Post by bigfoot on Mar 16, 2014 22:30:08 GMT
About 22+ out on a very blustery but pleasantly warm day. In fact probably the first day in many the winter gear could have been shed, as many were overheating in the sunshine.We were basically blown from Brennans to Ardgalss via Ballykinlar, sitting without effort at 25+ mph and that was taking it easy, as we realised the return would be more sapping.
It has to be said the views today surpassed the usual beauty, with the low sun giving the Mournes a deep rich tapestry of golden browns and greens, contasting with the azure blue water, topped by whispy white tops as the wind played with the waves. The section from St johns lighthouse is always beautiful, but today it was a shame to cycle away. Sam Kane suggested if the road had a better surface this would be one of the epic, must do cycle routes in Ireland and he is dead right. We take it for granted because its our regular run and aren't we lucky!
After the usual banter and coffee/sausage baps etc we set off in the sun, for strangford which was interesting as the wind was blowing broadside and was exciting when we passed any openings in the hedge!
From Strangford we headed towards the Quoile at a steady pace. Cyling at the front with Ollie, he michieviously suggested we peel off for Saul, to guage the reaction. We were sure the Annacloy Flyer, Adrian, would at least want to see how his cube would roll up Saul hill 
Pandemonium followed with squeals of brakes and squeals of horror!! That way?! Why you guys going that way?! So myself and Ollie laughed our way over a few mounds, before meeting the sheepish bunch yarning in the sun, the flyer suggesting his cube had a brain programmed to avoid large bumps! 
I left the rest at the quoile bridge as I wanted to enjoy a few more miles, heading over to the coast once again to soak up some more of those amazing views. It was only when I headed up along the coast road past Tyrella that I really felt the full force of todays Howl and had to work incredibly hard just to move through the wall of constant wind. I baled out and headed over Scollags as the dark clouds gathered from the S/W, my legs now burning with fatigue, the best of the day over but what a great day.
Thanks to all for the craic and another great day on the bike
