The Coastal Leisure Cycle held by Dromara Cycling Club has become an established early summer favourite for local cyclists of all abilities. This year’s event will be on Sunday 12th May 2019
From the leisure cyclist to the more focused club rider, the coastal has something for everyone. The basic route covers approximately 60 miles, whilst the longer route is 80 miles. Both routes start from Dromara Village Football club located on the Rathfriland Road, Dromara
The tour offers a great day out with like minded people, going at a pace that suits you. The first half of ride takes in a scenic loop around the south Down coast to Strangford, where a generous spread of food will be provided in our marquee on the village green, allowing the riders to take on well needed energy whilst they rest and enjoy the views across the lough to Portaferry.
After leaving Strangford, just outside Quoile riders can decide which route to take back. Either they can continue enjoying the coastal scenery and go the longer 80miles route or take the more direct 60miles route back to Dromara via Ballynahinch (see route maps below). Once back in the clubhouse at Dromara FC the riders can shower, change, and enjoy a well earned chance to relax amongst friends.
We are delighted to announce that this year’s event will be run with the assistance of the volunteers from Downpatrick Third World Group, with a minimum of £5 from each entry going to support worthy projects in developing countries.
Bicycle Coffee Shop (formerly Velo Cafe Magasin) have kindly agreed to provide mechanical support for riders during the Coastal. Their staff will be on hand before the start and around the route providing mechanical support for participants, helping to fix punctures and other breakdowns. These guys really know their way around a bike, so we are in safe hands. However to minimise the chance of having a problem in the first place, we ask that riders check their bikes prior to the day of the event, ensuring tyres have sufficient pressure and brakes and gears are in good condition and working properly. On the day, please bring a tyre pump, at least one spare tube, levers and multi tool. There will be plenty of food and water at the lunch stop, but to keep yourself going while you are out on the road, please bring at least one water bottle, energy bar and/or gel.
Location of Dromara Football Club
Sat. Nav. co-ordinates: N 54.37118788, W 06.01813563
Facilities at Dromara Football Club
- Car parking
- Showers
- Public bar
Strava Route Links (updated)
Dromara CC Coastal Long Route (80 miles)
Dromara CC Coastal Short Route (60 miles)
Garmin GPX files here
How to enter & Sign on Times
Entries are limited to 250 places and are first come, first served. The first 200 registered entrants will each receive a Dromara CC buff!
The entry fee for pre-registered participants will be £15 for Cycling Ireland or Cycling UK members, with at least £5 from each entry going to our nominated charity. For those without a CI or CUK licence there is an additional fee of £5 (€5) for a one-day third party cover insurance. The fee for entry (with licence) on the day of the event will be £20, (£25 including one day licence) and for those aged under 18 the fee is £5.
Sign on opens at 8:30am with a mass roll out at 9:30am. Lunch stop in Strangford will be open unti 1pm, and the clubhouse will be manned until 4pm.
For more information on the Dromara CC Coastal or about Cycling Ireland licences please contact club secretary Martin Grimley, on 07899 913865 or email martin@dromaracc.co.uk
Reports of previous years events can be found here:
- Report from the 2016 Coastal
- Report from the 2015 Coastal
- Report from the 2012 Coastal
- Report from the 2011 Coastal
- Report from the 2010 Coastal
- Report from the 2009 Coastal
- Report from the 2008 Coastal
- Report from the 2007 Coastal
We look forward to seeing you on the 12th!
