adventure racing
MTB Off road Audax Routes and info June 30th 2019
Western Lakes CC have stepped into the world of Audax events for the 2nd year running where athletes test themselves over a route by completing it inside a time limit.
The Mayo Western Lakes Audax MTB, has 2 event distances 100k and super tough 200k held on Sunday 30th June 2019.
Both routes are steeped in history and geography, starting in the old garrison town of Ballinrobe, following the Monk's trail to Moorehall woods along the banks of Lough Carra and onto Ballintubber Abbey. Chance to refuel at Corleys bar, a trek through the boglands of Killawalla to the hidden and deserted villages of Srah, the watering hole at O Toole's bar (Foodstop), Tourmakeady waterfall and the old escape routes through to the Black valley of Glensaul. High up in the Partry mountains over looking Lough Mask, drinking water out of Glacier lakes and hidden waterfalls. To the Murderous Maam Trasna pass, the Irish quarter of Finney to the end off the leg of the Mask, over the hill of the CO-OP and descend out onto Lough Corrib via the longest land peninsula of Europe. Climb Heart attack hill and the old Sean Bothar from Cornamona, travel back in time in the Joyce country Geo park and through the majestic woodlands of Cong and Ashford castle, through lane ways and Turloughs over the hill of Cairn and along Ballinrobe Inishmaine Trail: Takes in a variety of archaeological and historical points of Interest including a Souterrain, Caves, a Ringfort, a Cornmill, an Abbey, a Sweathouse and a Hillfort, the final few kms are along the river Robe on the Bowers riverside walk.
Entry fee €6 for the 100k and €11 for the 200k
Audax Ireland Medal €7
ACP (Audax club parisien) €7
MTB, Gravel or cyclo cross bikes suitable (Make sure to bring plenty of spares if using a Gravel or cyclo cross bikes)
Potential food stops
Only one of the above have a deli that is Ballintubber stores, all the pubs do teas and sandwiches.
For now we want people to try out the different sections of the route, we have recce more or less it all now, starts off on by roads, with occasional off road section, from Section 2 on alot more fire track and bog sections, end of section 2 gets hilly, section 3 is savage, section 4 and 5 are tough, section 6 is all off road and section 7 is a ramble through the lanes....coming via the Bowers river side walk, the finish line is back at the Western Lakes cycling centre on the Kilmaine road.
What to get of the road and onto the beaten track for a few weeks ?
Both routes were designed and recce for the Audax event that the club is organizing on June 30th 2018
Audax don't allow short, they don't encourage racing, the only challenge participants to try and finish a set out route inside a certain time limit.
Each route is broken into sections, a normal club spin could do one or maybe 2 sections at a time, as each section is about 30k return, depending where you start from.
if you want to see the route clearly download the free version of ridewithgps onto your Garmin, phone or Wahoo device.
200k
The 200k route starting at the Cycling Centre section one finishes once you complete the lap in Moorehall, Section 2 finishes at Ballintubber Abbey, section 3 finishes in Tourmakeady (hilly), Section 4 finishes in Finny (The hardest section) section 5 finishes in Cornamona, and section 6 finishes in Cong and Section 7 takes a looping way home to Ballinrobe taking in the sites.
When out on these routes ideally go with a buddy in case of mishap and bring the usual breakdown stuff and your phone.
Western Lakes Club News 24/02/2017
Hi all , spring is in the air, dust down or wash down the bike and head out for "Spring Spin"
"Winter Miles = Summer Smiles"
Leisure cycling & MTB & Youths Reports
As the weather has turned for the worse, its hard to get the road season off to a start. The MTB side is flying at the moment. The first round of the Connaught MTB league was held in Moorehall last Sunday, with a great crew from WLCC taking part and finishing up on the podium as well.
https://www.facebook.com/ConnachtMtbLeague/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
The Expert Men race consisting of 5 laps was won by Colin Snow of Western Lakes
James English won the Junior Men, John Staunton came 4th in the Sport Men and Sinead Waters came second in the sports woman group and Eimear Flannery came first in the Novice Woman and Katriona McHugh came fourth and Robert Flannery came second in the U-10 Boys.
These are great results by WLCC members. It’s great to see the younger members getting in a few races. The next round of the MTB league is the Biking Blitz in Derroura on March 12th. It would be good to see lots of members take part in this event. MTB bikes can be hired near Derroura. Check Facebook for details of the results.
