The Routes

The Kelly Cruise
The Kelly Cruise, at 50 km, is a gentle tester for those who spend a good bit of time in the saddle. For those, however, who are not used to doing much cycling, this is a really good test, and particularly suitable for family participation. Note, however, that participants must be aged 10 or over on 29th August 2010.

The 2010 Cruise Route remains largely the same as 2009 . The route travels out of Dungarvan through Ballinameela and Whitechurch. The first 15k of the route is on a slightly narrower road than the previous 2 years. We ask all riders to show due care and respect to other road users and always obey the instructions of event officials-remember the roads are open to traffic at all times.

At the 15k mark the route turns in the direction of the wonderful village of Villierstown, home of another one of Co. Waterford’s sporting legends, the great John Treacy. Again the organizers would ask participants to cycle carefully through the village. After Villierstown the next 6 kms of the route is among some of the most scenic on this year’s Cruise route and should rightly be savoured-you are now heading northward on the beautiful (slightly hilly!) Dromana Drive on the banks of the River Blackwater. Our advice is to take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Upon reaching the N72 turn left in the direction of Cappoquin and enjoy the great hospitality at our food stop in Cappoquin Community Centre. This is the third year that this venue has hosted one of the Sean Kelly Tour food stops and it will no doubt prove popular again with all those taking part.

After leaving Cappoquin Community Centre turn right in the direction of Dungarvan on the N72 and follow this route directly to Dungarvan, for a distance of 20k and the finish line at Dungarvan Sports Centre where a great welcome is assured for all riders!

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The Kelly Coast

The Kelly Coast exits the start area close to Dungarvan Sports Centre and heads for Abbeyside, Barnawee Bridge and the open road. Even though this route is slightly shorter than the Kelly Legacy (the route which it replaces) it is designed for the touring cyclist who has possibly decided to step up the training regime from having participated in the Kelly Cruise in previous years. It is an extremely scenic route, but covers quite hilly terrain and your training programme should reflect this.

Waterford’s railway heritage is on display over the first 20 kilometres of the route, before riders reach the first water stop of the day in Bunmahon (the first of two visits to this seaside village!). After Bunmahon riders head inland and northwards for a time towards the villages of Kill and Dunhill where the ‘Waterford Welcome’ will be evident! After approximately 50 kilometres participants reach Tramore and the main food stop of the day in the fabulous surrounds of the town’s Racecourse. After taking a trip through the streets of this wonderful seaside resort riders will hug the coast for the remainder of the return journey.

Breathtaking scenery is guaranteed for this leg of the route through the villages of Fenor and Annestown with Kilmurrin Cove and Dunabrattin Head worth a rest stop from where to simply admire Waterford’s wonderful coastline. Riders are now at the heart of the Copper Coast UNESCO Geo Park and nowhere is Waterford’s mining heritage brought to life more vividly than at the old Tankardstown copper mining complex which cyclists will pass shortly before the return visit to Bunmahon.

The final village of the day is Stradbally at the 70 kilometre mark and this will be the ideal place to take a well earned rest and a drop of Tipperary Natural mineral Water before getting back into the saddle and tackling the final stretch to the finish at Dungarvan Sports Centre.

The Kelly Comeragh Challenge
The Kelly Comeragh Challenge is the tough, tough part of the tour and not for the fainthearted. Almost 160 km (100 miles) in length, it includes two Category One climbs (Seskin Hill and Mahon Falls) and is suitable only for very experienced and very fit full-time cyclists. It follows, in large part, the route of the Kelly Legacy but dips into the Comeragh Mountains on a couple of occasions to fully test the strength, perseverance and stamina of the riders. Taking the N25 out of Dungarvan, the route veers to the left in Lemybrien along the R676 as far as Carrick-on-Suir. Here there is a loop which takes in Seskin Hill, made famous by the Nissan Classic. This is Kelly country. But it is also gruelling country. For those who wish to avoid the suffering, the back-breaking climb may be by-passed. The route continues along the R680 as far as Clonmel where it swings to the left and heads along the R671 as far as Ballymacarbry. Here it veers to the left along the gorgeous Nire Valley before again swinging left over the Nire River and heading into the heart of the Comeraghs. The route climbs to over 400 meters altitude at the wonderfully-named Powers the Pot, whence it descends through enchanting uplands to the lovely village of Rathgormack. Soon it rejoins the R676, heading southwards as far as Mahon Bridge where it once again heads into the mountains via the Mahon Falls, once more at over 400m altitude. But once again, for those who wish to avoid beginning to suffer, the worst of the climb may be by-passed, if so required. The descent from Mahon Falls deserves and demands real care. Then through Kilrossanty Village and along the Mauma Road as far as Kilbrien before joining the R672 at Beary’s Cross. Here, riders can breathe a sigh of relief. Though it is still over 13km back to Dungarvan, it is almost completely downhill. 13km which should be devoted to enjoying the sense of achievement that can only come from surviving the Kelly Comeragh .

  Touring Cyclists Guide

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