News

On February 27^th the “Newport Rocky Mountain High” Gravel event will set participants’ hearts racing, legs and lungs burning as they chase glory on gravel in this new event hosted by the Raceface Family in Mayo.

Starting and finishing at ‘Hotel Newport’, Co. Mayo, riders will take on the Wiry Hills route through the Furnace Lakes, the gravel tracks of the Rocky Way walking trail, and sections of a route that is steeped in folklore and history.

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 savor! The return leg will be a reverse loop of the gravel sectors with the final kilometers descending into Newport via the Wild Nephin drive, this is sure to be fun and exhilarating…

This event will feature a timed gravel section, which covers all of 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 it like a Sportif.

Going hard on the neutral section would be a shame because you won’t take in the natural beauty of the Furnace lakes

The route is fully wayward marked and for those who are tech-minded, it’s also available to download from the Komoot website to their GPS device.

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 The 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…

David Keogh, Director of Greenway Hotels and Hotel Newport, is very much looking forward to the upcoming event stating ‘The Rocky Mountain High’ is the first of many events that will take place from the hotel and the area this year. It’s a very exciting time for Newport, made all the better with the recent lift in restrictions. We are looking forward to hosting both the cyclists and the supporters that will hopefully come out on the day to cheer the participants on.”

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, Wild Nephin national park and as a gateway to Achill Island and the North West

Entry fee includes; Timing, wayward marked route, food & breakdown area, category prizes, post-event refreshments, and a donation to the Burrishoole hall project.

The event is supported by the Newport business community, Mayo.ie, Mayo walking trails, Komoot, Kelly’s butchers, Greenway Hotels, run4 time and Raceface.ie

To enter the event click HERE