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Christy McElligott to make handy work of Meath Heritage Cycle

The countdown continues to 9th Meath Heritage Cycle Tour which is taking off from Trim on Saturday the Family Spin

Starting at 5pm from Castle Street, families can register on the day from 2pm in the marquee on the grounds of Trim Castle. The 11km family spin is a flat route, suitable for all family members – grannies, granddads, uncles, aunts, au pairs etc, all very welcome.

You can only register on the day, participants must be over six years of age and must be able to cycle independently. Cycle helmets will be compulsory while stabilisers, tricycles, scooters are not permitted. 

The Family Spin is a controlled leisure cycle and afterwards there will be activities for the kids including obstacle courses and bouncy castles - right in front of the real one!

Evergreen and popular MC- Eamonn Duffy will be back in situ at the start/finish line over the weekend of the cycle tour. Eamonn's commentary and build up to the start of all events along with well chosen up tempo music has become an integral part of the cycle tour. 

His welcome back commentary of cyclists is akin to that on the Tour de France. Eamonn is renown amongst the cycling fraternity, having blazed a trail several times with the Blazing Saddles Charity cycle across America and served his time as CEO of Cycling Ireland.

Family Spin ambassador this year is Chris McElligott who will be taking part in his first ever sportif using a hand–cycle. Chris, who appeared on our screens as an Operation Transformation leader earlier this year has an upper leg amputation in 2000 and only took up cycling with a hand cycle six weeks ago in advance of the Heritage event and is already up to 20km.

“With a normal bike you use your legs. With this bike, you lie down in it and use your hands. It is a lot tougher, definitely on the inclines and it took a while to get used to the gears,†he explained.

“It is really challenging. On the first day with the bike, I did 3.5km and I've been doing an hour, three times a week since then and I'm up to 20km. I love it.

“It is all part of keeping fit and having an active lifestyle. When Mary Murphy asked me if I would be interested in taking part, I jumped at the idea. Enable Ireland is a great cause and it is a great opportunity to do something for the community.â€

The aim of the family spin is to promote cycling as a fun and enjoyable activity, with safety a key priority. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all stages of the cycle spin. 

Cost per entrant is €3. Gardai and cycling coaches from Moynalty and Trim Cycle clubs will provide guidance and instruction along the route. A food stop will be located at Jack Quinns where participants can meet the Family Spin mascot – Mr. Tayto. 

Check out our website www.meathsports.ie/cycle-tour

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CLOSES 20th JULY

Early Bird registration for the 50km Tara Loop, 100km Royal Tour & 160km Royal Challenge - all taking place on Sunday 30th July - will close THIS THURSDAY (20th July) so get your entries in now.

With discounts available of 10% for Cycling Ireland members, unemployed/OAPs and a special incentive on offer for clubs and cycling groups – the Meath Heritage Cycle tour continues to represent huge value for money. All participants doing either the 50k, 100k 0r 160k spins will receive a free jersey and refreshments along the route. Special offer for clubs (1 free cyclist with every 5 cyclists paid) is available until 20th July. All those availing of this offer must complete forms manually and send into the office.