Well-rested after a night staying with friends, I set off through the lanes with picture-perfect view of the Mourne Mountains ahead.
I had my first experience of riding on one of the wide hard shoulders Irish regional roads seem to have an sped down to Dundrum and on to Newcastle.
Newcastle is a very fine seaside town. I’d done 15 miles and the striking public art on the superb promenade gave me the perfect excuse to stop, take the place in and sample the local tray bake offering.
The coast road is the only road. It skirts Slieve Donard, tracking the coast. No hard shoulder here. I found the drivers to be courteous, patient and considerate. It was hard going in the heat. I had the breeze with me and welcomed breaks at Annalong and, for a garage-bought, picnic lunch, at Kilkeel.
I had resolved myself to the news that the Carlingford Lough ferry wouldn’t be running today. It’s running only at weekends until the end of May. It meant 30 extra miles on my trip. Without them I would have missed out.
I’d have missed Rostrevor and Warren point and the stunning views over the lough.
I’d have missed the chance to ride the hard shoulder of a busy dual carriageway into Newry. Not entirely sure of the safety aspects of this yet!
I’d have missed the brilliant people at Bridge End Bikes in Newry, who tuned my front gears for me. I took the chance to replace the cheap bottles and cages I bought on Sunday. In the shop, Adam fitted the cages, filled the bottles for me provided electrolyte tablets as well.
I’d have missed a land crossing into Ireland.
I’d have missed the joy of riding the completed parts of the still-under-construction Carlingford Greenway all the way into Carlingford.
And, of course, I would have missed Carlingford. And that, dear reader, would have been a crime.
Day totals: 72 miles, 1,716ft of climbing
Tour totals: 627 miles, 21,613ft of climbing
