Bective cyclist takes on 700km charity ride for Enable Ireland

Bective’s Joseph Mullen will look to use his experience from Rás Tailteann to power through over 700km of cycling to raise funds for Enable Ireland on Friday.

Cycling from Navan to Mizen Head in Cork, Joseph will be making a round trip across three-days where he is expecting to cycle for almost 30 hours across the weekend.

Joseph has raised over €2,700 for the charity, which is one that is close to his heart. After Joseph’s sister, Ava, received treatment from the organisation for speech and language support, the cyclist felt inspired to give back.

On his fundraiser page, Joseph writes, “I am fortunate to be in a position where I can take on a challenge like this. Many of the children supported by Enable Ireland face challenges every day that most of us take for granted. Through this fundraiser, I hope to support those children and help provide opportunities, activities, outings and experiences that can make a real difference in their lives.”

Joseph began cycling around the age of 10, after being inspired by his cousin Ryan Mullen, who is a decorated professional cyclist. Since then, Joseph worked his way through underage set-ups to eventually race as an adult in significant races on the continent, as well as Rás Tailteann.

The now 20-year-old will however be taking on a completely new challenge this weekend however, as he will be cycling for three days on a return trip from Meath to Cork with charity in mind.

“It’s both exciting and a little bit nerve-wrecking”, Joseph said. “But it’s equally as motivating.”

In terms of approach, Joseph understands that he needs to adjust slightly compared to normal races. “It’s important to not get too ahead of yourself because it’s three days and you’re going to be on the bike eight or nine hours a day. It’s best to just keep it easy and take it one hour at a time.”

Thankfully for Joseph, he feels he has a strong support system behind him, and will also be joined by his uncle, Derek, on his return trip to Cork.

“My parents are going to support us on the way down, and hopefully we get a few lads I raced with and a couple of friends as well… It will be good to have my uncle by my side, he can keep me in check with nutrition and that kind of stuff.”

Joseph started raising funds for his cycle around two months ago, and gave credit to his sister and how social she is for reaching such a high number. However, he also pointed out that getting the word out on his fundraiser was among the more difficult things of his project.

Aiming to leave his house in Bective at around 6am on Friday, Joseph is targeting a return to Navan on Sunday evening after 700 grueling kilometres. Despite the physical demands, there is certainly anticipation for the weekend. “I’m looking forward to getting on the road and getting it started.”

His fundraiser will remain open here for donation after the race until October 15th, as the promising cyclist is eager to raise as much as he can for the excellent cause.