REGISTRATION FOR 2025 OPENED – SIGN UP HERE
Gravel Grind West: GGW Ballinrobe – A Gravel Adventure Like No Other
📅 Date: Sunday, August 24th, 2025
📍 Location: Ballinrobe, County Mayo
Get ready to leave the tarmac behind and dive into one of Ireland’s most thrilling gravel cycling experiences! Raceface Events proudly presents Gravel Grind West (GGW) Ballinrobe — a bold new edition of the iconic event, now starting and finishing in the vibrant South Mayo town of Ballinrobe.
Whether you’re a seasoned gravel rider or a curious newcomer, GGW Ballinrobe promises an extraordinary off-road adventure, taking you deep into some of the most scenic, rugged, and historically rich terrain the West of Ireland has to offer.
🚴 Two Routes – One Epic Experience
🔸 50km “Ramble”
A scenic loop through South Mayo, ideal for riders who want to take in the views, enjoy a relaxed pace, and tackle a social adventure on mixed terrain.
🔸 100km “Odyssey”
A tougher, soul-stirring route exploring hidden hill tracks, forest trails, gravel backroads, and remote valleys steeped in history, geology, and raw natural beauty.
🔍 Exploring the Uncharted
Gravel Grind West is all about discovery. These routes are designed to take riders off the beaten path — through ancient bog roads, over rolling hills, and into landscapes that few cyclists ever witness. Expect a true blend of challenge and wonder, where every pedal stroke brings new surprises.
“This isn’t just a gravel ride — it’s an experience,” says event organiser Padraig Marrey of Raceface Events. “We’re unlocking a side of Mayo that most people never see. If you’re looking for wild terrain, cultural landmarks, and a serious sense of achievement, GGW Ballinrobe delivers.”
🌄 Route Highlights – Ride Through Rich History & Wild Beauty
From the peaceful banks of the River Robe to the ancient footsteps of monks on the Tochar Phádraig, GGW Ballinrobe will take riders on a truly unforgettable journey across some of the most scenic, historic, and diverse landscapes in the West of Ireland.
🌿 River Robe Path – Start your journey along this tranquil waterway that flows through the heart of Ballinrobe
🌲 Creagh Woods – A twisting gravel escape beneath a lush forest canopy
🌊 Shores of Lough Mask & Lough Carra – Ride alongside the crystal-clear waters of these majestic limestone lakes
⛰️ Partry Hills – Take on rolling hills with sweeping views across Mayo’s lake district
🛤️ Tochar Phádraig – Follow the ancient pilgrim route that once guided monks and travellers to Croagh Patrick
🏛️ Ballintubber Abbey – Pass by this 800-year-old working abbey, a cornerstone of Irish religious heritage
🔨 Clogher Forge – Glimpse into Ireland’s rural past at this lovingly restored traditional forge
🏚️ Moorehall House & Woods – Cycle past the haunting remains of this historic estate, now home to wildlife and rich folklore
🌾 Vast Boglands – Experience the shifting textures of wet bogs, dry turf tracks, and earthy doubletracks that define the West
🌳 Local Woodlands & Bye-Lanes – Meander through centuries-old green roads, winding laneways, and hidden rural gems
🧭 Changing Geography – Marvel at how the landscape transforms beneath your wheels — from rocky outcrops to soft bog, gravelled trails to winding forest paths
Every kilometre tells a story — of the land, of the people, and of the centuries that have shaped this remarkable region. This is more than a bike ride — it’s a pilgrimage of place. (2025 is Jubilee year – The Pilgrim of Hope)
📍 Event Highlights
Start/Finish in Ballinrobe – a town known for its cycling culture, warm welcome, and scenic setting
Free campervan parking
Live music, burgers, and loads of craic post-ride!
Fully marked routes with GPX files, feed stations, and on-course support
Celebrate your finish with food, tunes, and a buzzing event village atmosphere
Part of the Gravel Grind West series — one of Ireland’s premier gravel cycling experiences
📅 Don’t Miss It!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 24th, 2025, and get ready to grind some serious gravel in Ballinrobe. Spaces are limited, and demand is high — so don’t miss out.
📲 For more information and registration updates, click on these links Raceface Events proudly presents Gravel Grind West (GGW) Ballinrobe — a bold new edition of the iconic event, now starting and finishing in the vibrant South Mayo town of Ballinrobe.
Gravel Grind West Ballinrobe – Weekend Itinerary
📍 Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo | 📅 August 23–24, 2025
Saturday – August 23rd
🕔 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Rider Check-in & Number Collection
📍 Marrey Bikes, Watson’s Lane, Ballinrobe
Pick up your event pack, number, and route info. Mechanics available for last-minute bike checks.
🎶 Evening Social & Live Music
📍 Johno’s Bar, The Cornmarket, Ballinrobe
Catch up with fellow riders and enjoy live music at the official GGW finish line venue.
Sunday – August 24th – Event Day
🕗 8:00am – 9:30am
Final Check-in & Last-Minute Sign-ons
📍 Marrey Bikes
🚴 10:00am
Event Start
Both 50km “Ramble” and 100km “Odyssey” routes roll out from Marrey Bikes. Get ready to grind gravel through the wild beauty of Mayo!
🏁 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Official Finish Line Festivities
📍 Johno’s Bar, The Cornmarket
Post-ride food served by Supermac’s
Live music and great atmosphere
Showers available for all participants nearby
Chill out, refuel, and celebrate your gravel odyssey!
📝 Don’t forget:
Bring a helmet and a fully serviced bike
Download GPX files in advance (routes will also be marked)
Arrive early, ride safe, and enjoy the experience!
For more info & updates, visit:
👉 raceface.ie/gravel-grind-west-the-way
This Gravel event is a non-competitive event that traverses tracks, trails, ancient pathways and roads passing through villages and local communities. The event aims to leave No Trace except tyre marks respecting the Irish environment. Participants are encouraged to pause for meals, bike repairs, or sleep if necessary, provided they resume from where they left off last. The only race is against yourself and the cut off time to be regarded as an official finisher. GPS navigation is the guiding system, there will be some route marking but best to download route. Spot checks by officials, strict adherence to Rules of the road and traffic laws are mandatory.
REGISTRATION FOR 2025 OPENED – SIGN UP HERE