The now annual training camp to Cliften takes place on Saturday the 25th of February. There is about 21 riders leaving Ballinrobe on Saturday morning and cycling back to Cliften in the sunshine and no wind or rain. They will stay the night in the station house hotel where they will have some light salads and some training information. Recovery drinks such as “Hop House 13” or a Gin or two will be needed. Mayo match will be watched and early to bed after the nightclub.
The brave souls will cycle back to Ballinrobe with the breeze at their backs on Sunday at a ADV speed of 37km per hour. We will wait for the stories next week.
Anyone not doing the Cliften cycle, may like to take part in the Saddle Up For Eplisey on Saturday, check Facebook for details. This is a great and well run event for a great cause. Its the first Sportif of the year and has 3 routes for all abilities. You are quartered to put on weight at this event lol. https://www.facebook.com/saddleupforepilepsy/
The new club gear is ready to be collected and is available in Cummins hardware
Racing Report
As you may know by now the dispute with Cycling Ireland over the Ballinrobe 3 day continues on. WLCC has made the decision to pull all the open racers for the year as a result. This is a hard blow for the racers in the club, every effort will be made to resolve the issue. See club website for full report. There is an online petition to be signed, please see link below.
The racers of the club are training hard and all should be flying for the Ras Maigheo on the 25th & 26th of March 2017 in Westport.
Keep up the the training as “tomorrow will be bright” as they say
#Fullgas
Western Lakes CC Leisure Training Schedule end of March to June 2016
Hi all Cycle fans
Please see the Leisure groups training schedule from the end of March to the end of June 2016. The mid week spins will start shortly when the time changes. These are links to the pages so click on the link and see the page.
Copy of Training schedule for Leisure Group March to end June 2016 Page 1
Copy of Training schedule for Leisure Group March to end June 2016 Page 2
Copy of Training schedule for Leisure Group March to end June 2016 Page 3
Times and dates are set and there will be reminders posted on WLCC Facebook page, so keep an eye out for the posts.
Western Lakes CC Weekly Report 11/03/2016
Hi all, it was another eventful and successful week in Western Lakes CC, the races are starting thick and fast and the weather is due to pick up.
Leisure
The leisure spin last Sunday was wet and cold and 18 brave souls started from Cornmarket on Sunday morning. I think the route was adjusted a few times along the way in order to get home. Well done to all who got the KM's in, it will stand when the summer comes. M. Conroy reckoned his hands were so cold when he got home he could not take off the cycling kit so he left it on all day.
Spins will continue on the Sunday and a schedule of times, dates and distances will be issued shortly on the site.
Races
Congrats goes to Patricia Harte who in her 3rd open race, finished 4th overall, only a matter of time before she features on the top steps of the podium.
Well done from all at WLCC
Ras Maigh Eo was the main event at the weekend and 4 WLCC members took part in the A2/A3 & A4 races.
Few of the lads all smiles before the race. Gerry Towey took part in the A4 race and was racing hard throughout but had not a team mate to help pursue the lone rider who went for a 40km solo win.
Cathal Usher had a great weekend and was in the break for the stage only to be mopped up in the final 500mts. He finished 7th on stage 2 and took 9th place in the GC which a great result considering the conditions and how cold it was. Cathal is moved up to the A2 grade, congrats to him, must be back in the Mayo air, won't be long till A1.
Sean O Malley took to the roads in Limerick for a race in Broadford, he was pleased with the performance, it wont be long before the Cipollini bike will feature on the Podium.
MTB
Congratulations to Sinead Waters who was 2nd in a mountain bike event in the Derroura Blitz.
Great Cycling by all, and hope to see more out on the bikes in the coming weeks for leisure spins and some races, Mayo league is starting soon.
#FullGas
WLCC Weekly Report 03-03-2016
Once again there was various events over last weekend and WLCC was well represented in numerous events.
The Saddleup4eplisey took place on Saturday from Castlebar via Tubbercurry and back to Castlebar, there was two routes 70km and 128Km and both routes were well represented by former pros and wannabe pros.
Back to Winning Ways
Tom Hughes and Oillie Kelly in Hollywheelers colours in the leading group with new Carbon Orbea
Mr Gibbons and Co drove the pace in the second group which was probably faster than the long group. There was a great set up in the hall with soup sandwiches, and all sort of information.
