Launched officially on Saturday last 1st February, this will be the seventh edition of the Spring Spin Cycle events. This year’s events aim to at least match the level of fundraising as previous years, which thanks to the ongoing generosity of people, has consistently topped the €40,000 mark.  Last year the Spring Spin cycles raised in excess of €45,000 bringing the grand total raised to date to €262,000.   This year, as always, 100% of all funds raised go directly to charity.

 

The Spring Spin Cycles are made up of two events which between them provide an opportunity for cyclists of all ages and abilities to get out on the roads, get themselves fit and raise a few quid for charity.   After a couple of years of holding these two events on consecutive weekends, this year the committee has decided to revert to the original format with both the Sligo Cycle Challenge and the Family Cycle taking place on the same weekend – Saturday & Sunday 26th & 27th April.

 

This year’s Sligo Cycle Challenge is sandwiched between the Easter and May bank holiday weekends.  This is a 260km two-day cycle challenge from The Downs to Sligo and back.  Cyclists will take on this N4 trek in a number of groups, accompanied by a crew of support vehicles and marshals.    Roughly half way along the route, there will be a refreshment break, before continuing on to Carrick-On-Shannon, past Lough Key Forest Park and over the Curlew Mountains at Boyle.  A short stop to regroup at Castlebaldwin and the cyclists will head into Sligo en masse where the comforts of the Clarion Hotel, dinner and evening entertainment awaits.   The return leg will take place on Sunday morning 27th April, back along the same N4 route and should take the riders about five hours to complete with a stop-off for lunch again along the way.

 

The Sligo Cycle is a considerable undertaking but with the right amount of preparation and training is achievable by most. With this in mind a ten week training programme has been prepared, which if followed will have you ready to take on the 260km round trip in April.  So if you start your training on 22nd February you’ll be in good shape for Sligo. Details are available on the Spring Spin website www.springspincycles.org along with tips on bike safety and cycling tips.

 

Entry is now open for the Sligo Cycle.  Places are limited to 120 so an early application will ensure you’re not disappointed.  Entry fee is €60 which also covers accommodation, refreshments on arrival in Sligo, use of the leisure facilities, dinner and breakfast as well as a top quality cycle jersey – currently in design - for the event. 

 

If you want to take part in the Family Cycle or Sligo 2-day cycle, collect Sponsorship cards or would just like further information, you'll find all you need to know on the Spring Spin website.  Alternatively, you can contact either Paraic at 087-9324752 or Kevin at 087-2801330. Entry form can be downloaded here.