All systems go for Westportif cycling weekend

The Westportif cycling event will take place next weekend (June 26/27).

Westportif is a voluntary run dual venture between Westport Covey Wheelers and Western Lakes Cycling Club. Both clubs use Westportif to fund and develop the sport at grassroots.

"Considering the year we had, holding this big cycling weekend in the adventure capital town of Ireland is a big bonus for outdoor activity," said Padraig Marrey, of Western Lakes Cycling Club.

Saturday’s Sportif events kick off at 9 a.m. from Towers Bar and Restaurant at the Quay with smallish waves leaving every 30 minutes.

Participants have two routes: 80km and 150km taking in some of the breath-taking scenery around Aughagower, the shores of Lough Mask, Tourmakeady, Mweelrea (Connacht's highest mountain), Leenane, Ashleigh Falls, Killary Fjord, Doolough, Louisburg and Croagh Patrick. All Covid guidelines will be adhered to making for a great weekend in the Port.

On Sunday, there is a real treat for families. A new Westportif Junior event will commence at 10:30 a.m. It’s a treasure hunt cycle using the Coast Road and the West Road greenway, with families having to work out various puzzles before they can move on to the next station.

Exploring some real gems at places called Sunnyside, the Greenway graveyard, the skate park and the beehive hotel, one wonders what’s in store.

There is already great interest in this new addition to the Westportif family, locals and visitors are looking to make a weekend of it and signing up for both events.

This new Treasure cycle event is great value at just €25 per family with a free goodie bag for all kids who take part.

This is a great way to get kids aged 2-13 interested in cycling and any scooter, skater, trike, tag along, bike trailer or bike will do, just make sure everyone wears a helmet.

There are two routes to choose from: a 2k option for the under 5 year olds and a 10k option for those older, parents or carer must accompany the under 18 participants.

So ring around and pull family, relations and friends together and enjoy a really wheelie day out at the seaside town, with the finish back at the Towers Bar and Restaurant at the Quay where the goodie bags can be picked up.This promises to be a great weekend.

There are limited places still available. You can register at: https://www.westportif.ie/