The Sheeps Head Raid will now be around 75% off road and partly on some mind blowing tracks that form part of the Sheeps Head Way these sections will only be open to riders once a year for this event.
The total course will be in excess of 50km and will start and finish in the village of Kilcrohane our course design scout has reported that it is compares favourably with anything he has ridden which includes a lot of Europe! This means we will be basing the event at Kilcrohane which has a well deserved reputation for great craic, great people & great pubs. There is some room for camping and there are my B&B‘s a Hostel and a lot of self catering accomodation see www.thesheepsheadway.ie.
We will also have some deals on this web site.
We also have a deal with the West Lodge Hotel of €195 2 nights B&B 1 evening meal and full use of the Leisure Facilites (based on 2 people sharing) the price also includes full weekend event entry!
Entry Forms will be available this week.
Cycling West out of Durrus
Fáilte Ireland has announced the Irish winner of their “European Destination of Excellence” (EDEN) competition which is held in 22 European States. Sheep’s Head in Bantry has been awarded the title of European Destination of Excellence – Tourism and Protected Areas. The competition is funded and organised by Fáilte Ireland with support from the European Union.
The competition was designed for destinations that have developed the tourism potential of their protected areas in a sustainable manner. Sheep’s Head faced stiff competition from the other four finalists – Ballyhoura in Counties Limerick and Cork, Slieve League in South Donegal, Erris in North West Mayo and the Greenbox in the North West (including Leitrim, parts of Cavan, Sligo, Donegal and Monaghan).
West Cork Bike Festival have decided want as many families as possible to come and cycle from Kilcrohane to Durrus with us on Sunday 30th and have cut the sot of the event to €15 for adults with Free entry for children.
Revised Entry Fees Are:
Saturday Red Bull Dirt X Challenge €40
Sunday Sheep’s Head Raid €35
Kilcrohane to Durrus Sunday ride with shuttle bus €15 Adults, Children Free
Weekend Entry for all events €70
We will be adding an on-line entry facility shortly.
Entry forms will also be available for download shortly.
We are looking to make the weekend have something for all cyclists, we will have cycle safety classes for kids and are talking to a top BMX display team at the moment.
On the Sunday for those that want to ride some of the beautiful Sheep‘s Head Cycle Route we will transport you & your bikes to Kilcrohane and you can ride to Durrus which is only about 10km or on to Bantry. We will be running a shuttle service back from Durrus to Bantry all inclusive in the entrance fee. We are also working on a shorter course that still takes in much of the Marathon course but will be around 50km.
The Entrance Fees are:-
Saturday Dirt X Challenge €40
Sunday Sheep’s Head Raid €35
Sunday rides with shuttle bus €30 Adults €20 Children
Weekend Entry for all events €70
We will be adding an on-line entry facility shortly.
Entry forms will also be available for download shortly.
This site is under development – please check back soon.
The Story So far…
The first West Cork Bike Festival will feature something for everyone from families to Down Hill Mountain Bike Racers.
The Saturday event The Dirt X Challenge is a new concept for Ireland, the aim is to create a Mountain Bike event where Cross Country & Down Hill riders can race against each other on a mixture of trails including specialist Up Hill Single Track & Down Hill Race courses. The riders will be timed over sections with the winner being the rider with the fastest time. So if you’re a Cross Country Rider who thinks you‘re pretty fast on the Down Hills or a Down Hill Racer who thinks you‘re fit & skilled enough for the technical climbs come and find out how good you really are.
The event will take place at Clashnacrona Woods near Dunmanway town in scenic West Cork. After the competition come and have a drink with us and party with the Festival Dj‘s . There will also be good food, camping & showers available on site or close by.
On the Sunday we have the Sheep‘s Head Raid. This event will start and finish in the Historic Harbour Town of Bantry where we are planning a BMX Demo along with a number of stalls to bring you a taste of West Cork‘s wonderful food.
For the competitive amongst you The Sheep‘s Head Raid will be a Marathon event on a mixture of off road & road surfaces the route will head West along the beautiful & rugged Sheep‘s Head Peninsula with Bantry & Dunmanus Bay‘s on either side. The full route will cross the Peninsula‘s hilly ridge 3 times before heading back East into Forestry and then back into the finish in Bantry Town.
For the non competitive the second half of the route passes through Sheep‘s Heads 3 villages of Killcrohane, Ahakista & Durrus giving you a choice of finishing options / route lengths. After the event you can eat a well deserved meal in Bantry and perhaps enjoy a drink in the many fine pubs & hotels in the town.
We will be offering early booking discounts and accommadation packages. Massage & Photography will be available on the weekend.
Call Matt on 087 7990607 or Richard on 087 9785178
Further info on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula www.thesheepsheadway.ie
