Unique Cycle Event Launched
This July 2011, Bóthar, the development aid agency, will organise a 32 county fundraising cycle in support of its work. 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the foundation of Bóthar and the charity that specialise in providing livestock for poor families around the world, have lined up several events to mark the occasion. The event was launched at it starting point in Portumna in Co. Galway recently.
Cycling has really taken off in recent times according to Bóthar Spokesperson, Pat McCarrick (Event Coordinator). “More and more people are taking to the roads on bikes these days. Whether because of the Bike to Work scheme or for fitness or the recession, the humble bike has experienced a well deserved revival. Our event is designed to capture and maintain some of this new-found energy. As summer approaches, we want to keep people involved and we are asking them to help with our work at the same time.”
Starting in Portumna, Co Galway on July 17th, this unique event will take cycling enthusiasts through all of Ireland’s 32 counties over the following 7 days. Averaging 80 miles each day, a core group of up to 30 cyclists will cover almost 560 miles. In addition to this core group, day cyclists will participate in the event as it passes through their region or county. It is expected that the event will attract almost 200 keen leisure cyclists raising €50,000 for the charity. The event finishes in Kilimer, Co. Clare on Saturday 23rd July.
Bóthar, founded in 1991 uses livestock in its development aid projects. Using farm animals such as dairy heifers and dairy goats, Bóthar together with project partners, work with poor families and communities in the developing world to help alleviate hunger and poverty. Through time, these animals and their produce can bring people living on the margins of survival to a position of relative comfort. Bóthar currently works in 35 countries using many different species of livestock.
For anyone interested in cycling, this event offers a unique challenge. Participants can cover all 560 miles or simply take on the 80 miles on the day the cycle is in their area. Beginners can use the event as an incentive to keep cycling and those already involved can push themselves just that bit further. For booking forms or for further information on this celebration challenge event, contact Bóthar on 071 9120100 or events@bothar.ie.
Ends.
Contact – Pat McCarrick 087 2512030
32 County Cycle July 17th – 23rd 2011
DATE STAGE DISTANCE COUNTIES
Sun July 17th Portumna – Strokestown 70 Miles Galway, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford
Mon July 18th Strokestown – Bundoran 76 Miles Roscommon, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim
Tues July 19th Bundoran – Portadown 99 Miles Donegal, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry
Wed July 20th Portadown – Navan 75 Miles Armagh, Antrim, Down
Monaghan, Louth, Cavan
Thurs July 21st Navan – Carlow 75 Miles Meath, Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Laois
Fri July 22nd Carlow – Mitchelstown 100 Miles Carlow, Wexford, Kilkenny,
Waterford, Tipperary
Sat July 23rd Mitchelstown – Killimer 65 Miles Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare
Leave A Comment