Cycling enthusiasts are in for an adrenaline fuelled adventure this St Patrick’s weekend as Galway Bay Cycling Club gear up to host their annual Galway Classic, with gravel cyclists taking centre stage in this year’s action packed fun on two wheels.
Ride the Gravel Classic an Adventure Sportif takes place on Saturday March 15th with the sister event Ride the Classic Road Race taking place on Sunday 16th March.
These highly anticipated and popular cycling events will take riders through some of the most scenic and rugged landscapes at the heart of East Galway.
In a significant change to the sportif this year, Saturday’s Ride the Gravel Classic has pivoted to a 80km self-guided adventure. With 60% of the route now ‘off road’ providing a unique, mixed terrain adventure, it features a fun combination of gravel roads, mucky farm tracks, bogs, grass fields, forestry, boreens, manor estates and more.
Whetting the appetite of cycling enthusiasts, this gravel event is sure to appeal to off-road riders from all over the country who are looking for a fun and challenging biking adventure across a variety of surfaces.
The Ride the Classic Road Race taking place on Sunday the 16th March is part of the National Cycling Ireland Event Calendar this year and is expected to attract riders from home and abroad chasing early season wins and a gritty Classic Road Race. The highlight for many, the final approach to the finish line which features an off road sector.
Speaking about the Ride the Classic Event Weekend, Karen Cassidy of Galway Bay Cycling Club said “The Galway Classic weekend brings together riders of all levels to experience the thrill of gravel biking and road racing in the rugged landscapes of East Galway. With a commitment to adventure, endurance, and community, this event celebrates the Classics and provides an opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to embrace off -road adventure and racing all in the one weekend.”
Keeping the costs at a minimum, the Ride the Gravel Classic is being run as a not for profit event in 2025 with registration now available for €20. For more information on the Galway Classic Weekend and to get registered for your biking adventure this St Patrick’s weekend go to www.ridetheclassic.com
