Gravel cyclists set to explore the hidden west at Mayo event
Gravel cyclists from across Ireland along with participants travelling from overseas will descend on Ballinrobe next Sunday, August 23, for the 2026 Gravel Grind West.
The event caters for cyclists of varying abilities, with participants able to choose between 65km and 100km routes.
But Gravel Grind West is about more than distance or speed — it is designed as an adventure on the bike, taking riders away from busy roads and into some of the lesser-known landscapes and historic places of Mayo.
The routes explore the countryside around Lough Mask and Lough Carra, taking in sections including the Bowers Walk, Creagh Woods, the Partry Hills, Tourmakeady Woods, the Killawalla boglands, the Clogher Loop and Moorehall House.
Many of these sections form part of the Lost Treasure Trail, an ancient route associated with the monks who once travelled through this landscape, using the rivers, lakes and stars to guide their journeys.
The event organisers see gravel cycling as an opportunity to explore the countryside at a different pace, using quieter roads, forest tracks, trails and old routes that can reveal a side of Mayo that is often missed from the main roads.
A spokesperson for the event said: “The aim of Gravel Grind West is not simply to put on another cycling event. We want to highlight the hidden geography, history and landscape of this part of Mayo while showing how cycling can provide safe and enjoyable ways to explore away from busy traffic.”
The event also aims to showcase the potential for developing safe, low-traffic cycling routes while encouraging people of different abilities to discover the area by bike.
Gravel Grind West is supported by McHale Farm Machinery, Supermac’s, John O’Hares Pub Ballinrobe, Nuasan, Tyres R Us, Coillte, Mayo County Council, Cycling Ireland, Cycling Connacht and local private landowners.
The event starts and finishes at Cornmarket, Ballinrobe on Sunday morning, with the first finishers expected back from approximately 1 p.m. onwards.
Those wishing to enter the event can do so here.