Attracting visitors to the road less travelled.
On Saturday March 4th the second edition of the “Newport Rocky Mountain High” Gravel off road event will be staged in and around the Burrishoole area. Participants will be travelling from around the country to give the roads less travelled a go.
Starting and finishing at ‘Hotel Newport’, Co. Mayo, riders will take on the Wiry Hills, the Furnace Lakes, the Rocky Mountain Way, the wind and gravel of a route that is steeped in folklore and history.
A joint initiative between the South West development company, Raceface events and the Mayo Rural recreation officer has combined to bring a unique off-road experience to the area.
With views of the Glendahurk Horseshoe to your right, the majestic Clewbay and Croagh Patrick to your left as you pedal towards Mulranny, this scenic route is one to savour! The return leg will be a reverse loop of the gravel sectors plus new trails leading into the Nephin mountains and Coillte forests at the back of Buckagh mountain, that include wide open countryside with a river crossing also to be negotiated.
The final kilometres are mostly descending back into Newport to add to the fun and exhilarating of this unique event…
The events will feature Strava timed sectors, covering all the gravel (off-road) sectors. Like a Gran Fondo, it’s up to the participants to decide whether to race these sectors or just enjoy the scenery like a Sportif.
Going hard on the neutral section won’t get you any kudos or crowns so best to take in the natural beauty of the Furnace lakes and wiry hills!
The routes are fully wayward marked and for those who are tech-minded, they are also available to download from Ridewithgps and Strava websites so that participants can see the route as they cycle.
The fastest male and female riders across the timed sectors will be crowned the Rocky Mountain High champions!
There is sure to be a real feel-good vibe after the event both inside and outside Hotel Newport where the event is based! Come along for a look or make a real “wild” weekend of it in Newport, where storytelling, music, and craic are all part of the fun…
To enter: https://eventmaster.ie/event/YA3DurOFjv
40k Route David Keogh, Director of Greenway Hotels and Hotel Newport, is very much looking forward to the upcoming event stating ‘The Rocky Mountain High’ is in its second year and will help draw in tourists that love to seek adventure, Newport has so much to over the outdoor enthusiast and our staff are more the willing to help them seek the best options to suit their needs.
We are looking forward to hosting both the cyclists and the supporters that will come out on the day to cheer the participants on.’
60k Route
Sean Kelly of Kelly’s butchers & café can’t wait to welcome all the participants from near and far to Newport and all its attractions, all participants will get a special treat from the nationally renowned butchers.
The town with the viaduct and the seven arch bridge is a famous passing spot on the Great Western Greenway amongst other attractions like Newport house, Princess Grace park, Harry Clarke windows, and is a gateway to Achill Island.
Full details on https://www.raceface.ie/newport-rocky-mountain-high/
The event is supported by the Newport business community, South West Development company, Mayo Rural Recreation officer, Mayo.ie, Mayo walking trails, Kelly’s butchers, Coillte, Nuasan natural skin & body care products, Greenway Hotels (Hotel Newport) and Raceface.ie
Entry fee includes; Timing, wayward marked route, food & breakdown, category prizes, post-event refreshments and a Newport bespoke food delicacy for your journey home.
Remember this is a family friendly event.
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