Racing 795 Member Forum

Right, with the appetite for big spins being shown and while pondering the lads valiant effort on Sunday morning gone, old thoughts of a spin I had previously daydreamed were resurrected Cycling up one mountain three different routes is cool but why not also try and cycle up three different mountains in the one route. Three mountains, three counties, in one day:

Start in Inistioge, up to the top of Brandon (a slightly different route to the previous spin inc McNasty), Pitstop, down the south face decent, around Ballyogan and down in to Graiguenemanagh, along the Barrow towpath to St. Mullins, Pitstop (Coffee/Cake in the Mullachaun Cafe on the river bank, swim in river if you like), tarmac to Ballynalour, the Cat 2 fire road climb to the Mast on White Mountain, along the mountain ridge to Bantry Commons, down left to the base of Blackstair Mountain, tarmac to Scullogue Gap, the Heinous climb, to the mast, finish at the nine stones.

Google earth is telling me 61.3km's and 2,062 mtrs climbing.

This has the makings of a brilliant spin, savage tough climbs, some great descents with brilliant vistas, and a nice flat towpath section to recuperate the legs. Not sure if I am fit enough but would love to give it a try if anyone is interested? It would take a small bit of logistical planning and I am flexible on a date as people are away on holidays etc

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=20 ... 8,0.617294

Trans Blackstairs has a nice ring to it! Looks great Brian, I'm in anyway. That time i went for the spin with you i think we went right at Bantry Commons didn't we?
For anyone who hasn't been up there, it's definitely worth the trip.

DavidC wrote:Trans Blackstairs has a nice ring to it! Looks great Brian, I'm in anyway. That time i went for the spin with you i think we went right at Bantry Commons didn't we?
For anyone who hasn't been up there, it's definitely worth the trip.

Yes, we would have turned right and headed back to Ballynalour through the forest fire roads. I have never turned down left before so will be feeling the way a bit, I know the Blackstairs adventure race went down that way so Barry or DT might be able to comment..

Deadly

Only comment I have is that after making it up to the mast wouldn;t it be better to finish down the Turfcutters descent rather than rolling down the road?

Yes I am open to suggestions on the last mountain section... It may be a better climb to the mast (more cycling than hiking) from Mullaun area as opposed to the route we already took a few weeks back and then down turfcutters? Barry and Rudolf may be able to comment after their spin there Sunday morning

Provisionally going to pencil in the 10th or 11th August... This would be a great prep spin for anyone doing the Thriller the following weekend

Unfortunately I won't be back in time for this one

Will be around for da Cooley Thriller though, definitely on for that.

anyone else interested in coming along?

Definitely interested but can't confirm 'til closer to the weekend!
This would be a car pool job?

Hi Lynn,

Yes, one car with rack in Bunclody in order to head back to Inistioge. If we do not have numbers then I will adjust the route to go from Blackstair Mountain to Clashganny, down towpath to Graigue and back over Mt. Brandon (easier route this time) to the start point in Inistioge. Anyone coming on this spin will need a 'call a friend' back up plan or coordinate between ye etc, also plenty spares, the terrain on Brandon and White mountain (open mountain sections) is rocky and tough on the tyre/bike.

Similar to this except back across Brandon to Inistioge (not by road. A great spin in itself also http://app.strava.com/activities/70246384