On the road just after 9.00am, better. Not so good was a warm, fine drizzle, still it wasn’t torrential, be positive. Heading from Cork into Kerry today and wondering whether to stick to my planned route of back roads, again advised by the Irish Cycling sadist or find an alternative. Firstly, I headed for Molls Gap on a surprising quiet main road, near the Gap I spotted a man pushing a pram packed with his worldly goods. I stopped to chat and received a warm welcome from Paul Llewelyn Franklin ( see. Facebook ) who is cycling/walking from Mizen Head to Malin Head and back again for Spinal Fusion. We had a great chat, he much admired the lightness of my bike, and I gave him all the change in my purse for his cause. Puts my little outing in perspective !! Although he didn’t go over Priests Leap !! At Molls Gap I had to decide back roads or main road “ Oh what the hell, back roads “. I am so glad I did as this led me through the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks Range and the Gap of Dunloe, absolutely stunning. Met a German cyclist heading for Killarney, he asked ME for directions lol. The rain had gone off, the mist clung to the mountains, so atmospheric, silent... then as I crested my last ridge a horse and trap appeared round the corner. Perfect, struggling to get camera out. Then another three traps appeared....carrying tourists over the Gap. The drivers all greeting me and asking how I was. Just great, to be sure. The hills were hard but all doable today, no walking, so pleased I made the decision to come this way. Now on to more farming land, mostly cows and sheep, making good progress. Legs have felt fine but yesterday had sore shoulders and lower back, cramping fingers after braking hard, all par for the course. I had planned to stop about 30 miles for lunch but as I was in the middle of nowhere carried on to Tralee, 40 miles in, nearly finished. Walked into a Spar with Fuzzy, bought a sandwich, and found a table. Couldn’t be bothered locking him up outside and no one said a word, why should they ? Had been in touch with Murray so with a few miles to go he cycled out to meet me and guided me to B&B on the coast at Ballyheigue. Again our B&B has a wonderful view. Enjoyed today, everyone so friendly, farmers, gardeners, walkers.... all greeting me or giving a wave. Still loving it, all good.
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| Paul admiring my bike. |
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| Paul's Adventures |
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| Gap of Dunloe |
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| Molls Gap |
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| Traps on Gap of Dunloe |
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| Fuzzy in the Spar |
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| View from B&B...Ballyheigue |
