Boards spin West Cork/ Kerry

thebouldwhacker

After the success of West Cork 200 and the ROK I wonder would those in the south be intrested in a west cork/ kerry boards spin?

It could take in level ground or mountains depending on peoples requirements. As for distance depends if its mid week after work or early on a weekend morn.

Anyway I just thought I'd float the idea, we have THE best cycling terrain in the country and I'd like to see and use more of it.

Whata ya think?

Murph100

Sounds great ! Ring of Beara would be a nice one, not much in the way of traffic either. Dingle Peninsula is amazing but the traffic is seriously dangerous on the Castlemaine to Inch stretch.

ROK ON

I would be on for this, but wont be able to do this w/e.

Most other w/e would be ok.
There are a fantatsic amount of routes to choose from.

CheGuedara

Beara's a good cycle, shorter than the ROK but enough in it to keep you occupied (Chubbs hill FTW). Would you run the full loop or over the Healy Pass?

Castlemaine to Inch isn't that bad either. I def can recommend Tralee - Connor Pass - Dingle - Slea Head - Dingle - Annascaul - Tralee as a great cycle if the weather is there for it. It's long but very very scenic, with some nice bits of road, a few fast bits, a few pulls to test the legs, that forge crossing out by the head... the list goes on

DeepBlue

I was planning on going back to do Bantry-Ballydehob-Schull-Crookhaven-Durrus-Kilcrohane-Bantry sometime later in the summer basically following that section of WC200 route. It's about 115 km and very scenic.

ROK ON

I sort of have a training plan of alternating between
Priest Leap and Borlin Valley, then Caha and Healy Passes, the Glencar Valley (Gap of Dunlow/Ballaghisin/Coomakista/Ballaghbeama/Molls Gap).

Every 4th week plan is to do figure of 8 loop in Beara taking in Borlin Valley/Leap/Caha/Healy.

@ Che - where is that climb (Chubbs Hill) that you mentioned?

In between that, Gap of Dunloe - Ballaghbeama - Ballaghishin.

I reckon that will get me climbing fit for Sean Kelly at end of August and hopefully the Chaingang Conor Pass challenge in Sept.

thebouldwhacker

ROK whats the craic with priests leap, she keeps beating me, I always make it but only after a few rest stops photo opps:o Any special tips for climbing her. Is the Kerry side any better to climb?

I'd be well up for your routes, I wont be west over the next few weekends up until the second weekend of August but if anyone fancies a mid week spin it can be arranged

ROK ON

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

ROK whats the craic with priests leap, she keeps beating me, I always make it but only after a few rest stops photo opps:o Any special tips for climbing her. Is the Kerry side any better to climb?

I'd be well up for your routes, I wont be west over the next few weekends up until the second weekend of August but if anyone fancies a mid week spin it can be arranged

Never been up her yet on a bike.

Took the car there last week and it struggled up.
I aim to suffer on it in a few weeks and then every 2 weeks after that, until I improve as a climber (need to shed a fair few lbs also - but suffering will help that).

I can get up Kippure and Slieve Maan (struggling like a dying pig), so I will get up Priests Leap. Simple as that really.:D

I actually think that the figure of 8 route that I have that takes in the 4 clibs in the Beara would be a great stage for the RAS/Tour of Ireland/any sportif really.

Murph100

Epic scenary !!

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/ie/tralee/721124696461749280

CheGuedara wrote: »

I def can recommend Tralee - Connor Pass - Dingle - Slea Head - Dingle - Annascaul - Tralee as a great cycle if the weather is there for it. It's long but very very scenic, with some nice bits of road, a few fast bits, a few pulls to test the legs, that forge crossing out by the head... the list goes on

ROK ON

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

ROK whats the craic with priests leap, she keeps beating me, I always make it but only after a few rest stops photo opps:o Any special tips for climbing her. Is the Kerry side any better to climb?

I'd be well up for your routes, I wont be west over the next few weekends up until the second weekend of August but if anyone fancies a mid week spin it can be arranged

Looking at Mapmy ride I get the following:

Priest Leap from Bonane (Kenmare side)
Alt Gained 371m
Distance 3.75km
Gradient 9.89%
Max: 16% for 0.5km.

Priest Leap from Mill Little (Cork side)
Alt Gained 394m
Distance 4.25km
Gradient 9.27%
Max: 13% for 0.5km.

Much of a muchness really.

Murph100

I hope you do realise the risk of getting attacked by a Cyclops or donkey riding bandits is extremely high in that valley.

ROK ON wrote: »

I sort of have a training plan of alternating between
Priest Leap and Borlin Valley,

CheGuedara

@ ROK ON; IIRC (and I may be off) if you turn off right at Eyries, go through Urhan theres a short sharp climb and fast descent with Kenmare bay on the right then you follow the road along and around the corner of a house and Chubbs slaps you in the face! It's definitely 35-45 degrees over the distance (short, maybe less than a km) with a right hand turn half way up. Animal stuff.

