HUNDREDS TAKE ON SLIABH LUACHRA CYCLE
UP and running now for the last five years, the Tour of Sliabh Luachra, with its mix of routes to suit all ages and abilities, never fails to draw a crowd, but it’s still hard not to be impressed by a turnout of over 400 cyclists.
The masses gathered in Rathmore from 9am, each cyclist preparing for a route of either 55, 85, or 110 kilometres, as Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club PRO Denise Wall told The Kerryman.
“The 110 kilometre cycle took them all from Rathmore to Millstreet, Scartaglin, Kilcummin, all over the area really,” she said.
“But we make shorter routes available to people as well, so there’s something for everyone. You can see that when you’ve more than 400 cyclists rolling off for the start to take on a loop on a Sunday morning.”
The aim of the cycle was to raise funds for Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club’s Juvenile branch, a goal successfully realised given the terrific attendance.
While the cycle is very much a leisure event, Denise said there were some quality cyclists in the field who turned down a Sunday lie-in in favour of participating in the increasingly popular oneday event.
“There were some very good cyclists there, but the day is about enjoyment first and foremost, and that shines through when you look at the numbers we draw in,” Denise said.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped out on the day and in the lead-up to the day, as well as the cyclists themselves, of course.
“We don’t know as of yet how much was raised, but everyone arrived back in Rathmore having enjoyed taking on the challenge,” she added.