Ride & Tide Challenge Event

Next Challenge Date: November 25th - 27th 2011

What is Ride & Tide?

This fun exciting and exhilarating riding experience for both horse and riders involves teams of 2 riding on horseback and mountain bike through the wild Mayo landscape, "swimming" your horse on the outstretched sandy beachesthen teaming up for your short kayak challenge…..and all against the clock!Trekking over mountain, wild terrain and sandy beaches on horse and mountain bike.Ride your horse in the surf of the wild Atlantic shoreline.

You don't need to be an expert to take part in this fun event; however we suggest that this is not an event for complete beginner horse rider.

What happens on the Ride & Tide Challenge?

Teams of two will take part and share riding and cyclingto race against the clock to win the Ride & Tide Challenge. The rider will swap places with the cyclist at designated timed check points. Kayak to one of the close islands; collect your team flag and race back to beach before continuing for the final leg of the race on bike and horseback.Participants will carry a time card which will be stamped at check points on route. A picnic lunch will be provided.

If you would like to take part but don't have a partner let us know as we receive requests from many people who enjoy either riding or cycling but don't have a partner to team up with.

Numbers are limited so please register your interest at info.gotrekking@gmail.com

Meeting Point:

Participants using go!trekking!horsesare requested to arrive at Westport Woods Hotel before 7pm onFriday for check-in. Participants bringing their own horses should plan to arrive at Westport Woods Hotel by 5.00pm from where they will be escorted to the stabling facilities.

Accommodation:

Participants can avail of the special accommodation package staying at the Westport Woods Hotel& Spa. Please specify room requirements; e.g. single, double, twin. If you wish to share with a specific person who is registering separately, please specify.

Participants will have full use of the leisure centre, gym facilities and residents bar during their stay.

Food and Drinks:

Fee schedule includes all meals and drinks specified in Daily Itinerary. Participants not availing of hotel and event package: refreshments on Saturday during ride& tide challenge. If you have special dietary requirements, please inform in advance of arrival to ensure your needs are catered for.

Stabling:

A fee of €15 per night will apply for stabling with ample haylage free of charge. If your horse requires specific feed please bring it with you.

Riding ability:

Minimum riding ability: Intermediate- ability to canter in open spaces and ride on varied terrain.

All participants are requested to be riding fit.

At various points participants may be required to lead their horses due to terrain or tide conditions.

Please ask if you have any questions regarding your suitability to participate

Trip Extensions:

We offer excellent trekking and accommodation packages for those riders wishing to extend their visit and explore the area further on horseback, please request the list of rides and packages available.

2011 Event Dates: November 25th - 27th

Friday: 19.30 Registration in lobby of Westport Woods Hotel

20.00 Welcome drinks followed by dinner

Saturday: 7.30 - 8.30 Breakfast

09.00 Transfer to stables for tack up and bicycle allocation

09.45 Time check. Group start. Ride to Skelp & cycle to Croagh Patrick

12.00 Time check. Tie Horses and adjourn for Picnic lunch

13.45 Time check. Riders swap roles and continue to Beach

15.00 Time check. Tie Horses and both team member transfer to kayak

Kayak to Island, collect flag and kayak back to beach.

16.00 Time check. Riders swap roles. Riders & cyclists continue to hotel

17.00 Grand finish and final time check.

19.30 Dinner and winners awards

Entertainment in the Bench Bar

Optional day - We are also planning an extra trip for those of you who would like even more riding fun in our amazing area. Let us know if you would like to avail of this extra riding option.

Sunday 08.00 - 9.30 Breakfast

10.00 Ride (route TBA)

12.30 Coffee & cookies

13.30 Departure

All inclusive Ride & Tide Festival Weekend Package €249 per person sharing

Ride & Tide challenge event participation

GoTrekking! horse rental

2 nights' Accommodation including full Irish breakfast

Friday evening welcome drink

Friday & Saturday 3 course Dinner

Saturday Picnic lunch

*single room supplement €20