February Newsletter Ath blain shonas dhuit
Holiday season is well and truly over, and as we feel the February freeze, we are sure lots of you are thinking ahead to the days getting longer, dusting off the running shoes and oiling the bikes as we get ready for a fantastic year of action. Lots of you have already signed up for this years event and with hundreds entered, we are looking set for another epic event. So we are told, this year Gael Force 6 might turn into the largest one day multi sport event in the world!
1. Gael Force West Training Weekends @ Killary Adventure Centre
2. Walking Festivals
3. Bike Hire for GF6
4. The Rat Race is back!
5. Accommodation deals
6. Those important dates again.
1. Gael Force West Weekends @ Killary Adventure Centre
Killary Adventure Centre are planning some great training weekends for February, April and June. If you are a newcomer to Adventure Racing or Multi Sport Events, this will be your first time taking part in Gael Force 6 and it might be daunting. Likewise you may have completed GF6 and want to better your time and ability. Well these courses are for you! The centre is located in a superb setting on the shores of the Killary – in fact it is part of the GF6 course too, so you can’t get closer to the action! You will be able to familarise yourself with the route and terrain of the course and with the knowledge, enthusiasm, and great sense of humour of Brian Keogh, one of Ireland’s best known Adventure racers, on hand to give training tips and advice, you will inevitability leave with a wealth of knowledge, experience and realistic targets for yourself. Check out all the details here or contact the centre on 095 43411 on email here.
2. Walking Festivals
If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, and GF6 is going to be enough of a challenge just the once, why not try one of three unique and different walking festivals happening around the area over the next few months.
Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail are holding their inaugural Festival from the 14th – 16th March. This is a three day festival following the historic walking trail that runs from Balla to Murrisk, the base of Croagh Patrick. It takes in some amazing parts of rural Mayo, and outstanding heritage sites. With Paddys day the following day, treat yourself to a well earned night our in Westport when you finish! For more details on the festival please click here.
Hopefully the weather will be looking good for Easter this year and we will all be able to get out there! Croagh Patrick Walking Holidays are planning another festival from Westport between the 10th -14th of April. They will be covering some fantastic areas of Connemara – Ben Gorm, Diamond Hill and lots more. They have designed the festival so as their is something each day for all abilities. For more details and accommodation packages check out the website here!
Leenane Village is set to host another Walking Festival this May 1st – 4th. This is a superb way of experiencing an amazing part of the country in true Gael Force Heartland. With evening entertainment in the great location of Leenane Village, you are guaranteed an excellent weekend. With the huge success of the inaugural event last year, which sold out, make sure to book your place early! Why not use is as a taster session for GF6 and some reconnaissance? Check out more details here.
3. Bike Hire
For 2009 we have a new bike hire partner. Mountain Trail Bike Shop in Galway city have come on broad and they are offering a great service. They have two types of bikes on offer and they will drop your machine for you at Delphi and pick it up at the finish so you don’t have to worry about it after you have crossed the finish line -it will probably be the last thing on your mind anyway! Their mechanics will be on site at registration to make sure your bike is set up specifically for you and in great working order for you. Check out full details here.
4. The Rat Race is back!
The Rodent returns and Galway is set to be under attack by Rat Racers again this September 5th & 6th. We are going the whole hog this time with the full two day experience as seen in London, Edinburgh and Melbourne. So now you get to choose from the “Mean Streets,” a team running event lasting 3 hours on Saturday evening, or the “9 to 5” bike based adventure on Sunday. Or do both to complete the Rat Race “Weekender”! Galway is a great city in which to be adventurous and we still haven’t uncovered half the fun challenges it holds! Check out all the details at www.ratraceadventure.com and be sure to enter early to avail of our early bird deals!
5. Accommodation Deals for 2009
As there are so many of you visiting Westport on Gael Force weekend, we have got together with some of the accommodation providers in the town to offer you some special packages. Hopefully we have something to suit all pockets from indulging with some Spa treatments to keeping your budgets lean and being able to crawl of out your tent to the start line at Westport House. We still have more to come online but check out the deals so far here!
6. Those all important dates again.
Just a reminder of the race date of 22nd August 2009, and with training weekends in February, April and June, you could have a great year getting fit and making lots of new friends! Our office is open Monday to Friday for any questions you may have or why not get them answered by fellow competitors by joining our Facebook page and starting a discussion! Keep an eye on the website for other exciting party based events that will be held in Westport on the Gael Force weekend!
Call us on 098 28324 or email us at info@gaelforcewest.ie to ask any questions. James Street, Westport
See you out west in 2009!