Time 2hr 20 min
Speed 18.7 km/hr
Av Heart Rate 119 bpm (beats per minute)
Calories 1317
Punctures 0
Well, the journey has started. met tadhg in Tipp outside the Abbey and we transferred to Mizen Head within 4 hours including a lunch stop in Skibereen. (You realise that Diesel is only 1.20 a litre in the garages in Skibereen) Glorious sunshine at Mizen and the carpark almost full. I assembled the machine and bid Tadhg adieu. Very grateful to him for the transfer down. He has done his bit for this cycle and the cause.
To make the trip complete (every friggin inch) I intended to go out to the lighthouse at the very Head. But repairs are being done to the bridge and closed to the public till next Nov at least (since last Nov). But did view the lighthouse from the museum.
I was invited to sign the special book there for individuals/groups eithr starting or finishing a Mizen/Malin trip. So it's there for posterity.
Outside I met up with and had a short chat with another cyclist who was just finishing (or rather at the half way point) For Multiple Schlerosis he ahd cycled from Malin to Mizen and en route had climbed Slieve Donard (highest in N Ireland) and Carrauntohil. Now he is off to do Lands End to John O Groats and climd Snowdon (Wales), Scafell Pike (England) and Ben Nevis (Scotland). So, I'm not the only one stone mad. It takes all types. On the way down near Bandon we met a group (Mizen2Malin) who are doing the whole trip in 3 days (staying in Cashel tonight).
Beautiful sunshine as I passed by Barleycove with quite a few on the beach. A lovely country when the sun shines. Just there, I spotted a Cordelion tree that hadn't been killed by the severe frosts (Is this a record?)
Road surfaces were very good all along with plenty of small sharp hills....some at 8 or 9% in places. I was really taken by the flowers (wild and cultivated) on the route. Now, I am not a flower person - more of a vegetable man - but they really caught the eye with very healthy Hydrangas, Roses, Aubretia and planty Fuschia of course in this part of the country.
Beautiful views after leaving Toormore and crossing over to Durrus. Dunmanus Bay was majestic. Made a short stop in Durrus for a calorie upload.
It's a lovely approach into Bantry along the waterfront with plenty of craft.
A lovely short first day. Hope the sunshine continues fora few more days.
Thank God for the health and for the energy.