Day 4
Final Day - Kenmare - Bantry loop
The final day of Rally the Globe's Vintage Shamrock road rally started much like the others. Gifted with amazingly sunny skies and temperatures reaching into the low seventies, rally teams, many of whom drive in open cars, have been thankful for their luck in the weather. It certainly has made for a more comfortable rally experience - if bouncing and jostling around rough roads in a pre-war car can ever be considered comfortable! (Hint: Never comfortable!)
With those ranked last in the results list starting first, Jeff and Chris in car 62 found themselves with many novice drivers in the starting line-up. While they are more experienced than many, their car issues of day 3 meant they lost serious ground in the rankings. They approached the day with a great attitude: follow the route, drive well, and don't break the car!
While Tim and Jim lost a little time on day 3, they were well up in ranking, so they started later. Jim was super motivated to hit every regularity turn, and Tim was focused on following directions, tightly controlling car 70.
The ladies had a leisurely breakfast, before heading off for some shopping in the nearby town of Kenmare. Peggy scored big on some great finds for her children and grandchildren. Beth and Jan enjoyed looking through every store, and I "pre-shopped" for items needed once the renovation is finished in the Glengarriff house.
We had a fabulous lunch at Maison Gourmet, a French bistro in town. By mid-afternoon we were back to the hotel for a rest while we waited for the cars to come in.
The rally route once again headed south, taking in many sights of the Wild Atlantic Way and the upper Beara Peninsula. Climbing narrow roads through the Caha Mountains provided some spectacular views of the rocky coast, various inlets and bays, the Atlantic Ocean, and lush foliage and grass. With the amazing spring weather, even sheep-grazing fields are luxuriously green!
Continuing on the theme of narrow, rocky roads, the teams made their way along the route. The first time check of the day was at a roadside inn with signage indicating some former (or current?) patrons of dubious character. All in good fun, and with the last few hours of the rally remaining, spirits were high.
During the day we learned another MG had unfortunately run into the wall inside a narrow tunnel. Driver and navigator were fine, but the car was not. With the front axle bent and the right front fender crumpled, the car was towed back to the car park. Those narrow tunnels are especially difficult on a sunny day, when a driver transitions from the sun's bright glare to the darkness of an unlit tunnel.
One regularity called for the teams to drive through a farmyard, with horses trotting about and looking curiously at these spectacular vintage cars. "We drove very slowly through there," says Jeff. "Yeah," added Chris. "We didn't want to kick up too much dust and choke the horses!"
The second part of another regularity was cancelled. The farmer who lived on the road reported five of her cats were wandering about, and was worried about the cars coming through at speed and maybe harming one of them. To keep the rural peace, rally officials pulled the plug on that section of the course. No cats were harmed!
Final Day - Kenmare - Bantry loop
The final day of Rally the Globe's Vintage Shamrock road rally started much like the others. Gifted with amazingly sunny skies and temperatures reaching into the low seventies, rally teams, many of whom drive in open cars, have been thankful for their luck in the weather. It certainly has made for a more comfortable rally experience - if bouncing and jostling around rough roads in a pre-war car can ever be considered comfortable! (Hint: Never comfortable!)
With those ranked last in the results list starting first, Jeff and Chris in car 62 found themselves with many novice drivers in the starting line-up. While they are more experienced than many, their car issues of day 3 meant they lost serious ground in the rankings. They approached the day with a great attitude: follow the route, drive well, and don't break the car!
While Tim and Jim lost a little time on day 3, they were well up in ranking, so they started later. Jim was super motivated to hit every regularity turn, and Tim was focused on following directions, tightly controlling car 70.
The ladies had a leisurely breakfast, before heading off for some shopping in the nearby town of Kenmare. Peggy scored big on some great finds for her children and grandchildren. Beth and Jan enjoyed looking through every store, and I "pre-shopped" for items needed once the renovation is finished in the Glengarriff house.
We had a fabulous lunch at Maison Gourmet, a French bistro in town. By mid-afternoon we were back to the hotel for a rest while we waited for the cars to come in.
The rally route once again headed south, taking in many sights of the Wild Atlantic Way and the upper Beara Peninsula. Climbing narrow roads through the Caha Mountains provided some spectacular views of the rocky coast, various inlets and bays, the Atlantic Ocean, and lush foliage and grass. With the amazing spring weather, even sheep-grazing fields are luxuriously green!
Continuing on the theme of narrow, rocky roads, the teams made their way along the route. The first time check of the day was at a roadside inn with signage indicating some former (or current?) patrons of dubious character. All in good fun, and with the last few hours of the rally remaining, spirits were high.
During the day we learned another MG had unfortunately run into the wall inside a narrow tunnel. Driver and navigator were fine, but the car was not. With the front axle bent and the right front fender crumpled, the car was towed back to the car park. Those narrow tunnels are especially difficult on a sunny day, when a driver transitions from the sun's bright glare to the darkness of an unlit tunnel.
One regularity called for the teams to drive through a farmyard, with horses trotting about and looking curiously at these spectacular vintage cars. "We drove very slowly through there," says Jeff. "Yeah," added Chris. "We didn't want to kick up too much dust and choke the horses!"
The second part of another regularity was cancelled. The farmer who lived on the road reported five of her cats were wandering about, and was worried about the cars coming through at speed and maybe harming one of them. To keep the rural peace, rally officials pulled the plug on that section of the course. No cats were harmed!
The trip back north took the rally over the Healy Pass. This drive is treacherous in even good weather, with the road zigzagging up the side of the mountains, and sheer drop offs with very little shoulder to the road. The route is complicated by the many sheep grazing the hillsides, and occasionally wandering into the road. Drivers have to continually be prepared to turn a corner and find a sheep sharing the road. Fortunately, no one hit a sheep!
Jeff and Chris finished the rally as the second car in. With nothing to gain (or lose!), they had had a great day driving about in a fairly leisurely fashion.
The finish arch area became more animated as more cars finished, and with the leaders coming in. Peggy and Jan waited for car 70 while Beth and I joined Chris and Jeff at the hotel bar.
