Achill Wheelers gears up for cycling tour

WHEELERS Achill Wheelers Cycling Club launched Tour de Achill on Keel Beach on Wednesday last. Pictured at the launch are from left; Ivan Swarbrigg, TomΡs McLoughlin, SeΡn Lyons, Anton McNulty, Martin McNulty, MicheΡl McNamara, Laura Mulligan and Edward Scanlon.

Anton McNulty

With the magnificent and iconic Minaun Cliffs as a backdrop, the launch took place last week of Tour de Achill, which is regarded as one of the most scenic cycling sportive in Ireland.
This year’s Tour de Achill takes place on Saturday, September 2, with cyclists being taken on a tour of the parish of Achill - with three different routes suitable for all levels. Hosted by the Achill Wheelers Cycling Club, Tour de Achill is now in its third year, with a large number of cyclists expected to descend on the island for the day.
The three route options available are a 38k, 65k and 110k. The cycle is all on the Wild Atlantic Way with stunning coastal views of Clew Bay, Blacksod Bay and Achill’s Blue Flag beaches.
The launch of this year’s tour took place in glorious sunshine on Wednesday on Keel beach. Chairman of Achill Wheelers Cycling Club, SeΡn Lyons, said they were looking forward to another successful event and to welcoming cyclists to Achill.
“Achill offers some of the best cycling routes in Mayo, and while parts can be challenging, cyclists are more than compensated with the stunning scenery that greets them at every turn. As a club, we are blessed to be able to cycle in this environment and we welcome cyclists of all grades to the parish to experience it for themselves.
“We were delighted with the turnout last year and the positive feedback we received made us determined to make this year an even more enjoyable experience for all the cyclists. We also encourage more Achill people to take part on the day and hope everyone has a great time,” he said.
All of the cycles will start at Halla Acla in Achill Sound at 10am and cyclists will make their way across the Michael Davitt Bridge and make their way around the Currane Peninsula and back onto the island.
The 38k cycle will be completed on the return to Halla Acla, while those taking the 110k and 65k options will continue along Atlantic Drive. After completing the Atlantic Drive, the 65k cyclists will return towards the finish in Halla Acla while the 110k cyclists will head towards Dooagh.
After a food stop in Gielty’s Clew Bay Bar in Dooagh, cyclists will then travel around the historic Deserted Village and make their way past the Silver and Golden Strands in Dugort, before cycling out towards Achill Sound and the finish.
There will be lot of water and refreshments at various stages along the route, and there will be a free hot meal for every cyclist when they complete their cycle.

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To register for Tour de Achill visit the Achill Wheelers Facebook page for details or visit the website www.active.com. Registration will also be taken in Halla Acla on the morning of the cycle.