I didn’t think it possible.........!

I didn’t think in all my years riding a bike, that you could get this wet outside of a swimming pool.

I left Goleen this morning in beautiful weather. What breeze there was was behind me and all was good. I was a little apprehensive setting out because I did know what was in front of me really. But I headed off at a nice gentle pace to get used to the rig that is Loretta, my bike. Durrus was my first marker then 14km onwards to Bantry.

My friend Gerry, who lives in Bantry, knew I was coming through and met me on the road between Bantry and Durrus. We pulled into a hotel in Bantry and he treated me to coffee and scones and we had a good catchup with his wife Lorraine and his dad Olan.

Leaving  Bantry it started to rain. Gently at first but before long it was heavy, then it went torrential!

Arriving in Glengarriff it was heaping it down. I wanted to stop there but seeing I was already soaked through and dripping I thought it better to keep going up the Caha Pass.

I didn’t think the rain could get worse ! But worse it got! Wasn’t taking time to come down! It was ‘stair rods’! No shelter either. Not that shelter would have done the job. I was already soaked through. At least it wasn’t cold! That was a blessing if there were any blessings going a-begging!

The Caha Pass is a nice gentle drag, not too taxing normally but as I got up the fog was coming to meet me and before long visibility was down to about 20 meters. I had to ride aggressively well out from the edge of the road so cars and those dreadful camper vans, could see me early.

Going over the top I wasn’t aware that it was the top. Which is quite disappointing because I know there is fabulous views from up there. 

The descent is a joy as I remember from the Rebel Tour of years ago. But this time I could take no chances being as I was, still in a fog with a river of water running down the road. My wrists were sore holding tight to the brakes.

 Kenmare appeared out of the mist and I just had to find a coffee stop. If only to dry my glasses. Coffee, cake and a decision to forget Molls Gap as it too was shrouded in the clouds and invisible. I decided instead to head for Healy-Rea country and go around the gap. Longer but safer in the end. I was used to the lashing rain by now and I definitely wasn’t getting any wetter. With it still heaping it down and water flowing from every origice I rolled into Killarney.

The tourist office was my destination. But I soon found out that they don’t do booking for you anymore.! What’s the point I ask myself. Wanted to load me down with brochures and suggested I get onto Bookings.com! 😄 Thanks but no thanks! Leaving a huge puddle in front of his desk, I took my leave.

Around the corner, a hotel! Single room? No problem! Sorted!

In the room to survey water damage! Thankfully, my panniers held out the wet for the most part. But there was some seepage. Clothes hanging everywhere now. Even over the Telly!

First thing was a hot soak in the bath and a washout of my smalls! In the bath 😎😄. No pride here !😃. Then down for some much needed food while listening to paddy-wackery music. 

Tomorrow I’m hoping to make Ennis but I haven’t seen the forecast yet. 

I think it was a mistake bringing only one pair of shoes/cycling shoes. Wet feet in the morning no matter what. But! The sun will be shining tomorrow! I’m convinced of it 😎

My CAS friend Gerry and Loraine and Alan his dad in Bantry for a catch-up

 

Blanket fog on top of Caha pass

A 'commissaire' on the Pass