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Post by max on Oct 9, 2014 18:54:58 GMT
Sunday looks a good day and with winter closing in there will be less chance of getting into hills so suggesting going to Rostrevor via Coiley Hill. Meet at Castlewellan car park on left coming from Clough at top of Mill Hill leaving at 9.30 sharp. Kilcoo Hilltown and then little used back roads to top of Coiley Hill and down to Rostrevor. Coffee at Old School cafe then back up other route up Coiley Hill and down Yellow road and on to Bryansford then Castlewellan. Route is quite demanding with two relatively steep and long hills about 42 miles and 3500 feet climb. For those wanting a slower pace and less climb I have alternative route which goes down main road from Hilltown to Rostrevor and back up past Santas Grotto Rd as used in Shimna sportive but without Spelga Dam ! about 36 miles and 2500 feet. Otherwise go to Brennans as normal and do your own thing. If you intend to come it would be helpful to indicate and if there are large numbers I will order scones. connect.garmin.com/modern/course/8164846 easier connect.garmin.com/modern/course/8164877 |
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Post by max on Oct 12, 2014 15:24:36 GMT
Quite a challenging ride today. About 18 out at castlewellan. A glorious autumnal day with blue skies and great visibility. Split at Hilltown with some going down the main road while rest set off up the Yellow Road and on up Coiley Hill with much grunting and puffing. Stunning views across the hills and then fast descent down to Rostrevor and coffee in Old School House. Absolutely packed with cyclists from Dundalk there as well but great scones. Then back up Coiley again to an even harder climb. First time I had done it and in Steve H and also my opinion the toughest climb in Down. Back to Castlewellan. A really memorable day out and thoroughly enjoyed a deserved glass or two of wine to celebrate. We missed that chap who chose to roll around in the mud in Belfast and also Shane who would have loved Coiley. 40 miles for me and 3100 feet but climbing was all in two intensive bursts, Away for two weeks now, so you can take it easy.
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Post by Stevo on Oct 13, 2014 14:54:48 GMT
don't know how you avoided the rest of the ascent and miles Max, but I ended with 65 miles and 4500' of ascent.
I have not been so busted in 2 or 3 years, I actually tried to get to the front of the rotation on the way up to the theirafurth in Kilcoo, stood up on the pedals and nothing, I mean absolutely nothing, found I had to sit down or fall down. maybe I should have taken it a bit easier given the duration of my layoff..... sometimes you live and learn, or in my case... just live..
Cheers Max, good route.
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