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Night Rider Sportif

Leenane, Galway, Ireland

Leenane, County Galway, Ireland

Sat 18th May 2019

Organiser's Description

Cycle by moonlight through the deep silence of Connemara - 100km, 60km and 34 km distances. This is not a race but a journey, although it is timed. Starting just before sunset you will cycle into the darkness. This is the perfect landscape for night cycling. The darkness is complete and unpolluted but the full moon and the stars will help light your way.

You will start from Killary Adventure Centre, Leenane, Co Galway. Your route is entirely on sealed roads and will pass through huge valleys, alongside shimmering lakes and jagged coastline. Refreshment stops will be provided along the way.

If you need a reason then there are plenty – to prove you can, to feel alive, to get away, to get back, for peace and quiet, to think, to let go, to celebrate. There are so many, you only need one. Tick this off your bucket list.
What's Included

Event technical t-shirt

A fully marked route

Route timing

Refreshment stops along the route

Post-event food

100Km Course

Killary Fjord to Recess

The cycle starts at Killary Adventure Centre. You will head towards Letterfrack on the N59, turning left on to the R344. This part of the route through the Inagh Valley has almost zero light pollution. The Twelve Bens mountains and the Maamturks soar around you making this a magical place.

Recess to Clifden

Once you reach the junction at the end of the R344 in Recess you will turn right bringing you on to the N59 Galway to Clifden road. Cycling on to Clifden there will be well-earned refreshments and a chance to chat with fellow cyclists. This marks 40km into your cycle.

Clifden and the Sky Road

After your refreshments you will then pass through Clifden town and take the famous Sky Road. The climb to the highest point will be worth it to appreciate the vast stillness of the Atlantic and it's islands spreading out beneath you.

Cleggan and Letterfrack

The quiet fishing village of Cleggan is your next marker before reaching Letterfrack and passing the Connemara National Park. Refreshment stop will be available in Letterfrack to help you continue on your journey.

Tullycross and Lough Fee to Killary

From Letterfrack you will head back for Killary via the village of Tullycross and along the coast road via Lettergesh and Glassilaun. These white sand beaches will sparkle in the moonlight. This route is through another spectacular valley running alongside Lough Muc and Lough Fee. When you get to the end of this loop you will turn left on to the N59 and back to Killary Adventure Centre for some relaxation and refreshments.

60Km Course

Killary Fjord to Recess

The cycle starts at Killary Adventure Centre. You will head towards Letterfrack on the N59, turning left on to the R344. This part of the route through the Inagh Valley has almost zero light pollution. The Twelve Bens mountains and the Maamturks soar around you making this a magical place.

Recess to Clifden

Once you reach the junction at the end of the R344 in Recess you will turn right bringing you on to the N59 Galway to Clifden road. Cycling on to Clifden there will be well-earned refreshments and a chance to chat with fellow cyclists. This marks 40km into your cycle.

Clifden to Letterfrack

After your refreshment break the route goes out the N59 Clifden to Westport Road through bogland and sweeping views to Letterfrack where the Connemara National Park is located. Refreshments will also be available in Letterfrack if you so wish to stop here and chat with some of your fellow cyclists. You will be 53km into your cycle at this stage.

Letterfrack to Killary

The course back to Killary is via Kylemore following a winding road past Kylemore Abbey and Kylemore lake through the trees. The mountains of Connemara will be looming on either side of you as you pass along through the deep quiet then on to the shores of Killary Fjord. You will be welcomed back to Killary Adventure Centre for some relaxation and refreshments.

34 Km Course

Killary Fjord to Letterfrack

The cycle starts at Killary Adventure Centre. You will remain on the N59 all the way to Letterfrack. You will pass the stunning Kylemore lakes and Abby along the route to Letterfrack. There will be a refreshment stop here should you wish to avail of them and have a chat with your fellow cyclists. You will be 14km into your cycle at this stage.

Letterfrack back to Killary via Tullycross and Lough Fee

From Letterfrack you will head back for Killary via the village of Tullycross and along the coast road via Lettergesh and Glassilaun. These white sand beaches will sparkle in the moonlight. This route is through another spectacular valley running alongside Lough Muc and Lough Fee. When you get to the end of this loop you will turn left on to the N59 and back to Killary Adventure Centre for some relaxation and refreshments.

Location

Killary Adventure Centre

Start / Cut Off Times

100km: 19:00

60km: 19:15

34km: 19:40

100km cycle:

21:30 Sky Road loop start

23:00 Tully Cross loop start from Letterfrack

Alternative route is via the N59 - see links to maps above for guidance on distances

The course for all distances will close at 12:15am on Sunday 19th May.

Mandatory Kit List

Bike light with minimum 600 lumen light output - check out some recommendations here

Rear light - flashing red

Spare light/ battery - This is VERY IMPORTANT for your personal safety as you CANNOT cycle at night without a light.

Reflective Jacket

Helmet

Spare tube and tools to change

Waterproof jacket

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Location

Leenane, Galway, Ireland

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