Tour of Louth is still going strong

TEN years on from the very first Tour of Louth, which attracted around 70 cyclists, the current popularity of cycling was evident last Sunday week as over 380 cyclists rolled out for the endurance cycling event.

Two groups left the departure point at the DKIT Sports Centre on Sunday morning in brilliant bright sunshine to tackle 45km and a more testing 105km routes.

In line with the inclusive ethos of the Cuchulainn Cycling Club the event is designed to cater for all abilities of cyclists

The 45km route took the cyclists from Dundalk to Ardee via Castlebellingham, Kilsaran and the new link road and back home to Dundalk via the old Ardee Road.

The more challenging 105km route took the cyclists to Ardee and back and then they carried on straight through ‘the town’ and headed out towards the beautiful Cooley mountains.

The first major obstacle to confront them was the infamous Jenkinstown Hill where even the most seasoned cyclist ignores the hocus pocus of the magic hill to concentrate on the huffing and puffing on the monster that is Jenkinstown.

Then on to the Long Woman’s Grave for a short food stop before descending back to sea level via Davy’s Hill and on through Omeath and Carlingford before turning for home.

As evidenced by the smiling and laughing of the large crowd of weary cyclists who gathered in DKIT Sports Centre to avail of the post-cycle food a good time was had by all.

A special congratulations must go out to the chairman of the leisure section of Cúchulainn Cycling Club, Mr Jason Boyle, on his management and planning for this year’s event. With the help of his team he created an event that would be the envy of any cycling club in the country.

Roll on 2018 where an even better Tour of Louth awaits.