After a somewhat ‘damp’ February, things are looking up for Ireland’s Sportive enthusiasts.
With a 65% rise in events this month, there’s sure to be a Sportive that suits the abilities and location preference of all cyclists.
With the turn of the month, we’re already off to a flying start with 2 Sportives already under way this morning; the Ronan McCormack Cycle Challenge and the Midelton 200 got under way with what looks to be the perfect cycling conditions.
The weekend of the 8th/9th sees a small lull in activities only to be revived with a jam-packed Super Saturday on the following week of the 15th.
Up first is the unnerving Virginia 300 held by Audax Ireland. A gruelling 300km leisure cycle which will take you on a tour of North Leinster and into Ulster, travelling out through County Meath, into Monaghan and back through Cavan and Westmeath.
Not for the faint hearted and as always, Audax Ireand are self-supported events which means that there are no manned controls and no support vehicle.
However, there are plenty of options for refueling en route.
If 300km doesn’t quite tickle your fancy and you’re in the Limerick/Munster region then then Saints and Cyclists Sportive might just.
Organised by Askeaton Touring Club and on behalf of the Butterfly Club charity, the Sportive has 2 routes of 50km and 95km which is sure to appeal to beginners and veterans of all ages.
If you’re little more south than Limerick then the Killorgan Community College Sportive also takes place on the 15th.
Fully family friendly, the event aims to raise badly needed funds for their School.
To Cavan next where the Charity Cycle for Aware and Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund will be happening. This event hosts 20km and 80km routes and refreshments with be served after at Tesco Bailieborough.
The final cycle on the 15th is the Pakie Ryan Memorial. Now in its 5th year, this challenge takes place in Newmarket on Fergus and it will be sure to top the success of the 2013 event. Planning is well underway for this years spin which again promises to be a Fun-Family-Friendly day out.
For those of you nearer to or north of the border, Sunday 16th sees the 3rd Newry Wheelers Sportive return in aid of the southern area hospice. Stay tuned to the Newry Wheelers facebook page for route details on this one.
Heading back to Kerry on the 22nd, the Fenit Coastal Cycle returns aiming to raise badly needed funds for the local school. Last year the inaugural event was a tremendous success. A huge team of volunteers ensured the event ran smoothly and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. There was a wonderful atmosphere around the school from very early that Saturday morning. Over 450 cyclists from throughout the Munster region participated. The feedback from cyclists and families on the day was very positive.
Heading into the end of the month brings us the return of the Lap of laois. This event has two routes of 60 and 125km with a nice hot shower and hot meal at the end and will cost 25 euro to enter with the money raised split between The Jack and Jill Foundation and The Cuisle Centre(cancer support unit) in Portlaoise.
The final excursion of the month will be the Stephen Roche Atlantic Challenge. This annual event is hosted by and will feature a man every Irish cyclist knows well; former Tour de France winner, Giro d’Italia winner and World Champion cyclist, Stephen Roche.
The route for this one was described by Lonely Plant as ” 5th Best Cycling Route in the World”. It’s sure to be a great day of cycling.
Hope to see you at one of these events but if not, here’s Eddy with some wise words.
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