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Kelly Comeragh Challenge Touring Guide (adobe .pdf, 678 kbs)
The Kelly Comeragh Challenge is the tough, tough part of the tour and not for the fainthearted. Almost 160 km (100 miles) in length, it includes two Category One climbs (Seskin Hill and Mahon Falls) and is suitable only for very experienced and very fit full-time cyclists. It follows, in large part, the route of the Kelly Legacy but dips into the Comeragh Mountains on a couple of occasions to fully test the strength, perseverance and stamina of the riders. Taking the N25 out of Dungarvan, the route veers to the left in Lemybrien along the R676 as far as Carrick-on-Suir. Here there is a loop which takes in Seskin Hill, made famous by the Nissan Classic.
This is Kelly country. But it is also gruelling country. For those who wish to avoid the suffering, the back-breaking climb may be by-passed. The route continues along the R680 as far as Clonmel where it swings to the left and heads along the R671 as far as Ballymacarbry. Here it veers to the left along the gorgeous Nire Valley before again swinging left over the Nire River and heading into the heart of the Comeraghs. The route climbs to over 400 meters altitude at the wonderfully-named Powers the Pot, whence it descends through enchanting uplands to the lovely village of Rathgormack. Soon it rejoins the R676, heading southwards as far as Mahon Bridge where it once again heads into the mountains via the Mahon Falls, once more at over 400m altitude. But once again, for those who wish to avoid beginning to suffer, the worst of the climb may be by-passed, if so required.
The descent from Mahon Falls deserves and demands real care. Then through Kilrossanty Village and along the Mauma Road as far as Kilbrien before joining the R672 at Beary’s Cross. Here, riders can breathe a sigh of relief. Though it is still over 13km back to Dungarvan, it is almost completely downhill. 13km which should be devoted to enjoying the sense of achievement that can only come from surviving the Kelly Comeragh.
Kelly Comeragh Challenge Touring Guide (adobe .pdf, 678 kbs)
