Day 1. Cliffs of Moher to Tipperary

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Distance: 143 km

Time: 6 hrs 30 mins

Speed: 24.8 km/ hr

Average Heart Rate (AHR): 139 b/min

Distance so far: 143 km

Weather today: Not a drop of rain but overcast all day. Cool but faced into a strong headwind from start to finish.

So, I’m off again. But, at least this trip is on more familiar territory and scores low on the Way-Out scale. It was mid-day by the time I arrived (by train and bus) at the start of the cycle?

At  the Cliffs of Moher (that stand bravely against the might of the Atlantic) as I prepared to set off on this Europe adventure, I was just one of thousands at this point on the west coast of Ireland and on the edge of Europe. Some were following the new coastal cliff walk from Liscannor all the way to Doolin. The local Ranger told me that the place was mobbed until last week but was a little quieter now that the schools had opened.

 He took the official start photo, dropped the start flag and wished me God’s speed. 

As I cycled on, with my back to the cliffs, the many flags were blowing directly into my face. Nothing for it but put the head down and pedal away. It’s part of the cycling tourist’s lot; no point in feeling down over it.

The initial 10 km was along part of the Wild Atlantic Way, a recently developed 2500 km drive along the scenic western coast from Kinsale up to Malin Head and Derry.

This area is famous for Liscannor Stone and is used extensively for both houses and field walls.

I entered Lahinch (Lehinch locally) along by the famous golf links as golfers pitted themselves against the wind.

Approaching Ennistymon and right into Ennis I was surprised that I was making such headway in spite of the elements often careering along at 30 km/hr on level ground.

In Ennis because of the misleading signage for N18 to Limerick at the new roundabouts resulted in me doing an extra 16 km. Could have done without that.

Passing Bunratty and Dirty Nellies, I sailed into Limerick and caught the start of the evening rush hour.

From Limerick to Tipperary I was on very familiar cycling territory and didn’t feel like a cycling tourist.

Didn’t take out the camera much at all except for the few thatched pubs in Boher.

Naturally, Tipperary town had a Welcome banner up for me (and for all the summer tourists). As I neared my destination a few drops fell but developed into nothing.

I was glad and satisfied as I turned in the gate to my destination for today. The headwind hadn’t been as much a hindrance as I had expected.

A lovely start to this adventure. Hope all the other days are as satisfying.

Thank God for the health and for the energy.