Ring of Kerry solo

romperstomper

hi all,

i'm planning a trip to kenmare. I see its one of the checkpoints on the ring of kerry. I can cycle 130km on a long (flatish) spin (would be tired at the end mind). so:

* how long is the ring of kerry?
* is there a better map than this: http://www.ringofkerrytourism.com/ring-of-kerry-map.html
* ok to cycle it solo if I start when it @9am within the next week or two?
* any advice? must see sights? rip off merchants to avoid?

thanks a mil!

c50

romperstomper wrote: »

hi all,

i'm planning a trip to kenmare. I see its one of the checkpoints on the ring of kerry. I can cycle 130km on a long (flatish) spin (would be tired at the end mind). so:

* how long is the ring of kerry?
* is there a better map than this: http://www.ringofkerrytourism.com/ring-of-kerry-map.html
* ok to cycle it solo if I start when it @9am within the next week or two?
* any advice? must see sights? rip off merchants to avoid?

thanks a mil!

180km

101 different maps on google images and various websites

i dont so why it wouldnt be ok to cycle within next week or two if unpredictable weather doesnt bother you too much (have your winter gear- presumably youll have panniers)

not an expert for must see sights, will leave to other people to answer that

havent heard of any scams or rip off merchants, i mean its kerry

if you can do 130km ok, you should be able to plod along for more miles than you expect if necessary. i think anyone that can do 110/120km reasonable enough should be able for 180km. just really important, whether your own preference food or gels/bars make sure you keep carb loaded from the start. try start the day with eggs or porridge or something high in carbs. youll get food knock if you dont do this so keep eating if you dont feel hungry and of course hydrated but thats usually not an issue

also most important of all, enjoy!

smacl

For my money, it is not the most interesting cycle you can do in that area by a long way, in fact I'd say it is one of the less interesting routes. My favourite circuit from Kenmare would be Sneem-BallaghBeama-Glencar-Balligisheen-Waterverville-Sneem-Kenmare. Not quite so long, but plenty strenuous with a couple of decent climbs, great descents and breathtaking scenery. Another would be Kenmare-Caha pass-Glengarrif-Adrigole-Healy pass-Kenmare. There are many, many others, all of which yield a better day out on the bike than the ROK IMHO.

romperstomper

lovely, especially if the cycle was around the 100km mark (or a bit less) i could persuade herself to come along.

emphasis on scenery and safety then, whats the best routes starting and ending in kenmare?

kerry4sam

smacl wrote: »

...Another would be Kenmare-Caha pass-Glengarrif-Adrigole-Healy pass-Kenmare. There are many, many others, all of which yield a better day out on the bike than the ROK IMHO.

This route here would get my vote over the Ring of Kerry when cycling solo.

I would never have completed the ROK Charity Cycle 2013 without the lad I was cycling with this year, and of course the pain-killers I had to take en route for my back pain

It can be 180km long, mentally draining cycle man without company simply because of the surrounds. They are not, imo, the same as those in West Cork where I used to do my training. Simply amazing, second to none surrounds, even in the rain and with the wind against you by the coast.

romperstomper wrote: »

hi all,

i'm planning a trip to kenmare. I see its one of the checkpoints on the ring of kerry. I can cycle 130km on a long (flatish) spin (would be tired at the end mind). so:

* how long is the ring of kerry?
* is there a better map than this: http://www.ringofkerrytourism.com/ring-of-kerry-map.html
* ok to cycle it solo if I start when it @9am within the next week or two?
* any advice? must see sights? rip off merchants to avoid?

thanks a mil!

~ 180km cycle
~ Yes. Loo at Maymyride as so many have uploaded their links/maps year in year out from the ROK Charity Cycles
~ The weather is a week or two is as yet unknown. Have yourself prepared in event you decide to take it on with few days notice of okay weather
~ No rip-off merchants to be found in Kerry, none at all. You'll be grand
~ Plenty to see en route around, nothing out of the way as such, but Ballinskelligs would be nice to visit. A detour off the Ring of Kerry (take in the Chocolate factory for some lovely sugary boost) Roads around that part are not suitable for coaches, so would be other cyclists and cars only.

Hope that helps in some way, & Safe n Happy Peddling!
kerry4sam

funnights74

Route with profile. Very do-able solo just take it handy.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1474563

ROK ON

The most boring route beginning and ending in Kenmare is the Ring of Kerry route - dull for the most part.

Highly recommend the following:
1. Ring of Beara: Kenmare - Tousist - Kilmacilogue - Adrigole - Eyeries - Allihies Castletownbere - Adrigole - Healy Pass - Lauragh - Kenmare. Circa 120k. Must sees - stunning cottages in Eyeries village - lovely tea and tart in a small shop in town. Stunning scenery between Eyerires and Castletownbere. Healy Pass is great.

2. Kenmare - Caha Pass - Glengariff - Comhola - Borlin Valley - Kilgarvan Kenmare. My favourite cycle. Just great. Stop for coffee in Mannings of Ballylickey. 80km. Also try Benoit Lorges chocolates in his shop in Bonane.

3. Kenmare - Kilgarvan - Morleys Bridge - Top of Coom - Mouth of the Glen - Ballingeary - Gougane Barea (short detour unmissable) - Pass of Keiminagh - Borlin Valley - Kilgarvan - Kenmare

4. Kenmare - Molls Gap - - Ladies View - Killarney - Beaufort - Gap of Dunloe - Black Valley - Molls Gap - Kenmare

5. Kenmare - Molls Gap (turn left for Sneem at the gap) - Blackwater church (9k from Molls) - Ballaghbeama - Glencar - Ballaghisheen - Waterville - Coomakiste - Caherdaniel - Sneem - Kenmare
Staigue fort is worth a visit.

6. Caragh Lake - stunning loop around a stunning lake - very close to Killorglin.

Enjoy and I hope the weather is dry.

romperstomper

funnights74 wrote: »

Route with profile. Very do-able solo just take it handy.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1474563

THE TRIP YOU ARE TRYING TO VIEW IS PRIVATE.

IF YOU ARE THE OWNER, MAKE SURE YOU ARE LOGGED INTO YOUR ACCOUNT. OTHERWISE, CONTACT THE OWNER. IF YOU CAME HERE FROM ANOTHER WEBSITE, CONTACT THE OWNER OF THAT WEBSITE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM.

funnights74

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/300052

smacl

romperstomper wrote: »

lovely, especially if the cycle was around the 100km mark (or a bit less) i could persuade herself to come along.

emphasis on scenery and safety then, whats the best routes starting and ending in kenmare?

First off, +1 on all ROK_ON's routes, truly fantastic cycling. One thing to be aware of is that if you're used to cycling on the flat, do not judge these routes based on distance alone. Look at a contour map, and factor in some extra time and effort for the lumpy bits. I'm slow enough on the bike, and would allow 5-6 hours per 100k on this type of terrain, as opposed to 4-5 on flatter country. Part of the beauty of some of these routes is also that they're very remote and see very little traffic, so make sure to bring sufficient food, water, spare tubes, lights, etc... Enjoy!!!