Let’s climb the mountain they said…. it’ll be fun they said!!

We are truly blessed to have these mountains on our doorstep, lots of routes both on road and off road. Climbing up out of Cookstown its 10 miles to the very top of the mountain and on a clear day the views are something else.

We started up through the main street, which in itself was a bit of an adventure, but we’ll say no more on that. Leaving the hustle and bustle  behind we headed toward Lissan House, which has nice attractive and well kept grounds. Narrow country lanes, tree lined can’t hide the mountain looming large in the distance and its hard to imagine ever getting the bike to the top.

Onward and upward we go getting higher and higher and we still haven’t even got to the mountains base yet!!! As we take the 90 degree right handed turn to face the mountain head on, it’s time to drop it into the low gear and start to grind your way up it. The Tar roads soon give way to gravel lane as it meanders its way up to the summit.

Its hard to not stop!!! and admire the views of course never mind that the lungs may be ready to explode.

Eventually the gravel lane too gives way and you are left to pick your way over the grass towards the summit. Safe in the knowledge the fun bit has still to start………… the way down.

Roll on the long summer evenings!!!!!!!!!!!