There is less than a month to go to the Mizen to Malin Head challenge which will cover a distance of 598kms (368miles ) in under 20 hours non stop, at an average of 31 kph, starting on Friday June 26.
The initial proposal attracted 49 riders and after an intense training regime 20 have survived and are in the final stages of preparation. The attrition rate has been worse than expected, according to organiser Padraig Marrey from Western Lakes CC.
He believes that the main obstacle has been getting the time to train as the training time required is up to 20 hours a week which is a big commitment for people with full time jobs.
Last weekend was the last big test with the group cycling 250 miles (430k ) over the two days. It started with a cycle from Ballinrobe to Dublin (230k ) on the Saturday and then the challenge of a tough hilly circuit of the Wicklow 200 on Sunday.
Undertaking a challenge like this requires a lot of planning, with routes and food stops having to be mapped out and experienced back up personal required. The cyclists need to be fit, with the right mentality and all of the participants have to deal with the unpredictability of the weather where they will need Lady Luck on their side.
The majority of the group are doing the bid in aid of Rock Rose House cancer support care unit in Castlebar. The promotion of a cancer care charity like Rock Rose House ties in neatly with the arrival of Lance Armstrong in Ireland later in the summer for the Tour of Ireland in August and the world summit on cancer to be held in Dublin on August 24.
National Bike Week
As part of National Bike Week (June 14 -21 ), Cycling Ireland will be organising a series of bike workshops in a number of locations around the country including one in Castlebar on Monday June 15.
Some of Ireland’s top coaches and cyclists will be giving the workshops, which will involve the following: gear and bike maintenance, training tips, dietary tips, bike set-up and positioning, safety tip, practicals, advice on cycling in Ireland, and club information.
The workshops are aimed mainly at leisure cyclists who would like to know more about the sport and how to get involved in relation to clubs, events and races. They are also designed to provide the information needed for cyclists to improve their experience on the bike and fitness levels.
The Castlebar workshop for interested people in Connacht will take place in Day’s Hotel on Lannagh Road on Monday June 15 from 7pm to 9pm.
All are welcome and attendance is free. For more in formation contact Cycling Ireland at 01 855 1522 and don’t forget to get peddling for National Bike Week.