Was told it's named after an old politician that used to be from around those parts and at election time painted his name 'Vote Chubb number 1' etc on the road and it was steep enough to be read from below!

It'd be great to get that bit of support in Sept too - things are looking good on the organisation front so far!

Priests leap - *shudders and thinks of a happy place* - that's some piece of work and there's F.A. between the two sides, just lactic acid and sweat...

showry

I'm going to be in Ahakista for a week at the end of the month, if anyone fancies a spin I'd be up for it, maybe point me at the priests leap.
Are there any weekend group spins out of Bantry or anywhere else around there?
I generally try and fit Crookhaven into a few spins down there for sitting outside O'Sullivan's with the bread and butter pudding and a pint of Murphy's.

thebouldwhacker

I'd meet up with you mid week after work, Deepblue mentioned doing part of the WC200 route which sounds like a top idea, I'll show you Priestsleap if you wish, but bring your sweat bands.

ROK ON

CheGuedara wrote: »

and there's F.A. between the two sides, just lactic acid and sweat...

That will be my new motto - pure class.

Chubb - I think I know the place. If that is a road that looks like it leads up to a huse at the end, but the corner turns very sharply to avoid the house.

The road from Eyreis to Allihies has many deep gradient sections. They would be hard to walk up, never mind cycle up.

CheGuedara

That's the one alright - it almost looks as if you're turning into a farmyard and then *bam* some deity with a bad sense of humor has places a tarmacked wall in front of you!

First time I went up it I really really nearly had a technicolour yawn reaching the top! And one of the girls there stalled on it and had a brief impromptu reverse back down it!

thebouldwhacker

Now I want to cycle that.... but now I'm afraid of it...

CheGuedara your a chain reaction man are you not?

I saw ye at the ROK, crusing through the crowd like steeds... no messing about with other road users, loud shout and ye zipped by. I work in Kerry a bit, do ye do early evening spins that people can tag along with?

CheGuedara

Yup, Chain Gang CC Sec. - that's me We do a training run on Thursdays at 6.30 - I'll PM the details, come along give the club a go, we're nice really and who knows you might even consider joining!

A few of us had a bit of a charge on the ROK alright (I thought we were just gonna cruise it but evidently that memo wasn't circulated:P). We've found that a wee 'rider up' shout as you're passing never hurts just in case someone might move off their line as you're coming along esp if you're in a big crowd like the ROK.

The ring of Beara is again another spectacular cycle, but quite different to the ROK. While is obviously very coastal, it's more rugged and wild and the roads more undulating but it's a rewarding one to put under the belt. Chubbs is a bit of a kick in the pants, but it's the only needle climb on the route. There's a bit of a pull back up to the tunnels on the way back from enemy territory into Kerry but it's a real tempo climb and once you get to the top then you've a sweet roll down to Kenmare again .

thebouldwhacker

Anyone fancy meeting on Wedensday evenings for a spin, start,finish route, distance and time can be worked out depending on who is up for it. With the crap weather at the mo I think an arranged cycle will keep motivation up.

Post up and we can take it from there.

showry

Does anyone know if you're allowed go to the top of Mount Gabriel or is it a closed road?
It looks like it might be a decent climb.

thebouldwhacker

Always ment to check.... I asked a few people but no one seems to know if the road is open. You can hike up so I dont see why it would be closed. use this OS map to zoom in, it looks open to me. I think its a road surface (be better if it was dirt tbh, be some dhmtb freewheel:D) I'm intrested to find out, post up if you try it, if not I'll swing by next monday evening.....

Signal_ rabbit

Any room for a fat old boy?

showry

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

Anyone fancy meeting on Wedensday evenings for a spin, start,finish route, distance and time can be worked out depending on who is up for it. With the crap weather at the mo I think an arranged cycle will keep motivation up.

Post up and we can take it from there.

sent you a PM

thebouldwhacker

Signal_ rabbit wrote: »

Any room for a fat old boy?

PM sent

thebouldwhacker

Signal_Rabbit and myself are meeting on Monday the 27th for a spin, anyone who cares to join will be more than welcome.

The spin will start from the West Lodge outside Bantry @5:30 (flexible within reason I think). It will take in the Sheep's Head, out through Durras back via the Goats Path. Circa 40km,

Its a pretty flat route with only one 'climb' to mention. This route was picked as an introduction cycle so people will join in and can get to know one another without having to cycle too hard, it should suit all levels of cyclist.

The same guidelines as the Dublin spins, slowest rider sets the pace, group will hold/wait for everyone (no one left behind), plenty of breaks as required and I'll bring the fig rolls!!!

