Cyclists are preparing to get on their bikes and take part in the exciting Ringsend Cycle challenge which returns for its fourth year on Saturday 30th
April 2016.
The charity cycle extravaganza, in association with RiverRidge Recycling and Agivey Cycling Club, challenges adventure seekers to take up this worthwhile challenge and either cycle a 35-mile route or 50-mile cycle route. Their commendable efforts will be in support of the very worthy charity, the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
Gabriel McGilligan from the Ringsend Cycle committee explained, “The whole community and I are very excited for this year’s Ringsend Cycle. We are delighted to host this event for the fourth year, which has gone from strength to strength. This year I can honestly say it is shaping up to be the best event to date.”
The 35-mile route will leave Ringsend take in Garvagh, Swatragh, Upperlands and Kilrea before returning through Garvagh to Ringsend. The 50-mile route will also leave Ringsend take in Garvagh, Swatragh then Maghera, Knockloughrim and Hillhead returning through Bellaghy, Portglenone and Kilrea.
Gabriel comments, “Both routes will have their challenges but safety is a big part so we’ve plenty of help on hand to keep us right and ensure that a great day’s cycling with plenty of craic will take place.
“This year our cycle challenge will honour Oisín McFerran and it will be a great privilege for all concerned to take part in an event that honours Oisín and the work of NI Children’s Hospice. The care offered by the Hospice makes such a difference to patients and their loved ones and we hope the monies raised, no matter how big or small, will help the Hospice continue its outstanding work.”
Eamon Doherty, of RiverRidge Recycling, commented “The Ringsend Cycle is a superb local event and RiverRidge Recycling is very happy to be involved. We pride ourselves in supporting our community and we strive to reach out to help in many ways and give back when and where possible.
“Our charity for this year is also the Northern Ireland’s Children’s Hospice and so we are thrilled that the Ringsend Cycle Challenge event will also be contributing to the incredible support, advice and specialised care which only NI Children’s Hospice can offer.”
Seamus O’Connell of Agivey Cycling Club remarked “I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to RiverRidge Recycling for their support this year. The club, the organising Committee and I, really appreciate the help that they have offered the Ringsend Cycle Challenge. To be honest without the support of local businesses in our community this last three years this event wouldn’t have been possible – we are truly thankful for their continued support.”
“I really believe the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice will be a great force of motivation behind each cyclist and I would encourage everyone to sign-up and take on the challenge, you won’t regret it! In addition to having a great day, your efforts will significantly impact this great charity.”
Nolene McFerran, the mother of Oisín McFerran, commented, “NI Children’s Hospice is an incredible team of people, who offer essential respite, emotional support and most importantly a high level of experience, which cannot be found in the community.
“The Ringsend Cycle is a great opportunity to honour this special team and their outstanding care for little kids facing the biggest of life’s challenges.”
If you would like to take part in the Ringsend Cycle Challenge, registration is now open or you can find out more information about the cycle challenge by visiting facebook.com/RingsendCycle or email ringsendcycle@gmail.com.
Alternatively if you want to support the event’s charity without cycling please donate on their fundraising page justgiving.com/Ringsend-Cycle-2016. A street collection has also been organised for Saturday, 26th March in Garvagh.
