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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. With two routes to choose from 40k or 60k, participants will travel to the town of Newport from around the country to enjoy adventure and exploration on the roads less travelled in the area.
A joint initiative between the South West development company, Raceface events and the Mayo Rural recreation officer bringing a unique off-road experience to the area.
Starting and finishing at Hotel Newport, Co. Mayo, riders will take on the Wiry Hills, the Furnace Lakes, the Rocky Mountain Way, on a route that is steeped in folklore and history.vThe 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.
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 exhilaration of this great gravel event.
Suitable for leisure and the more competitive cyclists, there will be Strava timed segments on all of the gravel (off-road) sectors. Like a Gran Fondo, it’s up to the riders to decide whether to race these segments or just enjoy the scenery like a Sportif and drink up the adventure on offer and natural beauty around them. 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! You can make a real “wild” weekend of it in Newport, where storytelling, music, and craic are all part of the fun.
For more information and to register for tour choose of route click HERE
Entry includes; timing, wayward marked route, food & breakdown, category prizes, post-event refreshments and a Newport bespoke food delicacy for your journey home.
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