The Blackwater Region
The River Blackwater rises in Sliabh Beagh on the Tyrone-Monaghan border flowing to Monaghan forming the border with Armagh and Tyrone.
This 100km event brings you through some of the region's most beautiful scenery, starting from Blesingbourne then over Sliabh Beagh, through Castle Leslie, passing Caledon Estate, Favour Royal and returning through Aughnacloy and Augher to the finish. The entire region is extremely accessible, and the starting point is only 1 hour’s drive from Belfast and Derry and 2 hours from Dublin. See left for more directions.
Start/Finish at Blessingbourne
Situated on the outskirts of Fivemiletown, the Estate at Blessingbourne will act as both start and finishing point. The main entrance for the Estate is on the right hand side on the Murley Road to Fintona a few hundred metres outside the town. We start registration at 9.00am sharp with the main event starting at 10.00am. We recommend you register in advance as this will give us an idea of numbers and take a bit of pressure off you.
Car parking will be available on the estate grounds leaving you no distance to the registration area.
Safety
All entrants will be required to wear a helmet and everyone will be issued with a unique wristband at the sign-on. All entrants will be required to sign out again on completion of the event.
Road Markings, Marshalling & Roadblocks
The route will be marked with white paint on the road plus major junctions will be signposted. Motorcycle outriders will be providing rolling road blocks allowing cyclists to pass through busy junctions, increasing safety and reducing your time on the road.
Lunch & Water Stops
Lunch will be served in the Caledon Courthouse. We'll also set up a few waterstops in case you need to take on a bit more water - these will be at Castle Leslie and Favour Royal Estates.
T-shirt & Medal
Everyone who makes it back will be presented with a Bike The Blackwater t-shirt and commemorative medal to mark the occasion.