Jim, Jan, Tim and Peg arrived at the bar later after the guys' impressive finish. We each enjoyed a drink at an outdoor table in the beautiful setting of the Lodge and its namesake waterfall.
As we made our way back into the hotel to get ready for the awards dinner, Chris shared with Jeff that he had heard Tim and Jim might have won their class. They agreed to keep quiet and let them be surprised.
Dinner was in the hotel dining room, with yet another wonderful photo display and video from the rally photographer. Opening remarks by Rally the Globe members, representatives from sponsoring organizations, and Irish Racing Green, founders of the Vintage Shamrock Road Rally, were all well-received. Dinner was served amid much laughter and chatter.
The awards were presented in each class. When the announcements for our group, Class 2, began, we leaned in with special interest. Third place, then second place, then first place - it was indeed car 70, Tim and Jim! They were both so surprised it took them a minute to stand up. "I thought we might have placed second," said Tim. "When we didn't, I figured we were down in the class. So it didn't register when they called our names!"
Knowing so many of the fellow competitors after 10 years of road rallies, prize giving is especially fun. But it had been a long day, so it was a quick "good night" for our group once the festivities were over. While some teams might have continued celebrating into the night, we all turned in. The men were planning on a 10 AM tee time at the Ring of Kerry Golf Club; and the ladies have planned a chocolate-making date at 11 AM.
The rally is over, but our holiday continues! We'll post a wrap up in a few days as we head back to the States.
Jeff and Chris finished the rally as the second car in. With nothing to gain (or lose!), they had had a great day driving about in a fairly leisurely fashion.
The finish arch area became more animated as more cars finished, and with the leaders coming in. Peggy and Jan waited for car 70 while Beth and I joined Chris and Jeff at the hotel bar.
Jim, Jan, Tim and Peg arrived at the bar later after the guys' impressive finish. We each enjoyed a drink at an outdoor table in the beautiful setting of the Lodge and its namesake waterfall.
As we made our way back into the hotel to get ready for the awards dinner, Chris shared with Jeff that he had heard Tim and Jim might have won their class. They agreed to keep quiet and let them be surprised.
Dinner was in the hotel dining room, with yet another wonderful photo display and video from the rally photographer. Opening remarks by Rally the Globe members, representatives from sponsoring organizations, and Irish Racing Green, founders of the Vintage Shamrock Road Rally, were all well-received. Dinner was served amid much laughter and chatter.
The awards were presented in each class. When the announcements for our group, Class 2, began, we leaned in with special interest. Third place, then second place, then first place - it was indeed car 70, Tim and Jim! They were both so surprised it took them a minute to stand up. "I thought we might have placed second," said Tim. "When we didn't, I figured we were down in the class. So it didn't register when they called our names!"
Knowing so many of the fellow competitors after 10 years of road rallies, prize giving is especially fun. But it had been a long day, so it was a quick "good night" for our group once the festivities were over. While some teams might have continued celebrating into the night, we all turned in. The men were planning on a 10 AM tee time at the Ring of Kerry Golf Club; and the ladies have planned a chocolate-making date at 11 AM.
The rally is over, but our holiday continues! We'll post a wrap up in a few days as we head back to the States.
May 14th
Day 3
Kenmare - Inchydony Island loop
Chris, Jeff, Tim, and Jim had a great night in their lovely rooms at the Sheen Falls Lodge. It is a wonderful resort, with beautiful grounds to explore.
But there wasn't much time for exploring. After a full day bouncing along the local roads in Ireland, driving their cars hard, there's always basic maintenance to ensure the car is ready to go the next day. And navigators once again need to study the circuitous route instructions, and give a heads-up to the drivers about possibly gnarly points along the way.
Day three started well for our team, heading out through the countryside outside of Kenmare. The scenery was once again spectacular, with the many shades of green that Ireland - the Emerald Isle - is famous for. The morning time check was again a tea break at a well-restored manor house. Jeff sent a picture of car 62 parked next to a rally support truck. "No problem," he texted. "We just happened to park next to them!"
Many teams were confused by a right-hand turn that was indicated on the map book. There was a Rally sign-"NO!" posted at the turn, with a man in a chair blocking the road. Most teams took that to mean they shouldn't enter, that it was private property. Unfortunately the actual turn was right inside that road-but many people, including Jeff and Chris, went by. Everyone figured it out eventually, but it was a confusing moment much talked about later that evening.
It was on the early afternoon time trial that disaster hit car 62. While tearing around a race track, Jeff's years of driving Porsches on the GTS circuit did him no favors. Forgetting a vintage 1939 MG, with two people in it, will not handle as well or as easily as a modern Porsche. "We blew a tire!" Chris exclaimed, as the car tilted precariously to starboard on a turn. "No, no!" Jeff responded. "I can see the tire n the mirror."
What had happened was much worse. Scattering parts across the track, metal sparking, they were able to get to the side to assess the damage.
At first they were sure the rear suspension had dropped out of the car. With the tail end buried in the sand and gravel, they couldn't quite see the extent of the damage.
"We're done," texted Jeff. "Looking for a tee time at the Park Kenmare."
Soon the sweeps appeared, jacked up the car and discovered the real problem. The bolts holding the leaf springs to the axle and car body had sheared off on the right rear tire side. Not the end of the world, but springs were missing, and replacement bolts - quite long ones - needed to be sourced. A short-term fix snaking wire through the open bolt holes was effected, with Jeff and Chris back in the rally. They resumed the route, knowing it might be a late night in the car park.
Meanwhile, the ladies were having a great day in Glengarriff. We headed out to breakfast a bit before nine, only to find many places hadn't opened yet! So we grabbed a bite to eat in the hotel, then went back to our rooms to wrestle all the luggage back down the stairs. Once again our friend the cleaner appeared, and was able to assist with getting everything down the stairs and into a secure place.
