No disrespect to Donaghadee and Co Down, Claymore, but scenery-wise they don't come close to the Antrim Coast Road and the near-coast minor roads between Coleraine and Ballycastle.

As for the road north of the Golden Gate, I've pedalled that, and even wiped the sweat off my brow in a vain attempt to look cool in the trendiest joints in Sausilito (sp?). It was supposed to be the anti-climax after three months in Alaska, and nearly stole the show - which is saying something, because Alaska blew me away like nowhere I've ever been on earth.