This event in Mayo over the August Bank Holiday weekend will appeal to all cycling fans

Sure what else would you want to do on a Bank Holiday Sunday?

The Giro De Baile is an annual leisure cycling sportive which is taking place in North Mayo during the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The event is organised to raise money for various charity organisations and is facilitated by Baile an Chaisil (Ballycastle) Cycling Club and is sanctioned by Cycling Ireland.

The event caters for all people interested in cycling from beginners to advanced. Sadly, there are no prizes for the winners but they do get to bring home the satisfaction of cycling a beautiful route on a Bank Holiday Sunday with good company in tow.

The cycle route covers the North Mayo coastal section of the Wild Atlantic way as well as providing stunning views of iconic Mayo locations from the Nephin mountains to Carrowmore lake in Erris.

The route became that well renowned among cycling fans, organisers and cyclists alike, that An Post RAS added the route on to its tour.

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Máirtín Flannery who is one of the organisers of Giro De Baile told JOE that:

"We are delighted to announce the charity partner for the 2017 Giro de Baile is Mindspace Mayo.

"Mindspace Mayo is a free and confidential support service to promote young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Its aim is to support young people aged 15-25 who are going through a difficult time to ensure they get the support they need.

"The event will offer a challenging 146km route for experienced riders and a 60km route for beginners or those looking for a slightly less strenuous day in the saddle."

Giro De Baile is much more about cycling according to Noel Kelly, another main organiser, who believes enjoying the views and entertainment along the route is just as important as the cycling itself.

"Last year we had thirty French and English soldiers in 1798 uniform at the start with cannons firing at locations along the route as well as four DJs, A troop of Irish Dancers, a helicopter and one now ex-Taoiseach who all took part last year so we hope to match that this year," he said.

For more information on Giro De Baile, you can visit their website or Facebook Page.