Four Cycling Adventures This Summer

With all the (relatively) good weather we've been getting, it's fair to say getting out and about for a cycle once in a while doesn't seem like such a bad idea.

So, with that in mind, here is a list of four cycling adventures for you to try out this summer.

Giants Causeway Coast Sportive

With three routes to choose from, the Giant's Causeway Coast Sportive is one of the biggest road cycling events in Northern Ireland.
Take part with up to 1,400 other participants as you cycle along some of the North Coast of Ireland's unique and scenic landscapes.
Route 1 - 'The Causeway Coaster' is 57km long and will take you towards Bushmills via the Coast Road. With mostly flat terrain, the journey is perfect for entry level cyclists new to the sportive scene. However, some pre-training will definitely be required.
At 126km long, Route 2 - 'The Glens and Coast Route' is by no means for beginners. Climb through the Glens of Antrim to Glenarm before heading north along the world famous Antrim coast road. The choice is also yours if you want to trying climbing the infamous Torr Head Road.
The aptly named 182km 'Giant Killer' is classed as the toughest available choice. With some serious climbs and thrilling descents, your hard efforts will be rewarded with all the stunning beauty Northern Irish coast has to offer.
Necessary facilities including first aid, changing/shower facilities and feed stations will be provided.
All journeys start and finish in Ballycastle, Co Antrim.

Entry fee: £35
Date: Saturday, 10 September.
www.giantscausewaycoastsportive.com

10 in the Glen

This event is a great way to test your endurance for both professional and novice cyclists.
Set in Glenarm, Co Antrim, this 6km racecourse contains climbs, dents, single track and fire road, so if you want to take part be prepared to break a little sweat.
Solo riders or relay teams of two and four have 10 hours to do as many laps as they can. In addition, dedicated 2m x 2m long 'Pits' will be allocated to participants, allowing you to set up camp and pull in after each lap.
You can also sample local foods, drinks and watch fireworks as the event marks the finale of the Dalriada Festival.
If you're unfortunate enough to breakdown, Chain Reaction Cycles will be providing a mechanic service should you need help fixing a broken part.
At the end, you will receive a t-shirt and a medal to remember your achievement

Date: 23 July
Price: £35 per person
Starts: 9:30am (last lap at 7:30pm).
www.26extreme.com

Go Mountain Biking

If you fancy getting back to nature, the Go Mountain Biking experience is just for you.
For 1.5 hours, race around stunningly beautiful mountain bike trails at Castlewellan as a team of instructors give you the knowledge and skills to make your trip an enjoyable one.
You don't even need to bring your own bike, as all necessary equipment will be provided.
Visitors can also make use of various facilities at the centre including showers, a changing room and even a coffee station to get that extra energy boost.

Adults: £24
Children: £20
Time: Up to 1.5 hours between 12am – 1:30pm.
onegreatadventure.com

Inishowen 100

Foyle Cycling Club's Inishowen 100 event is one of the most famous cycling sportive's in Ireland.
Taking place in one of country's most scenic regions this August, the Inishowen Peninsula presents stunning views and superb coastline which makes this adventure all the more special.
With two routes to choose from, the event caters to both casual cyclists and hardened professionals.
The i100 journey covers around 102 miles around the peninsula, presenting participants with over 7,000 ft of epic climbs at Mamore Gap and Kinnego Bay.
For those who don't feel they are experienced enough for those leg sapping journeys, the i100k is also available and covers around 64 miles. With nearly 3,500ft of climbing, this route isn't as gruelling and misses out some of the i100's more challenging sections.
Riders on both routes will be able to stop for lunch in Malin, while cyclists taking part in the i100 event will be able to catch a cup of tea in Greencastle. T-shirts, free car-parking, changing and shower facilities will also be provided.
A one day Cycling Ireland license costing £2 is also required for riders who do not hold a current Cycling Ireland, NICF or CTC license. This can be purchased on the day of the event.

Entry fee: £25 until 07 August, afterwards £30.
Date: Sunday, 21 August.
Registration from 7:30am – 8:10am, starts at 8:30am at Templemore Sports Complex, Buncrana Road, Londonderry.
Hard shell helmets must be worn by all riders

(Image credits: 10 in the Glen - 26extreme.com, Go Mountain Biking - onegreatadventure.com, Inishowen 100 - foylecycling.net Giants Causeway Coast Sportive - www.giantscausewaycoastsportive.com)