Mizen or Sheeps?

mcallaghan

In Bantry. Spending two nights here, so tomorrows ride can be with out lugging around all that extra weight. Went from Kenmare to Bantry today, over the Caha pass. 30 odd miles, but I hate the wind. I think I have it in me to do 50 miles in a day with panniers, so am wondering what I should do tomorrow.

Should I ride Sheeps Head in my own time...30 miles...and take in the views? Enjoy rest of day in Bantry, perhaps just relax and let the legs rest.
Should I ride down to Mizen Head, which would be a 40 odd mile roundtrip?

Don't think I can do 60 miles (both of them).

mcallaghan

No suggestions?

Plastik

Mizen, stop in Schull.

studiorat

I did Sheeps head last year. Seems to be a regular training circuit for the locals. Nice, not to much traffic. Dunno what it would be like today though.

mcallaghan

Late start today. Miserable grey and raining this morning but starting to clear up now. I think I'll do Sheeps Head, counterclockwise.

studiorat

picked up a bit. How'd it go?

mcallaghan

I managed to ride during the 3 hours or so the sun was out. Certainly some amazing views and I went up The Goats Path - talk about steep! Glad I didn't have panniers with me as that was quite the clim based on steepness. Got a light spattering - barely noticed it - on the climb as a small storm moved off the Beara Pennisula and went mostly out to Sea.

Sheeps Head has really made me realize how small the country is - the Beara Pennisula on the North Side, and Mizen Head on the South. I could see Cape Clear and the Fastnet Lighthouse from the top of The Goats Path which was quite amazing. The ride back was relatively flat to Durrus, but then a nice little climb back into Bantry. Legs a bit sore from the previous two days of drawn out climbing, but it was finally nice to ride with the sun and a decided lack of Wind.

Of course, said Wind has now shifted so it'll be in my face Tomorrow as start my Northward Journey.

Starting to feel a bit lonely though. Since I started a week ago, I've only seen 3, maybe 4 cyclists, and all heading the other way. Saw Tandem-tourers coming down Molls Gap as I was going up (they had a Bob, which must be terrible on these roads) and two drowned-rat looking cyclists heading into Dingle as I was heading out (the roads were drenched in the area they were coming from). Otherwise, thats it.

Max_Charger

I'm lucky enough to be from Bantry myself and do a lot of cycling down there when I'm at home. Sheeps head would be a regular route of mine, If I had seen this thread earlier I would have given you the options for goats path, long and steep or short and very steep, If you went counter clockwise like you said then you picked the former. Fantastic route alright.

studiorat

Oh yeah. I forgot it was very steep as well! Sounds like a nice day.

feck sake lads

did you take any photos at all.

mcallaghan

Yeah - took some pictures. Hard to do sometimes though - might be in a rythym going up a hill, looking at some views, but don't want to stop to take a picture. I did take a few from that point with the sign (Fastnet Lighthouse etc) and I've posted a very few on my blog. Packing up right now to get on the road in next 45 mins hopefully...50 mile jaunt over to Allihies today. Going to be a long day I think.

feck sake lads

wont be a long day at all take things easy enjoy, your in no hurry.and the weather is going to pick up later on. so plenty of stops for tea/coffee/guinness .:cool:

mcallaghan

I bailed today a little after Glengariff. I can't get a break with the Wind. 10 days in and all 10 days its been in my face. So, did maybe 12 - 15 miles today before bailing, got a taxi from Glengariff to Kenmare. Should be an easy day to Sneem tomorrow from here (20km I think) so won't need to change those plans. From there to Cahersiveen...should be able to do that on the direct route...and then onto Kilorglin (again) instead of going all the way up to Ballybunion.

ustazjoseph

mcallaghan wrote: »

I bailed today a little after Glengariff. I can't get a break with the Wind. 10 days in and all 10 days its been in my face. So, did maybe 12 - 15 miles today before bailing, got a taxi from Glengariff to Kenmare. Should be an easy day to Sneem tomorrow from here (20km I think) so won't need to change those plans. From there to Cahersiveen...should be able to do that on the direct route...and then onto Kilorglin (again) instead of going all the way up to Ballybunion.

The main road from caherciveen is a bit of a drag. harder work but more fun is the "block" beallach oisin -route
through the hills, big tough climb but great country