The Glens of Antrim
These rides have sweeping curves, tight hairpins, dips and crests packaged in mountain and sea scenery to delight in. Throw in biking history, picturesque villages, and views of Scotland and you have one of the most popular biking destinations in Northern Ireland.
Mind you, there are places where a high level of biking skill is needed if your pillion is to be able to appreciate the scenery. It is not easy to ride well here and avoid the kinds of mistake which can be a nightmare for a pillion.
There are not many places where cars can overtake. At busy times, bikers need to be especially careful in case impulsive drivers pull out without warning or brake suddenly to sample the views.
Ride 1 – The Coast and the Glens (red on map)
From the waterfront in Ballycastle follow the A2 branching off at Ballyvoy for Torr Head and the coast road. The road surface is variable. The rise and fall of the road, the corners, and the temptation to lift your eyes to the sea and Scotland mean that you could miss a patch of the dark, slippery stuff dropped off by cattle. There are signposts to Moorlough Bay and Torr Head, ideal picnic sites. Award yourself five stars if you can take a pillion on these digressions and have them talk only about the scenery afterwards.
From Cushendun hug the coast to Carnlough and turn right on the A42 towards Broughshane. Go north on the B94 branching at McGregor’s Corner to the A43 as far as the B14 to skirt Trostan and on towards Cushendall. Back to Ballycastle.
This is a glorious ride on smooth but narrowish roads bounded in places by low stone walls and cliffside. In light traffic, it is a run to be savoured and repeated.
Ride 2 – Joey Dunlop Country (blue on map)
Joey Dunlop is road racing’s iconic figure. His memorial garden is in Ballymoney and he is buried in the grounds of Garryduff Presbyterian Church on the B16, Dunloy, road out of Ballymoney. This route passes these places and goes on to the Giant’s Causeway, Dunseverick Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Ballycastle before skirting Knocklayd along Glenshesk and redoing the north coast back to Portstewart.
From Bushmills on the roads are demanding – twisty and hilly with lots of rider-distracting and pillion-enthralling views. This is not a route on which to compete with other bikers. The real test is whether or not you are a good enough rider to manage the route without having to grab the brakes or cringe when you almost stall the engine.
