Entries are now open for Ride Dingle 2024.
The next edition of this spectacular sportive takes place on 27 April 2024 in Dingle, County Kerry.
Two routes are on offer, with the 120km long course taking in an ascent of Conor Pass - Ireland's highest paved road at 450m above sea level.
A shorter 55km route is also on offer, taking riders on a loop of Slea Head with breathtaking Atlantic views.
Film buffs will enjoy the next section, with landmarks including Coumeenoole Beach made famous in the film Ryan's Daughter.
Dingle Peninsula was also the set of Star Wars Star Wars Episode VIII, and the location of the old Jedi temple where Luke begins Rey's training in the ways of The Force.
A feed stop in Ballyferriter will fuel riders on the short course for the 6km run home to Dingle, but for those on the long route the day's biggest challenge starts here.
The Conor Pass is Ireland's highest mountain pass, and one of the most famous and difficult climbs in the country. "The 5km climb will leave the legs crying out and the heart rate pumping," say the organisers, "but it's all worth it with the fantastic, technical descent into Cloghane."
On a clear day don't forget to pause at the top to take in stunning Atlantic views of Brandon Bay. From here the route hugs the coastline along Brandon Bay and on to the food stop at Camp.
Next stop is Annascaul, birthplace of famous Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. Crean was a member of Scott's 1911-1913 Terra Nova expedition, and received the Albert Medal after a 56km solo walk across the Ross Ice Shelf to save the life of a crew mate.
You can appreciate Tom's heroics as you roll along the newly surfaced road into Lispole, before an undulating 10km to the finish line for a well-earned rest and celebration in atmospheric Dingle.
Entry includes a customised finisher medal, food and water stops on a fully marshalled course, and a post race celebration with hot food.
Find out more and enter at ridedingle.com.
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