Mizen to Malin A Huge Success

If you happened to be in Malin Head on Sunday September 6th at about 5:00pm you would have been greeted by quite a site. Watching the road leading up to the lighthouse you would have seen a large group of thirty three cyclists all glad in the green, white and red of Cuchulainn Cycling Club. Behind these cyclists were a number of support vehicles & all in the party would be forgiven for looking a little tired and supporting bags under their eyes. This is because the previous Friday at 8:00am they had been standing in Mizen Head, some 650km from where they where on Sunday evening. And all thirty three cyclists covered that distance on two wheels!

Day 1 saw the group tackle a monstrous 230km from Mizen Head to Castleconnel in Limerick. Setting out from Mizen Head in high spirits the group was greeted by a steady wind and cloudy sky. However as the day progressed the skies brightened and the wind thankfully changed direction and was actually an aid. The route saw the riders moved up through County Cork with a nice relaxing stop in Millstreet for some refuelling. Tired bodies eventually arrived into Castleconnel and glad to know after all the training and anticipation the event had well and truly started.

Day 2 was again an early start and wouldn't finish for 205km in the Ulster town of Cavan. Once again the weather was very co-operative with only the threat of rain being as bad as it got. What a site the riders were as they arrived into the hotel, the contrast of the tired riders, dirty from the road versus the glamour of the wedding that was arriving at the same time! Showered and changed everyone had a relaxing evening and spirits were high with only 1 day to go.

Finally Sunday had arrived and a trek through the Ulster counties and to the far tip of Donegal was all that remained of this epic journey. Everyone threw their legs over the bike one last time and set off on the road out of Cavan, with the first port of call being the lunch stop in Lifford. Refueled after this the last 80km really was a test of both character and strength as a combination of fatigue and a strong wind made the last haul to the lighthouse a tough journey. However everyone stood up to the elements and with a bit of team work and dedication everyone rolled into Malin Head together and enjoyed a well earned glass of champagne.

Overall the trip was a huge success and raised in excess of €5,000 for Dundalk Simon Community, The Irish Cancer Society and Down Syndrome Louth. Event organisers Padraig Kelly and Kevin Hamill deserve recognition for the amazing route they planned along with booking hotels and food stops along the way.