone and wanted to pass through the town

Paddy Griffin

last year I cycled from Mizen to Malin in 4 days, starting at Mizen Head, Durrus, Bantry, Glengarriff, Kenmare, Killarney. Tralee, Listowel Kilrush Lahinch Cliff of Moher, Blackhead Ballyvaughan Oranmore Tuam N17 Sligo Letterkenny Muff Quigleys Point Carndonagh Malin Head. I think this is one of the more challenging and scenic routes - planning to do it again this year with a group June 3 - 6. I recommend a light weight bike, while dropped handlebars and clipped in pedals are an advantage they are not essential - plenty miles in the legs will make the trip more enjoyable.

paulmallon

4 days!
what sort of distances were you doing each day?

Paddy Griffin

Mizen - Tralee 98
Tralee - Oranmore 110
Oranmore - Sligo 86
Sligo - Malin Head 120

My wife Ger and I (both in our 67th year) completed the trip in 4 days - 27.5 hours cycling time. Cycling in a group is easier and much more enjoyable - careful not to touch wheels

cdonnelly

I'm doing one for charity this year aswell end of april all being well
not Mizen to malin but ''pole to pole''
south pole bar in Anascaul outside Dingle to the North pole bar just outside Buncrana about 20 mile from Malin Head

We are hoping to have a camper van with us for a back up wagon and a place to sleep insteat of wasteing money on hostels and the like
I priced a camper van to rent for a week but almost €1000 is a bit mad so I will be going begging to anyone I see who owns a camper van

feck sake lads

lads can i just jump in here and ask a few questions on that route,sorry to the op don't mean to hijack your thread.:mad:
anyway does anyone know if there's many campsites along the whole route ,what would be the best map to get ,is there a favourate route ,i would be on a touring bike fully loaded proberly cover 50 miles a day, less if the weather is good take in some local culture.
more info i can get the better thanks a million .:)

Paddy Griffin

u will be spoiled for choice, great site at Barleycove, Ballylickey, Killarney, Kilrush, lahinch Doolin Ballyvaughan Galway the list goes on - there are booklets on camping and caravaning in IRl also a list of hostel accommodation which would make ur life a little easierr - enjoy - Paddy

Did it over 7 days cycling last July (and took a day off in Galway):

Malin - Bundoran
Bundoran - Westport
Westport - Galway
Galway - Lahinch
Lahinch - Tralee
Tralee - Glengariff
Glengariff - Mizen

Came to 799.5km in total. Favourite days were the Kerry - Cork (purely for how miserable it was - was just horrible just great to get through it, but I'm sure the location is beautiful in the sun!), Westport - Galway (just great scenery, and some good hills too) and Galway - Lahinch (easy day along a great bit of the country).

If you're doing malin - mizen and getting up there from Dublin I'd recommend getting the McGinley Coaches, doesn't go all the way but near enough.

Paddy Griffin

Due to the prevailing winds I would recommend starting at Mizen Head - not always guaranteed but more likely to have the breeze to ur back. check www.nfaireland.ie/assets/pdf/cycle_2010.pdf for the June event.

Paddy Griffin

hostels migh be a better option try costing a people carrier and a small tent should work out much cheaper

jmdsk

Sounds like an awesome cycle. It's really got the think tank working overtime. Would have to do top to bottom (tell myself it's downhill).:D
Been typing all sorts of routes in to google maps.

Paddy Griffin

Hey guys Mizen Malin is a great event, a real challenge - unfortunately at 68 I'm struggling with the technology so please pass the word, trying to catch up with Twitter & Facebook click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUVGoDEWnyg
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tluNp83jX1s&feature=related

ROK ON

Dónal wrote: »

Favourite days were the Kerry - Cork (purely for how miserable it was - was just horrible just great to get through it, but I'm sure the location is beautiful in the sun!),

No one knows. Its never sunny down here. Would be nice to find out though.

feck sake lads

thank's lads good info there,i'll try and make that tour this summer.

GearoidP

Looks like a great trip!