We headed out to walk to the other side of Glengarriff, and enjoyed a stroll through the local graveyard. Beautiful headstones, and interesting flowers, potted plants and memorabilia decorated the various plots. We followed the cemetery up the hill, then crossed over to the church. Children playing in the attached school yard provided happy background sound to our explorations.
Back on the town's Main Street, we thought we might like a small bite to eat. Gigi's Pizza provided iced-coffees and teas, and both savory and sweet treats. We ate out on the walkway in front of the establishment and struck up conversations with passers-by and a variety of great dogs!
Soon it was time for our driver, Gene O'Sullivan to pick us up for the afternoon's activities. With Gene's help, we loaded all our suitcases in the van - much easier than shoving them into the trunk of Liz's Honda! Soon we were driving down the one lane road to Iskanafeelna, where our house is located. Gene had driven for more than 20 years for Maureen O'Hara, who made her home in Glengarriff. He and his wife grew so close to her they were invited to her funeral. He had many fond memories from that time that he shared with us.
After being dropped at our front door, we spent an hour or so in touring the house and the setting. There are 30 some acres and great rocky beaches, so lots to see! The house is being prepped for renovation, but I was able to describe what the house will eventually look like. When everyone comes to visit in a year or so, it will be a different place!
Gene came back to the house, and picked us up for the short trip to Kenmore. We crossed the Caha Pass, the border between Counties Cork and Kerry, on a narrow two-lane road. The drive took us through three one-lane tunnels, with precarious drop offs and steep shouldered roads - not for the faint of heart.
Arriving at Sheen Falls Lodge came just as we really needed a break, so we enjoyed a quick drink at an outdoor table of the bar, then headed to our rooms.
On the rally, the guys were enjoying the wonderful scenery of southwest Ireland. Everywhere they looked was breathtaking - but with the cars moving along, they had little time for photos. Despite the rear axle of the 1939 MG being held to the car with wire, and no shocks on that side of the car, Chris and Jeff were having a great afternoon. Jeff texted pictures from their time control tea break at Lis Ard, another lovely manor house, with beautiful gardens. Jeff and I have stayed there before, so he enjoyed being back on familiar ground.
Finished for the day, and back in the hotel's car park, Jeff and Chris could clearly see the problem with the rear suspension. The bolts had each been secured by two nuts, but with all the bottoming out on the rural roads they've been driving the bolts were entirely sheered off. One out of nine leaf springs remained, and three out of six bolts. The Marshall at the race track had walked the track looking for any reusable parts, and was able to salvage one spring. Soon Skippy sourced both the additional springs and the necessary nuts and bolts, and he, Chris and Jeff, with help from Jim, were able to get serious about the repair. They headed to the hotel around 8 to end the day.
Dinner had been planned for 7:30 in town, but once both cars finished for the day, we all decided that wasn't happening. Most of us eventually opted for room service; Jim and Jan ate in the hotel dining room. It had been a very long day!
Not sure where the standings left them, but the adventure continues!
Day 4 is the last day of this short but challenging rally. We'll see what the Southwest of Ireland offers up.
Kenmare - Inchydony Island loop
Chris, Jeff, Tim, and Jim had a great night in their lovely rooms at the Sheen Falls Lodge. It is a wonderful resort, with beautiful grounds to explore.
But there wasn't much time for exploring. After a full day bouncing along the local roads in Ireland, driving their cars hard, there's always basic maintenance to ensure the car is ready to go the next day. And navigators once again need to study the circuitous route instructions, and give a heads-up to the drivers about possibly gnarly points along the way.
Day three started well for our team, heading out through the countryside outside of Kenmare. The scenery was once again spectacular, with the many shades of green that Ireland - the Emerald Isle - is famous for. The morning time check was again a tea break at a well-restored manor house. Jeff sent a picture of car 62 parked next to a rally support truck. "No problem," he texted. "We just happened to park next to them!"
Many teams were confused by a right-hand turn that was indicated on the map book. There was a Rally sign-"NO!" posted at the turn, with a man in a chair blocking the road. Most teams took that to mean they shouldn't enter, that it was private property. Unfortunately the actual turn was right inside that road-but many people, including Jeff and Chris, went by. Everyone figured it out eventually, but it was a confusing moment much talked about later that evening.
It was on the early afternoon time trial that disaster hit car 62. While tearing around a race track, Jeff's years of driving Porsches on the GTS circuit did him no favors. Forgetting a vintage 1939 MG, with two people in it, will not handle as well or as easily as a modern Porsche. "We blew a tire!" Chris exclaimed, as the car tilted precariously to starboard on a turn. "No, no!" Jeff responded. "I can see the tire n the mirror."
What had happened was much worse. Scattering parts across the track, metal sparking, they were able to get to the side to assess the damage.
At first they were sure the rear suspension had dropped out of the car. With the tail end buried in the sand and gravel, they couldn't quite see the extent of the damage.
"We're done," texted Jeff. "Looking for a tee time at the Park Kenmare."
Soon the sweeps appeared, jacked up the car and discovered the real problem. The bolts holding the leaf springs to the axle and car body had sheared off on the right rear tire side. Not the end of the world, but springs were missing, and replacement bolts - quite long ones - needed to be sourced. A short-term fix snaking wire through the open bolt holes was effected, with Jeff and Chris back in the rally. They resumed the route, knowing it might be a late night in the car park.
Meanwhile, the ladies were having a great day in Glengarriff. We headed out to breakfast a bit before nine, only to find many places hadn't opened yet! So we grabbed a bite to eat in the hotel, then went back to our rooms to wrestle all the luggage back down the stairs. Once again our friend the cleaner appeared, and was able to assist with getting everything down the stairs and into a secure place.
We headed out to walk to the other side of Glengarriff, and enjoyed a stroll through the local graveyard. Beautiful headstones, and interesting flowers, potted plants and memorabilia decorated the various plots. We followed the cemetery up the hill, then crossed over to the church. Children playing in the attached school yard provided happy background sound to our explorations.
