Mizen to Malin Head practicalities.

galwayguy85

Hey Guys

Am currently thinking of taking it on this summer. Will likely be doing it solo on my Trek 1.2. Fed of going abroad and wandering around on foot visiting museums and the like, just to come home out of condition.

The longest I've travelled in one day is about 100 km, so I'd like to think I have some appreciation of the slog that is involved.

What I want to get the low-down on is, how much gear to carry, how much to budget for, how to get the bike and myself back down to the South once the journey is over? Other related bit and pieces.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Will.

Coronal

The trip's about 600 km long, so as long as you take your time, it should be fine. Doing 100 km a day is nice and light, maybe 120 if you need/want to.

How much gear: not a lot. 5 kg or so. You don't need much. Rain jacket, 1 set spare cycling kit, some very light off the bike stuff and a pair of flip/flops or light shoes. Stuff to wash. That's about it really. Assuming that this is a credit card card tour and you'll be staying in B&Bs, that is...

In terms of budget, it's how much you want to make it. Maybe 10 euro per meal or so, plus accommodation, and probably snacks.

Getting back: train is probably the easiest. Bus eireann are also pretty good about taking bikes in my experience and only sometimes charge for it.

In general, enjoy it. I find paper maps useful to take on trips in case you get a little lost or just want some reassurance. Good camera and something to read along the way are also nice. And good weather Enjoy it!

galwayguy85

Cool. Thanks for the feedback Coronal. The whole venture seems more possible already.

MajesticDonkey

I know a lad doing it next week over 6 days, so it's completely manageable for the casual cyclist. I also know a lad doing it in 2 weeks' time in 24 hours straight.

MB Lacey

If you do this, please report back. It sounds amazing, way better than shuffling round museums!
I'd love to work towards something similar, especially after coronal's post which made it seem very do-able.

Wishbone Ash

Coronal wrote: »

train is probably the easiest

I think the last train left Co Donegal in the 1950's.

The nearest stations would be Derry or Sligo.

meercat

killalanerr did this recently

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=84311222


best of luck and keep us updated

cdaly_

Yep. You won't get a bus north of Carndonagh either. IIRC, Quigley's bus does Carn to Dublin in about 5 hours.

I think the train from Derry follows the coast around to Belfast so it won't be the quickest way back.

galwayguy85

Thanks for the support guys. My two weeks hols are at the end of July. Still a few weeks away.

I think I'll try and supplement my on-the-road training with some spinning classes.

My aunt lives in Co Tyrone, close to Donegal border, she may be albe to help get me home... we'll see.

NIMAN

If you need a cuppa and a shower after its all over, give me a shout, live a few miles away.

Wishbone Ash

You could cycle back!



Only joking - good luck with it. Perhaps some Boardsies along the route could offer their assistance if you have a major mechanical or other inconvenience.

notuslimited

Hi Wishbone Ash. Funny story. Many moons ago I found myself visiting my sister who was teaching English in Tokyo. We went to the Hard Rock Cafe and lo and behold, guess who was doing some promotion work there, only your namesake. I knew one or two records of their's back in the day and met one of the band at the Bar, and after a bit of chat he invited us to join the band for a few drinks. A couple of hours later and with a pile of free booze on board, I fell out of the place.

Anyway back on track. I am doing the Malin to Mizen in Sept with the Cross Rugby Legends. How does this way from top to bottom differ in any way from bottom to top weather wise?

Wishbone Ash

notuslimited wrote: »

Hi Wishbone Ash. Funny story. Many moons ago I found myself visiting my sister who was teaching English in Tokyo. We went to the Hard Rock Cafe and lo and behold, guess who was doing some promotion work there, only your namesake. I knew one or two records of their's back in the day and met one of the band at the Bar, and after a bit of chat he invited us to join the band for a few drinks. A couple of hours later and with a pile of free booze on board, I fell out of the place

Nice onel! Only saw them live once - in the Olympia in the late 1980's. Their Argus album is just flawless IMO. It's one of the few albums that I managed to wear out several times over in vinyl and cassette in the pre-CD era.

JayRoc

notuslimited wrote: »

Anyway back on track. I am doing the Malin to Mizen in Sept with the Cross Rugby Legends. How does this way from top to bottom differ in any way from bottom to top weather wise?

I've done both a good few times and Mizen to Malin almost always results in better conditions, wind specifically. Clare always seems to blow you to buggery no matter which way you're going, but.