West Mayo gears up for Westportif cycle challenge
THE iconic Westportif cycling challenge will take place on Saturday, May 17.
Established in 2012, this event continues to grow in popularity every year, with cyclists travelling from all over Ireland to participate in the cycle and to enjoy the post event hospitality in Westport.
The sportif starts and finishes in the stunning parklands of Westport House Estate, leading cyclists towards the Newport road where they will embark on their journey. Participants can choose from two route distances - 75km and 150km.
The 75km route incorporates a northward journey to the breathtaking Seven Arch Bridge in Newport. Cyclists will glide through Glenhest and Keenagh, where the awe-inspiring views of Nephin and Ireland's remotest mountain, Slieve Carr, will leave them spellbound.
The return trip to Newport via the Nephin Drive is spectacular, showcasing the beauty of Wild Nephin National Park, the serene Lough Fee, and panoramic vistas of Clew Bay.
Cyclists will return to Westport House where they will be welcomed by a party atmosphere along with food, drink and entertainment at Gracy's Pizzeria and Bistro in the Westport Estate.
Organisers say the 75km cycle is accessible to leisure cyclists of all abilities.
The 150km route is for those who crave an even bigger challenge. Sharing the same start as the 75km route, the longer journey pushes further north after Keenagh, offering jaw-dropping views of the Nephin mountain range as you cross the rugged Barony of Erris. You’ll ride through some of the most remote, untouched landscapes in the world - vast, empty, and absolutely awe-inspiring.
Deirdre Clarke, event organiser for the Westportif, says plans are in full motion for this year’s event, which is taking shape to be the biggest yet. Registrations are open at www.westportif.ie and Deirdre encourages interested cyclists to sign up as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
She added that thanks to the generosity of Portwest, the main event sponsor, all participants will receive a Westportif branded water bottle along with a fabulous event medal.
The Westporif is a joint venture between Westport Covey and Western Lakes Cycling Clubs and it is an important fundraiser both for the clubs themselves and for their nominated charity partner each year. This year’s chosen charity is Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, which provides free of charge palliative care services to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families enabling patients to live out the remainder of their lives in comfort and dignity.
Full information here.