While Met Eireann were predicting that the storm of the year was about to hit Ireland with 100km/h winds, two brave (foolish?) Orwell souls headed north to take on what was already a daunting challenge, but given the weather, was perhaps downright suicidal. Stephen Ryan reports below!
Depeche Mode were right, God does have a sick sense of humour. Having provided Donegal with abundant natural beauty she then proceeded to lash it with wind and rain from the great beyond. Church Island Cycles were the host for the 5th Glengesh challenge which aimed to raise funds for Cycle for Sick Children, and The Belgian Project which sends young Irish riders over to race in Belgium as part of their training. It was organised by Sean McNicholl who according to himself has trained every decent Ulster rider of the last ten years and knows a lot of Orwell folk. So myself and Jonny O’Reilly ventured way North to lend our support.
Friday night was a getting to know you session as the riders assembled and a 12 o'clock start time on the Saturday meant Friday night could be enjoyed up in Jonny's guesthouse, with a nice dinner followed by pints in front of an open fire. Saturday morning started nice and clear with just the odd cloud on the horizon. Having arrived in darkness, a mid-morning drive of the area revealed all its glory. And then at 11.20 the heavens opened and stayed open.
The start was delayed by half an hour to give the rain a chance to clear and while the hotel provided us with tea and coffee the news wasn't good with the motorbike marshalls advising us that the roads further North were now rivers. This little interval gave Philip Deignan time to sign and raffle a jersey from his United Healthcare team, next year of course he rides with Sky. Ronan McLoughlin was also spotted in the hotel foyer. Meanwhile the organisers sensibly took the decision to curtail the 100km option and have everyone do the 50km + Glengesh.
We eventually decided to give it a lash - although Philip perhaps wisely sat this one out - and we set off in pretty heavy rain, with somewhat depleted numbers I would say. Maybe 100 at most. The lead group was dominated by some very strong Northern riders and Jonny managed to last the pace longer than I did. He did however, gallantly, sit up and wait for me along the N56 after Killybegs. We rode together and in not too bad weather in to Glenties when we were accosted by something that looked and felt like hail, and if it wasn't hail it was doing a mighty fine impression. As we rolled back into Ardara some of the 15 strong group which we had by now accumulated peeled off rather than go for the final challenge, the Glengesh Pass. But Jonny and I hadn't driven for 4 hours not to give it a go. Miraculously the weather cleared as we headed off and by the time we reached the foot of Glengesh rain jackets were being shed by some of the braver souls. 21 minutes and 53 seconds later I crossed the line - and in true pro style made sure my sponsors got full credit.
Note the mix of old and new kit - shame on me.
Seconds later Jonny ambled in, ruing the fact that for the final 1.4km at 10.7% he was using a 25 on the back but still, happy out.
Glad to be done!
That was the official end of the Challenge and we were able to enjoy the breathtaking views and catch our breath before hiding back down into Ardara for showers. About an hour later I was sitting in Nancy's pub, the winner of the Georgina Campbell Pub of Year 2013, sipping chowder and pints & enjoying once again the pleasures of an open fire. There was a dinner organised for participants that night in the hotel and a cycling quiz - we did well until the questions moved to Ulster cycling and who won stage 3 of the Ras in 2011. Apparently whoever he was he was trained by Sean McNicholl. Jonny's sister Kate joined us after a day spent walking the Hills of Donegal.
Well-earned!
And what better way to round off the weekend with an extra hour in bed, followed by another blast up Glengesh Pass, although this time the winds were close to gale force into the face. Tough but manageable.
It was a fun weekend, the organisation was excellent , too bad about the weather - but that’s what raingear is for! It’s an iconic climb in Irish cycling and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in seeing a beautiful part of the country and having the craic as they do so well, up North.