Back on the town's Main Street, we thought we might like a small bite to eat. Gigi's Pizza provided iced-coffees and teas, and both savory and sweet treats. We ate out on the walkway in front of the establishment and struck up conversations with passers-by and a variety of great dogs!
Soon it was time for our driver, Gene O'Sullivan to pick us up for the afternoon's activities. With Gene's help, we loaded all our suitcases in the van - much easier than shoving them into the trunk of Liz's Honda! Soon we were driving down the one lane road to Iskanafeelna, where our house is located. Gene had driven for more than 20 years for Maureen O'Hara, who made her home in Glengarriff. He and his wife grew so close to her they were invited to her funeral. He had many fond memories from that time that he shared with us.
After being dropped at our front door, we spent an hour or so in touring the house and the setting. There are 30 some acres and great rocky beaches, so lots to see! The house is being prepped for renovation, but I was able to describe what the house will eventually look like. When everyone comes to visit in a year or so, it will be a different place!
Gene came back to the house, and picked us up for the short trip to Kenmore. We crossed the Caha Pass, the border between Counties Cork and Kerry, on a narrow two-lane road. The drive took us through three one-lane tunnels, with precarious drop offs and steep shouldered roads - not for the faint of heart.
Arriving at Sheen Falls Lodge came just as we really needed a break, so we enjoyed a quick drink at an outdoor table of the bar, then headed to our rooms.
On the rally, the guys were enjoying the wonderful scenery of southwest Ireland. Everywhere they looked was breathtaking - but with the cars moving along, they had little time for photos. Despite the rear axle of the 1939 MG being held to the car with wire, and no shocks on that side of the car, Chris and Jeff were having a great afternoon. Jeff texted pictures from their time control tea break at Lis Ard, another lovely manor house, with beautiful gardens. Jeff and I have stayed there before, so he enjoyed being back on familiar ground.
Finished for the day, and back in the hotel's car park, Jeff and Chris could clearly see the problem with the rear suspension. The bolts had each been secured by two nuts, but with all the bottoming out on the rural roads they've been driving the bolts were entirely sheered off. One out of nine leaf springs remained, and three out of six bolts. The Marshall at the race track had walked the track looking for any reusable parts, and was able to salvage one spring. Soon Skippy sourced both the additional springs and the necessary nuts and bolts, and he, Chris and Jeff, with help from Jim, were able to get serious about the repair. They headed to the hotel around 8 to end the day.
Dinner had been planned for 7:30 in town, but once both cars finished for the day, we all decided that wasn't happening. Most of us eventually opted for room service; Jim and Jan ate in the hotel dining room. It had been a very long day!
Not sure where the standings left them, but the adventure continues!
Day 4 is the last day of this short but challenging rally. We'll see what the Southwest of Ireland offers up.
Day 2
Fota Island - Gougane Barra - Kenmare
Today was the day the Rally shifted focus from around Cork to the South and West, finishing at Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, County Kerry.
The hotel lobby throbbed in the morning as crews studied their map books for the eight-hour drive ahead. There was a lot of chatter in a variety of languages about putting tops down, fuel capacity and range, and the road ahead. Jeff had headed out early to a petrol station to fill up, while Chris worked studying and making notes on the route book.
Other navigators were doing the same. With an earlier start time after the first rally half-day, Tim was glad his car was not last in the starting rotation. With the most recently built car (1949, but built with pre-war parts) car 70 brought up the end. But they had been moved to the middle of the mix for this long drive.
A peak at the map books showed many points of concern. Jim and Tim have a new system as they review the upcoming drive. Jim removes the regularity pages from the map book and gives them to Tim. Tim then reviews each direction, and makes notes that will help Jim communicate the directions in the best way for Tim to understand. Jim then familiarizes himself with Tim's notes, and reinserts them in the book.
Soon start times had begun and cars were pulling out. Each navigator had their time books checked and ran out to hop in their cars with their drivers. While Chris was wrapping up his planning and waiting for the time window to check in, Gaye and Jeff headed out to car 62, secured the gear cover, and headed to the front door of the hotel.
Checking start times with the other cars parked there, Jeff pulled his car into the slot provided. No sooner had we pulled right up front than Chris came out, Gaye hopped out of the car, Chris quickly stowed his time book and bag, and climbed in. Then they were off!
Jan, Peggy, Beth and Gaye checked out of their rooms. Unlike the men whose bags were collected at one hotel and delivered to the next, we had to take our luggage with us. And the bags seem to grow in size and number! Our driver from Sunday's adventure in Cork soon pulled up in front of the hotel. Driver Liz was a bit dismayed to see our pile of bags! But with careful arranging we were able to get nearly everything in her trunk, including Chris and Beth's monster bag. We wedged the remaining carry-on bag between the front seats, kept a small bag or two by our feet, and were off!
We had a lovely adventure, though Jan and Beth were a bit concerned about the narrow road after we left the highway. "Wait until we're on the local road to our house," I told them. We traveled on a beautifully paved, marked, two- lane road!
Upon arrival at our hotel we learned there was no elevator. So up we went, climbing stairs hauling all those bags! The desk clerk, a young woman about Beth's size, helped wrestle the big bag up the stairs. At a landing, one of the cleaners rushed out to lend a hand. "We have no mens here! Mens are never around when you need them!" Funny! But she was quite strong, and soon all our bags were stowed in our rooms.
Then off we went to catch the Blue Pool Ferry over to Garinish Island. We saw seals lounging on the rocks as we headed over, and were soon able to walk up the ramp to the Visitors' Center. We had a quick bite to eat, relaxing in the sunshine, enjoying the blooming plants near us, and the small birds opportunistically looking for a treat.
The hike around the island was fairly strenuous, up and down stairs and gravel inclines. But the sheer number of specimen plants, many native trees whose circumferences were astounding, and a wide range of colors and leaf shapes was stunning. We even climbed to the top of the Martello tower to see our house across the Bay!
After that workout we were glad of the rest on the return ferry. We made an early dinner booking at the pub at Casey's Hotel, then headed out again to hit the town shops, seeing Irish-made goods of wool, porcelain, silk and crystal.