Race Report
The cycleway Cup was held around the roads of Naven and was well attended by the WLCC racers.
Sean o Malley A1 105km
Cathal Usher A3 71km
John Gill A3 71km
Janis Blinovs A3 71km
Trish Harte Ladies 71km
2 laps circuit for ladies and A3’s, 3 laps for A1’s
A3 race had big field (100+) no break stayed away, Cathal went up the road a few times with no success. All 3 finished in top half of the bunch. Big crash with 200m to go all WLCC stayed up. Young fella from Omagh won the sprint.
A1 high profile field a break of 8-10 got away in first 10km Sean worked hard in chasing group but never pulled them back. Was be all accounts a very hard and fast race, Sean finished safely in the chasing bunch. Damien Shaw won.
The ladies had 12 starting again had some top quality experienced racers from the east. Started hard and fast got split up on the first climb, Trish ended up with 2 other ladies chasing for the remainder and finished well.
Some Pics form the event, I could not find SOM maybe he was up the road. Well done to all who attended.
#FullGas
C
Upcoming Events 26/02/2016
Hi all
Great weather this week and it getting better for cycling, some up coming events over the weekend, the Saddleuprepilepsy is on http://www.saddleupforepilepsy.com/ this week see attached links.
It starts from Breffey House at 10.00 am, there is sign up for on the morning of the event if you have not signed up online. There are two course lengths 68km and 128km so routes for all abilities.
Great local event and support from WLCC would be appreciated
http://www.epilepsy.ie/index.cfm/spKey/fundraising.news_events.saddle_up_for_epilepsy.html
Race Season
The domestic Race Season has kicked off with the traders cup last week held in Dundalk, WLCC had members in the ladies race and the Men A4 race. This was great to see and even though Jerry had a bit of a spill he is up and flying again.
The Cycleways Cup take place this Sunday the 29th on the roads around Meath and WLCC will have a good few members attending, Sean (Superman) O Malley, Janis Blinovs, John Gill & Catal Usher to name a few. Anyone interested in supporting them would be good.
The Cycleways Cup 2016 will take place on Sunday February 28th.
The venue is the same as in recent years
– sign on from 11 at Simonstown GAA (link) on the R162 Kingscourt Road
– start at Blackcastle on the N51
– finish at Wilkinstown on the R162.
The format will be similar to recent years, except that there will be an extra standalone race for A2s. So 5 races in total
– A1 (3 laps)
– A2 (3 laps)
– A3/Junior (2 laps)
– A4 (2 laps)
– Ladies (2 laps)
Primes
A KOH prime will be awarded on Lap 1 to the first rider over the climb in each of the races (A1, A2, A3/Jnr, A4, Ladies).
Primes (€20) are sponsored by Navan Taekwon-Do School (navantkd.ie)
The Cycleways Cup route is here.
Details subject to change
All WLCC Members its a good time to get back on the bikes
#fullgas
Results from Ballinrobe Duathlon 2016
Hi all great turn out to the Ballinrobe Duathlon 2016, please see race report below
The ninth edition of the annual Spring Ballinrobe run bike run event was hailed as the best yet despite the cold wet conditions, a change to the first run meant all participants had 1.5k extra to cover, there were bigger gaps than normal between the bikers and made for a harder event.
A field close to 300 participants traveled from all four provinces to compete and the event was a huge lift to the town of Ballinrobe.
The event was supported by Ballinrobe Tidy towns, Abbey Tyres, Cummins Homevalue, Western Lakes CC, The Gardai, Order of Malta, Lakeside centre, Core Timing and Mayo road safety.
Sponsors Marrey bikes held the sign on and post event prize presentation at their new super store premises on Watson's lane, Ballinrobe.
Ballinrobe Physiotherapy clinic also Watson's lane sponsored the prizes for the first locals home.
Vaughan shoes Main st sponsored first prizes for the Lady's and men's category
Aurivo Goodness shakes sponsored a shake for all finishers.
Results.
