Armagh Down riders to take on an epic virtual challenge

Ten cyclists from Armagh Down Cycling Club will ride the length of Ireland, twice, in aid of charity. The riders will cover the equivalent of Malin Head to Mizen Head – and back again - all on their stationary ‘turbo trainers’ in aid of Southern Area Hospice Services.

https://www.facebook.com/armaghdowncc

Each year Armagh Down Cycling Club hosts a charity sportive, and with the support of their sponsors, they have raised tens of thousands for local charities. Unfortunately, the club have had to cancel this year’s planned event due to the coronavirus restrictions, this also falls at a time when charities need help more than ever.

Southern Area Hospice Services provides invaluable support and care to people suffering from cancer and other terminal illnesses. All services are provided free of charge, and they rely heavily on voluntary donations to continue providing their special care. On 20^th March Hospice Services had to postpone all their planned fundraising events due to government Covid-19 advice – this event by Armagh Down cycling club means their members can help, from the safety of their own homes.

The event is the brainchild of club Chairman, Adrian Fegan. The riders will cover the equivalent in terms of distance and climbing, from Malin Head to Mizen Head and back again, 1300 kilometres (808 miles). Taking place on the Saturdays of 9^th and 16^th May, each day the first cyclist will ‘set off’ at 4 a.m. with each of the nine riders taking turns until the daily 650km target is reached. The target time to complete 1300km is 40 hours or less.

The riders are Adrian Fegan, John Judge, David Convery, Philip Loughlin, Cathal O’Hare, Alan Ó Cléirigh, Ciaran Lynch, Cathal Gallagher, Mark White and Damien Phillips - please give them support by both sharing the event on social media, and making a donation to Southern Area Hospice Services via JustGiving. Armagh Down Cycling Club aims to raise at least £2,000 / €2,300 during this initiative.

The fundraising event will be fully interactive, the riders will be using popular virtual cycling platform, Zwift, and their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/armaghdowncc

Other cyclists using Zwift are encouraged to ‘join’ the cyclists and give encouragement on the day. Full details on the Armagh Down Cycling Club Facebook page prior to the event. The Zwift platform will ensure the riders will not only cover the distance, but it will also replicate the amount of climbing typically encountered during the real-life route. No doubt there will be a competitive edge to the event as each of the nine cyclists compete to cover their sections in the fastest time.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.