Dinner was brief; then off for a good night's rest!
As we were touring in Glengarriff, the rally drivers were slowly making their way on the route. They had a tea stop at another lovely manor house, then were booked into the highest pub in Ireland for lunch.
But no lunch for Jeff and Chris!
Some of the morning chatter before the start was about a particularly challenging regularity scheduled for late morning. As Chris and Jeff headed on the route, they missed a partially obscured left-hand turn. Continuing straight down the road they questioned how they could miss the turn. Soon other rally cars were heading towards them, teams who had also missed the turn and were heading back looking for the correct route. Chris and Jeff stuck with their route for a while, before throwing in the towel and turning back.
Now they had a real problem. They would be penalized 3 minutes for being late to the time control. But if they missed a time control, they would lose the entire day. So back they went at full speed-as fast as driving a local gravel road in a vintage car can be-arriving at the time check with 10 seconds to spare. So no lunch for them!
Tim and Jim's new regularity notation system seemed to work well for them, as they finished the day leading their class. Chris and Jeff found themselves in third place; despite the steep penalty, they did better than many others!
Settled in to their lovely rooms at Sheen Falls, a recuperative sleep set them up for another long day of rallying. On Wednesday they will be heading South and East, driving in "our hood," as Jeff says.
We are all enjoying a great trip! Wednesday the ladies go down to see our Glengarriff house and will end the day back with the rally at Sheen Falls Lodge.
Fota Island - Gougane Barra - Kenmare
Today was the day the Rally shifted focus from around Cork to the South and West, finishing at Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, County Kerry.
The hotel lobby throbbed in the morning as crews studied their map books for the eight-hour drive ahead. There was a lot of chatter in a variety of languages about putting tops down, fuel capacity and range, and the road ahead. Jeff had headed out early to a petrol station to fill up, while Chris worked studying and making notes on the route book.
Other navigators were doing the same. With an earlier start time after the first rally half-day, Tim was glad his car was not last in the starting rotation. With the most recently built car (1949, but built with pre-war parts) car 70 brought up the end. But they had been moved to the middle of the mix for this long drive.
A peak at the map books showed many points of concern. Jim and Tim have a new system as they review the upcoming drive. Jim removes the regularity pages from the map book and gives them to Tim. Tim then reviews each direction, and makes notes that will help Jim communicate the directions in the best way for Tim to understand. Jim then familiarizes himself with Tim's notes, and reinserts them in the book.
Soon start times had begun and cars were pulling out. Each navigator had their time books checked and ran out to hop in their cars with their drivers. While Chris was wrapping up his planning and waiting for the time window to check in, Gaye and Jeff headed out to car 62, secured the gear cover, and headed to the front door of the hotel.
Checking start times with the other cars parked there, Jeff pulled his car into the slot provided. No sooner had we pulled right up front than Chris came out, Gaye hopped out of the car, Chris quickly stowed his time book and bag, and climbed in. Then they were off!
Jan, Peggy, Beth and Gaye checked out of their rooms. Unlike the men whose bags were collected at one hotel and delivered to the next, we had to take our luggage with us. And the bags seem to grow in size and number! Our driver from Sunday's adventure in Cork soon pulled up in front of the hotel. Driver Liz was a bit dismayed to see our pile of bags! But with careful arranging we were able to get nearly everything in her trunk, including Chris and Beth's monster bag. We wedged the remaining carry-on bag between the front seats, kept a small bag or two by our feet, and were off!
We had a lovely adventure, though Jan and Beth were a bit concerned about the narrow road after we left the highway. "Wait until we're on the local road to our house," I told them. We traveled on a beautifully paved, marked, two- lane road!
Upon arrival at our hotel we learned there was no elevator. So up we went, climbing stairs hauling all those bags! The desk clerk, a young woman about Beth's size, helped wrestle the big bag up the stairs. At a landing, one of the cleaners rushed out to lend a hand. "We have no mens here! Mens are never around when you need them!" Funny! But she was quite strong, and soon all our bags were stowed in our rooms.
Then off we went to catch the Blue Pool Ferry over to Garinish Island. We saw seals lounging on the rocks as we headed over, and were soon able to walk up the ramp to the Visitors' Center. We had a quick bite to eat, relaxing in the sunshine, enjoying the blooming plants near us, and the small birds opportunistically looking for a treat.
The hike around the island was fairly strenuous, up and down stairs and gravel inclines. But the sheer number of specimen plants, many native trees whose circumferences were astounding, and a wide range of colors and leaf shapes was stunning. We even climbed to the top of the Martello tower to see our house across the Bay!
After that workout we were glad of the rest on the return ferry. We made an early dinner booking at the pub at Casey's Hotel, then headed out again to hit the town shops, seeing Irish-made goods of wool, porcelain, silk and crystal.
Dinner was brief; then off for a good night's rest!
As we were touring in Glengarriff, the rally drivers were slowly making their way on the route. They had a tea stop at another lovely manor house, then were booked into the highest pub in Ireland for lunch.
But no lunch for Jeff and Chris!
Some of the morning chatter before the start was about a particularly challenging regularity scheduled for late morning. As Chris and Jeff headed on the route, they missed a partially obscured left-hand turn. Continuing straight down the road they questioned how they could miss the turn. Soon other rally cars were heading towards them, teams who had also missed the turn and were heading back looking for the correct route. Chris and Jeff stuck with their route for a while, before throwing in the towel and turning back.
Now they had a real problem. They would be penalized 3 minutes for being late to the time control. But if they missed a time control, they would lose the entire day. So back they went at full speed-as fast as driving a local gravel road in a vintage car can be-arriving at the time check with 10 seconds to spare. So no lunch for them!
Tim and Jim's new regularity notation system seemed to work well for them, as they finished the day leading their class. Chris and Jeff found themselves in third place; despite the steep penalty, they did better than many others!
Settled in to their lovely rooms at Sheen Falls, a recuperative sleep set them up for another long day of rallying. On Wednesday they will be heading South and East, driving in "our hood," as Jeff says.
