Lap the lough is an annual cycle event around lough neagh, the largest lake in Ireland and Britain.
Lap the Lough is on Sunday 25th August - bank holiday in the UK - you might have the day off on Monday to recover. We'll have a Stena ferry discount soon!
Registration for Lap the Lough opens on January 1st. We'll have an early bird offer for January and a group discount of 10%. Registration typically closes 31st July.
Registration closes on 31st July or when we reach 2500 participants. After that number, registration closes. Register early to avoid disappointment.
We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions which goes into more detail. Please read through these before getting in touch with us. If we've missed something out please let us know.
You get emergency energy, water/energy stops, mechanical support, sweeper, motorbike marshals, 1st Aid, LTL cycle cap and pin-badge.
We're starting again from Moy & Charlemont - a beautiful village bordering the counties of Tyrone and Armagh with great bars, cafés and restaurants and lots of accommodation.
The route* travels 144km/89 miles anti-clockwise around Lough Neagh with stops approx every 20 miles.
Total distance: | 144km/89ml split into 4 stages |
Total elevation: | 1030m/3370ft - 60% of route flat. |
STAGE 1: | Blackwater & Bann: Rest area 1: Gawleys Gate: 40km/25ml |
STAGE 2 | Shorelines & Hedgerows Rest area 2: Antrim Castle: 75km/46ml |
STAGE 3: | Sperrins & Mournes Rest area 3: Ballyronan Marina: 108km/67ml |
STAGE 4: | Crosses and Castles Finish area: Moy & Charlemont: 144km/89ml |
Road condition: | Route uses 'A', 'B' 'C' and 'U' roads. Some rural roads may straddle farms and have 'debris' on the surface. |
Time limits: | None |
Distance markers: | Sign-posted en route every 8km/5mls |
Direction markers: | 5 arrows indicating direction, marked on road at every junction (using LTL logo) |
This is the current route Lap the Lough follows. Click to view and zoom in on the route.
lots to do on the morning so it's an early start – your average speed will determine how early you start.
Your start time depends on what average speed you reckon you'll complete the event in. We have 3 broad average speeds to select (see table). Remember to factor in the time it will take to get parked and into The Square to the start area.
Parking areas will be close to the registration area, outside the village (details will follow). Allow 20 minutes to get parked and ride into the Moy for the starting process. If you live locally, ride over, make it a century and miss the all traffic.
You'll receive your event pack (wristband & event numbers etc) via post - no sign-on. The starting process will take around 20 minutes. Remind yourself of the safety instructions, make your way to your designated start area and depart at the appointed time. A grid will be used to increase social distancing.
If you're new to all this then you'll become more aware of your average as your training and distance progresses. Using a GPS app like Strava or a cheap bike computer will give you a more accurate idea.
Average Speed | Départ time | Be in start area |
---|---|---|
17mph+/27kmh+ | 7.15-7.40am | 10 minutes in advance |
14-17mph/22-27kmh | 7.40-8.20am | 10 minutes in advance |
10-14mph/16-22kph | 8.20-9.00am | 10 minutes in advance |
THIS IS NOT A RACE • ROADS ARE NOT CLOSED • OBEY ALL ROAD SIGNS & TRAFFIC LIGHTS • STOP AT ALL JUNCTIONS • MARSHALS DON'T STOP TRAFFIC AT ANY JUNCTION • WEAR YOUR HELMET • NO MORE THAN 2 ABREAST • GIVE LOADS OF ROOM TO INEXPERIENCED CYCLISTS • DO NOT OVERTAKE THROUGH TOWNS AND VILLAGES • ALLOW OVERTAKING CARS TO PULL IN • WARN OTHER CYCLISTS OF APPROACHING HAZARDS • ALLOW LOTS OF BRAKING ROOM BETWEEN YOU AND BIKE IN FRONT
Lap the Lough is not a race, it is a 'leisure event'. The event is on open roads and all entrants are obliged to obey the "Highway Code" - rules 59-82. It applies at all times during Lap the Lough. If you're not familiar with it we recommend you read it before entering the event.
Before you register for Lap the Lough you must read and agree to accept the Terms and Conditions. If you need clarification on any points please contact us in advance. Please click here to…
You must ensure your bike/equipmnent is in good mechanical condition and not a risk to you or anyone else. Check brakes. Check wheels & tyres. Check you have the correct tyre pressure. Know how to fix a puncture. Carry a spare tube, pump &. Carry your phone.
Want to partner with the biggest cycle event in NI? Get in touch.
Absolutely! The event is a readymade fundraiser
Logistics, administration and advertising can be very costly for most charity events. So if you fancy using the event as a fundraiser (and there's no obligation to) we'll take care of all that… leaving you to concentrate on the fundraising.
Anybody and everybody. Each year big & small charities, community groups and individuals use the event to raise more than £100,000 for local causes. If you're going to cycle around Lough Neagh you may as well use it to raise a few pounds.
Once registered set up an on-line fundraising page or if you prefer the analogue way of printing out a form - we'll help you with both. We also have a list of charities who use the event… incase you're stuck for ideas.
read the event rules and the highway code for cyclists (above) before registering
Make sure you read all the content on this page. Make sure you read the highway code for cyclists and the event rules above. If you are registering for someone else make sure they have read and understand.
We process entries using PayPal/Credit/Debit cards. Once registered you'll receive your entry ticket from us - and that's all there is to it! Come along to the start area on the morning and leave at the appointed time.
If you're registering for someone else please make sure that they've read the rules, they're familiar with the highway code and you add their name, address and mobile no. to the "additional info" box at the checkout.