Here's what it's all about
sunday 29th august 2010
Lough Neagh is the largest lake in Ireland and Britain and the 3rd largest in Western Europe. At over 35km long and 20km wide needless to say it's quite a water feature.
Lap The Lough is not exclusively for the elite or club cyclist but for anyone up for a challenge. The event aims to encourage as many cyclists to do 1 lap of Lough Neagh on Sunday 29th August (Bank Holiday in the North on the following Monday). We've tried to give as much help as possible to anyone who hasn't attempted this distance before with a training plan and other links. So if you've been waiting for the opportunity to get back in the saddle... here it is!
sign-on and start from Meadows Equestrian Centre
The Event leaves from Meadow's Equestrian Centre, located just off Exit 10 on the M1 (across the road from Kinnego harbour) between Portadown and Moira. The Sign on is between 7.30am and 9.00 am sharp. We've capped the number this year to 1500, to give us a better idea of the numbers we have to cater for. We kick off at 9.30am and take some of the quieter roads into Portadown in order to cross the Bann river. From there the route heads toward Maghery, Ardboe, Ballyronan, Toome, Randalstown, Antrim, Glenavy and back to Kinnego. Marshalls will patrol the main junctions to allow riders to cross safely.
getting here
We've chosen The Meadows Equestrian Centre for its excellent accessibility. Those travelling from Dublin can make it up in about 80 minutes as traffic is non-existant on Sundays - you can get directions by clicking on the google map above. Belfast is only 20 minutes away via the M1. If you need specific directions please please contact us
car parking
The main car park & registration area this year is the Equestrian Centre, just past the turn in for Kinnego. Signs will be in position directing you to the car park and over to the sign-on area. If you have time Oxford Island is a few hundred metres away. The view from here will give you a better idea of the challenge ahead.
wristbands
Please call into the marquee and pick up your wristband. Each wristband uniquely identifies you. Please pick it up in the marquee on the morning before setting off.
safety
In the interest of safety all entrants will be required to wear a helmet. Carry enough food and water to get you to the next stop. A spare tube and means to inflate it are also essential. A mechanic will also be on hand to deal with major breakdowns, please try and sort out punctures etc yourself, or ask another cyclist for help.
route directions
The route is the same as last year, there have been no changes. The road will be marked and Lap The Lough signs will be placed at all junctions. The road will be marked with arrows and a large L in a circle. Outriders will once again block all major junctions to allow big groups to pass safely and speed up the Lap. In the event you manage to get lost, back track until you find a road marking.
lunch
We'll have our 1st official stop again at Ballyronan Marina where water and bars will be available and lunch will again be provided in Shane's Castle, Antrim. Water will also be available at various points in between and from any of the support vehicles.
t-shirts
We have a t-shirt for everyone. Can you please indicate when you register what size you take and we'll do our best to sort you out. The sizes are small, medium and large.