We are all enjoying a great trip! Wednesday the ladies go down to see our Glengarriff house and will end the day back with the rally at Sheen Falls Lodge.
May 12th
Day 1
Fota Island to Ballevolane loop
With some teams arriving to Cork's Fota Island Resort late Sunday night or early Monday morning, the first item of business to kick off the rally was scrutineering. Once each team was signed off on necessary safety equipment (tow rope, first aid kit, traffic triangles, etc.) and functioning features (indicator lights, horn, windscreen wipers, etc.), they were able to sign in to the rally. They were given branded fleece overshirts, their map books, time card books, and a bag to carry stuff. As soon as they were officially signed in, the map books were reviewed-in general, where were they going each day? How many time trials and regularities? The specific day-by-day study and prep would come later.
Over a pretty impressive buffet lunch, with an entire table set up with small desserts, the Rally the Globe organizers provided an overview of the Vintage Shamrock route. With the first car starting at 1:30, and cars scheduled a minute apart, the afternoon's rally miles were soon tackled. Jeff and Chris's 1939 MG Tb is car 62 in this rally, with Tim and Jim's 1949 MG Tc car 70, so their starts were an hour or so after that.
Then they were in it!! Lots of turns took them north of the resort, on rural and local roads. Jeff reported the roads were not in great condition. "The edges of the narrow roads are banked. So if you had to pull to the side to avoid an oncoming car, you were in danger of putting the car in the ditch." In addition, the roads were "squirrelly with potholes," causing the tires to skitter across the roads.
While both MGs were serviced at RPS during the winter, green car 62 had some retrofit to the tires and fenders. Wider tires were installed, with the running boards removed and larger fenders installed. The plan was for this modification to help with lateral movement on gravelly roads, as well as provide a better grip in turning. We'll see how that works out.
They stopped at an old manor house for a time control, and a civilized cup of tea. These privately owned homes are frequently found in rural Ireland. Opening them for events is a great way to produce income that helps pay for upkeep. Stopping to visit one is a pleasure; a look into grand historical homes.
There was a bit of rain as they drove the course, which is never comfortable in an open car, but it was a soft shower and didn't inconvenience anyone.
Chris is a bit concerned that his map/timing instruments may be just slightly off. They calibrated them on Sunday, but they may need an adjustment.
At the final regularity of the day, the instructions had them circumnavigating a roundabout twice. Chris was stunned when he was told a Marshall had only marked them going around once-he knew they had done the full two circuits! Of course they would receive a penalty for not completing the rotations.
Jeff suggested they review the times. If they completed the regularity way early, it would indicate they had potentially skipped a round. If their time was within other drivers' ranges, it would indicate they had indeed completed the two full circles. Chris was on edge all evening waiting to hear the verdict.
Meanwhile, after waving cars off, Beth, Peg, Jan and Gaye headed off to the spa for a couple of hours of spa treatments. Beth reported a fairly aggressive massage from a masseuse with large, strong hands, and a head massage that left her wobbly-necked, with very greasy hair. Jan had a fabulous face, shoulder and arm massage, with a facial treatment. Peg felt her skin glowing after a relaxing facial that left her feeling "like a wet noodle." I had a calming back massage with herbs and oils. An afternoon well spent!
We adjourned to the hotel restaurant for an early dinner, since the rally teams weren't scheduled for dinner until nearly 8 PM. Just as we were finishing up, Jeff texted they were in the adjacent bar. We walked over to join them, heard about their day, and helped Jim and Jeff calculate the liter capacity of their fuel tanks. These cars do not have petrol gauges, so knowing kilometers per liter, and the tank capacity, helped calculate the range - about 120 miles - and the miles per gallon - not quite 13. Working between kilometers and miles, liters and gallons, nearly did our heads in, but it's good information to finally have!
So - another good start to a rally. Just as they were turning in for the night, Chris and Jeff heard from the rally committee: the penalty had been removed, with the timing check showing they had indeed doubled the roundabout circumnavigation.
Tuesday presents a long day, with the map calling for nearly 8 hours on the road. The rally will transfer from Cork to Kenmare in County Kerry. The ladies have a driver taking them down to Glengarriff, where Gaye and Jeff's new Irish home is located. The beautiful weather is predicted to continue. Great times ahead!
Fota Island to Ballevolane loop
With some teams arriving to Cork's Fota Island Resort late Sunday night or early Monday morning, the first item of business to kick off the rally was scrutineering. Once each team was signed off on necessary safety equipment (tow rope, first aid kit, traffic triangles, etc.) and functioning features (indicator lights, horn, windscreen wipers, etc.), they were able to sign in to the rally. They were given branded fleece overshirts, their map books, time card books, and a bag to carry stuff. As soon as they were officially signed in, the map books were reviewed-in general, where were they going each day? How many time trials and regularities? The specific day-by-day study and prep would come later.
Over a pretty impressive buffet lunch, with an entire table set up with small desserts, the Rally the Globe organizers provided an overview of the Vintage Shamrock route. With the first car starting at 1:30, and cars scheduled a minute apart, the afternoon's rally miles were soon tackled. Jeff and Chris's 1939 MG Tb is car 62 in this rally, with Tim and Jim's 1949 MG Tc car 70, so their starts were an hour or so after that.
Then they were in it!! Lots of turns took them north of the resort, on rural and local roads. Jeff reported the roads were not in great condition. "The edges of the narrow roads are banked. So if you had to pull to the side to avoid an oncoming car, you were in danger of putting the car in the ditch." In addition, the roads were "squirrelly with potholes," causing the tires to skitter across the roads.
While both MGs were serviced at RPS during the winter, green car 62 had some retrofit to the tires and fenders. Wider tires were installed, with the running boards removed and larger fenders installed. The plan was for this modification to help with lateral movement on gravelly roads, as well as provide a better grip in turning. We'll see how that works out.
