As with all Audax events the start line isn’t a big event. Most of us seemed to arrive at the same time, which was just after 05.30. By 05.50 everyone, a record 21 of us, had their brevet cards and were waiting to go.
We set off from Mallusk, Belfast and made our way west towards Antrim. It was a lovely morning. The sun was coming up behind us as we went.
The route is on fairly busy roads until Randalstown, @ 24km. From there the route meanders through country roads, first touching the north shore of Lough Neigh before continuing west.
Draperstown, @ 65 km, is the last stop before taking on the Sperrin Mountains so stock up here if you need supplies.
The Sperrin Mountains offer some amazing views. The climbs are tough but not overly hard and we were lucky as the main climbs and descends have been resurfaced. Care is needed on some of the descents as they are bendy in parts and some loose stone can be found at some of the corners.
Derry/Londonderry, @ 125km is the next obvious stop for food. The route takes you through the city and to a square where there in a pub/restaurant called “Granny Annie’s” that gives a good breakfast. There’s railing out the front to strap the bikes to.
All was going well up until this part but after leaving Derry/Londonderry the route takes you right around the coast of the Malin Head peninsula. The climbs here are savage. Gradients around the head are commonly between 15 – 20% and even kick up to 25% at times.
Places to stop for food are scarce up here. Buncrana, @150km would be the last big town until you get right around to Greencastle, @245km. At this point you will have most of the climbing done for the day.
The 35km spin back to Derry/Londonderry is seems long but at least it is fairly flat. There are just a few gentle rises. When you get to Derry/Londonderry the route brings you across the Peace Bridge.
I didn’t any more pictures after this as it was dark.
It is 50km from Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine. This is where the challenge really starts to test you. The road itself wasn’t bad. There is a fairly big climb as you near Coleraine but it’s not very steep.
There is a nice downhill section into Coleraine, @330km where there is a 24hr McDonalds. This will likely be your last stop for the day as everything will likely be closed from then on so fill up your belly and your bottles.
It is over 50km back to Randalstown, @382km. These are on mostly quiet country roads so make sure you have good lights that will last you the distance.
Once you get back to back to Randalstown it is still another 35km back to Mallusk. This is on the same roads you were on at the start of the cycle. They’re bigger roads but they are quiet in the middle of the night.
There is one more sting of a climb from templepatrick to Mallusk. Its nothing really overly long or steep but with over 400km and nearly 5000 meters of climbing on the legs, it’s a bit of a challenge.
If you would like to read this story again but from my personal perspective then click here.
To be brought to the official North to the South webpage click here.