As Larry Gogan would say, “They didn’t
suit you” as he offers a sympathetic voice to the contestants on the
RTE Just A Minute quiz. That could be said for me during the
Giants Causeway Coast Sportive. Not just 1, but 3 routes are on offer for
any keen cyclist. I opted for the ‘medium’ route, a 136km / 85mile route around the Glens and Coast of Co. Antrim in Northern Ireland. If you’ve never been to
this part of the country you’re missing out, there are sights to cherish
and behold.
I fell in love
with Cushendall and Cushendun during the summer when I took a staycation (a
holiday without leaving the island) and headed up to Northern
Ireland for a few days. It’s hard not to like a village when the locals
you meet are friendly and welcoming. There’s a real community feel in
Cushendall and Cushendun has a few hidden gems. The first is a cave
beside the beach which features in the Game of Thrones television series, a
friendly goat and Torr Head. A 16km narrow road that features 4 sections of
steep, pulsating ascents and max gradient reaching over 20%. This road hugs the
coastline and you're rewarded with spectacular views across the North Channel.
The Giants
Causeway Coast Sportive was in my head for almost a year. The day had
arrived and I headed off on my own to do the medium route and I was anxious. I
didn’t want to be a burden on anyone so I chose not to go with a group. My head
wasn’t in it and safe to say neither was my body, I woke up with lower
back and tummy cramps. A gentle rain had begun and the haze was drifting
through the sky, the various shades of green in the landscape resembled a
Crayola colouring kit. Riding through the Glens of Antrim I was upbeat but a
little cautious, I find the wet roads unpredictable.
The first food
station was at 38km/24miles in the village of Cushendall. Just like a kid I
went straight for the brightly coloured jellies and then picked up a chicken
and stuffing sandwich along with a nice cup of tea. Topped up with
some fuel and comfort from the tea I set off. I wasn’t long down the road
when I stopped to put on my rain coat, it was coming down hard and
heavy and it didn’t let up. Undeterred I kept
going! I’m disappointed to say but the rest is a blur, the surface water
on the roads distracted me. At 53km I glanced at my Garmin while simultaneously feeling
my toes immersed in a small puddle of water. My winter overshoe covers could no
longer protect me from the rain. For over 25km I just kept going, couldn’t eat,
couldn’t stop, grinding up the road and taking every short descent with such
ease as parts of the roads were flooded. By this stage my layers of insulation
had no effect. I was wet throughout; my back was aching and I just felt damp. I
was losing my love for the outdoors.
As I arrived at
the second food station on the Glenarm Estate the sun decided to make an
appearance. By this stage I was cold and my teeth were chattering. I just
about managed a half a sandwich and two chocolate and toffee squares before
deciding to hit the road. The ride along the Coast became refreshing and
upbeat, my spirits began to lift as I got with a group of cyclists. The fresh
sea air and the white horses crashing against the coast line reminded
me of how much I love it up here. A blink of the eye and I was back
in Cushendall. I said thanks to the lads I was with and let them off. Thawed
out a little, I took the Layde Road to Knockacarry at my leisure, stopping
to smell the roses.
Finally, I’m
back in Cushendun at the last food stop. There in black and white I was
reminded of the gradient of Torr Head. To date, I’ve done Wicklow Gap,
Mount Leinster, Glenmalure and Bendradagh to name a few, but could I do Torr
Head now? No, sadly the determination in me evaporated somewhere over the
Glens of Antrim. I was a broken woman with over 100km in the legs. I took
the easy route and opted for Easy Street. A long drag, bit of a
hill in parts but enjoyable despite the roaring head wind. As I came to the
crest of the road a deep voice shouted, your shelter has arrived.
With that I jumped on and grabbed a much-needed respite from a group of lads
from Dromore Cycling Club. We worked together and before long I could see
Ballycastle in the distance. At this stage, all I could think about was a hot
shower and bed.
With a little
disappointment, I completed my first Giants Causeway Coast Sportive. Hats
off, despite the day I had physically and mentally, this one should be on your
bucket list. There is something for everyone. The medium route is a tough
and hardy course. I would love to have experienced the roads during better
weather conditions, especially the descents. The scenery around these parts is
breath taking. This event is very well run, well marshalled (easily the biggest
fluorescent flags ever), excellent food stops during and post ride and the
finishers goodie bag from Chain Reaction Cycles was over flowing with goodies along
with a well-deserved finishers medal. Ballycastle is the headquarters for this
event and it also hosts an after party which takes place in O’Connor’s pub on
the main street. Brilliant craic, super music, great atmosphere and the
Guinness is mighty!
 |
| The gradient of Torr Head features in the medal |
I’ve two regrets; not stopping to take a picture with the marshal who sat
in his deck chair on the Altarichard Road and who cheered me on. Massive
chapeau to all the marshals on the day. The second regret, for not
going with a group from my club. We’ve a golden rule, we always wait at the top
of any climb, I wouldn't have been a burden like I thought. I know riding with
a group I would have been spurred on to try Torr Head. Every ride is different,
some conditions suit you, some don’t but I always feel I learn something. Now
more than ever, I'm gunning for Torr Head and I will be back!
LoveVelo
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