GalwayGravelGrinder
August 15, 2026
Two Routes to Choose From: The Epic and The Craic!
Born out of the rugged West of Ireland, The Galway Bay Cycling Club is pleased to bring you the Galway Gravel Grinder!
For the last few years, a few passionate souls have canvassed the beautiful off-road gems around the Galway Wind Park in County Galway. That passion, along with a devious wink and nod to our cousin—the Galway Classic—has culminated in a cycling adventure so unique it can only be described as “Gravel Craic.”
What is Gravel Craic? It’s a little bit of everything Ireland has to offer for a truly unique gravel cycling adventure. Forest roads. Farm roads. Boreen roads. Single track. And a whole bunch of good ‘ole gravel!
Born out of the rugged West of Ireland, The Galway Bay Cycling Club is pleased to bring you the Galway Gravel Grinder!
You’ll start the Galway Gravel Grinder right in the heart of the Galway Wind Park with an easy, short, downhill start and onto the fun stuff.
The routes feature the Galway Wind Park where gravel roads, fun climbs and the gorgeous terrain and views of Connemara await.
Rider Rules
All riders, regardless of route, must read, adhere to and agree to our “Rider Rules” before entering and participating in the Galway Gravel Grinder. Click the button below to read our Rider Rules.
We’ve designed two routes for the Galway Gravel Grinder
EPIC
The Galway Gravel Grinder Epic is our pinnacle event
This route is for those truly looking to test their limits. You’ll traverse over 90km of gravel with around 1,800 meters of climbing
Open to gravel, cross, mountain and E-bikes
Craic
The Galway Gravel Grinder Craic
This route is a terrific introduction to gravel cycling. You’ll traverse around 50km of gravel with around 800 meters of climbing
Open to gravel, cross, mountain and E-bikes
Event Information
Date: August 15, 2026
Two Routes to choose from: The Epic: 105km; The Craic: 65km
Entry Fee
Early Bird March 2 – May 31: €65. Late Entry June 1 – August 15: €70. Entry fee includes food and water at Feed Stations, event t-shirt for first 250 participants, finishing prize, and post-ride burger and beer. Non-Cycling Ireland (CI) members will be required to purchase a one-day CI license.
Event Start Times
- The EPIC: 10:00am
- The CRAIC: 10:00am
Pre-Ride Rider Briefing
9:45 am, Saturday, TBD.
All participants must attend the pre-ride Rider briefing.
Entry/Registration Cut-Off
https://eventmaster.ie/event/preview/Ld5wtp3H76.
Sign-On
Friday, August 14, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 15, 7:30 – 9:30 am
Location: TBD
Start & Finish Location:
Galway Wind Park/SSE Operations Center
53°22’54.6″N 9°23’25.8”W
EIRCODE: H91 K46D
Accommodation & Parking
Accommodation can be found throughout communities surrounding Moycullen, to include Galway City, which is only a few kilometers away. Additionally, camping and camper van access will be available again this year! Sign up for a spot here: (TBD: link will be published soon!) All proceeds from camping go directly to our club–Galway Bay Cycling Club. Parking for the Galway Gravel Grinder will be communicated to participants prior to the event.
CUT-OFF TIMES
Cut-off times for each route will be announced at the Pre-Rider briefing.
FEED STATIONS
Feed stations will be located on the course for the event. The locations of Feed Stations will be communicated to participants prior to the event.
Feed Stations include water, light snacks and fruit.
YOUR BIKE
Please make sure your bike is properly maintained, properly serviced, and prepared for our rugged, mostly off-road course.
