Kenmare Loop

We learned a new term when riding our bikes in Ireland...........GALE.

 

A gale is a very strong wind. There are conflicting definitions of how strong a wind must be to be considered a gale. The U.S. National Weather Service defines a gale as 34–47 knots (63–87 km/h, 17.5–24.2 m/s or 39–54 miles/hour) of sustained surface winds. Forecasters typically issue gale warnings when winds of this strength are expected.

 

Gale was not invited on this trip, but she invited herself!

Breakfast was at 8:30 and then at 9:30 we had a "team" meeting where Wilma (pronounced Vilma) gave us the scoop on our day.  There were 3 different loops you could choose from and most of us decided to do the 2nd loop.....about 48 miles with 3,700 feet of climbing.  We had NO idea what we were in for!!   

 

 

Parker's Team is ready for action! 

Rain, wind, more rain, and GALE WINDS were the riding conditions today.  I have never experienced a ride like this.....beautiful and difficult! 

This is TRULY the way you find your way around Ireland! 

I don't have too many pictures today because we didn't get off our bikes much.  It was a "stay focused til the end" kind of day.

 

We rode 48.2 miles and climbed 3,763 feet.  Our average speed was 10 miles per hour.  We spent 4 hours and 45 minutes on the saddle ........... OUCHIE MAMA!

 

The guys were going to golf, but needless to say, we didn't get back for the 3:00 Tee Time!

 

We did have a few spills........3 minor ones and one tough one.  Carrie took a pretty bad fall on one of the down-hills and totaled her bike.  She did go to the Dr. and is fine.  Nothing was broken, but she is quite sore.  She has an amazing attitude, but that won't surprise anyone....that's just Carrie! No riding for her tomorrow, and we'll see about Wednesday.  She may be on the DL for the rest of the week.  Prayers for a quick recovery welcomed! 

 

This is our story and we're sticking to it!