Cheers

Joff

Sounds good, will try to make it, just depends on work that day, Will give Signal Rabbit a ring if i'm going to be running a bit late.

thebouldwhacker

And then there were three, happy days:)

Signal_ rabbit

Just making sure everyone is still up for this spin Monday evening. Any other takers?

showry

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

Always ment to check.... I asked a few people but no one seems to know if the road is open. You can hike up so I dont see why it would be closed. use this OS map to zoom in, it looks open to me. I think its a road surface (be better if it was dirt tbh, be some dhmtb freewheel:D) I'm intrested to find out, post up if you try it, if not I'll swing by next monday evening.....

Just back from a week in lovely West Cork and got to tackle Mount Gabriel. We were staying in Ahakista and could see it from the house. The combination of hairpins and installation at the top gives it a real Le Tour look so I had to give it a go.
The road is open alright and pretty tough. I'm not sure about gradients as it's not on mapmyride but once you turn off the road from Durrus (R591?) you go up about 100m in 5km. Before you get to the gap heading down to Schull you take a right and then it kicks off. The first few hundred metres are just bohreen but then the road branches off at the Irish Aviation Authority signs and the surface is unbelievably smooth. Thank God as it's pretty merciless, lots of hairpins and it just keeps going up. Aerial shot attached. From the main road turnoff it's just over 2km to the top but with a vertical gain of 300m. There are 20km/h speed limit signs to wind you up. The view at the top is fantastic, although the golf balls aren't as big as you might imagine. It's well worth doing although the descent is pretty scary. I think I went down as slowly as I went up.

daroadlescycled

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

After the success of West Cork 200 and the ROK I wonder would those in the south be intrested in a west cork/ kerry boards spin?

It could take in level ground or mountains depending on peoples requirements. As for distance depends if its mid week after work or early on a weekend morn.

Anyway I just thought I'd float the idea, we have THE best cycling terrain in the country and I'd like to see and use more of it.

Whata ya think?

Sounds a good idea. Definitely great cycling and touring county.

The only thing that bothers me is alot of cyclists are using the main roads the N routes 21/22/23/69/ etc and in large groups. I don't think there is need for this. It is dangerous and more so in big groups. There are so many wonderful second class roads for cycling where you will never meet traffic except the local going about there business.

Our Sunday morning spin usally 50 to 80k is always on smaller roads and we don't have to repeat a route the choice is so great.

Might catch up with some of you on 1 of these spins.

CheGuedara

daroadlescycled wrote: »

Sounds a good idea. Definitely great cycling and touring county.

The only thing that bothers me is alot of cyclists are using the main roads the N routes 21/22/23/69/ etc and in large groups. I don't think there is need for this. It is dangerous and more so in big groups. There are so many wonderful second class roads for cycling where you will never meet traffic except the local going about there business.

Our Sunday morning spin usally 50 to 80k is always on smaller roads and we don't have to repeat a route the choice is so great.

Might catch up with some of you on 1 of these spins.

As someone who cycles all of those roads, either solo or with my club, I do need to say that they're perfectly safe, even in large groups.

I'd agree there are some alternative 2nd class routes that can be used to parallel most of them though, which while they can be more scenic I've had my fair share of experiences of close shaves with speeding local motorists taking racing lines through corners not expecting to see a cyclist/cyclists oncoming.

Definitely on for tagging in with a Boards Kerry/Cork spin when there's something on.

Anyone free on Sunday 2nd? Could be on for a 100km or so somewhere

Signal_ rabbit

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

Signal_Rabbit and myself are meeting on Monday the 27th for a spin, anyone who cares to join will be more than welcome.

The spin will start from the West Lodge outside Bantry @5:30 (flexible within reason I think). It will take in the Sheep's Head, out through Durras back via the Goats Path. Circa 40km,

Its a pretty flat route with only one 'climb' to mention. This route was picked as an introduction cycle so people will join in and can get to know one another without having to cycle too hard, it should suit all levels of cyclist.

The same guidelines as the Dublin spins, slowest rider sets the pace, group will hold/wait for everyone (no one left behind), plenty of breaks as required and I'll bring the fig rolls!!!

Cheers

This is planned for tomorrow if you are interested

CheGuedara

Sounds good, but got stuck in Dub. working this wkend

daroadlescycled

CheGuedara wrote: »

As someone who cycles all of those roads, either solo or with my club, I do need to say that they're perfectly safe, even in large groups.

I'd agree there are some alternative 2nd class routes that can be used to parallel most of them though, which while they can be more scenic I've had my fair share of experiences of close shaves with speeding local motorists taking racing lines through corners not expecting to see a cyclist/cyclists oncoming.

Definitely on for tagging in with a Boards Kerry/Cork spin when there's something on.

