10 THINGS TO DO AT GRAN FONDO GIRO D’ITALIA NI

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do over the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland.

  • Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland, Counties Down and Antrim, June 20-21. The Giro Paddock at Titanic Belfast will be turning pink again for the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia NI. This will be the start and finish site for those cyclists fulfilling their dreams of riding on closed roads, through stunning countryside. Why not come down to Titanic Belfast with friends and family to soak up the atmosphere, savour a little taste of Italy on your doorstep or get out and about and support the cyclists on their routes. From 10am-5pm Saturday and 7am-6pm Sunday.
  • Bike Week 2015, The Diamond, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, June 15.  Enjoy a 12 mile cycle ride along the North Coast, mostly within the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, starting and finishing in Coleraine. You will be able to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery along the route which follows National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 93 from Coleraine to Downhill Forest and return.   Partake of some well-earned refreshments at the half way point in the tranquil surroundings of the Bishop’s Gate and Downhill Forest. Check online for time listings.
  • Family Cycle and Activity Evening, Co. Fermanagh, June 16. Get the family active and have some fun at the Family Cycle and Activity Evening. Participants will depart the Westville Hotel, Enniskillen at 6pm progressing to the Castle Coole estate for a fun activity evening. Upon returning to the Westville Hotel a finger buffet will be available.  Please note that children U16 must be accompanied by a cycling adult. 6pm.
  • Cycle Ride and BBQ, Cloonavin, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, June 17. Enjoy a family cycle ride (approx. 6 – 7 miles) starting and finishing at Cloonavin, Portstewart Rd, Coleraine. The route follows the River Bann through the town, including the traffic-free section through Christie Park and Somerset Riverside Park. Finish off the evening with a free BBQ at Cloonavin.  6.45pm.
  • Piccolo Fondo, Lisburn, Comber, Holywood and Newtownabbey, June 20. For all families and communities who enjoy cycling together, the Piccolo Fondo, accompanied ride, on June 20 is just for you as there will be four rides on greenways and quiet roads from Lisburn, Comber, Holywood and Newtownabbey, arriving at Titanic Quarter. Advance registration is necessary so visit www.sustrans.org.uk/events/piccolo-fondo-led-rides for more information.
  • Crit in the Park, Ormeau Park, Belfast, June 19. This is a very safe, traffic free environment for young riders. This style of racing is great for both competitors and spectators alike, so either way come along and help make it a fabulous night for all!! Please Note – A Cycling Ireland race licence will be required to be able to take part. A temporary event licence can be issued on the night for a charge. From 5-9pm.
  • Cycle Training and Bike Check, Comber, Holywood, Lisburn, North Belfast and Newtownabbey, until June 18. Want to get on your bike but it’s been a while? Interested in free cycle training to improve your skills and confidence on the road? Perhaps you, family or friends have an old bike in the shed that’s been rusting away with a flat tyre.  Well visit one of the 5 locations and get expert advice from bike mechanics that will do a basic bike check, repair minor problems and show you how to fix a puncture, so you can get back on two wheels. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/events/free-cycle-training-and-bike-checks
  • StreetVelodrome, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, June 20 – 21. During the Gran Fondo festivities both budding and experienced cyclists, young and old, are encouraged to come along and try the Street Velodrome. It’s completely free, bikes and helmets are supplied, and free pro coaching is also provided. From 10am until 6pm.
  • Bike to Work Day, Gasworks to Belfast City Hall, June 19. Over 200 cyclists will gather at the Gasworks in Belfast at 8am and cycle to the City Hall to promote cycling in Northern Ireland.  Cyclists taking part in this event can enjoy a complimentary coffee and breakfast snack in the grounds of the City Hall before travelling to work.  The Bike to Work coffee stop at Belfast City Hall will be running from 7.30-10am.
  • Mountain Bike Trails, Castleward, Co. Down, June 20. Bring your bike or hire one to enjoy the trails that meander through the estate’s ground and woodlands and have been specifically designed to be used by cyclists.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.