The Charity Cycle

Charity Cycle Takes To the Hills

Congratulations to all who took part in our Charity Cycle on Sun 15^th May. 39 riders registered to tackle the three routes in support of Unicef’s ‘Zinc Saves Kids’ programme and Cystic Fibrosis.

For many this was their first time to tackle the Wicklow hills and they soon found out that you should never underestimate them. Despite the hills and some testing weather conditions we all managed a smile as we crossed the finish line.

Well done to all who took part and congratulations on raising over €2,750 for our two charities. A special thanks to our sponsors Galco and PM Group and to the Cycle Inn and the Tallaght Leisure Centre for their contribution. We’d also like to thank the Gardai, our standby medical team and all those who gave up their time to support us at the feed stops.

Shortly after 10.00 the group had formed at the Tallaght Leisure Centre and we headed out in convoy towards Rathfarnham with our Garda escort leading the way. Poor Danny spent the first 7km sprinting to the front to see us through the main junctions only to find himself at the back when we passed through. In fairness, he was back at the front in time for the next junction and never missed one. At the Grange golf club we thanked him for his help and left him to catch his breath.

The group managed to keep in touch until Enniskerry but soon afterwards, as the hills kicked in, things began to spread out. By the time we reached Brenda, June and Audrey at the food stop near Glencree most of us were feeling every bit of the 39 km so far. For many this was their first time to tackle the Wicklow hills and they soon found out that you should never underestimate them. Nevertheless we all made it and got stuck into the sandwiches and drinks ready to set off on the second leg of our trip.

The 55km and 120km groups split here and it was tough heading away from the main group up towards Sally Gap into a strong wind and descending mist. The middle section across the back of the Blessington Lakes was always going to be interesting but we got a good rhythm going and stuck to our task. Eight of us rolled into Ballymore Eustace together and were very pleased to see that Therese and Lorraine were there to greet us with hot drinks and lots more sambos and bars. We were enjoying the break so much I thought we were never going to hit the road but eventually we plucked up the courage to head off for the last 30km. Everyone was hurting a bit at this stage but we stuck together and before long we crested the last hill in Kilteel and were able to relax and enjoy the downhill journey home.

We were a tired and wet bunch when we rolled back into the Leisure Centre but we had that warm glow of satisfaction that we had completed our challenge.

We’d also like to thank our standby medical team Bernie and Peggie and time to support us at the last but not least we mustn’t forget Steph and the gang who faithfully followed us all day as our support crew.

See you all next year?

Ed Byrne