Tour of Louth 2016

There was a fantastic atmosphere at our new location, DKIT Sports Centre with up to 400 cyclist all ready to go on the Cuchulainn CC Sportive, Tour of Louth. Our very own Damian Shields was the “Mr Razzmatazz MC” who entertained the cyclists. DKIT Sports Centre had a row of stationery bikes for participants to warm up before the epic cycle. Of course the sun came and stayed out for the whole day. After the registration and coffees, the 105km set off first followed five minutes later by the 45km group to the sound of Queen’s song Bicycle Race (I Want To Ride Bicycle) The route entailed going south to Castlebellingham, Dorians to head on to the Link road to Ardee and the back on the Dundalk road and at this point, the 45km cycle then turned right at the roundabout for DKIT Sports Centre. While the 105km cyclists went straight on for Ballymac Roundabout and were cheered on as they took the Carlingford exit. Then it was up that gruelling Jenkinstown Hill in that heat (not that we should be complaining). It was on then to the Longswomen’s Grave where food and water was supplied along with banter and craic. Fully refresh, it was a downhill spin to Davies and on through Omeath, Carlingford and back to the Ballymac Roundabout, then finally home to DKIT Sports Centre where they were welcomed home by receiving their finishers medal and well earned Hot food and a cup of tea were served.

Of course, to add to the epic journey, we had Caroline of Caroline Kerley Photography at every vantage point taking brilliant photos. Also our very own “man on the Jenkinstown Hill”, Jason Boyle taking photos of all the cyclists “feeling happy” after the gruelling climb. Fair play to the cyclists who smiled and even waved as they were being photographed.

Of course a big thanks to DKIT Sports for the use of there brilliant sports centre and to Fyffes and Dunnes Stores for the food for our food stops.

 

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Thank You and Well Done to everyone who participated today. Thank you for making it a memorable event. We would love to see you all next year. Roll on Tour of Louth 2017.