Western Lakes cyclist tackle Mizen to Malin
Western Lakes cyclist celebrate tenth anniversary of Mizen to Malin cycle.
10 years ago a bunch of novice cyclist took on the ambitious task of cycling the length of the country, most had never cycled outside of the county and cycling 200k a day for 3 days seemed like a mighty challenge; ten years further on and still cycling that well worn path between both counties has become the GOAL for 2012
The route from Mizen head in Co Cork to Malin head in Co Donegal is widely known as the holy grail of Irish endurance cycling, it’s a feat not to be underestimated. The 370mile trip through all 4 provinces with its ups and downs has broken many a cyclist.
Martin Joyce the coordinator of the 2012 cycle has put many months of effort into making sure that all goes to plan and sought out the expertise of endurance man Jim Touhy who has the fastest solo non stop time (19hrs 17minutes).
Jim’s knowledge in leading groups is legendary; he set out training schedules and long spins as part of the preparation so that the group would be fighting fit for the 3 day cycle.
The group are taking the most direct route up the country, taking in towns like, Drimoleague, Dunmanway, Millstreet, Chareville, with the first overnight stop in Limerick, Day 2 Birdhill, Borrisokane, Athlone, Ballymahon, Longford, Ballinamore with another overnight stay and the final day takes in Enniskillen, Castlederg, Derry, Quigley point, Carndonagh, Malin Village with the final steep climb up to Malin head.
Please pass on your messages of support to the local radio stations on route.
Group members, Martin Joyce, Mike Kelly, Ruairi Canavan, David Mac Dermott, Cathal Usher, Breege Morrin, Alan Walsh, Shane Gilligian, Joe Marrey, Gabriel Coen, Gerry Sheridan, Marie Fraser, Andrea Heneghan, Paul Moran, Paul Duddy, John Conroy, John Walsh, Jim Touhy, John Filan Michelle Conroy,Tom Moran, Leona Moran, John Geraghty, Niall Wilson and Martin Kinneavey