Club News

Dabbling in endurance sport for 7 or 8 years now, and with a new bike, I decided on a cycling challenge for 2016. Having come across the Tour de Munster last year,  the route  through the 6 counties of Munster, including some great climbs (the Conor Pass, Moll’s gap and the Caha pass) appealed me. I thought I had the fitness for the distance, but as a triathlete I don’t often do anything 2 days in a row, so the challenge would be to get back in the saddle for 4 days in a row.

The Tour has been on the go since 2001, and is expertly organised by Paul Sheridan. It has for the past 7 years been raising funds for Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI). It is the partnership between the cyclists and the DSI branches that makes this tour so special. At every start & stop we were met by DSI members and their families who provided food for us, entertained us and encouraged us, but it was the gratitude of those people that struck home – “Thank you for doing cycle” – why are they thanking me for doing what I enjoy?

Stage 1 – Waterford, Carrick-On-Suir, Clonmel, Cahir, Tipperary, Limerick, Killaloe

The whole 120 rider pelaton left Waterford after a great send off, and hit the N24 for Limerick. I had been allocated Group 8 which was mostly Limerick riders, with a few Cork lads & lassies to mix it up. Each group of 12-16 riders had a road Captain who would be the boss for trip, and each group was separated for safety. The pace was fine as everyone took their turn, but I was glad to dismount after 6.5 hours in the saddle and the early start!

Stage 2 –  Killaloe, Tuamgraney, Ennis, Kilrush, Tarbert, Listowel, Tralee

Each day there was at least one ‘hammer drop’ – notified in advance, when the whistle blew and riders could go as fast as they want. Usually on climbs or safer roads, it gave the stronger cyclists a chance to burn (and earn bragging rights!) – there were 3 today.

My kids were staying with my family in Kilrush so that I could do the tour and when we arrived into my hometown I felt like a rock star with the reception there to greet me from them and the LTC gang down from Kilkee!  Not much time to chat though as, it was a race from Kilrush to the ferry. The rest of the day was steady.

Stage 3 – Tralee, Conor Pass, Dingle, Annascaul, Castlemaine, Milltown, Killarney, Kenmare

I really was feeling fine and holding up very well, but I knew day 3 would be tough. The last time I had cycled Connor Pass I was with LTC, one of my first long spins, and I walked and cried my way up. Today was a totally different experience – unfortunately the pass was under cloud cover, but Kerry DSi and their Vuvuzulas led the way to the top.

Our stop in Killarney was special – Kerry DSi run a café (Deenagh Lodge) where adults with Downs can work and earn their own money (as one of the young men told us) and I can tell you they provided some of the best food on the tour.

Stage 4 – Kenmare, Caha Pass, Glengarriff, Ballylickey, Gouganebarra, Ballingeary, Inchigeela, Macroom, Cork

Although the shortest of the cycling days, Day 4 was tough as I was getting tired, and not wanting to leave the Sing Song, probably could have done with more sleep (I did resist the night club). The first climb to Caha was new to me in that direction (the Lost Sheep decent is going to be really fast as the bone rattle road at Bonane has been resurfaced). After lunch in Gouganebarra and we were headed to our finish in Cork.

A gale force wind was blowing, but thankfully at our backs, and there was only one challenge left – to cycle up Patricks Hill in Cork. It is impossible to describe the atmosphere, lining up on the bridge we could hear drums and shouts as each group in turn took on the hill. I was terrified I would fall off the bike and roll back down! I set off in a low gear stared at my front wheel and just pedalled – it got very tough but all I could hear was my name being called by what seem to be hundreds of voices. I got to the top and was elated at the achievement – not just the hill, but the whole Tour.

6 counties, 600km, 4 days

The DSI members thanked us because their children are given speech therapy, computer & cookery lessons, Dance & music, a chance to work and many other opportunities though the money raised. I am humbled and delighted to have been a part of it, and very grateful to the DSI members for making it so special.

The organisation, motorbike marshals, bag carriers, medics and mechanics were all outstanding. They whole group were brilliant  – a really great bunch of people. Thanks to Group 8 for getting me though, banter and laughs, my family for facilitating it and to those who encouraged me to take part in the first place!

I will gladly accept any further donations on behalf of Down Syndrome Ireland.

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