Cycling centre and Scouts centre bid to get defibrillator
A massive joint effort by the Scouts, the boxing club, and the Western Lakes Cyclists to gather 500 old or broken mobile phones has been undertaken so that the centre can have a defibrillator. Mid West Radio is sponsoring the venture for clubs around the county and Ballinrobe’s Scouts den and cycling centre are availing of this brilliant opportunity. Members of all three clubs can leave the phones at the centre on the Kilmaine Road or at the Lake district office on New St Ballinrobe, all three clubs would appreciate any help from the local community in their bid.
Mizen to Malin bid looking good
The first proper try out for participants who want to have a go at making the squad for the Mizen to Malin challenge in under 20 hours looks to have started off very encouragingly. A group of 25 cyclist completed the 86 miles at an average speed of 20.9mph on a course that took in Claremorris, Knock, Charlestown, Carracastle, Swinford, Ballyvary, Castlebar, and back to Ballinrobe. All the participants performed well considering that their preparation this winter was hampered due to the harsh weather conditions since Christmas.
Ballina’s football and sporting fanatic Jimmy Durcan was on hand to provide back up to the squad, and Damien Delgado McGreal drove the lead car, protecting and directing the riders from the on coming traffic. If a time is to be set under 20 hours for the route the riders will have to average 19.3mph non stop for the 370 mile challenge, a staggering challenge.
The next camp will be held on Saturday March 14 and Sunday 15. It will be two day training camp. The first spin will start in the evening and finish six hours later, the next morning the second spin will start at first light, the group will spend three and a half hours training in the hills of Mayo, giving a grand total of 10 hours training. The official launch will be held at 2pm on Saturday March 14, see below.
Press launch
On Saturday March 14 at 2pm at Day’s Hotel Castlebar the official press launch of the 20 hour bid will be held, all participants are requested to attend for team photos, etc. At the launch the riders will be named, the route will be shown, the charity will be announced, the back up team will be announced, and the outlined bid time will be set. Everyone is invited, so go along and hear all about this gruelling challenge.
