Cyclists grin and Beara it

OVER 4,300 cyclists took on the mighty Ring of Beara Cycle on Saturday, an event that continues to grow in numbers year on year.

It was the fourth annual event and it again brought cyclists from all over Ireland and as far afield as Australia, Grenada, America and Canada to the Beara Peninsula.

The day was dreary, but dry, as cyclists embarked on the challenging 110km or 140km routes which took in the magnificent mountains, valleys and the rugged coastline of the Beara Peninsula. Cyclists passed through quaint villages and towns such as Ardgroom, Eyeries, Castletownbere, Adrigole and Glengarriff, and for those taking on the more gruelling 140km cycle, there was the added obstacle of Allihies and several sharp hills to test their strength and stamina. The scenic rewards were worth it, though, and cyclists arrived back at the finish line to a festival-like atmosphere with some availing of a well-earned massage, Japanese hot tubs, recovery meals and live music, as well as an impressive custom-designed medal.

The Ring of Beara Cycle has fast become a family occasion with over 150 children taking part in the free children’s cycle around Kenmare in the morning.

Proceeds from this event will go towards six charities. Castletownbere Community Hospital, Castletownbere Day Centre and Kenmare Family Resource centre will be the main beneficiaries of the money raised and the other recipients receiving the balance of the funds are Kenmare Special Needs Group, St John of God Services Kenmare, and Kenmare Special Olympics.

“It takes a lot of work to pull this event together and it couldn’t be done without the support of so many individuals, businesses and organisations all around Kenmare and the Beara Peninsula,” Kenmare Marketing and Events Group (KMEG) Chairperson Sarah Durkin said,

“The day wouldn’t be possible without all the volunteers so I would like to thank them for their commitment and hard work.”

Photos by Don MacMonagle The cyclists head through Turners Tunnel which stradles the Cork-Kerry border. They hadleft Glengarriffe and headiedto the finish line in Kenmare while taking part in the fourth annual Ring of Beara Cycle Kenmare.

The cyclists rise over Bantry Bay as they travel towards Glengarriff.

Fenit cyclists Rosarie Quilter, John Quilter, Celine Ryle, Dolores Parker, Sean Parker and Steve Clarkson.

Photos by Don MacMonagle Helen Buckley, Abbeydorney; and Helen O’Sullivan, Kenmare pictured at Allihies while taking part in the fourth annual Ring of Beara Cycle Kenmare.

Taking a break are Eileen and Eugene Cronin; Cariosa Fleming and Aisling O’Sullivan from Currow, Killarney.

Christine Carroll from Castleisland pictured at Allihies while taking part in the fourth annual Ring of Beara Cycle Kenmare.

Cyclists pictured crossing the finish line in Kenmare.

Cyclist Louis Byrne from Tralee pictured at Allihies.