The Blackstairs Cycling Challenge is a cycle sportive which takes place in Ballinkillen, Co. Carlow. It is dedicated to the memory of Eoghan and Ruairí Chada, our two friends who are dearly missed and always in our thoughts. It is a great day of cycling through beautiful Inistioge, Graiguenamanagh, Borris, Kiltealy, Bunclody and Mt. Leinster in the Blackstairs Mountains. This year’s event takes place on Sunday September 18th 2022. All routes start and finish in Ballinkillen (See link below to find us on google maps).
There are 5 routes to choose from, catering for all categories of cyclists: 140km, 110km, 80km, 50km and 12km.
All routes will be fully signposted and junctions marshalled, and there will be backup available for anyone requiring technical assistance, provided by Walter Coleman of Coleman Cycles, Carlow.
Tea and scones/brown bread will be served from 7:30am for all the early birds and there will be HOT FOOD for all cyclists at the finish line in Ballinkillen. Borris Vocational School hosts the main food stop for each of the 140km, 110km, 80km and 50km routes, where there will be tea/ coffee and sandwiches/cakes/scones. There will be goodie bags for children who have been registered online for the 12km route.
Helmets are compulsory – no helmet, no cycle