Overall mens
1st Brendan Conway Westport Tri 59:45
2nd Jonathon Rowland Liquid motion Tri 1:02:09
3rd Art Naughton Galway Tri club 1:02:33
Junior Ben Walsh Westport Tri
Over 40 Jimmy Lawlor Westport
O50 Martin Kinneavy Western Lakes CC
Ladies
1st Siobhan Murtagh Lough Key Tri 1:06:03
2nd Lorraine Carey Liquid Motion 1:06:11
3rd Michelle Lannon Lough Key Tri 1:10:39
Junior Nessa Gibbons western Lakes CC
O40 Colette Sweeney Multisport Westport
O50 Cathy Regan Tubbercurry
Relay
1st John Kyne &Shane Holleran Western Lakes CC
2nd Paul Phillips & Jerry Towey Western Lakes CC
3rd James Marrey & Niall Mc Laughlin Westport AC& CC
First Locals
Men
1st John Gill Hollymount Western Lakes
2nd Matthew Gill Hollymount Whleers
3rd Colm Jennings Ballinrobe Western Lakes
Ladies
1st Paula O Neill Ballinrobe Western Lakes CC
2nd Angie Hughes Ballinrobe Duathlon group
3rd Siobhan O Malley Ballinrobe Duathlon group.
Thanks to all participants for taking part and supporting Ballinrobe and the Ireland West Duathlon Series.
Big Thanks to all the marshals, helpers and supporters who stood out in the cold wet weather to make this event happen.
Next event in the Ireland West Duathlon series is Ashford Duathon Cong on March 4th
Next event organisied by Race face team is the last round of the IWDS at the Castlebar Duathon on March 19th
Full results attached.
Thanks
Race face team
Web: www.CoreTiming.ie
email: info@coretiming.ie
Western Lakes cyclist to the fore at Ballinrobe Duathlon
Ballinrobe Duathlon opens the running/biking 2013 season.
Such is the surge in people looking to improve their fitness that nearly double the numbers participated in this year’s Duathlon, the weather conditions helped but it was the competitors who made the day, with scores of willing family members and spectators scattered around the course cheering them on.
The beautiful Bowers walk was used twice for the first and second run and the Ballinrobe Robeen triangle was used for the cycle.
Competitors travelled from near and far, raising the standard thus breaking the course record held by Ruaidhri Geraghty Galway Tri.
The finishing times for 2013 race were considerably faster than previous years with Stephen Donnelly Liquid motion Tri club Ballina setting a new bench mark of 52minutes 55 seconds.
Organisers would like to thank the following, Order of Malta, Ballinrobe Soccer club, Mayo Co Co, the RSA, O Neill’s bar, Paula O Neill’s physiotherapy, The Gardai and all the members of Western Lakes CC for staging the event.
Marrey Bikes Ballinrobe was the main sponsors and was instrumental in brining Duathlon racing to the town.
Results
Mens
1st Stephen Donnelly Liquid motion Ballina 52.55
2nd Ruaidhri Geraghty Galway Tri 53.50
3rd Killian Heery Muckro Cavan 54.26
1st Over 40 Jimmy Lawlor Westport 56.40, 2nd Noel Gibbons Partry Western Lakes CC
1st U18 Sean Flynn Westport 57:24
Ladies
1st Marie Boyle Spiddle 1:02:05
2nd Caroline Conway Terenure Sports world Dublin 1:02:22
3rd Ann Marie Eagan Westport 1:04:19
1st Over 40 Kathleen Barry Partry Western Lakes 1:06:20
First Ballinrobe person was Colm Jennings Western Lakes CC in a time of 1:00:24
Full results and splits can be seen on www.redtagtiming.com and www.westernlakescc.com Photo’s can be seen on Ballinrobe Duathlon Facebook page
Ballinrobe Duathlon February 18th
This Duathlon event is staged in the town of Ballinrobe, its suitable preparation event for the longer harder Adventure races and Triathlons to come and is ideal event if you are a beginner. The Run will start at Abbey st with a 4k trek along the picturesque river Robe (Bowers walk) finishing at Abbey street (Transition).
The 20k cycle takes you out the Claremorris road to the Village of Robeen and Ballygarris finishing back in Abbey street.
The final 4k loop is another lap of the Bowers walk with the Finish line in Abbey St. Total distance is 28k.
The event will be fully timed with breakdowns for all the stages.
Sign on at 8-9 am at Marrey Bikes Watson's lane, race start time is 10am sharp.
Refreshments after at the prize giving, sponsored by Marrey bikes.
