Molls gap question

[smally]

Hi lads we're cycling from mizen to malin this July and our route takes us from durrus through bantry to kenmare and then up to molls gap and down to Kate's cottage then onto listowel through tarbet/kilrush and then onto lahinch and onto ballyvaughan. This is the first two days. Have done on the GS but never on the push bike. The question is this are these roads suitable for a push bike because of the surface and what about the gradient? Can you possible suggest any good routes on a push bike between these places that take in notable sites etc. been a long time since I rode these roads so any suggestions would be brilliant.

 

[GerryC]

.......are these roads suitable for a push bike because of the surface and what about the gradient? Can you possible suggest any good routes on a push bike between these places that take in notable sites etc. been a long time since I rode these roads so any suggestions would be brilliant.

The surface is good but "dead" due to rough grit dressing being used. There are gradients - a long pull up out of Glengariff which has a few steep bits but is OK (there is no avoiding this bit & its great views across Bantry bay) but what goes up must come down & down to Kenamre you will go. Molls gap can be avoided by going through Kilgarvan but that adds a good few miles so up to Molls Gap you go - this is a long steady climb with a mixed undulating descent to Killarney (the last few miles are really dead roads with aa apparent permanent built in head wind but pleasent & scenic) Killarney to Tralee & on to Listowel is straight forward but you will be tiring by then.
My only suggestion is to ride two abreast - it appears counter intutitive to motorists &may irritate them but it really prevents the dangerous & common practice of squeesing past single file cyclists against on coming traffic. I had some close shaves when out alone. The closer to the gutter you keep the more they try & ditch you - take ownership of the road & enjoy.
I'm waiting for the weather to get better before getting the push bike out.

 

[richie]

Up molls gap and down to Kates cottage,,, hmm,

That means you want to go through the gap of Dunloe too, another climb. Depending on your fitness it might be easier to go to Kilarney from the top of Molls gap and then to the cottage.

 

[smally]

Hi Boys time is very close, what can you tell me about the road from molls gap to killarney via the gap of dunloe??? I know its a bit of a climb but hows the surface and should i be wary of horses and carts full of yankees?????

 

[Dave h]

gap donloe

Hi

Did it not long ago on Gsa with pillion,road was bit rough, tarmac in places with potholes, but saw a few brave souls on mountain bikes so you should you be ok, yes horses poo every where you look and a few Americans having a look round, Enjoy the views they are stunning


Dave

 

[richie]

Hi Boys time is very close, what can you tell me about the road from molls gap to killarney via the gap of dunloe??? I know its a bit of a climb but hows the surface and should i be wary of horses and carts full of yankees?????

It is one of the most breathtaking pieces of road you will ever ride, yes some tourists but only the lower half of the Gap of Dunloe.

From a physical point of view (speaking as a cyclist) harder than going the normal way but worth it

 

[vireo]

This will give you an idea......

More stuff here that you might fine an interesting read.
http://www.kerrycycling.com/2010/03/gap-of-dunloe-and-the-black-valley/#more-729

 

[GerryC]

It will put close to 2 hours on your trip - as Richie says it is tougher than the main Ladies view route. If you have the 2 hours & the legs why not; if your legs are in super form it will add an hour or so.

 

[smally]

Thanks fellas, will depend on energy in the legs when we reach molls gap. Would love to do it but still have 350 miles cycling after this. So far we've raised over £7,000 for local cancer charities, totally staggered by peoples generosity. Give us a wave or a few cents if you see us. There's 3 of us plus back up van provided by "Johnny Windscreens". Thanks for guidance esp Gerry C for accomodation hints. Staying in Durrus, Listowel, Ballyvaughan, Carrick On Shannon and Ballybofey.