Would you like to take advantage of the longer brighter days by getting out on your bike? A challenge is going out to all families to dust off their bikes and trikes for a bumper week of cycling activity during National Bike Week 2013.
More than 20 different events are scheduled to take place in Mayo from June 16 – 23 beginning on Sunday June 16 with a group and family cycle in Tourmakeady, starting at 3pm from the community centre. A full listing of the events can be seen on www.bikeweek.ie
“Cycling has caught on as a form of recreational physical activity for all in the last few years. Last year over 600 people participated in 16 events, and we hope to further build on that in 2013,” says Charlie Lambert, sports co-ordinator with Mayo Sports Partnership.
A whole host of other events is due to take place throughout the county with Smart Travel Castlebar organising a free bike check in Castlebar on Monday June 17 from 1-2pm. If you have not used your bike in a while and want to get it checked over for free before you get cycling this is the ideal opportunity. Contact Noel Gibbons or Thelma Birrane for further details of this and other Smart Travel events.
Speaking about Bike Week, Thelma Birrane, health promotion officer, HSE West says: “The main focus of Bike Week is to encourage family members to take up cycling as a regular activity in their local community and to raise the profile of cycling as a healthy and fun mode of transport and physical activity.”
Family and group cycles are also timetabled during the week taking place in Ballina, Currane, Achill, and Kilmovee on June 22 with events taking place in Ardagh, Ballinrobe, and Westport on Sunday June 23.
Minister of State for Transport, Tourism and Sport Michael Ring, whose Department has allocated €5,000 towards Bike Week in Mayo, has expressed his support for all communities which are organising these events.
“My Department is delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile activity which benefits everybody, and I would encourage everybody to get out there and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mayo,” commented Minister Ring.
Bike Week culminates in a showcase event titled “Bike Fest” which takes place at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, on Sunday June 23 from 2.15pm – 4.30pm. A free event, families and individuals are invited to participate in a host of events, including free bike/helmet check by local bike shops, family treasure hunt, bike buddy (cycle with an experienced cyclist ), lookalikes on bikes (dress like your idol ), and slow bicycle/obstacle courses.
People and families will be encouraged to participate in the roundabout lookalikes on bike challenge at 4pm on the day. All Affairs costume hire located at Moneen, Castlebar, is on board with a 10 per cent reduction on all items hired for the event. Telephone 094 904 4570, 086 836 0303, email [email protected]
Vouchers to the value of €50 for best fancy dress along with an overall prize fund to the value of €500 will be on offer throughout the event. People are asked to note that the car park at Lough Lannagh will be closed to traffic from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on the day, however car parks at Aldi and Lough Lannagh will be available.
A full and detailed listing of all events can be found on the Mayo Sports Partnership website at www.mayosports.ie/news For further information contact the partnership’s office on 094 904 7025.