They stopped at an old manor house for a time control, and a civilized cup of tea. These privately owned homes are frequently found in rural Ireland. Opening them for events is a great way to produce income that helps pay for upkeep. Stopping to visit one is a pleasure; a look into grand historical homes.
There was a bit of rain as they drove the course, which is never comfortable in an open car, but it was a soft shower and didn't inconvenience anyone.
Chris is a bit concerned that his map/timing instruments may be just slightly off. They calibrated them on Sunday, but they may need an adjustment.
At the final regularity of the day, the instructions had them circumnavigating a roundabout twice. Chris was stunned when he was told a Marshall had only marked them going around once-he knew they had done the full two circuits! Of course they would receive a penalty for not completing the rotations.
Jeff suggested they review the times. If they completed the regularity way early, it would indicate they had potentially skipped a round. If their time was within other drivers' ranges, it would indicate they had indeed completed the two full circles. Chris was on edge all evening waiting to hear the verdict.
Meanwhile, after waving cars off, Beth, Peg, Jan and Gaye headed off to the spa for a couple of hours of spa treatments. Beth reported a fairly aggressive massage from a masseuse with large, strong hands, and a head massage that left her wobbly-necked, with very greasy hair. Jan had a fabulous face, shoulder and arm massage, with a facial treatment. Peg felt her skin glowing after a relaxing facial that left her feeling "like a wet noodle." I had a calming back massage with herbs and oils. An afternoon well spent!
We adjourned to the hotel restaurant for an early dinner, since the rally teams weren't scheduled for dinner until nearly 8 PM. Just as we were finishing up, Jeff texted they were in the adjacent bar. We walked over to join them, heard about their day, and helped Jim and Jeff calculate the liter capacity of their fuel tanks. These cars do not have petrol gauges, so knowing kilometers per liter, and the tank capacity, helped calculate the range - about 120 miles - and the miles per gallon - not quite 13. Working between kilometers and miles, liters and gallons, nearly did our heads in, but it's good information to finally have!
So - another good start to a rally. Just as they were turning in for the night, Chris and Jeff heard from the rally committee: the penalty had been removed, with the timing check showing they had indeed doubled the roundabout circumnavigation.
Tuesday presents a long day, with the map calling for nearly 8 hours on the road. The rally will transfer from Cork to Kenmare in County Kerry. The ladies have a driver taking them down to Glengarriff, where Gaye and Jeff's new Irish home is located. The beautiful weather is predicted to continue. Great times ahead!
When we first started organizing for the Bodacious Racing team to drive their MGs in Rally the Globe's 2025 Vintage Shamrock Road Rally, Jeff and I invited the group on an extended trip to celebrate our 70th birthdays this year. So with lovely resorts, plenty of golf, spa treatments, shopping opportunities and other adventures, the team met up in Boston the evening of May 7th to fly AerLingus to Shannon.
With the flight being less than 6 hours, we arrived in Ireland as the sun was rising on Thursday. Our driver collected us at the airport and delivered us to the spectacular Dromoland Castle in County Clare. Way too early (of course!) to check in, we relaxed in the drawing room with water, tea and coffee, enjoying the beautiful room and some fruit and small pastries. After moving to the dining room and enjoying a full breakfast, we were ready to get going! We knew our lack of sleep on the short overnight flight and the time difference could be deadly to our sleep patterns, so we had booked a day to help us power through.
Jeff and Chris had shipped their golf clubs from Rhode Island, so they collected their gear to sort through shoes, gloves and organize their clubs. Jim had traveled with his clubs, so he had only to open his travel bag. Tim had decided to rent clubs at our various resorts, saying "Rental clubs will be way better than any that I own!"
They were soon headed off to the clubhouse for their tee time, enjoying the beautiful sunshine and warm temperature.
The ladies met up for the short trip into the medieval town of Ennis. Our driver, an Ennis local, did a great job orienting us to the winding streets of town. We had a fun walk around, drifting in and out of shops, including our favorite, which had an amazing collection of antique and collectible clocks, furniture, glassware, jewelry and other fascinating "stuff." Other than a pair of replacement sunglasses for Beth, bought at the local Boots pharmacy, we bought nothing! We retired to the Poet's Corner Bar for a light refreshment stop before being collected to return to the Castle.
Meanwhile, Tim, Jim, Chris and Jeff were making their way through the 18 holes of the beautifully maintained and manicured course. With the jet lag, Jeff reported, no one was playing very well - and the many marshy areas dotting the course collected a fair number of their balls. But it was fun!
Rooms were ready when we returned to Dromoland, and we enjoyed touring each others' beautiful rooms, taking note of similarities and differences in layout and decoration. It was time for an afternoon rest, a drink before dinner, then on to meet up again to enjoy an excellent dinner. Though there was live music in the hall that night, everyone was more than ready to turn in.
Friday was a full day at Dromoland. Another great breakfast, and the men were off to the clubhouse for their tee time. The ladies had a special adventure, meeting with their falconry guide, Jack, for a Hawk Walk. After meeting the Dromoland owls, falcons and hawks at their enclosure on the estate, we headed off into the woods with Jack and the Harris hawk Mac. We had an added excitement; another Harris hawk, Funky, had flown off on his own into the trees earlier that day. Could we keep our eyes and ears open for him to try to lure him back? We would try!
With the flight being less than 6 hours, we arrived in Ireland as the sun was rising on Thursday. Our driver collected us at the airport and delivered us to the spectacular Dromoland Castle in County Clare. Way too early (of course!) to check in, we relaxed in the drawing room with water, tea and coffee, enjoying the beautiful room and some fruit and small pastries. After moving to the dining room and enjoying a full breakfast, we were ready to get going! We knew our lack of sleep on the short overnight flight and the time difference could be deadly to our sleep patterns, so we had booked a day to help us power through.
Jeff and Chris had shipped their golf clubs from Rhode Island, so they collected their gear to sort through shoes, gloves and organize their clubs. Jim had traveled with his clubs, so he had only to open his travel bag. Tim had decided to rent clubs at our various resorts, saying "Rental clubs will be way better than any that I own!"
