A group of athletes are looking for some more to join them in a novel biathlon next month when they plan to cycle to Mayo, climb Croagh Patrick, and cycle back in aid of charity.
Because they are collecting for the Jack and Jill Foundation, it was felt appropriate to include a ‘went-up-the-hill’ element in the fundraiser.
“We wanted to do something different,” said organiser Ollie Greene, who raised €4,500 in the inaugural event last year.
“We’d hope to do an awful lot better this year,” he added, before outlining the trip.
The riders will leave Mullingar at around 7am on the morning of Friday, September 28, climb the Reek on the Saturday, and cycle home on Sunday.
“In total we’ll cycle 353 kms and climb 640 m, and we’d love to make it a family weekend this year. Not everyone will be doing the cycle, and if people just want to do the climb, then by all means,” he offered amenably.
There are plans for family activities to be held in Westport on the Saturday and Sunday for the non-cyclists, and pointed out why the numbers in the peleton would be limited.
“If we got 15 or 20 [for the cycle], two groups of 10 on the road, with about a kilometre between them, it’d be brilliant,” he explained.
“It’s not the best road for a large number of bikes when you include support vehicles as well,” he pointed out.
“It was a brilliant weekend last year, and everyone who did it last year is mad to go again. It’s a great achievement,” he said.
However, as a member of the Lakeside Wheelers, Ollie did warn that a fairly high standard of cycling would be required for the full adventure.
“We have people ringing up telling me they can do 30 kilometres on their mountain bike, but they wouldn’t be able to keep up in a million years,” noted Ollie.
He asked if anyone wants to take part or help out with organizing the event to get in touch with him on [email protected] or (086 ) 3805921.
