Legacurry Freewheelers Cycle Club

Wed 20 May 2026

11 riders rolled out from Legacurry at 6:30pm tonight for a 40 mi / 64 km spin around the Belfast Hills 🚴‍♂️⛰️

A cracking evening on the bike with a tough run through the Belfast Hills followed by a fast 3 mi / 4.8 km descent back into Belfast down Ballyutoag Road, dropping into Ballysillan Park.

Coffee stop at The Seed and Bean Ballysillan before rolling home down the Shankill Road into Belfast City Centre and up the Malone Road back toward Lisburn.

A strong group ride throughout with good pacing, steady climbing and plenty of miles in the legs.

Big welcome back to Paul Quinn — great to see you back out with the group 👏

📍 Distance: 39.9 mi / 64.2 km
⛰️ Elevation: 2,612 ft / 796 m
⚡ Average Speed: 15.5 mph / 24.9 km/h
⏱️ Ride Time: 3h 25m
🚴 Riders: 11

Great turnout and great company as always — thanks to everyone who came out tonight 💪

Legacurry FCC Carlingford Weekend 2026 🚴⛰️☔

Legacurry Freewheelers Cycle Club traditionally organises two annual cycling trips — one local weekend away and another more adventurous overseas excursion. Previous destinations have included Mallorca, Alpe d’Huez, Stelvio, and Girona, while later this year the club heads for the Pyrenees.

This year’s local trip brought us to the beautiful surroundings of Carlingford, Co. Louth, where we stayed at the excellent Shalom B&B for three superb days of cycling, climbing, punctures, café stops, and plenty of craic.

Across the weekend the group covered a total of approximately 187 miles / 301km with over 11,480ft / 3,500m of climbing.

Day 1 – Outward Journey: Legacurry to Carlingford

📅 Friday 15th May
🚴 70 miles / 113km
⛰️ 3,600ft / 1,097m climbing
👥 10 riders

The trip began from Legacurry under decent conditions as the group headed through Kinallen, Banbridge and Scarva, with the now traditional coffee stop at Sintons. From there the route continued through Markethill and Forkhill before a welcome lunch stop at Strandfield House Café.

With only around 15 miles / 24km remaining after lunch, the group rolled into Carlingford in good spirits to check into the Shalom B&B before sampling some local refreshments ahead of dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Day 2 – Carlingford Hills & Cooley Peninsula

🚴 57 miles / 92km
⛰️ 4,500ft / 1,372m climbing
👥 11 riders

Claire Henderson joined the group for the weekend’s toughest ride as the cyclists headed east around the scenic Cooley Peninsula. After approximately 12 miles / 19km of coastal roads came the major test of the day — the Clermont Carn climb, averaging 8.1% over 2.6 miles / 4.2km.

The route continued through Jonesborough before an excellent lunch stop at mcguills coffee house in Drumintee.

Unfortunately, worsening weather and no fewer than six punctures forced a late route adjustment, shortening the ride by around 15 miles / 24km. Despite the reduced distance, Phil somehow still managed to include all the climbing, ensuring nobody missed out on the elevation gain.

The return route via the Ring of Gullion, Camlough and Meigh delivered stunning scenery despite the rain.

A special mention goes to Claire Henderson, who claimed seven Top 10 Strava segment finishes along with a QOM on the Ballard Road Climb. Outstanding riding in very difficult conditions.

Dinner that evening was at Fitzpatrick’s Bar & Restaurant, with a superb meal and complimentary shuttle transport kindly arranged from the B&B.

Day 3 – Return Journey: Carlingford to Legacurry

🚴 60 miles / 97km
⛰️ 3,382ft / 1,031m climbing
👥 7 riders

With the Greenore to Greencastle ferry unavailable, the final day’s route required a quick rethink before departure.

A relatively flat run toward Newry was followed by the Greenan Road and Newtown Road climbs out of Rostrevor. Phil Brown briefly floated the idea of including Spelga — an idea politely but firmly rejected by tired legs all round.

Lunch at Nel’s in Castlewellan provided one final refuelling stop before tackling the last climb of the weekend and the remaining 18 miles / 29km back to Legacurry.

Another fantastic weekend organised by Legacurry FCC — great roads, great company, challenging conditions, and memories that will last long after the legs recover.

Big thanks to Phil Brown for Organising, Tom & Fiona Healy for the transportation of luggage, Derek mechanical wizardry and Philip Fairley the Entertainment :)

Legacurry Freewheelers Cycle Club – Carlingford Trip 2026

🚴‍♂️ Legacurry Freewheelers Cycle Club Carlingford Trip 🚴‍♀️📅 15th – 17th May 2026

The countdown is on for the club’s 3-day cycling adventure to Carlingford! Three fantastic days of riding, climbing, scenery, coffee stops, and plenty of craic along the way.

Day 1 – Friday 15th May

📍 Legacurry to Carlingford📏 Distance: 68 miles (109 km)⛰️ Elevation: 3,737 ft (1,139 m)

The opening stage takes the group from Legacurry to Carlingford with rolling roads, steady climbing, and plenty of opportunities to settle into the weekend’s riding.

