Cycle ataxia event in ashbourne this weekend

A Dubliner with a rare incurable condition is defying his disability to create one of the country’s fastest growing leisure cycles to raise funds for research. Barry Rice (34), who suffers from Friedreich’s Ataxia; a progressive neuromuscular disorder that erodes all muscle control and coordination, doesn’t let his disorder prevent him from indulging his love of cycling. Barry uses a specially designed recumbent tricycle with a bucket seat to allow him to maintain his passion for cycling.

FA is a progressive disorder without a cure or treatment and Barry’s abilities are steadily deteriorating. Yet in spite of this he remains remarkably upbeat.  Barry explains:  “The symptoms are not dissimilar to those of Motor Neuron Disease but it generally has a slower progression. I try to maintain a positive outlook on life. It’s natural to look up the ladder and wish for better circumstances, but looking down every once in a while can give you a better perspective.”

Barry, who is married with two young daughters, has dedicated himself to raising awareness of the condition and funds to invest in ongoing research for a cure or treatment. To achieve this he has created a leisure cycling event called ‘Cycle Ataxia’ based in Ashbourne. Now in it's second year; the inaugural event was an unprecedented success.

Working closely with the Ratoath Wheelers and Priority Management, Cycle Ataxia 2014 has sent ripples across the Irish cycling community, with many cycling enthusiasts already circling the June 20th date on their calendar. 

Barry said: “Following the success of last year, we are experiencing a significant rise in registrations … we are busy putting the infrastructure in place to cope with the increased demand… it’s my goal that within a few short years, Cycle Ataxia will be one of the country’s premier cyclo-sportives.”

Such has been the success of the project to date that Cycle Ataxia is being endorsed and supported by a growing number of celebrity personalities including cyclists; Stephen and Nicolas Roche, controversial former cyclist; Lance Armstrong, Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, musician; Noel Gallagher, entertainer; PJ Gallagher and Irish football legend, Liam Brady to name but a few.

Event registration is currently open at www.CycleAtaxia.ie. It’s hoped that same day registration will also be available however, due to the capacity of the venue, spaces are limited and those interested in taking part are advised to pre-register to avoid disappointment.