A GROUP of charitable cyclists are taking to the saddle to head down the East Coast of Ireland as part of the Birmingham Irish Cycle Appeal to raise money for a long list of charities on July 30.
The 38-strong cycle team will be stretching their legs on the 600 mile ride from the Giant’s Causeway in Belfast to Blarney Castle in Cork – taking in the breathtaking scenes of Dublin, Wicklow Mountains, Wexford and Waterford along the way.
The pedal pushers – aged between 22 and 60 – are optimistic to cover 100 miles a day over just six days.
Ahead of the ride, the determined cyclists have put the power into training – cycling to and from Cheltenham and Wales – to master their pedaling techniques.
All money raised on the ride will be split between five charities, including Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Grace Kalinski, a paralyzed meningitis victim – all charities closely connected to the cyclists.
Last year, the cyclists managed to raise a staggering £70,000 for charity but now have their sights set on smashing the target.
Speaking to The Observer, borough cyclist Dan Green said: “I’m extremely nervous to hit the road and cycle for six days straight, but I’m looking forward to the stunning sights we are going to pass.
“I’ve took part in a whole host fundraising events, but this has to be the biggest one I’ve done so far.
“I’m excited to take on the challenge and reach Blarney Castle on August 5.”
