Who would have imagined that people would queue up to cycle 180km for charity in one day? Well, that’s what’s happening in Kerry, where registration just opened for this year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, the 34th annual staging of an event that attracts thousands of participants of all ages and fitness levels.
This is the biggest one-day charity fund-raising event in Munster, with thousands of leisure cyclists covering 180km of stunning Kerry coastline and countryside, while making money for charities.
Thinking of taking part this year?
The first thing you need to do is book your accommodation in Killarney’s Holiday Village for the first Saturday in July (July 1st 2017)—you will even pass your front door as you reach the end of a long day’s cycling! It’s important to stay somewhere comfortable and spacious where you can relax and get a good night’s sleep before the event and soothe your sore muscles with a comfortable bed and a long bath afterward. And, of course, there’s plenty of space for your bike and laundry facilities for all your cycling gear.
Registration
Once you’ve arranged your accommodation, register for the cycle online. There are 10,000 places available from Saturday, February 25th, but these vacancies fill very quickly, so don’t miss out. You need to choose your preferred beneficiary charity and make a basic donation of €100 plus a 3.5% handling fee. You can then choose to create an Everyday Hero online fundraising page for your chosen charity.
Training
You’ve booked your holiday home and registered for the cycle, so now you need to start training. If you have a good level of fitness, you need to start getting out on your bike for at least an hour two or three times a week with a progressively longer cycle at the weekend, building up to four- or five-hour cycle as the date of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle nears.
Tips
- Make sure your bike is serviced
- Always wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing
- Bring a pump, spare bicycle tube, drinks, and food for longer cycles
- Keep a safe distance from cars and never cycle more than two abreast
Beneficiary Charities 2017
There are ten beneficiaries this year:
- Derrynane Inshore Rescue
- Down Syndrome Kerry
- Temple Street Foundation
- Camphill Community Dingle
- Valentia Island Hospital
- Buy a Bus Campaign for Kerry Parents & Friends Association
- Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre
- Recovery Haven – Cancer Support House
- Social Action Group Rathmore
- Talbot Grove.
