Ederney St Joesph’s are planning their annual inclusive community event. Following on from successive Ederney In The Park summer festivals, they are running a fun filled cycle challenge this week.
Due to the success of Fermanagh Senior Squad the challengers have adjusted their dates to allow cyclists to attend the eagerly anticipated All Ireland Quarter Final between Fermanagh and Dublin on Sunday.
As the name suggest, this is a 100 mile challenge travelling through four counties on Friday 31st July and Saturday 1st of August. The challengers travel around the top of the scenic Lower Lough Erne, stopping of in Garrison, and then continuing on past Lough Melvin through Rossinver, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim finishing up in Sligo that night. This route is exactly 50 miles.
On Day 2 they will leave Sligo through Yeats country travelling around Benbulbin Mountain and stopping at the half way point in Bundoran, Co Donegal. Then after refreshments it is back on the bikes onto the home straight through Beleek and back home to Ederney!
As part of the clubs ongoing development, the cycle hopes to raise some funds for the construction of a new spectator stand. This is something that has been on the wish list for the North Fermanagh club for a long period of time, and the Four County Challenge could be the catalyst they have been looking for!
100 mile too many may seem a daunting obstacle, but hopefully by the end it will be a very enjoyable challenge! This is why all types of abilities will be catered for. There will be training sessions starting around Easter time, taking people out on the bikes and teaching them the basic of the roads and starting off with very low miles. This first and foremost is to help people learn the importance of safety on the roads, as it will be upmost in the clubs mind, to try to make this event not only as enjoyable as possible but as safe as possible.
In order to cater for the more experienced rider or the more sensible rider who wishes to miss out on the overnight antics, the option to cycle the whole route in one day will be available also.
Registration will take place on Wednesday and Thursday evening at 9pm in Ederney St Joseph’s club rooms.
If anyone is interested in more information, taking part or helping out please contact a committee member for further details. Or follow us on the club Facebook paged, which will constantly be giving up to date info from now until the challenge begins.
