Dromara ‘Hilly’ cycle returns for 26th year in August

This well-established road cycling event, now in its 26th year, is aimed at both leisure and club cyclists, offering longer and shorter routes to cater for a range of abilities.

As the event name suggests it offers participants with a challenging but rewarding route taking in the beautiful scenery of County Down and the Mourne Mountains, whilst tackling a few well known hills.

The “Hilly” is certainly one for every cyclist to tick off their list.

With two routes available, 85km and 125km, the Hilly will begin in Dromara before heading towards the rolling hills of County Down.

Both routes start off by leading participants to the following three hills set deep within the surrounding countryside – Cornmill, Dree Hill and Windy Gap before descending into Leitrim for a welcome stop where there will be a generous spread of food and drinks for all riders.

The shortest distance of the two routes will bring participants back to the finish line in Dromara whereas the full “Hilly 125” route heads for two further climbs, Spelga Dam and Legananny Dolmen.

This longer route takes in a total of five climbs and is therefore more suited to strong cyclists.

Dromara CC Vice Chairman, Graham Beckett, who completed the toughest route last year, said: “The Hilly is one of the local area’s most popular cycling events and over the years it has gained a reputation as one of more challenging but enjoyable leisure rides in Northern Ireland.

“The option of a shorter route opens up the event to a larger number of cyclists, allowing leisure cyclists or those new to the sport to test themselves over a more manageable distance”.

Not only will this event provide participants with an opportunity to conquer some of the major climbs in this area in the company of like-minded people, but those that take part will also be helping to raise money for the event’s chosen charity, Save the Children.

Staff from Chain Reaction Cycles Flagship Store in Belfast will be on hand to provide mechanical support to all riders, and the event will be controlled by motorbike marshals.

Entries cost £15 and the first 250 entrants who sign up online before the event will receive a free cycling goody bag.

To see how you can secure your place please visit www.dromaracc.co.uk where you can also find more information on routes, food stops and start times.