“The West’s Ultimate Cycling Challenge”
Taking its name from the iconic mountain climber’s jersey, this challenge provides cyclists the opportunity to cycle the Hills of South Mayo and Galway’s Joyce Country, offering spectacular views of three of the west’s beautiful lakes. With the choice of three routes, there is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. All the routes are all well marked out and there will be support vehicles, food stops, and regular drink top-ups along each of the routes.
POLKADOT FADA – 180km
Polkadot Fada is a 180km route with 3000m total climbing, designed to challenge the fit experienced cyclist. This route mixes the long drag climbs of the Sheefry Hills with the short sharp climbs of the Partry and Joyce Country Hills. The route starts with a gentle lap of Lough Cara before climbing begins. Through the Sheefry Hills riders will see Croagh Patrick to the west, before passing through Drummin and on to the western shore of Ireland’s only fjord at Killary harbour. The route then doubles back over the Sheefry Hills where Lallys Hill awaits the participants, who are rewarded with the spectacular views of Lough Mask upon reaching the summit. The route then passes through Joyce Country, through Maam along the shores of Lough Corrib, then on to Cornamona and Clonbur before the final dash on flat roads back to Ballinrobe.
THE POLKADOT – 120km
The Polkadot route, at 120km, offers the Leisure Cyclist a testing challenge over 9 climbs of the Partry and Joyce Country Hills. Circling Lough Cara through Carnacon and Ballintubber, climbing starts after Kilawalla at Bohaun and then on to the challenge of Lally’s Hill. On reaching the summit riders are rewarded with a spectacular view of Lough Mask and the surrounding areas. The route then goes on to join the Fada route around Lough Nafooey, through Joyce Country and into Maam. The route then sweeps along the shores of Lough Corrib, passing through Cornamona and Clonbur before the final stretch home to Ballinrobe.
POLKADOT BEAG – 80km
The Polkadot Beag 80km, with its three Hills, is designed to suit riders who want to dip their toe in cycling challenge waters. Following the same route of the Polkadot to Croghrimbeg riders get to conquer Lally’s Hill before reaching Tourmakeady and taking the shoreline road which goes directly to Maumtrasna. On reaching Lough Nafooey the route turns for Finney, on to Clonbur and home to Ballinrobe.
PLEASE CHECK www.westernlakescc.com FOR UPDATES AND REGISTRATION CLOSER TO THE DATE.
Also you can text Marie on 087 7819954 or Michael on 087 9000368 for further information.
