Etape Mourne

Set in the heartland of the Mourne Mountains near Newry, the weather gods did not shine kindly on the 2013 Etape Mourne, but Jean Wilson soldiered on regardless!

We headed up north over the October bank holiday weekend to complete the Etape Mourne, on possibly one of the worst days to ride a bike with hurricane force winds and down pours greeting us as we reached Newry and headed out along the coast to Annalong. We had signed up for the 70 miler but the conditions were so tough we decided against it.

The hosts were extremely welcoming and it was very well marshalled, particularly at the start with motor bikes. It was chip timed and there were KoM as well as finishers prizes. The numbers weren’t huge but I expect that was down to the weather on the day, but what a route, if you like hills!! It lashed with rain on the first long climb but half way through the sun broke through, although the winds were seriously gusty and some of the descents were fairly hairy as a result.

The scenery was pretty special, climbing up to Spelga dam was particularly tough but there was plenty of support on the ground to get you round the hairpin. On return there was soup and sandwiches galore, and en route there was one water/banana/biccie/jelly stop which you passed on the way out and on the way back (after the climb up to Spelga dam).

I definitely want to go back and complete the 70 miler and they are running the event again May 2014. It was sponsored by Chainreaction Cycles and the first three male and female riders in both events (45 mile and 70 miler) received chainreaction jerseys. It cost £25 to enter, £2.50 went to the event charity.