The inaugural Curlieu Wheelers “Lough Key Classic” cycling sportive will take place on Saturday May 17th 2014.
Starting and finishing in the picturesque town of Boyle the event will feature 120k and 60k routes.
The 120k route takes the cyclists into three counties as they travel from Boyle town centre to Frenchpark, Ballinameen, Elphin, Drumsna, Leirim Village, Keadue, Ballyfarnon, Geevagh, Highwood, Doon and then the sting in the tail – the ascent of the Curlew Mountain, across Garrow and onto the Ballymote road for the descent into Boyle.
Those who partake in the 60k route will leave Boyle and head to Knockvicar joining the 120k route at Keadue and also take in the Highwood and Curlew climbs.
The day will also have an opportunity for younger members of the community to get involved with the “Moone Boy Family Cycle” taking place in the town.
Event Director, Brian Nerney says the route is among the most scenic in the country.
“The courses are challenging and will see the cyclists skirt Lough Meelagh, Lough Arrow, Lough Key with climbs up from Geevagh into Highwood where there are spectacular views and then of course at the end – the Curlew Mountains ascent along the old N4 will be a real test, but once on top, the scenery is the best in the country and will be well worth the effort as the cyclists can ease across the mountain plateau for the descent into Boyle” said Brian.
There will be full catering at the food stops and after the event with showers available at the Sportive HQ in the Sports Complex where registration will be open Friday evening 7pm -8.30pm and again on Saturday morning from 7.30am until 8.45am.
Entry will be €20 for Cycling Ireland members and €25 for non- members and registration will be open in the Sportive HQ on Friday evening 16th 7 – 8.30pm and 7.30am – 8.45am on Saturday morning 17th
With post event entertainment organised for the Saturday night, it is hoped a number of cyclists will make a weekend trip to Boyle, taking in the “Lough Key Classic” on Saturday 17th, staying overnight in Boyle and travelling the short distance the next day to Roscommon for the first stage finish of the An Post Ras.
All in all an exciting weekend of cycling lies ahead in Boyle, Co. Roscommon on the weekend of 16th – 18th May.
Further details from Carmel 086 1598232 or Brian 086 2575032 of Curlieu Wheelers facebook page.