They were soon headed off to the clubhouse for their tee time, enjoying the beautiful sunshine and warm temperature.
The ladies met up for the short trip into the medieval town of Ennis. Our driver, an Ennis local, did a great job orienting us to the winding streets of town. We had a fun walk around, drifting in and out of shops, including our favorite, which had an amazing collection of antique and collectible clocks, furniture, glassware, jewelry and other fascinating "stuff." Other than a pair of replacement sunglasses for Beth, bought at the local Boots pharmacy, we bought nothing! We retired to the Poet's Corner Bar for a light refreshment stop before being collected to return to the Castle.
Meanwhile, Tim, Jim, Chris and Jeff were making their way through the 18 holes of the beautifully maintained and manicured course. With the jet lag, Jeff reported, no one was playing very well - and the many marshy areas dotting the course collected a fair number of their balls. But it was fun!
Rooms were ready when we returned to Dromoland, and we enjoyed touring each others' beautiful rooms, taking note of similarities and differences in layout and decoration. It was time for an afternoon rest, a drink before dinner, then on to meet up again to enjoy an excellent dinner. Though there was live music in the hall that night, everyone was more than ready to turn in.
Friday was a full day at Dromoland. Another great breakfast, and the men were off to the clubhouse for their tee time. The ladies had a special adventure, meeting with their falconry guide, Jack, for a Hawk Walk. After meeting the Dromoland owls, falcons and hawks at their enclosure on the estate, we headed off into the woods with Jack and the Harris hawk Mac. We had an added excitement; another Harris hawk, Funky, had flown off on his own into the trees earlier that day. Could we keep our eyes and ears open for him to try to lure him back? We would try!
Walking through the spectacular woods at Dromoland, passing 400-year-old trees and unique specimens, is interesting enough. Casting a hawk into the trees, then calling him to your gloved fist as you walk along is absolutely magical! Mac flew to one of us or another in turn, once trying to land on Peggy's head! After a bit, though, Mac was less interested in coming back. The tidbits of raw beef tongue we were feeding him were less appealing as he filled up. Jack placed a piece of raw baby chick-feet and feathers attached-on Beth's glove, and encouraged her to raise her fist. From the other side of the path from where Mac had disappeared we heard a rustle, and a hawk came gliding down to land on Beth's glove! It was the wandering Funky-safely back. Jack secured Funky's leash, and we repeated the trick with Mac. Of course, Jack was down a hand with Funky clipped to his glove, so Beth volunteered to dive into the meat bag, feeling around in the raw beef pieces and chicken parts for an attractive lure for Mac. And she picked a good one; Mac came soaring back to Beth's glove, so excited with the baby chicken on offer he entertained us by guarding the find with his wings, demonstrating a behavior known as mantling. Good stuff!
After a very warm walk back through the golf course without seeing the men, the ladies retreated to the Castle's bar for lunch and a cold drink. Looking across to the 18th hole, we saw our guys approach the flag. With Jan enthusiastically narrating each swing, we saw Jeff, Chris, Tim and Jim each sink their final ball of the day. The men headed off in their golf buggies to the club house. Their bags are being transported to the Sheen Falls Lodge, in Kenmare, County Kerry, where the road rally will finish.
Another Dromoland Castle dinner, and a good night's sleep prepped everyone for Saturday's transport to the Fota Island Resort outside of Cork City, Ciunty Cork. Time to switch gears - see what I did there? - for the 2025 Vintage Shamrock Road Rally!
The MGs arrived at the hotel before we did, thanks to the arrangements made by RPS in England, providing peace of mind upon our arrival. With both cars starting right up, prep on Sunday consisted of doing an inventory of safety gear and spare parts, and checking electrical systems. As the driving teams headed off on a pre-measured course to calibrate their rally clocks, the ladies took a trip into Cork City for a walk-about and history tour.
Back at the hotel, it was time to greet familiar faces from the rally group and reconnect with friends.
Monday morning was all about scrutineering, with the rally marshals and mechanics reviewing each car's safety features; official check-in and registration; then a rally overview briefing over lunch. Getting the route books was a highlight, where we could look forward to seeing the 4-day route. It looks like there will be great fun and challenges ahead on the narrow roads of Southwest Ireland!
The 70 rally cars headed out Monday afternoon, and are on the road as I write this. Check back for news about the first day of the 2025 Vintage Shamrock Road Rally!
After a very warm walk back through the golf course without seeing the men, the ladies retreated to the Castle's bar for lunch and a cold drink. Looking across to the 18th hole, we saw our guys approach the flag. With Jan enthusiastically narrating each swing, we saw Jeff, Chris, Tim and Jim each sink their final ball of the day. The men headed off in their golf buggies to the club house. Their bags are being transported to the Sheen Falls Lodge, in Kenmare, County Kerry, where the road rally will finish.
Another Dromoland Castle dinner, and a good night's sleep prepped everyone for Saturday's transport to the Fota Island Resort outside of Cork City, Ciunty Cork. Time to switch gears - see what I did there? - for the 2025 Vintage Shamrock Road Rally!
The MGs arrived at the hotel before we did, thanks to the arrangements made by RPS in England, providing peace of mind upon our arrival. With both cars starting right up, prep on Sunday consisted of doing an inventory of safety gear and spare parts, and checking electrical systems. As the driving teams headed off on a pre-measured course to calibrate their rally clocks, the ladies took a trip into Cork City for a walk-about and history tour.
Back at the hotel, it was time to greet familiar faces from the rally group and reconnect with friends.
Monday morning was all about scrutineering, with the rally marshals and mechanics reviewing each car's safety features; official check-in and registration; then a rally overview briefing over lunch. Getting the route books was a highlight, where we could look forward to seeing the 4-day route. It looks like there will be great fun and challenges ahead on the narrow roads of Southwest Ireland!
The 70 rally cars headed out Monday afternoon, and are on the road as I write this. Check back for news about the first day of the 2025 Vintage Shamrock Road Rally!