We did Dublin to Malin to Mizen last summer and had a mighty time. You might get some tips off our journal: www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/M2M

Last September I cycled around Donegal and on my way back to Dublin I stayed in the Castlederg Arms in West Co. Tyrone. Extremely good value, and would be on your direct route to / from Malin.
http://www.dergarms.com/


We're planning a trip from Dublin to the Giants Causeway to Co. Kerry this coming July if yer interested! www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/Causeway

feck sake lads

hope you lads have a great tour,but i would like to camp all the way if possible and take my time ,i done the groop thing before in spain and italy turned into a race every day .im to old for that honestly .if i got another light minded person to do the route that would be a bonus ,the right company on a tour is only fantastic but get a nark and you might as well go home ,im sure you lads know what i mean:mad:
i had a plan to go to the uk this summer but money is tight so i might try ireland see a bit of my own country.

Paddy Griffin

Gearoid thanks for all the tips, will keep them in mind for the trip. Leisure cyclist at times can loose the run of themselves, turning a leisure spin into a race is crazy - I say if one wants to race there are plenty opportunities mid week and at weekends throughout the season - club leagues are great "to wet your feat" in the sport. Just a tip: leisure cyclists should make an effort to stay together and maintain a pace that is comfortable for the slowest person in the group - overtime everyones standard will improve and make cycling more enjoyable for everyone.

feck sake lads

i trained for years with a ras winner great coach great guy,if when you went training with him you always came home together ,plenty of time for raceing.
i took on to train a leisure groop couple years back when they started going well ,end of leisure groop .
so going touring with these guy's is not my idea of fun.
anyway have fun on end to end sounds great. if the weather is good.;)

Nialloooo

HI All,
I have a question. Im A runner(long distance and hills mostly) but do cycle the odd days with one of my friends, i invested in a racing bike last year with the hopes of starting tri's this year, but one of my mate has suggested trying to do this, i guess im just woundering what type of trainging and fitness you need?? and are all of you cycling for years or could some relativly new but with a good fitness level train to finish also?

Thanks for your help ;-)

Paddy Griffin

Cycling is no different from any other sport the more effort you put in the better the result, first year is all about gaining experience, getting your bike sorted, sorting out a training programme and paying attention to others who are doing well in the sport. The main thing is to enjoy yourself and forget about getting results in your first year. Obviously starting off with a good level of fitness is a big help - enjoy Paddy

James Hopkins

Hi Guys,

Id love to do Malin to Mizen or vice versa this summer. Probably from 20th July onwards or anytime in August 2010. I dont mind if the trip takes 4, 5 or 6 days, Im easy. If any group or individual is doing it at that time please let me know and Ill join Yee and split the costs etc.

James

kevtr1

Hi guys,

just read through most of your notes to one another. I'm doing Mizen to Malin in two weeks.

My question is what should I eat the night before and each morning?

Thanks
Kev:)

DualFrontDiscs

kevtr1 wrote: »

My question is what should I eat the night before and each morning?

I swear by porridge, nuts and berries for mornings.

Dinner can be anything with lots of complex carbs and some protein, i.e, wholegrain pasta/ brown rice, fish/ chicken, etc.

Bananas and cake/ pastries/ chocolate during the day. Lots of water too.

DFD.

2 Wheels Good

Try these breakfast bars, you can experiment with the berries and the rest, very tasty way of getting your daily porridge

superrdave

Lots of water. Make sure you have two bottle cages and fill one with water and one with lucozade sport. Also, assuming you don't have one, buy a saddle bag and cram it with chocolate and fruit (bananas and apples are good) if you know you are going to be going a while to the next town. Breakfast and dinner are not really that different from normal, i.e. something carb heavy in the morning like porridge or muesli and then something with protein & carbs in the evening once you've stopped, like chicken or steak or something. Lunch for me was usually just bread with ham and cheese and maybe some bakery stuff or biscuits.

You'll be eating like a horse, but if the fat intake is relatively low it doesn't matter that you are cramming carbs quicker than a fat kid in a cake shop.

duffer247

Hi Donal
I've read a good few of your posts on the route you took and I'm thinking copying your route, anything you'd do different?