You are hereThe Route to Galway
The Route to Galway
A provisional schedule for the cycle is outlined below. Print friendly pdf version
Do not worry about falling behind and getting lost somewhere in Westmeath! Those who are falling behind the main pack will be picked up by the support vans.
| Galway Cycle Route / Schedule Planner – FRIDAY - Maynooth to Galway | ||||
| Route | Distance between locations | Times | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maynooth (Direction Kinnegad) | 40 km (25 miles) | 5.00 | 6.00 | Cyclists are requested to arrive at the Student’s Union Bar NUI Maynooth for registration followed by breakfast between 5.00-5.45. The lead van (driven by Chris) pulls out 6.00 sharp. Pace 20 -25 kph (12-15 mph) to Kilcock /Enfield junction. 25 kph + (15 mph + ) from there to Kinnegad. Chris (lead van) and Roxy (senior cyclist) determine pace to accommodate majority. Later departure time will mean an increase in average speed. |
| Short Break - Kinnegad | You have done 40 km (25 miles)! | 7.50 | 8.15 | There will be a short break at a coffee shop in Kinnegad. Cyclists should stock up on supplies of drinks and food at this stage. |
| Kinnegad (Direction Moate) | 48 km (30 miles) | 8.15 | 10.30 | There are approximate two (5 minute) pull-in stops for traffic to pass. Lead van (Chris) pulls out when garda, who will be accompanying us, signals to move. Cyclists should be ready to pull out when the signal is given. |
| Lunch – Moate | You have done 88 km (55 miles)! | 10.30 | 11.30 | Lunch will be in the Auld Shebeen in Moate. At 11.30 all cyclists should leave the lunch venue and ready themselves for departure. Cyclists should stock up on supplies of drinks and food at this stage. |
| Moate – (Direction Ballinasloe) | 42 km (26 miles) | 11.45 | 13.30 | The lead van (Chris) pulls out on the garda’s signal. |
| Lunch - Ballinasloe | You have done 130km (81 miles)! | 13.30 | 14.30 | Lunch will be in the Creagh Centre. At 2.20 all cyclists should leave the lunch venue and ready themselves for departure. Cyclists should stock up on supplies of drinks and food at this stage. |
| Ballinasloe (Direction Loughrea) | 30 km (19 miles) | 14.30 | 16.00 | The lead van (Chris) pulls out on the garda's signal. As this is a tough part of the cycle the average speed should reduce slightly to 20-25 kpm (12-15 mph). Chris (lead van) and Roxy (senior cyclist) will determine speed to accommodate majority. |
| Short Break - Loughrea | You have done 160 km (103 miles)! | 16.00 | 16.20 | There will be a short break at a petrol station in Loughrea. Cyclists should stock up on supplies of drinks and food at this stage |
| Loughrea (Direction Galway) | 37 km (23 miles) | 16.20 | 18.00 | After a quick stop lead van (Chris) pulls out when the garda signals. The other support crew vans, if necessary, will assist those who are not ready to leave with the main bunch. The route to Galway is through Oranmore (we will not be taking the dual carriage way). Aidan (safety officer) will arrange for garda cars to join us. There will be a 5 min stop (this is strictly a quick stop so as not to delay gardai) for everyone to cycle last mile into Galway. |
| Galway | Congratulations you have done 197km (126 miles)! | 18.00 | Well done! The bikes will be stored in the Bus Eireann Station on Eyre Square. For insurance reasons please dismount from your bike before entering the Station grounds. After ensuring your bike is safely put away, you can head over to the Sleepzone Hostel (Bothar na mBan) where we are staying for a well-earned rest. Don’t get too comfortable though because we all need to be in Morgan's bar (Forster Court Hotel, Eyre Square) sharp for a bite to eat followed by lots and lots of dancing! | |
| Galway Cycle Route / Schedule Planner – SUNDAY - Galway to Maynooth | ||||
| Route | Distance | Times | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galway – (Direction Loughrea) | 37 km (23 miles) | 7.30 | 8.00 | Cyclists will receive wakeup calls from 7 am. Drinks and food supplies and a light breakfast will be available from 7.15 am. Cyclists are asked to leave their bags in the kitchen of the hostel which will be placed on the collectors bus. Cyclists are requested to collect their bikes from the Bus Eireann Station in Eyre Square and be ready to leave Eyre Square at 7.30. The Lead van (Chris) pulls out at this time. Pace 25 km + (15 mph +). Chris (lead van) and Roxy (senior cyclist) will determine pace to accommodate majority. The cycle will take the dual carriageway route. NB If we leave later the average speed will be increased. |
| Short Break – Loughrea | You have done 37 km (23 miles)! | 9.55 | 10.10 | There will be a short break at a petrol station. Cyclists should stock up on supplies of drinks and food at this stage. |
| Loughrea (Direction Ballinasloe) | 30 km (19 miles) | 10.10 | 11.30 | Lead van pulls out. Chris and Roxy to determine this to accommodate majority. |
| Breakfast – Ballinasloe | You have done 67 km (42 miles)! | 11.30 | 12.30 | Breakfast rolls will be provided in the Creagh Centre. At 12.20 all cyclists should leave the breakfast venue and ready themselves for departure. Cyclists should stock up on supplies of drinks and food at this stage. |
| Ballinasloe (Direction Moate) | 42 km (26 miles) | 12.30 | 14.00 | After 60 minute stop lead van (Chris) pulls out. Chris (lead van) and Roxy (senior cyclist) will determine average speed to accommodate majority. |
| Lunch – Moate | You have done 109 km (68 miles)! | 14.00 | 15.00 | Lunch will be in the Auld Shebeen in Moate. At 14.50 all cyclists should leave the lunch venue and ready themselves for departure. Cyclists should stock up on supplies of drinks and food at this stage. |
| Moate (Direction Kinnegad) | 48 km (30 miles) | 15.00 | 16.45 | After 60 minute stop lead van (Chris) pulls out. Chris (lead van) and Roxy (senior cyclist) will determine average speed to accommodate majority. |
| Short Break – Kinnegad | You have done 157 km (98 milles) | 16.45 | 17.00 | There will be a short break at a coffee shop in Kinnegad. Cyclists should stock up on supplies of drinks and food at this stage. |
| Kinnegad - Maynooth | 40 km (25 miles) | 17.00 | 18.30 | After a quick stop the lead van (Chris) pulls out on the garda’s signal. The other support crew vans, if necessary, will assist those who are not ready to leave with the main bunch. Chris (lead van) and Roxy (senior cyclist) will determine speed to accommodate majority. There will be 5-10 minute stop at Kelly’s Ford Garage in Kilcock to allow everyone to cycle last the last 5 km into Maynooth. |
| Maynooth | You have done 123 Miles! | 18.30 | Well done you have made it! Cyclist’s bags will be available from buses at the college gates. Everyone that is able to meets up in the Roost from 8.30 to have a few drinks and relive the memories of the weekend! | |
