Cancer charity seeks cyclists for once-in-a-lifetime European tour
BRAY’S Purple House Cancer Support is calling on cyclists of all abilities to join them on their annual cycle challenge for what is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime tour across Croatia, Slovenia and Italy from June 18-24.
Following the success of their Coast2Coast cycle across France in 2023, the challenge will take cyclists on a route with many different types of landscape to be explored, from coastal riding to Alpine valleys to rich farmland and of course vineyards.
The schedule is very doable for the keen cyclist and is as follows:
Day 1 Tuesday, June 18: Arrival in Trieste/Piran
The recommended option is to fly into Trieste with Ryanair on the flight leaving Dublin at 9.45am and arriving in Italy at 1.25pm. A private coach will transfer you from this flight to Piran, one of the best preserved historic towns in the Adriatic with wonderful Venetian Gothic architecture.
Day 2 Wednesday, June 19: Piran to Opatija (90km/1400m or 115km/2150m)
Today is the toughest day of climbing as you traverse the Istrian peninsula –thankfully the distance is short and the roads are very quiet in this interesting interior region. You begin gently climbing away from the coast, which sees some lovely quiet tree-lined roads dipping in and out of Italy. Soon you cross the border back into Croatia. The rural nature of this landscape is quite a contrast with the cosmopolitan coastline.
For the more ambitious rider then the ‘ Ucka’ awaits. This climb is only 7km long from this side, however the gradient rarely falls below 1pc (with a 1km section at 15pc) and topping out at 1372m. There are great views between the trees to the sea far below and the destination Opatija, which is 17km of downhill freewheeling away.
This was the most fashionable of seaside towns of the Austro-Hungarian Empire evidenced by the belle époque villas and spas all positioned in a spectacular location
Day 3 Thursday, June 20: Opatija to Postojna (85km/740m)
Leaving the coast once more you gently climb back to the border with Slovenia. Once across the border an Alpine valley stretches out before you dotted with pretty towns and villages.
Soon you arrive on the edge of the vast Karst Plateau, a very distinct region of Slovenia. Postojna is home to one of the best known cave systems in the world. There are many large and colourful stalactites and stalagmites, and the unique human fish, a small amphibian give it name due to its colour. Nearby is also the fortress of Predjama Castle, in a crevasse halfway up a 123 metre cliff-face which is well worth cycling out to visit.
Day 4 Friday June 21: Postojna to Ljubljana (63km/760m)
The cycle today is kept short to allow some free time in Ljubljana.
The route heads towards the mountain of Slivnica before gently climbing to the scenic town of Rakitna at the heart of a Karst plateau surrounded by hills. There is a long descent after this to the Ljubljansko Barjemarsh. This marsh land covers almost 1pc of the country and is home to many rare birds and plants.
The destination is the capital Ljubljana – virtually traffic free city centre streets lined with cafes, and dominated by a hilltop castle. It is a lively city with 64,000 students giving the place a buzz to match the surroundings.
You should arrive in Ljubljana around lunchtime and are free to explore the city, before meeting the group in a local restaurant for dinner in the evening.
Day 5 Saturday, June 22: Ljubljana to Kranska Gora (112km/1435m)
Being a small city, it is quick and easy to be back into the countryside. This part of Slovenia is close to the Julian Alps, where the architecture and scenery are Alpine in nature – a very pristine environment. A nice coffee stop in the pretty and historic Skofja Loka adds to the atmosphere of what for many is the highlight in terms of scenery and cycling. The world renowned Lake Bled is the destination.
The route then continues to track the Sava river on a dedicated bike path that gradually climbs to the ski resort of Kranska Gora.
Day 6 Sunday, June 23: Kranska Gora to Udine (107km/1350m)
There is a bike path through the Alpine valley bringing you across the border into Italy. The scenery is still sublime with flowing, tumbling streams and the backdrop of mountains. At Lago del Predil you cross the border again back into Slovenia. The town of Bovec makes a great place for a coffee before leaving Slovenia for the last time. This is far from the end of though as next up is the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Prealpi Giulie. This is another very quiet road through the park and involves a long descent down to Udine, which has a grand medieval centre with Venetian arches, Grecian statues and Roman columns – not to mention a selection of lively bars and great restaurants.
Day 7 Monday, June 24: Udine/Venice to Dublin
Venice Airport is not hard to get to as it is just over an hour away. It is recommended to book the Ryanair flight to Dublin leaving at 2.10pm, which organisers will have a transfer for.
The cost for the whole trip, based on twin sharing is €1,550 per person, excluding flights.
The challenge is being led by Irish Cycling Safaris, which means that the cyclists will be guided on the route each day, with first aid and mechanical support also provided.
Participants are asked to pay their own costs for the trip, which will ensure that all funds raised will provide vital cancer services to families living with cancer.
Purple House has a professionally accredited team of counsellors and psychotherapists, who work with cancer patients in the areas of: coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, living with cancer, grief and bereavement, the loss of a child or parent, and living with cancer post treatment, to name just some of its services.
Just 25pc of the charity’s income is derived from the annual HSE grant, while the remaining 75pc arises from fundraising events, donations, and project-based grants, such as the cycle challenge.
To book a place and get your sponsorship card, please visit purplehouse.ie/2024-purplehouse-cycle/ or contact Purple House on 01-2866966.