Day 2 – Saturday 16th May

📍 Black Mountain & Ring of Gullion Loop📏 Distance: 70 miles (113 km)⛰️ Elevation: 4,800 ft (1,463 m)

The toughest stage of the weekend includes the famous Black Mountain climb — 2.6 miles averaging an eye-watering 8.1% gradient — before taking in the stunning scenery of the Ring of Gullion and returning to Carlingford.

A proper test for the legs… and lungs!

Day 3 – Sunday 17th May

📍 Carlingford to Legacurry📏 Distance: 50 miles (80 km)⛰️ Elevation: 3,164 ft (964 m)

The final day features a scenic ferry crossing to Greencastle before heading home via the Spelga climb. A lunch stop in Castlewellan followed by a gentle final 20 miles back to Legacurry.

Three days of great cycling, challenging climbs, stunning scenery, strong teamwork, and plenty of laughs guaranteed.

Wishing all riders safe travels, good weather, and strong legs for another memorable Legacurry Freewheelers weekend away! 🚴‍♂️☀️

Lurgan 50 Mile Cycle
Date: Saturday 9th May 2026
Distance: 50 miles (80 km)
Elevation: 2,900 ft (884 m)
Average Speed: 15.8 mph (25.4 km/h)
Riders: 7

Seven riders rolled out from Legacurry on a cool but dry Saturday morning for the club’s Lurgan 50 Mile Cycle. The route took the group through Ravernet and Ballinderry before joining the roads along the shores of Lough Neagh.

The outward leg to Lurgan proved challenging, with the riders facing a persistent headwind for much of the journey. Despite the conditions, the group maintained a steady pace and worked well together throughout the run into Lurgan.

A welcome coffee stop at Interiors Lurgan gave everyone the chance to refuel, warm up, and enjoy a well-earned break before setting off for the return leg.

The journey home was noticeably hillier, taking in Redhill, the Ballygowan Road, Annahilt, and back to Legacurry. Although the climbing added to the effort after the windy outward leg, the group stayed strong and completed the route in good spirits.
Another enjoyable and well-supported club ride with good company, solid teamwork, and plenty of miles in the legs.
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Route Summary:
Legacurry – Ravernet – Ballinderry – Lough Neagh Road – Lurgan – Redhill – Ballygowan Road – Annahilt – Legacurry

Belfast Hills Loop
📅 Wednesday 6th May 2026

Making the most of the brighter evenings, 7 riders rolled out from Legacurry at 18:30 for a spin to Ballysillan, North Belfast over the Belfast Hills.
The route took us on a steady climb towards Dundrod looping around Divis Mountain before a fast descent down Ballyhill Road into Ballysillan.

A quick stop @ one of our regular coffee stops at the suberb The Seed and Bean ☕ before returning home down the Shankill Road into Belfast City Centre, up the Malone Road and onwards through Lambeg back to Legacurry.

📊 Ride Stats:
• Distance: 40 miles / 64 km
• Elevation: 2,700 ft / 823 m
• Avg Speed: 15.8 mph / 25.4 km/h
• Riders: 7
A great mix of climbing, fast descending, and steady group riding 👌 Perfect

Monday 4th May 2026 – Castlewellan
50 miles (80 km) | 3,212 ft (979 m) | 16 mph (25.7 km/h avg)

11 riders rolled out of Legacurry Church Car Park at 8:30am for the May Day spin, with Tom Healy taking on Road Captain duties.
A bit fresh at the start, but dry and ideal once the legs loosened up. Taking a regular route out toward Castlewellan via the ever-lumpy roads around Slieve Croob and the Dromara Hills — 3000ft of climbing in there to remind everyone it’s not exactly a flat spin. The drags through Kinallan, Katesbridge and into Rathfriland had the group nicely strung out at times, despite Tom’s best efforts to keep things “under control” 😄

A very welcome stop at Nels Restaurant for coffee and scones before the return leg of 20 miles (32 km) home were a bit more civilised… mostly. A few lively moments, but everyone made it back in one piece — no mechanicals, no casualties, and only mild complaints about the hills.
Good spin, good company, and Road Captain Tom will be happy enough with how it all went (even if the group didn’t always listen 👀).

Wednesday 29th April 2026 – Craigantlet Hills
42 miles (67.6 km) | 2,500 ft (762 m) | 15.9 mph (25.6 km/h) avg

A group of 11 riders took advantage of the warmest evening of the year so far for a 42-mile (67.6 km) spin, covering approximately 2,500 ft (762 m) of climbing, with an average speed of 15.9 mph (25.6 km/h).
Departing Legacurry Church car park at 18:30, the group made steady progress towards Newtownards via Moneyreagh. The main challenge of the evening came with the climb over the Craigantlet Hills, followed by a controlled descent down the steep 11% gradient of Belmont Road.
A welcome coffee stop in Nero Ballyhackamore provided a chance to regroup before the return leg through Belfast City Centre, along Malone Road, and onwards via Ballyskeagh, Lambeg, and Lisburn back to Legacurry.

Thursday 17th April @ 18:45. Leaving Legacurry car park for a gentle 22mile /35km flat ride.
Suitable for riders returning from winter hibernation or just looking for an easy paced ride.

Legacurry Thursday 22miler | 22.6 mi Cycling Route on Strava Legacurry Thursday 22miler is a 22.6 mi Cycling Route. Discover this route and more at Strava. Visit today!

Great event this weekend … https://eventmaster.ie/event/1A9rTwDHeM Shimna Wheelers CC