polkadot challenge

jimbo28

Anybody doin this?

Polkadot Challenge 2010

The countdown has begun for this year’s Western Lakes CC Polkadot Challenge, which will take place on Sunday 18th July, starting and finishing in Ballinrobe. With the ever growing popularity of leisure cycle challenges, this year’s Polkadot is expected to attract a large group of cyclists to take on the hills of South Mayo and North Galway.

Participants in the Polkadot Challenge can choose from one of 3 routes, depending on their level of fitness and cycling experience. The Polkadot route, at 120km, offers the Leisure Cyclist a testing challenge over 9 climbs in the Partry and Joyce Country Hills. The Polkadot Fada takes in an additional loop over the Sheefry Hills to Killary Harbour to provide a 180km route with 3000m total climbing. This route is designed to challenge the fit experienced cyclist. The Polkadot Beag, at 80km, offers all the challenges of the Partry hills via a shorter route around Lough Mask and back to Ballinrobe.

This year the club is offering all of frills that are so often missing while travelling on other modes of transport these days! There will be a full backup team on the day to marshal the route and provide support to cyclists. Refreshments will be offered at a number of points along the route and there will be a barbecue afterwards. This year each cyclist will receive a timing chip at the start of the cycle. The toughest climbs on the course will be timed so that you can compare your climbing prowess to other participants.

Western Lakes CC is teaming up with Cystic Fibrosis for the second event this year to raise money for the Mayo CF project. Sponsorship cards are available from Thomas, call 087 932 3930.

Full details are available on www.westernlakescc.com where you can pre-register ahead of the event, and registration is accepted on the day. Cycling helmets are compulsory and cyclists should come prepared, with their bicycle in good working order. All registered participants must sign on the morning of the event (7:00-8:00am for the 180km cycle and from 8:00-9:30am for the 120km and 80km events). Any queries can be directed to Michael on 087 9000 368.

Benbecul97

Had planned on doing the 120km Polkadot but now this weekend doesn't suit. Still, Ballinrobe is close by me and hope to do that route before the summer is out. Best of luck with it!

IM0

is this a race

Esroh

me@ucd wrote: »

is this a race

As the guy who designed the route I can catagorically say it is not a RACE:D
But it is a pretty good test at each level.

jimbo28

A good test is right! did the 120 and found it quite enjoyable, would reccomend it to anyone for next year. never climbed lallys up that side before........tough enough!:)