Cost €25 on the day or can sign up on at Marrey bikes cycle shop for €20 from now till February 9th
See www.marreybikes.com or www.marretrainingsystems.com
Contact Eamon 0949542808 or Padraig 0877992857
Majorca Training Camp 2012
Mallorca 2012 Holiday/ training camp for 2012 will be held on Easter week flying out Easter Saturday and back the following week (April 7th to 14th ) 2012
Learned a lot last year and have arranged a camp at the beautiful Duva apartment hotel complex**** .
Have booked my own guides so will be able to cater for groups who average between 15-17mph, 18-20 and 20 plus. All groups will go on a similar route and aback up car will follow, so alot more professional.
The Hotel/ apartments are class they have everything, big and spacious, Spa facilities, proper gym, spin bikes, out door and indoor pools, ideal for adventure racers and Triathletes and there is a lovely run over the mountain to a nearby fishing village.
The hotel is about 500m from the town of Pollensa so still walking distance if you want to get away from it all. http://duva-pollensa.com/?i=ing
So far the cheapest flights are from Dublin, at the moment they are about €150 return, Shannon is nearly €300 for same dates.
The price for the Holiday package is €470 PPS which is good for Half board accommodation, guides on the spins, car back up, hotel transfers and use of all facilities.
I would recommend you hire the bike as brining your own costs more and you risk getting it broken on route.
Please see attached info and booking form, closing dates are included.
If you have any questions give me a buzz.
Padraig
Easter Cycling Holiday Training Camp.
With the weather been so poor at the moment and your turbo trainer nearly
burned out, here is something to look forward to this year
Want to train with professionals? Marry’s training camp will have excellent guides to lead you around the island. The Hotel is based in the beautiful Puerto Pollensa
If you are into Cycling, Adventure racing, Triathlon or Duathlon then a week
spent training with like minded people in warm weather is just the tonic to
get you race ready for the Summer. If you are not a racer then why not ramble
the beautiful byways of Northern Majorca and relax in the Spa afterwards.
Padraig Marrey winner of Adventure races, Triathlons and holds current
cycling records will also be there to give out tips and info.
Mary Mulchrone another Adventure race Champion will help the ladies with her
vast experience of cycling knowledge.
The camp is set for April 7th to April 14th 2012 flights are from Shannon or Dublin with www.ryanair.com Dublin has more variety of Flights and cheaper
Group size
Our group will be limited to 30 people only
The cost of the package is €470 euro pps. (see details below) This is a
very good price for Easter week.
If you want to go, send back attached booking form filled out with all
details along with deposit before November 11th.
Cycling packages include:
- 7 nights half board in the magnificent Hotel Duva complex in Puerta Pollensa ****, based on 2 sharing
- Free access to Spa centre, fully equipped gym, spin bike centre, indoor & outdoor pools
- Bike garage in hotel with secure bike storage, Mechanic and bike shop, (bike accessories, energy drinks & bars for sale), 3 guides per spin every day for the different levels (15-17, 18-20 and 20mph plus average)
- Transfers: airport hotel airport. (as a group only)
Not included are:
- Flights (can be booked out of Shannon or Dublin with Ryanair good price at the moment for Dublin)
- Single room supplement
- Drinks during the meals and other private expenses (except local aperitifs, regional drinks not sure what this means...)
- Bike hire with bike insurance
- Bike transfer airport hotel airport: charge of €25 (for those who bring their own bike) remember all air lines (charge €80 return for bikes)
- Transfers from Airport to Hotel if travelling alone.
- Private medical & travel insurance
Bike hire
- Road bike; Some are Massi models with Aluminum / Carbon frame - carbon fork, Shimano 10-speed 105 and ultergra, groupset with triple chain ring
- From around 100 for 1 week (7 days)
- Optional bike damage cover: 2 ?/day can be subscribed on site
- Bring your own pedals and helmet. Cycling helmets are compulsory on all cycling activities in Mallorca.
- We recommend ladies to bring their own saddle
- Bike hire must be fully paid with the booking ;
Flight details from Dublin (Ryanair) Shannon at the moment too expensive
GOING OUT
From Dublin to Palma Mallorca (PMI)
Sat7 Apr 12
FlightFR 9997 15:35 Depart
19:30 Arrive
COMING BACK
Sat14 Apr 12
FlightFR 9998 20:05 Depart
21:50 Arrive
See hotel at http://duva-pollensa.com/?i=ing
If you have any other questions just give me a bell. Just fill out attached
booking form and send back cheque made payable to myself.