Malin 2 Miserable - The Final Nail in the Coffin

Day 3 - Kilrush to Mizen - Endgame

September 25, 2021

Our start on the Sunday was dictated by the ferry at Killimer, so after breakfast the group rolled down to the ferry port and waited for the first ferry. It was a relaxed start to the day, something the group needed after 550km done and another 180km to do, with the biggest climbs of the 3 days back loaded to the end of the route! Whilst waiting, the blank cheque undertook running repairs on the actual foreign guys bike and actually got it back in working order! 

After landing in Kerry off the ferry, we were greeted with a dull misty day, but the roads were quiet and we had some semblance of a tailwind, so the miles were being racked up and the humour was good, that and a car had splashed a load of cow shit all over the hammer merchant, nothing brings such joy and happiness to the group than seeing the misery of others, that coupled to the fact that it had happened to a member of the group of who had dolled out more than his fair share of misery to the group over the years, meant there was very little sympathy. 

We stopped for what was probably the worst food stop of the three days, at a miserable petrol station, in a rainy Tralee on a Sunday morning, this didn't help the mood, also the traffic was picking up and the group was starting to annoy some motorists whose time was clearly more important than our safety, the group was edgy and after a quick pit stop to let the long line of cars that had built up behind us by, words within the group were exchanged, the why and who will remain between us, but suffice to say, morale was at its lowest.

We decided in Killarney, that due to the climb ahead of us, on a narrow, winding and busy road and the fact that half the group was going to kill each other, that we would climb molls gap individually or in small groups. This, in hindsight, was a masterstroke, everyone benefitted from "alone time" on what surely must be one of the nicest climbs in the country, the scenery was spectacular, the surface pristine, even the gradient wasn't too sleep, this was the panacea the group badly needed, upon cresting Molls, the group descended into Kenmare in ones and twos to what would be the nicest stop of the 3 days, at a lovely lunch, the group were friends again as we set off on the last leg of the trip. 

Despite facing into the toughest climb of the trip, the Caha pass, the group was on a high and though tired, were pulling as one again. This didn't last long however, as the angry man was starting to really find his legs and the shenanigans heading into Killarney had not left his mind. Just as he was winding up to put in a dig on the climb, he punctured, and was highly insulted when, half of the group that he wanted to blow out the back, didn't wait for him to fix the puncture. Those that did wait with him, had to talk him down off the ledge as the puncture was fixed and we got back on our way. Thankfully he didn't catch the group and the magnificence of the scenery had distracted him by the time we reached the top.

And then, we descended into glengariff on what must be the most epically beautiful ribbon of road in Ireland, we regrouped at the bottom and continued on towards Bantry whereupon we met the Road Captains parents who had made the spin down to cheer us on and take a few photos (and provide a well received slab of beer!!) This gesture perked the group up and with the finish in sight, the sun setting ahead of us and roads quiet, the group felt like it was floating along. Apart from the Farmer, who had substituted solpadines for energy drinks in his bidons and was actually floating along, in his own world!

Not even a puncture could dampen spirits at this stage and soon we were rolling into Mizen Head, in that state of wrecked elation that always comes after such epic events. The beers were cracked open, the hugs and handshakes given, the photos taken and the realisation set in of the enormity of the cycle. We didn't pick the easiest route or in the easiest direction, but this is what made the trip, and we did it altogether, and in a major departure for the group and despite the best efforts of some of the group!!

Never doing it again though.......