Giant's Causeway Coast Sportive part 2

So a gloriously sunny day and 1400 riders ready for the off at Ballycastle, Wayne completed the 127km course including the optional Torr Head section in around 5hrs 17m roughly 40th place for the Torr Head segment so not bad for an old one! 

 The Glens and Coast Route features the breathtaking rugged coastline and the romantic landscape of the glens. This route is geared towards cyclists who are used to pounding out 80-100km routes on a regular basis. The route begins with a steady climb through the magical Glens of Antrim to Glenarm before heading north along the world famous Antrim coast road. At Cushendun, cyclists have a BIG decision to make. Turn left and you will find yourself back in Ballycastle after 20km with one long steady climb to finish. Turn right and the infamous Torr Head Road awaits you. With some epic climbs and hair-raising descents, this option should not be taken lightly. Full respect to any rider who gives Torr Head a bash!!

Start of the event

Giant's Causeway Coast Sportive

Just spent a wonderful last weekend in Northern Ireland where Wayne took part in a little bike ride - all 127km of it!  His first sportive, he loved every minute of it, I loved the scenery which was out of this world and would recommend the trip to anyone.

So we'll start with the Giant's Causeway ...

Alkborough's Western Swamphen

So no Swamphen sightings yesterday, I considered myself lucky to have seen it on Tuesday and wondered where it would turn up next.  I knew lots of people were looking yesterday so really wasn't expecting to see it again however decided to go down to Alkborough this morning for a walk as much as anything, I never go in the hides as the flaps are too heavy for me to lift up obviously designed by a man!! Anyway as I walked passed the hide I could see one of the flaps open so thought I may as well take a look and straight away saw the Swamphen straight out from the hide preening in the water! No one on site to tell so made a few calls and by the power of twitter, bird guides and RBA the crowds soon started to appear, hopefully Wayne will get some better photos tonight.