IRELAND E2E: 05/22/19

A late start because the B&B didn't serve breakfast until 9.00am. However we were organised and out at Mizen Head for the back of 10.00am. A cloudy but dry morning with a south westerly breeze, perfect. Stunning, rugged scenery, just like Scotlands West coast. No-one about but this colourfully dressed friendly gentleman. Didn't like to ask for his photo so took it when his back was turned !

At Mizen Head there is a shop and cafe but all closed when we arrived, a few photos and I was on the road, eager to get started. Maybe it was the adrenaline but within a couple of miles I took a wrong turn, Mr Garmin kept telling me I was off course but I knew better, not. Eventually I came to a dead end and had to turn back. Within another couple of miles I took another wrong turn but looking at the map I could see a way to join up with the correct route so kept going. Ireland is a warren of lanes and side roads so lesson is, trust Mr Garmin and keep my eyes peeled. However, this second mistake proved a blessing as this route turned out to be the most picturesque of the whole day. Sweeping inlets and rocky cliffs, quiet back roads with very little traffic. Soon I reached the N71, just like our A roads but although the traffic was fast, wasn't too busy and gave me a wide berth. After 30 miles I reached Bantry and decided I better stop for lunch, found a nice pub and sat outside, Fuzzy Felt (my Bike) beside me. So far the route had been undulating but I knew the best had been saved for last, the Priest's Leap. An Irish Cyclist had advised me to do it, said the views were spectacular... the man must be a sadist. I have cycled over the Bealach na Ba, the highest mountain pass in Britain, also cycled Mount Tiede, the highest mountain in Europe but this was worse. The ramps were so steep I knew just by looking there was no way I could cycle up, I walked, something I never do. At times I felt physically sick. Eventually, thankfully I reached the top but the Priest wasn't finished with me yet.....the descent was hair raising. In places almost vertical, I was frightened to cycle down but knew there was no way I could walk down, too steep. So with my left foot unclipped I went for it and of course lived to tell the tale arriving safely in Kenmare. Murray had had a good day. After waving me off, he drove 61 miles to Kenmare then cycled 35 miles round Beara Way. Kenmare is a bustling town with dozens of pubs. After a lovely fish pie in one, followed by a 99 Mr Whippy Ice cream I am recovered, resting now in another lovely B&B. The Irish are so friendly and welcoming, they sometimes struggle with my accent and me with them but we get by. First day, all good.