Mayo Ultra Cyclists' 2,100-kilometre challenge for mental health charities
THE Mayo Ultra Cyclists are again gearing up to undertake an ultra cycling challenge to raise funds for three mental health charities - Mindspace Mayo, Turn2me and Make the Moove, a Macra na Feirme mental health initiative.
This year, they will be cycling the Wild Atlantic Way, covering 2,100km over 6.5 days, starting on Sunday, July 18, in Cork and finishing the following Saturday in Derry.
This is not their first adventure, having taken on an ultra-cycling challenge every year for the last five years.
Since 2016, they have completed 6,723 km over five different cycles in just 18 days in five different countries, raising an incredible €172,456 for various local and national charities.
This year’s theme is based on promoting self care - physical fitness and mental wellbeing and they have chosen three charity partners who offer confidential support to people in need and particularly those struggling with mental health.
Day four is a special day for the ultra cyclists as they set off on their 320km journey from Oranmore in Galway and along the west coast through Clifden, Letterfrack, Leenaun, Louisburgh and into Westport where they will be joined by a group of sport enthusiasts (former Mayo footballers, cyclists, triathletes, etc.) who will join them and accompany them the last 65km through Newport, Mullranny and onto Achill Island where they will finish their day in Keem Bay.
Said ultra cyclist Alan Heaney: “We are very appreciative of all the support from our sponsors, donators and followers who have been very generous and supported us along the way. This year's theme is self care - physical fitness and mental wellbeing and we are keen to raise awareness in this area and are delighted to be raising funds for the three deserving charities.
“This year, the ultra cycle is going to be bigger and better. The Wild Atlantic Way in just 6.5 days will be a huge task. Being from Mayo, we are really looking forward to day four - both finishing the stage in Keem, probably the most scenic spot in Ireland, and doing our bit for our local Mayo charity Mindspace Mayo.”
Peadar Gardiner, project manager of Mindspace Mayo, said: “We are thrilled and so grateful to be chosen to benefit from the Mayo Ultra Cyclists challenge. The support will allow us continue to grow and develop what we do with the aim of being able to support young people across county Mayo with their mental health.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted many young people’s lives and, while impacts are clearly evident there are likely to be longer term effects on young people.
“On behalf of all the management, staff and youth panel of Mindspace, thank you to everyone involved for your wonderful support.”
More information on routes, dates, starts and stops is on ultracylingforcharity.ie.
To donate, please click https://gofund.me/2a2e01a7.
You can also follow the event on Facebook – TheUltraCyclists, Twitter @ultracyclists, or Instagram - the_ultra_cyclists.
* Pictured is Alan Heaney with the lads from Swinford Cycling Club on a training spin.