Time: 5 hrs 11 mins
Av Speed : 19.5 km/hr
Av Heart rate : 125 bpm
Calories Burned: 3386
Punctures: 0
Breakfast at 7.30 and on the road by 8.20.It was a clear, bright crisp morning with a blue sky. Looked promising. Further info in my diesel-spy work; E1.19 a litre at Texaco on the Glengarrif Road. At Bally lickey after 5 km I had my last view of the sea till next Tuesday when I reach Derry.
Carriganass Castle at Piersons Bridge was a scenic spot in the early stages of todays journey. From Kealkill the climb started. It was steady and not too taxing so early in the day. Finally, the pass at Keimeneigh (Ceim an Fhia) is a geographical feature noted in literature, legend and history. At the Pass is a monument to The 6 Whiteboys that were killed in the Battle of Keimeneigh 1822. I enjoyed the drop down from the Pass; it seemed much longer than the climb.
Now for the first detour of the day to beautiful Guagan Barra, the site of St Finbarr's hermitage. At this hour (9.30) the place was so quiet and peaceful - only one car and a campervan with the blinds still down. I tarried here for longer than usual taking in the surroundings. Just shows that St Finbarr (though a Corkman) had exquisite taste. While here I spoke to Tipp Mid West Radio to give an update on progress. Will do the same tomorrow around 11 am.
Then , it was on through Ballingeary (in Cork Gaeltacht) and I glad to report that building has restarted on the new GAA complex that had to be demolished due to subsidence. Very few hills as I cycled along by the peaceful dammed water of the Lee. Difficult to imagine such a calm body of water doing such damage in Cork city last winter.
Just about now, the clouds moved in covering up the beautiful blue but they were not of the rain-bearing threatening type. The day was still pleasant.
Macroom (Magh Cromtha) was the next large centre of population along the route at the 58 km mark. Another 10 km brought me to lunch stop at Coachford.
From Coachford it was onto minor roads and some climbing on the direct route to mallow.
After Donoghmore, I came across alocal connection. In 2008, I discovered a Tipperary in Missouri. Today I discovered a New Tipperary in Cork. I hadn't been aware ot its existence. A small village with its Welcome signs and Traffic Calming and GAA pitch. So, in local games you have Cork people shouting for (New) Tipperary and in inter-county games there are (New) Tipperary people shouting for Cork. Is ait an mac an saol.
At this part (85 km) i was on high ground between the Boggeragh Mts (on left) and the Nagles (on the right) . But standing higher than any of them in the mid distance were the Galtees and Galteemore.
Just before the village of Bweeng, I made another short detour to visit family friends. Unfortunately, no one at home.
At 2.20 pm I cycled into Mallow and had no difficulty locating the B&B that I had booked. A nice warm shower was never as welcome.
Another most enjoyable day of cycling and all for a good cause. Tomorrow it's the Trip to Tipp. Will be there at 12 noon.
Thank God for the health and for the energy.