Up early this morning for a spin among the Wicklow hills. The weather was
near perfect - overcast but dry, cool and, most importantly, barely a breath
of wind.
My route went by Glencullen, Glencree, the Sally Gap, Laragh, the Wicklow
Gap, around Pollaphuca reservoir, back up the Sally Gap from another side,
Glencree, Glencullen, and home.
The sun speared through more and more as the day wore on. The high hills
were beautiful, the blanket bog all black/brown/red. The lower slopes gorse
yellow and green. A great day to be out on a near silent vehicle going
slowly enough to take in the surroundings.
It was by far my toughest ride of the year so far - 5 proper climbs, of
which the highest was (I think) the Sally Gap at 500m, and 87 miles covered
in 8 hours.
I'll feel it tomorrow.
By the way, has anybody cycled up to the RTE mast at Kippure? The road says
"private - closed to vehicles" but at 750m it's very tempting - it must be
the highest bit of tarmac around here.
tony R.