A Bit of Irish Luck for Us

Monday

Although rain fell steadily during the early hours, we thought we could tough it out and ride the 22 miles from Lenanne to Clifden. I texted our tour operated as much but as I was hitting the send button, we witnessed a wind gust that whipped the trees around furiously. I quickly texted back: Never mind, we’ll take the lift.

I felt rather like a failure over this, but it happens we weren’t alone. Another couple riding with West Ireland Cycling made the same decision so around 11:00 am, the WIC van pulled up, loaded our two bikes and their two ebikes, and chauffeured the lot of us to Clifden.

It was the right call. The van splashed through several areas of flooded roadway and the wind was relentless. Plus, this stretch of well-traveled road with no shoulder would have been a little scary even in good weather. We were relieved to be delivered to the front door of the  Blue Quay Rooms where we settled into a  spacious room and sitting area.

Happily, the weather cleared for our exploration of Clifden shops and surroundings. We ended up taking a walk and stumbling (!) upon a castle.  Clifden Castle, it turns out, where we found a photography crew shooting photos for an upcoming Duberry Boots advertising campaign. To the young woman explaining this (and wearing a beautiful pair), I pretended I knew all about them but was actually clueless until googling later. Yow!

Monday’s highlight was a delicious, casual dinner where we met a charming and gracious man who was spending several days on a solo motorcycle/camping trip.  We spent several hours over beers and wine contrasting Irish and American politics, health care, gun culture, and much more. Delightful

   

 

 

Tuesday

We got back on the bikes today! The weather called for more wind and showers but we managed to dodge raindrops (almost) on two separate outings.  Starting first from just outside our front door, we rode the Sky Loop both forward and reverse directions for a total of ~30km. The rain caught us during the last few km so we had to shake off like wet dogs when we got back.  

After 45 minutes, the rain passed through so we quickly got back on the bikes and rode a few km south to ride a 2^nd loop on a different peninsula. We got buffeted but escaped the rain. Whew!  Tomorrow, we head south again for a ride all the way to Carna where we spend our next night.

Play the video to hear wind.