Ballybofey to Malin Head and the finish.

Woke this morning in Ballybofey with anticipation, apprehension, excitement and disbelief at what was in front of me today. I had tired legs and a sore body and had left myself 108km to the finish. Packing was easier this morning when I didn’t have to be too concerned were everything was.
A long steep drag out of town is my first encounter and thankfully Loretta is up to the task of making it easier for me. Rain is threatening but that’s not bothering me. The road levels out and becomes more downhill than uphill. So my average speed creeps up again as I whizz down into Letterkenny. 

I have half an arrangement to hook up with Paul, another CAS buddy who wants to travel a few miles with me. But that never worked out. The anticipation of riding with him, I haven't seen him in a while, sped me on a few more miles faster. So that was good. A very steep drop down into Letterkenny tested my brakes severely and also my wrists holding on tight. Then it was a turn away from the town and onwards to the sea and the Inishowen Peninsula. Beautiful views over the sea and the sun is now shining and I’m nicely warm.
 The village Burt for a coffee and a cake and a short relax before heading for Burnfoot and over the hill to Muff on the other side of the peninsula.
I had been to Muff before when I cycled on the Wild Atlantic Way.  Coming the other direction so I knew cycling down along the Foyle would be nice going and scenic. Seeing the sea again was a delight. Then after a few kilometres turning away again from it at Quigleys Point was a decision. I knew I had to climb whether I turned here or went on further to turn to Gleneely. I took what I considered the easier but longer option. A good decision I think. It was a stiff climb especially on my now wobbly legs. Cresting the hill I was in for a flat and downhill stretch to Carndonagh
Carndonagh was my next town and I felt the excitement when I see I have less than 20km to Malin Head and the finish. 

Time for a break and some sustenance. Apple tart and cream and coffee should do the job! Then it’s the final push. 

Malin village is only 6km away and it’s flat fast straight road. A natural break before a flat ride right along the Bay. 

I know there is a right turn coming which is going to take me into steep climbs. 

When it comes it’s a stinger for about 800 meters. 

I get a call from Monica who has arrived in Malin Head to greet me in. “I’m here! Where are you?”! 8km out! 

Then I see it in the distance. Looks straight ahead but the road isn’t going that way. Getting steeper in places now and menacing. 

Thoughts of the final climb to the summit of Mont Ventoux coming into my mind. I see cars at the top and people walking a bit higher up. The last kick, the snake of a short piece of road up to the tower. Even the cars are grinding up this stretch. Going slow climbing OMG! I’ll never get up there!
Granny gear make it work! Past the parked cars. Encouragement from drivers coming down. Can’t respond. Passed the cars in the carpark,  into pedestrians now. Kids! Get out of my way I can’t go around you. Can’t you see I’m choking here! 

Then there it is. The painted start/finish line, painted on the ground. Thank God for that! I’m finished!!

Last run into the Head

Monica came from Derry to meet me at the finish

Relaxing at Monica and Adrians home in Derry

The North Atlantic. Can't go any further!

Nearly there!

Who cares!!