After the success of last year, An Post Rebel Tour of Cork returns on September 13th offering you the first chance to ‘Become a Series Cyclist’ with An Post Cycle Series 2014.
There will be four different road events catering for cycling enthusiasts of all levels and abilities including a 10km Family Fun Cycle. On the longer routes, participants will be treated to some stunning sea views whilst also sampling the picturesque countryside that the Rebel County has on offer.
10km Rebel Pedal
The An Post Rebel Tour would not be complete without its family fun cycle – the 10km Rebel Pedal. Beginning at event HQ, the Eccles Hotel, the route offers families a fun and leisurely cycle which allows participants of all ages the opportunity to complete this 10km circuit. The picnic stop in the woods will of course be a feature on this family fun cycle again this year.
Please note the route is only suitable for 2 wheelers and is not suitable for trikes/ go karts etc
55km Rebel Cruise
The 55km Rebel Cruise in 2014 takes you out from Glengarriff to Kenmare along the N71, climbing the Caha Pass over the Cork/ Kerry border through a series of beautiful hand hewn rock tunnels. On your easy descent into Kenmare passing Molly Gallivans Cottage, Bonane Heritage Park and Lorge Chocolates, you will be guided into a welcome food stop to recover and refuel for the return journey.
On your return trip, as you approach Glengarriff from the Kenmare side the main tunnel dramatically frames the entry back into the county of Cork. The scenery that presents before you on the Glengarriff side is stunning with a view of Barley lake, Glengarriff woods and Bantry Bay, which will quickly remove any aches and pains from the climb as you roll gently back down into the picturesque village of Glengarriff.
85km Rebel Rider
The 85km Rebel Rider will depart Glengarriff along the N71, climbing the Caha Pass through a series of beautiful hand hewn rock tunnels across the border into the Kingdom of Kerry. Following an easy descent down to Kenmare, take a left turn onto the R571 in the direction of the Beara Peninsula along the shoreline of the Kenmare Bay, before turning right at Tousist for a welcome food/refreshments stop.
Enclosed by mountains and sea, Tuosist has some of the most spectacular scenery to be found anywhere in Ireland, with views out to the Atlantic Ocean and across Kenmare Bay to the Ring of Kerry and the majestic range of the Magillicuddy Reeks. Departing Tousist and following the coast road through Kilmakilloge and onto Lauragh where you will be guided onto the R574 to begin your climb of the famous Healy Pass.
Once you get up out of the valley you will be treated to the most spectacular views which will distract from the pain of the climb and reward your efforts. On passing back over the border at the summit of the Healy Pass, you are back in the Rebel County of Cork and treated to a 4 km descent of sharp hairpen bends with wonderful little stone walls and bridges hidden beneath. At the base of the Healy Pass you will be turning left onto the R572 which will bring you back to Glengarriff to recover and celebrate your achievement.
160km Rebel Challenge
This route has been described as the ‘most challenging sportive of the year’ following a figure of 8 with a double climb of the Healy Pass from the north side.
The route starts out from Glengarriff and the climb over the Caha Pass, through a series of beautiful hand hewn rock tunnels across the border into the Kingdom of Kerry. Following an easy descent down to Kenmare, take a left turn onto the R571 in the direction of the Beara Peninsula along the shoreline of the Kenmare Bay and into Lauragh before climbing the Healy Pass for the first time, crossing back over into the Rebel County of Cork. The descent from the Healy Pass requires care and attention with many sharp and hairpin corners to negotiate and a welcome food/refreshment stop awaiting riders at the bottom.
Continuing on the R572 through the fishing port of Castletownbere and onto the picture postcard Village of Allihies, before climbing the significant rocky mountain pass between Allihies and Urhan known locally as “Reentrisk” or translated meaning “The Cods Head”.
The second foodstop on this challenging route will be laid out for riders arriving in Eyeries, where you can refuel and prepare for the final leg of your journey. Continuing along the R571 through the village of Ardgroom and rolling into Lauragh, you will be guided to take a right turn onto the R574 to climb the Healy Pass for the second time, now armed with the full knowledge of what lays ahead. The Healy Pass descent again needs care and attention before turning left at the bottom and back onto the R572 rolling back into Glengarriff to claim the title ‘Beast of Beara’
If you want to enter this brilliant cycling event, just click here