Anyone free on Sunday 2nd? Could be on for a 100km or so somewhere

My worry is more motorist related than cyclists.

The main roads without the hard shoulder are the worst like mentioned earler Inch/Castlemaine on a fine day is very very busy, and those of you who is fimiliar with Castleisland/Killarney road if you are travelling behind a car in your own car you cannot pass, then add 6/7 cyclists at there pace, the build up behind gets longer and longer, and as motorists are getting more impatient by the day one will try the impossible pass all before them no matter what.

I think where possible cyclists should select quieter roads where I feel the risk is a lot less, although as mentioned above some locals may not be expecting a cyclists on there patch.You will always here the oncoming car in country roads as it is so peacful.

ROK ON

@Che. I can't do Aug 2nd, but could do the bank holiday monday. Hoping for a long one, say 140km at least.
Let me know what folks think.
Also agree on the roads. I fought gales on my cycle this morning, but worst experience was the traffic going up Gap of Dunloe and thru Black Valley. A lot of oncoming jeeps simply would not slow and forced me into ditch (road only wide enough for one vehicle).

CheGuedara

@daroadlescycled - I see where you're coming from alright, it's just a matter of preference if one decides to avoid main routes with larger volumes of traffic i guess.

We'd still have 10-20 out on those roads and while you can have traffic build up at points when it's safe for us to do so we move to allow motorists to pass. Until that point they must wait to overtake safely, as they'd have to do the same behind a slow driver. Its a fact of cycling life unfortunately but we've rarely had any trouble from motorists as they're usually only delayed by a handful of minutes (if following us anyway).

True you might be able to hear a car coming on a small road but unless you've got some serious bat like echo-location skills going on that might not give away what side of the road they're coming around the corner on

@ ROK ON - Might give you a buzz re the Monday, Kenmare start?

ROK ON

@Che. I could drive to Killarney to meet you halfway if you wanted. Whatever suits.

CheGuedara

Cool, will let you know how things are looking before the end of the week

thebouldwhacker

Signal_ rabbit wrote: »

Just making sure everyone is still up for this spin Monday evening. Any other takers?

Yep still up for it, sorry for the slow reply....

thebouldwhacker

showry wrote: »

Just back from a week in lovely West Cork and got to tackle Mount Gabriel.

Thats that question answered:), gonna hit this during the week so. Well done on the spin and thanks for the post. Sorry I couldnt meet up just bad timing that I was 'inland' for the week...
next time:D

ROK ON

Where is that climb?

thebouldwhacker

Its the the hill (mountain?) between *EDIT* Skull and Durras at the start of the Mizen peninsula. It has two radar golf balls on it (big'uns, you can only start to imagine the conspiracy theories around here ) so its pretty visible.

thebouldwhacker

This be it

ROK ON

Prob used by Cork Airport.
There is a site like that on a hill overlooking Limerick - used as radar for Shannon Airport Air Traffic Contol.

I wonder are there any more in Ireland on high ground?

thebouldwhacker

That was a good spin, not sure which was worse, the outward headwind or the heard of cows on the decent.... Good to meet up with signal_rabbit & Joff, sorry I was late, gonna have to do something about work getting in the way of cycling...

Roll on the next spin, hope to have a few more boardsies there for it.

Signal_ rabbit

It was a good spin especially the near 50mph decent! It was good to see another Trek there! Lets hope we can get a few more for the next time.

thebouldwhacker

I nearly hit 80kph on the decent.... my own fault for letting you set the pace I guess:rolleyes:

thebouldwhacker

I Managed to hit Barley lake this evening, I nearly got to the top without stopping for a 'photo opportunity', 27 meters short, I came around the last hairpin to push up the last leg before the summit and I got hit by a headwind gale coming over the mountains and it just killed me. 3 km of up and I fell short by 27meters, amazed I made it at all tbh, Ive driven it, ran(ish) it now cycled it. I can honestly say none of the aforementioned have proven particularly enjoyable at the time:pac:

Anyway just wondering if anyone fancies a spin tomorrow evening? I'm hoping to get to the Naas spin on Sunday and tomorrow will probably be my last spin before it. I'm free anytime after 5 until sundown about 9:30. PM or post up.

Cheers

ROK ON

@bould.
Is barley lake the lake between Glengariff and the Caha Pass tunnels, ie on your left as you cycle out of GGariff.

Not around at the month, but will be down for 10 days from next week, so we must hook up for a spin if you are around.

thebouldwhacker

Yep thats the one. Here is a very rough map of it from Glengarriff, there are many more hairpins but its close enough.

Definitely meet up, post up when your about. Cheers

Signal_ rabbit

Barley lake! now there's a climb! What was the decent like? Love to do a spin this evening but can't I'm afraid as i have rellies over. Maybe next week?