(By Michael Reynolds)   

The 19th annual Into the West charity cycle took place on Sept 7th and 8th with over 140 riders making the 300 Km round trip from Mullingar to Galway with a sizable contingent from the club participating.

After the glorious weather of the summer it was quite a shock to the system to experience the 8 degree Celsius temperatures, very strong westerly wind and rain. Base layers, overshoes, winter gloves, winter jacket, rain capes were woken from their summer hibernation and boy were they needed. Four groups departed the Mullingar Park hotel at times ranging from 9am to 10.15am with the stronger riders leaving last. The groups cycled to Tyrrellspass and then along the old N6 to Ballinasloe, where a break at Gunnane’s Hotel for soup and sandwiches was welcomed.

Onwards then to Oranmore where the whole contingent assembled to congratulate each other for completing what was a very difficult and exhausting cycle from Mullingar. The grand departure to Eyres was a sight to behold with each cyclist donned with the custom designed “Into the West” cycle jersey. In Eyre’s square we were greeted and welcomed to Galway by the Mayor of Galway who congratulated all on their achievement of completing the first leg and wishing us a relaxing evening in Galway and safe return to Mullingar.

The weather conditions on Sunday were perfect for cycling with the sun in our faces and the wind on our backs. There were a few tired bodies no doubt from the exertions of the day before and maybe a few from the prompt to relax in Galway being pushed a little beyond it intended meaning.

As usual this was a very well organised event and no doubt there will be a sizeable amount of money raised for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. For those of you who made the trip for the first time, a hearty congratulations to you all, as I’m sure you will agree it is no mean achievement to complete two 150Km cycles on consecutive days. Thankfully, there was only one slight mishap, because as we all know the most important thing with these spins is that everybody gets home safely with all other factors being cured by a glass of wine, a pint, a good sleep or all of the above.