Cycling is the ultimate way to get intimate with a country. It was not always easy and yes I walked those 20% grade hills pushing my silver steed. No apologies!
I’ll just walk this one!
The joy of the adventure overwhelmed and infuses ones soul.
Giants Causeway – oh the JOY
Cruising along on the bike I savor the smells (flowers, mowed grasslands, farm animals, bacon cooking and bread baking, the sea). The salty, cool air of the ocean, the dampness, rain droplets, the wind, and sunshine leave residue upon my skin. Ears pick up the sounds of seabirds, crashing waves, whisking wind, approaching vehicles, bleating sheep and barking dogs. Hands constantly shifting gears with changing terrain, grueling uphill climbs at near max effort engage all the physiologic and muscular reserve I can muster. Then the crest of the hill and the steep, exhilarating downhill. It’s a visceral, sensuous connection with the surrounding world.
Photos do not assimilate the sensory assault, the magnitude and impressiveness of the land and sea or the joy of the journey. Never-the-less, I will share a few from the 250K trek by bicycle along the most northern coast of Ireland.
Dunluce Castle
Beach near Port Stewart
Grass farm near Lough Foyle
Following the Coastal Causeway
Swinging Bridge
Beach near Port Stewart
And now it’s time for that Irish beer!
You earned it Gwen!
