8:30AM Saturday morning, six of us met at Ballymascanlon roundabout to tackle the Francis Dollard No sweat Challenge. 135km and 2,050 metres climbing, according to Jason Boyle. Minutes earlier, we met up with Francis Dollard’s 8:30 group who were planning and ‘easy’ trip to Hilltown and Rathfriland. I was reminded of the scene from The Life of Brian ‘Crucifixion or Freedom’. Which of these would be less painful. Anyway, I chose crucifixion. Light rain accompanied us as we made our way to Jenkinstown and we feared this was this would be the menu for the day. Thankfully, there was little or no wind and within an hour, the rain stopped and eventually the sun arrived for what turned out to be a beautiful warm day. We took the required photo at McCrystal’s garage and headed for Jenkinstown. I was always afraid of ‘the Magic hill’ but today in hindsight, it didn’t seem too bad. Everybody was in good spirits as we reached Slievenaglogh at the end of the first climb and proceeded down to tackle Benagh. Brendan Tuite and Dessie Duffy were always ahead while steady Eddy, Mr. Philip Kerley, pushed on with ease. Peter Oliver Sharkey and yours truly tried to spin the legs gently knowing that more punishing climbs lay ahead over what would prove to be a long day. Following the third climb, Piedmont to top of Jenkinstown and with just 60km on the clock, we were happy to take a well earned break in Carlingford, where we met Pat Kilboy’s troops, 40 odd, on their way home. On the Glenmore climb to the Long Woman’s Grave, we met a flock of sheep which held us up long enough to meet and chat with a group of Dubs and Londoners who had spent yesterday in the Wicklow mountains but felt that the Cooleys were better and more welcoming. Further on, Peter and myself passed an elderly woman who shook her walking stick and admonished us for being so far behind the other lads. By this stage, we were beginning to re-trace steps ‘walked’ earlier in the day. I don’t normally like loops, preferring instead an out and back route, but this was certainly different and interesting. Francis Dollard, you are to be commended for your initiative and planning of this challenge, although for many hours today, the thoughts in my mind were less complimentary ! At the Long Woman’s grave (was it on the first, second or third visit ?) a bus load of women disembarked and seemed bemused to read the plaque telling the story of the Long Woman herself. It reminded me of ‘St. Kevin’s Stump’ from Father Ted. The run down through the Long Woman’s Grave to Davey’s has to be one of the nicest routes imaginable particularly on a day like today. We are indeed blessed to have this on our doorstep and it is gratifying to see so many people enjoying the area to the full. A word can tell a lot about a place so ‘Ranch’ brought thoughts of the wild west. Peter and myself cycled past the turn for ‘Ranch’ and almost made it to Carlingford again before realising our mistake. Eventually, we found the turn and were delighted to find the lads were ‘back at the ranch’ waiting for us. Unfortunately, we kept straight on this road and ‘wasted almost 1km before realising we were in a farm yard – a real dead-end in the wild west. The grass in the centre of the road and the tumble weed blowing should have given us a clue. Back on the ‘right’ road, this was the second most difficult climb of the day for me. Finally at the top and another glorious descent to Davey’s I almost forgot the pain in the legs. ‘The petrol station’, another aptly named climb as after a few hundred yards, I ran out of gas big time and struggled to the top. At the top of ‘Ranch’ the lads informed me that we had to turn left and cycle back to Carlingford, then to Omeath before attacking the final two climbs of the day. Oh joy ! Philip Kerley stayed with me for the duration and I know I added greatly to the duration of his ‘day out’. To quote one Se Weston – ‘Hero’! I have never been afraid of Davey’s and today was no different, but after a short time we turned right for Flagstaff and honestly, this one nearly put my lights out. The final 500 metres were the best (least worst) and finally, I could see Philip at the ‘summit’ waiting for me to arrive. We cycled back to Ballymac and then I doddled homealone, tired but happy. We are blessed to have such an incredible play ground on our doorstep. We are lucky to be members of such a vibrant cycling club. For any Cuchulainns who would love to do the No Sweat Challenge but may be afraid of it, I would say go for it – take it at your own pace; stop at the top of the Long Woman’s grave and take in the stunning view over the lough, visit Dan’s or Food for Thought often – but do it, you won’t regret it. As for Mr. Francis Dollard – I know where you live !!
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 10:17:20 +0000
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