Wheelers go gravel biking

Summer’s end means that the off-road cycling season starts as road racing events come to an end.

Gravel cycling is big in the US and is growing in popularity over here as well. On Saturday last Paul Murtagh, Paul Gibney and Peter Rimmer headed west to Moycullen in Galway to take part in the newest gravel event to be held in the country, the Galway Gravel Grinder.

They opted to ride the longest route, aptly named The Epic. A 125Km circuitous route around the forests, lanes, and wind turbines in that part of the county. I

t was a pretty tough day on the bike and more than five and a half hours of cycling were needed to get around the full course.

With quality food at all feed stations, some great scenery and a demanding course means all three are looking forward to returning in 2023.

A group of happy wheelers took to the Slieve Blooms for the annual Pat Colgan Challenge event at the weekend.

Great result for Brendan Kiernan (Lakeside Wheelers) who took second in the Leinster Road Race and Trader’s Cup over 50s category.