Organisers: Rory Flynn & John McElligott
E-Mail: flynn.rory@gmail.com
Only available to be ridden as a Permanent, Entry fee €5 to be paid to paypal@audaxireland.org
All riders must have a Cycling Ireland Licence, as One-Day Licences are not allowed.
Ride with GPS Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31210866
Route Description
Proof of passage by GPS track or receipts. Controls are; Edenderry, Shannonbridge, Moate.
This is a flat spin that showcases Ireland’s two major canals and crosses its longest river. The route does use some road sections, but much of it is away from roads and riders will enjoy a tranquil spin through a rural landscape.
As of August 2019 the Royal Canal Greenway is complete. That said, there can be waterways works on either canal, so some diversions may be necessary. Greenways are for mixed pedestrian and bicycle traffic, we’ve encountered dog walkers, large Park Run groups, and many fishermen. Respect other greenway users.
The route starts in the Phoenix Park, crosses the Liffey, and joins the Grand Canal beside the Blackhorse Luas stop in Inchicore. The Grand Canal connects Dublin to the Shannon. This 132km section is a mix of road and canal path. Some sections of canal path are grass track making for a tough but rewarding spin. A wider tyre is advised, particularly if the weather has been wet.
From Shannon Harbour the route takes roads across the Shannon at Shannon Bridge, through eastern Roscommon and back across the Shannon at Athlone. The next 110km are on hard surfaced Greenways and decent average speeds are possible. The Old Rail Trail runs from Athlone to Mullingar and is closed to motor vehicles. Outside Mullingar the route joins the Royal Canal Greenway. Cars do use some limited sections, but most of the ride is on a bike/footpath. At Leixlip the canal path becomes more mixed. Care should be taken on this last 8km of canal path if it’s dark. The route leaves the canal at Porterstown Bridge (294km) as the Deep Sinking section is not suitable. A final few kms brings cyclists back to the Phoenix Park.
Anyone who loves Ronnies Long Heron/Aquaducts will appreciate this ride which is an extension of it.
Since last year the canal has improved and there are more gravel sections and fewer grass sections. That said, CX or MTB tyres with clearance are recommended. Plenty of pubs on the canal for a cool pint to wash the dust or mud from a weary rider.
See also
- 1.5 Loughs winter permanent.
- Blackwater 200 (Permanent)
- Coastal Classique 200 Permanent
- Cósta na Mara 200 (Permanent)
- Crumbling Rocks 200 Permanent
- East Wicklow 200 (Permanent only)
- Galway Gallop 200 Permanent
- Garristown 200 Permanent
- North Leinster Riviera 200 Permanent
- Ran out of Road 600
- The Great Lake Spin
- West Wicklow 200 Permanent
- Antrim 200 Permanent
- Ardattin 200-Wicklow Permanent
- Canals & Greenways 300 of Leinster (permanent)
- Carlow Covid 200 Permanent
- Cill Mhantain 200 Permanent
- Donegal 200 Permanent
- Down 200 Permanent
- Dublin County Border 200 Permanent
- East Coast 200 Permanent
- Effin 200 Permanent
- Heartbreak 200 Permanent
- Kildare 200 Permanent
- Killeshin 200 permanent
- Laois 200 Permanent
- Little Carlingford 200 – Permanent
- Locked in Roscommon 200 Permanent
- Loughanleagh 200 Permanent
- Meath 200 Permanent
- Munster Centenary 200 – Permanent
- Royal Canal 200/300/400 Permanents
- Sligo 200 Permanent
- Suir 200 Permanent
- The Cheeky 200 Permanent
- The Rossies 200 Permanent
- The Unforgettable Fire 200 Permanent
- Three Masts 200 Permanent
- Waterside 200 (Permanent only)