By Louise Hickey
The cycling season is still in full swing and we’ve had spectacular racing, but it’s not all about competing. Alongside racing, there are numerous sportives. Ireland offers some of the most scenic and challenging routes. There is still time this summer to get out there and get involved.
With more cycle trails being developed this year and more greenways, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Here is a sample of just some coming up in the next few weeks, which cater for all abilities.
Leinster
Women's Lap of Louth
Date: 14th of August
Price: €15
Route: This woman-only event explores the ‘wee county’
of Louth, offering both a 55 and 85km route. Both routes begin at DKIT Sports
in Dundalk.
The 55km route takes cyclists through the village of Castlebellingham,
continuing through Annagassan, famous for its Viking history. Cyclists will
then follow the coast, before turning inland, toward Togher and Dunleer before
returning to Dundalk.
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The more challenging 85kms also follows the coastal
route from Annagassan, but continues through the village of Termonfeckin, on
towards Drogheda along the Boyne estuary toward Collon and Ardee before
returning to Dundalk.
Cuchulainn Cycling Club first organised the event in
2019, but due to Covid-19, this will only be the second time for the event to
run.
More information: Contact [email protected] or Jacqui Healy on 086 1685946.
Race Around Ireland
Date:
21st of August
Price:
For solo entries €900
Route:
This has been listed as one of the world’s toughest endurance events. The event
starts in Trim, County Meath and continues around the whole country, totalling
2,170kms. The route takes in some of the most historic sites, such as
Newgrange, The Causeway Coast, The Dark Hedges, Main Head, The Cliffs of Moher,
The Ring of Kerry, Mizen Head, the Garden County and coming back to Moynalty in
County Meath.
The
event is non-stop. Solo riders will spend up to 22 hours a day on their bikes,
while teams rotate as part of a relay. Time allowances differ whether you are a
solo rider or part of a team.
More information: Racearoundireland.com
Pat Colgan Pedal the Peaks
Date: 28th of August
Price: €40
Route: There are four possible routes available on the
day. The 125km and 95km spins are for the more experienced riders and take on
the challenge of the Slieve Bloom mountains between Offaly and Laois.
Alternatively, the 85km and 50km routes skirt around
the base of the mountains. All routes begin at the Tullamore Harriers Athletic
grounds in Offaly, stopping off at the picturesque village of Kinnity on the
way.
More information: Contact Shane Scally on 0876458808 or by email at [email protected]
Munster
John O'Mahony Cycle
Date: 20th of August
Price: Yet to be confirmed
Route: The 125km route travels through the natural
beauty of west Cork, leaving Drimoleague, heading for Bantry, on through
Ballylicky and pausing in Kenmare. The route then loops back through the
tourist village of Glengarriff and returns to Drimoleague.
More information: Contact Padraig McCarthy on 0878294086 or email at [email protected]
Mike Murphy Memorial
Date: 27th of August
Price: €30
Route: This route offers a 100km trail or 60kms
depending on capabilities. The event takes in the scenery of South Kerry, whilst
giving other cyclists the chance to honour Mike Murphy.
Murphy was the Rás Tailteann winner in 1958. He is
known as one of the greatest legends in cycling. All registration fees go
toward the building of a statue of the cycling hero.
More information: The event is currently waiting on risk assessment approval but will be open for registration soon. Contact Mike Greany on 0872833489.
Cycle against suicide spinoff
Date: 3rd of September
Price: €20
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Route: Both the start and finish for the event are at
the Marina Market in Cork. Starting from the Monaghan road entrance and
finishing at the Kennedy Quay entrance. There are routes for all ages and
fitness capabilities. Numerous speeds are catered for, from 18km/hr upwards.
The event has the aim of promoting mental health in
advance of World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10th of September. It
aims to bring the people of Ireland together and highlight the help there is
available. There will also be free counselling services available on the day
from 3 pm to 6 pm.
More information: Contact Caroline Lafferty on 0870000000 or by email at [email protected]
Ulster
Paddy Reilly 200
Date: 13th of August
Price: €5
Route: The 200km spin begins in the town square of
Ballyjamesduff in Cavan in Ulster. It first heads towards Ballinamore in
Leitrim, then through Leitrim’s Drumkeenan and back towards Cavan town.
The route travels through counties Cavan in Ulster, but
also Leitrim and Roscommon in Leinster, which may be of interest for those aiming
for the 4 provinces challenge.
More information: Contact Andreas Voigt on 0851071211 or by email at [email protected]
KCC 100 charity
Date: 14th of August
Price: €15
Route: This 100km event takes you along some of the
lesser cycled roads in Down, both inland and shoreland, taking in the scenery
along the shores of Strangford Lough. This year the race will be supporting and
donating to Parkinsons NI.
More information: [email protected]
Fermanagh 200
Date: 27th of August
Price: €5
Route: The 200kms involves a mix of flat and short
climbs along shore roads, almost entirely within county Fermanagh. The route
begins and ends in Ballinamallard, it heads towards villages Kesh and Beleek, passing
through Belcoo and Derrylin, before reaching back to the starting point.
More information: Contact Paul Burchmore on 07900263960
Connacht
Cunga RAM
Date: 14th of August
Price: €25
Route: The event is suitable for different
capabilities, offering two routes. One that travels 115kms and another that
amounts to 55kms.
The event begins in Cong and continues through the
countryside and scenic Connemara, riding around the mountains as the name of
the event suggests.
More information: Contact David O’Loughlin on 0831111111 or by email at [email protected]
Inishfree 300/400
Date: 20th of August
Price: €5
Route: Depending on capabilities, two events are
running parallel to each other- a 300km and a 400km route.
Both events begin in Sligo town. The 400km event travels
through Bundoran, Ballyshannon, Killybegs, Donegal town, down through
Enniskillen and looping back to the starting point.
The 300km event turns at 102kms, to make the track
shorter, but re-joins the original route at 204kms.
More information: Contact Stuart on 07966255887 or by email at [email protected]
Galway Gravel Grinder
Date: 27th of August
Price: €55
Route: There are three routes this event has to offer,
all of which are on traffic-free, gravel grounds. There is ‘The Epic’, which is
the longest route, at 125kms, ‘The Crush’ (100kms) and ‘The Craic’ (65kms).
After over three years of planning, the route has been
designed to introduce riders to gravel grounds. The Epic covers 82% gravel
grounds, The Crush just under 80, whilst The Craic only has 68% of gravel
grounds.
More information: Contact Grant Fay on 0896104042 or
by email at [email protected]
