On your bike for Tour de Achill

The Tour de Achill which is regarded as one of the most picturesque leisure cycles in Ireland will take place in Achill this Saturday with close to 200 cyclists expected to take part.

The Tour de Achill, hosted by the Achill Wheelers Cycling Club, takes place on Saturday, September 2 with cyclists from all over Ireland taking in some of the most scenic and stunning routes along the Wild Atlantic Way.

The three route options available are a 49k, 69k and 114k cycle and will take in views of Clare Island, Blacksod, the historic Deserted Village and cycle by all of Achill’s Blue Flag beaches including Keem Bay recently voted one of the best beaches in the world.

This year in a change from tradition the Tour de Achill will start at Ted’s Bar, Cashel incorporating the beginning of the new Greenway in Achill which will be officially opened this Friday by Minister Jack Chambers.

Among the cyclists travelling to Achill for Tour de Achill will be a group from Co Westmeath and Co Kildare who will be cycling the 114k route in aid of ‘Steps with Róisín’ a fantastic cause to raise money to send seven-year-old Róisín O’Loughlin from Co Kildare, who has Cerebal Palsy to the USA for life changing surgery.

The beginning of each of the routes will see the cyclists cycle along the Greenway in Saula towards Achill Sound before crossing the Michael Davitt Bridge onto the mainland before cycling a loop of the Currane peninsula.

The cyclists will then return to Achill via Mulranny with the cyclists completing the 69k and 114k routes turning up towards the Atlantic Drive while the 49k will return to the finish at Ted's in Cashel.

Those on the 69k route will finish at Ted's following the Atlantic Drive while those committed cyclists taking on the 110k route will continue towards Keem Bay before returning to the finish at Ted's via Dugort.

Seán Lyons, Chairman of Achill Wheelers Cycling Club said that the Tour de Achill has routes to suit cyclists of all abilities and that is one of the reasons why it is attractive to take part in.

“Every year the numbers taking part grow with cyclists from clubs from all over Ireland travelling to Achill. The tour has so much to offer for cyclists of all standards from the flat scenic route around Currane with views of Clare Island to the stunning cycle around the Atlantic Drive and the climb and descent down to Keem Bay. Regardless of the conditions every cyclist who returns at the finish comment on how stunning the route is and how they enjoyed the day. The most important thing for the club is that cyclists have an enjoyable experience,” he said.

Seán added that the club looked forward to meeting returning and first time cyclists to Achill and there will be plenty of refreshments available for the cyclists throughout the cycle.

The tour starts at 9.30am and at the end of each cycle, cyclists will be provided with complimentary sandwiches and other refreshments while drinks and refreshments will also be available at the start and during the cycle.

To register for Tour de Achill visit the website www.eventmaster.ie or alternatively register before the cycle at Ted's Bar, Cashel F28 AX57 with registration opening at 8am. More information is available on the Achill Wheelers Facebook page.