We got up early on our final day of cycling to the sound of rain hammering the tent! Once we started the climb out of Kerry the sun came out. The views were great and we both felt OK during the climb up to the County Cork tunnel at the top of the pass, our final County. Conditions changed dramatically once we went through the tunnel. The clouds rolled in and the visibility was minimal, making the descent to Glengarriff interesting and a bit hairy in places.
We started to go along roads that Andrew knew from his many summers in West Cork. The clouds were still low when we reached Bantry for lunch. We used this as an good excuse to warm up in one of our favourite eateries in this area, Organico. After a lunch of quinoa and sundried tomato burger, salads followed by tea and brownies we set off again, towards Durrus and Mizen Head beyond. We started the final climb from Barleycove beach to Mizen Head the mist was thick, like something out of a Bronte book. Mizen Head caught us out when it suddenly materialized through the shroud of mist. We were equally shocked to see a banner with our names greet us, as well as a welcoming party. Lynn had spent hours making the banner. We had done it! We had a champagne, well Guinness moment, before being presented flowers like a Tour de France winner. We were overjoyed to have finished what has been an amazing experience. Unbelievably, we are both missing the bikes and the routine of being on the road. Having said that, a bed and cooked breakfast were very welcome. We still have a bit to post but we will be enjoying the few days we have with family before heading back to reality.
Day 10 Stats
Distance 90km in 5hr 53min
mmmChallenge Stats
Distance 1033km in 64hr 19min
Average speed – 16kmph - bet Bradley Wiggins is worried ;)
Number of Mr Whippy’s: Serena – 2, Andrew – 3
Number of isotonic pints of the black stuff: 8 (the stuff professional cyclists are powered on)
Number of coach tours encountered on the Ring of Kerry: 21
Number of Highland Bagpipe players: 1 (Ring of Kerry, very odd)
Number of spokes broken: 2 (all Andrew that one)
Number of times Serena pointed out Donkey: too numerous to count
Song most sung by Serena - Domino by Jessie J (much to Andrew's annoyance)
Last but not least a very big thank you to our friends and family who have sponsored us and sent us messages of support whilst we were cycling. We really appreciated it. To those of you that have read this and haven’t gotten round to sponsoring us, or were waiting to see if we would do it you can still sponsor us here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/mmmChallenge
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