Incroyable Comté de Grace
Riding through Buncrana village, Gareth is pointing out Oscars, where we’ll dine later that evening, it’s the morning of the Tour of Inishowen and as planned I’m doing my best to hang onto the wheel in front of me, I’m riding with the big boys now! Riding out on the main road with the coast line to the left of me it’s apparent the speed is fast but it’s ok I tell myself, I’m only doing the 100km today. I’m not entirely sure if Annette and Max, my fellow 100’s are behind me. About 15km in as we’re heading to Muff the road starts to incline (only slightly) and l soon realise I can’t keep up with these guys, I did my best and I’m soon joined by Max.
What struck me about Donegal is that a) the drivers in the area are more considerate of cyclists and b) the roads are like what roads should be, well built and have an even finish. Ken suddenly appears from behind and the three of us begin to have a bit of banter and we’re all enjoying just being out on the bike. I suggest a little up an over technique that I picked up from Andrew and Sinead on the Tour of Louth and before long we are cruising along the coast road heading to Moville, what made it so sweet was the road surface (it’s the little things in life) and just like a bad ending to a good movie, Ken heads straight through the town while Max and I head left to Gleneely.
Too many videos and pictures later I look back and in the distance the 100km group are catching up on us, so we put the phones away and burn up the road to the food stop at St Boden’s N.S. in Culdaff and what a treat, the locals really put on a spread. Hot brew, sandwiches and scones later we’re off and Annette is with us to complete the remaining 100km. Not long later it’s only 10km to go and I’m still feeling fresh, we boot it into the town and then down the hill to the community centre where the ladies are setting up the welcome soup and sandwiches.
In my head I kept thinking what’s another 40km, Max was happy with his 100km. I was just a little apprehensive of doing it on my own, could I do it? Pause, inner voice responds, course I can, you can try anything Gillian and just like that I’m heading to Derry on my own. A watched kettle never boils and a watched Garmin never clocks, well it does but each 1km felt like 5km. I genuinely think I was going on auto pilot, I wasn’t afraid, should I? The road was fairly busy and I was passing by pretty houses and well-kept gardens. About 12km in and I notice it’s only 10km to Derry and the road looks isolated so I turn back and I’m starving at this stage so I head straight back to the community centre for a quick cup of soup then I head back out the north side of the town to complete the remaining 16km. With the warm soup inside me I felt great and I think I pelted it out the road just to clock 8km and u-turn back into the town. 140km done and I was buzzing with myself after receiving a welcome cheer from the ladies manning the tea as I had relayed the leisure league quest I was on. Happy with myself another 140km ticked, 9 to go and I’m going for it!
It’s a long way to Inishowen but by far it’s the easiest 100km you’ll do and it truly is the Amazing Grace County. If you’re looking for a weekend away just to enjoy the buzz of cycling, get to know your club mates and have a laugh, this is definitely one to do.
