Cyclists of all ages urged to sign up for 2011 Heritage Tour
Eamonn Coghlan is among the personalities promoting this year's Meath Heritage Cycle Tour which takes place on 24th July.
For local cycling enthusiasts, Sunday 24th July will provide another opportunity to participate in this year's An Post Meath Heritage Cycle Tour.
This is the third year of the popular event and 2011 sees the renewal of the successful working partnership between An Post, the Irish Sports Council, Meath County Council, Meath Tourism, Meath cycling clubs, Gardai, Civil Defence and Meath Local Sports Partnership which, together, last year delivered a highly enjoyable event as many people of all ages and cycling abilities set out on their bikes and enjoyed all that Meath has to offer.
As in 2010, there will be four different events to choose from, each departing from Trim:
A 12km Family Spin, which has an additional 2km this year. This is a flat route which is suitable for all the family. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult and possess some level of cycling experience.
40km Tara Loop is a very popular route. It is a relatively flat route with a moderate climb to the Hill of Tara.
100km Royal Tour - Latter 25km (approx) of this route has been changed, and is now a much flatter, faster route. Participants would need a good level of cycling fitness.
160km Royal Challenge - Latter 25km (approx) has been changed, with slight changes around Oldcastle. Route remains tough and challenging and takes in the 2008 Rás route. This challenge is not for the faint-hearted - cut off time applies at 67.5km.
To add to the tour, Trim Artisan Market and the French/European Market will have a presence at the start/finish area at Trim Castle during the event. To make the event even more enjoyable for cyclists, Aura Trim are providing complimentary showers and changing facilities on the day.
The organising committee is pleased to be in the position of being able to offer discounted rates for those in receipt of unemployment assistance and old age pension. The An Post Meath Heritage Cycle Tour is the only tour in the An Post series which allows this concession. Discounted rates also apply to Cycling Ireland members.
The nominated charity for this event is the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the nationwide charity that provides support to those most at risk of poverty and social exclusion.
For more information and to download a booking form or enter online, see www.meathsports.ie or contact (046) 906 7337.
Meanwhile, Meath Local Sports Partnership was recently awarded €5,000 by the Department of Transport to help promote Bike Week.
Almost €3,000 of this has been awarded to cycling clubs and communities within Meath to assist them with their own bike week activities. The remainder is being utilised to continue the primary schools cycling challenge which will be held in Claremont Stadium on Wednesday 22nd June and to host the very popular family fun day at Fairyhouse Racecourse.
Bike Week 2011 is a cross-community effort to highlight cycling as a fun, cost effective and healthy way to travel. A number of initiatives will be happening during the week in Meath. They include:
Wednesday 22nd June - Primary schools cycling challenge incorporating the Meath Cycling Skills Champion School 2011, Claremont Stadium, Navan.
Saturday 25th June - Family Fun cycling challenge including bike balancing and obstacle course, Fairyhouse Racecourse, 2pm.
Navan Cycling Club will host a youth cycling academy and cycling for all while Clonard Cycling Club will have a 10km family cycle and 15km women's only cycle. There will be a 12km novelty family cycle in Cormeen and in Bohermeen.
A number of schools will host events, including St Mary's Convent Primary School, Trim, where there will be a bike maintenance and cycle safety workshops, and Oristown NS which will hold a family fun cycle.
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