Tír Chonaill GAP Cycling Club Events
Tír Chonaill GAP Cycling Club runs events throughout the year. There are club runs every week for both road cyclists and mountain bikers. There are choices of routes for all levels, and ability is never a barrier. If you’re keen enough, you’re good enough.
We run 6 main scheduled events during the year – see below. Other events include Time Trials, Cycling Ireland events, collaborations with other clubs, and plenty of festive fun at Christmas.
Our road bike events usually start from Glenties and there are distances from 30km to 120km to challenge even the hardiest of riders. Glenties is named from the meeting of the Glens, and so every route you take out of the town will be uphill. But that means it will be easy coming back in, right? Umm, sorry, cycling doesn’t quite work like that.
The mountain bike events are usually around our own 15km trail with one and 2 lap options. There is a short cycle from Glenties to the trail head, and then a tough offroad climb. The trail itself consists of some technical cross country sections, a bit of pure fun in the forestry, and a fast and exhilarating descent. Whilst some of the obstacles are not for the feint-hearted, there are opt-outs everywhere, so you can just ride what you want to.
Cycling Ireland Licenses are recommended but not compulsory for our events. If you don’t have a license, you will need to buy a day license before you ride. Helmets, however, are compulsory.
Easter Charity Ride
Easter
Over 100 walkers, runners and cyclists tackled the different routes this year, and we were able to present cheques of €600 to The Glenties Day Care Centre and to the Alzheimer’s Group.
5k run, 30km cycle, 60km cycle or duathlon
Mad March Hare
March
It starts in style. Participants cycle down the Garda Station steps. From there it is off up the mountains to the trail.
1 or 2 lap options available
Bike Week
June
Bike Week is run in conjunction with the Donegal Sports Partnership and is aimed at bringing people into or back into cycling. There are fun events for all the family, opportunities to learn new skills and to polish up old ones. Lots of our superstars started their cycling careers at Bike Week.
One not to be missed!
Mountain Biking Event
July
The reactions of the riders crossing the finish line after completing the Mountain Bike Event on Sunday 15th July said it all. Satisfaction and enjoyment, a little tiredness and relief…
Well done to all riders.👏
Harvest Fair
September
Arguably the toughest of our events. The short route is a tough challenge round Narin, and the two longer routes both take in the daunting Glengesh Pass. It’s a brute of a climb, but no-one is ever disappointed when they get to the top.
30km, 60km and 120km routes.
Halloween Howl
October
Let’s face it we’re all big kids at heart, so we don’t need much encouragement to ride up and down a wet muddy mountain in fancy dress. Bad weather scuppered the event last year, so we are all looking forward the return of Zorro.
1 or 2 lap options available