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Last Updated: 6 Apr 2018 - 12:06:24 PM |
The inaugural Mayo Coastal 300k, held over Saturday and Sunday, was a huge success with over 70 cyclists from all over Ireland taking part.
The cyclists rode from Ballinrobe to Achill on Saturday, taking in a large sweep of the West Mayo coast on route. They visited Partry, Tourmakeady, Leenane, Louisburgh, Westport, Newport, and Mulranny before arriving in Achill, a journey of 91 miles.
On Sunday, though stiff and sore, they enjoyed two scenic loops of Achill Island, and then travelled back to Ballinrobe, many opting to take in the dubious delights of the Windy Gap climb. In the words of one cyclist, “the Windy Gap fairly knocked the talk off us”, and it was a chastened, but invigorated, posse of cyclists who arrived back in Ballinrobe for a post-event get-together in Costello’s Bar.
This was the first time the event organisers – Western Lakes CC – opted for a two-day format, having previously run three-day and four-day events.
“It was a huge success. We got great feedback from all cyclists who took part, who enjoyed the spins and the scenery. It will hopefully build up into a very popular annual event,” said Padraig Marrey of Western Lakes CC.
Two Ballinrobe men – Tommy Cameron and David McMonagle – threw themselves at the mercy of the event by riding on Saturday on a tandem, even though neither has been a regular cyclist in recent years.
They raised funds for cancer research. “The two lads did brilliantly. They cycled the 91 miles on Saturday, and got through it very well. They have raised a few thousand euro for cancer research,” added Marrey.
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