For an overview of this years festival click on

Festival Timetable 2018

 

Friday 22nd June 2018

AN EVENING OF CYCLING ADVENTURE TALES

The Glens Centre

8pm

We will have two speakers on the night:

Twenty-eight year old Limerick adventurer, William Bennett, recently home from his around the world cycle will be presenting a talk on his journey. Over the last three years, William has cycled over 58,000 kilometres across five continents, traversing the length of Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and Africa solely by bicycle. He will detail his fifty-eight country journey, explaining the exhilarating highs and crushing lows of such an adventure and why, after this journey, he now holds an overwhelmingly positive view of the world.

Mary Russell is a Dublin-based writer. Her first book was about women travellers  and explorers, The Blessings of a Good Thick Skirt, and included a section on early cyclists including one woman who, riding her brakeless bike down a steep mountain track, tied a branch of a tree to the back of it to slow her descent. Mary’s most recent book, My Home is Your Home, is an account of her travels round Syria, on foot and by bike, in the period leading up to the war. It was a fascinating  journey when she experienced a degree of hospitality which would leave Ireland of the welcomes standing. Even the lumpy beds and the schools inspector who wanted to share his pornographic movies with her failed to diminish her appreciation of this historic country and its peoples.

This is a FREE EVENT but booking is advised to save a seat.

BOOK HERE

There will be free camping available in Manorhamilton on Friday. Email leitrimcyclingfestival@gmail.com to book a spot in the campsite.

 

Saturday 23rd June 2018

BIKE HIJINKS

The Castle Cafe

10am

Morning Loop – 10km. Dust off your bicycle for a leisurely cycle down quiet country lanes.

11am – 2pm

A day of art and bicycle festival fun at the Castle Cafe:

Have a go on the Scary-Go-Round, if you dare! An alternative fun fair ride made by the mad inventor and artist Paddy Bloomer. A Cruinniu na nOg event.

Check out our Bike Display to see a range of bikes from fully loaded cycle touring and bike packing bikes to locally crafted bamboo bikes.

Hop on the Cycle-Powered Smoothie Maker made by Nua Naturals.

Find out how to Decorate Your Bike with willow flags.

The Campervan of Sound will be parked up for an open music session, hosted by ‘The Knotted Chords’ duo. All are welcome to drop by and get stuck in for a few tunes!

Try your hand at a Bike Tyre Printing Workshop with Phoebe and Liz from Manorhamilton Print Group. From 12-2pm. A Cruinniu na nOg event.

Test your bike skills and balance with our Bike Olympics, including an obstacle course.

12pm

Take part in a Heritage Walk around Manorhamilton town with Margaret Connolly. Leaving the castle at midday.

1pm

Go on a short 5km Cycling Picnic. Perfect for families and young children. Leaving the Castle at 1pm.

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CYCLE TO DROMAHAIR

Registration at The Castle Cafe

3pm – 3.30pm

25km – one way

Take the scenic route to Dromahair via Lurganboy, the Doons and Lough Gill.

Make your way back to Manorhamilton or bring your camping gear to stay in Dromahair at our secret campout location:

BONFIRE NIGHT CAMPOUT

Pack your tent onto your bike and camp with us at a secret campout location. Discover the village of Dromahair and check out the local pubs and restaurants. Walk along the river to Creevelea Abbey.

Email leitrimcyclingfestival@gmail.com to book a space at the campsite

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DANCING AT THE CROSSROADS

9pm

Cycle to the 5 roads crossroads to enjoy a blazing bonfire and an evening of dancing at the crossroads and live traditional music. Note: this event is not organised by LCF but you are welcome to go along.

 

Sunday 24th June 2018

 

BBQ BREAKFAST

Secret Campout Location – 10am

Happy campers will wake up to the smell of a hearty breakfast.

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THE GREAT GREENWAY CYCLING CIRCUS CARNIVAL

The SLNCR Greenway, Dromahair – 2 – 4pm

Parade of cycles Tricycles, bicycles, unicycles, tandems, ‘tagalongs’, black ‘Nellies’, Penny Farthings, mountain bikes, folding bikes, BMX’s, road bikes, hybrid bikes, and and and……

Surprise – ‘the unveiling’ of the ‘Gluais Linn’ Trishaw

Slow Bicycle Race

Circus Fancy Dress

Prizes for best dressed cyclist & cycle and best dressed couple & cycles

Cycle Theatre with Treasa Nealon from the Lough Gill Players

Gazebo Big Top Tea Time at Edergole cottage, tea & coffee served with tray bakes and buns & lots of sweeties️

Instruments of Brass – All mixed up with trad and tin whistles