Dickey Newell presented with Award

If you met Cuchulainn CC member Dickey Newell on the street and were told that he was a cyclist you would not believe it.  Aa a keen runner, the constant impact has taken its toll on his body & he can't walk without the aid of a stick. Even at that 200meters is a massive challenge. Unable to face the prospect of being inactive for the rest of his life, his doctor suggested swimming & cycling. He decided to go down the aquatic route first but the phrase "like a duck to water" did not apply. Another set back, but still determind he turned to the bicycle.

Whatever prowess he lacked in the water he more than made up for it once on two wheels! The position on the bike mean't that his body gave him no trouble above what anyone else would expect, mainly tired legs and a sore backside! Such was the love for his new sport that  in 2015 he cycled a staggering 15,000km. However not one to rest on his laurels he set himself a challenge for 2016, to cycle, a really long way! When December 31st rolled around Dickey had logged over 20,000kms on his trusty two wheeled steed! All his cycles were logged on the global cycling app Strava and showed that he climbed north of 100,000 meters, which mean't he summited Everst over 11 times.

In recognition of this outsanding achievement Dickey was presented with an award at the Cuchulainn prize night last month, however prior engagements mean't he missed the night. Dickey commented "an old running friend has unfortunately developed similar problems as myself & he has now hit 23 stone. If he wasn't for the bike, I`d be right beside him".

 Now almost a month into the new year there is no sign of a let up and he plans on focusing his efforts towards Audax rides. Audax's are extremely long cycles, without any fanfare what so ever, no crowds, no support vehicles and no organised food stops. His first big goal of the year is a 500km Audx in Donegal this June.