Irish Veteran Cyclists Association
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FUNDRAISING RIDES FOR ARC CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE The ARC Cancer Support Centre will next year hold a number of fundraising cycles abroad, with tours in venues as varied and exotic as Cuba, Majorca and the Bavarian Alps. All proceeds are in aid of ARC, a voluntary organisation and registered charity which offers support to people affected by cancer and those who care about them. The free services offered are designed to work alongside primary medical treatment, providing education and psychological care. The ARC tours begin with a stay in Stephen Roche’s training camp in Majorca in February, offering some welcome warm weather spins while Ireland is still caught in its customary rain-lashed chill. This trip will see participants spend one week at the camp, during which time Stephen will meet the group and accompany them on cycles around the island. |
Next up is the Cuban Cycle Challenge from March 21st – 30th, nine days spent cycling over mainly flat terrain in this unique country. Great craic is promised, along with a fascinating insight into the Cuban way of life and a perfect opportunity to enjoy the countryside and weather. The splendour of the Baviaran Alps beckons in late September, but this time participants will swap cycling shoes for hiking boots as they take in four excursions up the German slopes. The highest of these is over 2, 200 metres, ensuring a good workout in the mountain-fresh air. It’s perhaps the ideal off-season break from the bike, a time to recharge batteries and try something different. The final ARC challenge is a return to Majorca and Stephen Roche’s training camp in October, for more of the same. Pedalling in the warm Autumn sunshine, thoughts of damp Ireland a long way off. It’s an ideal end to the fundraising year. |
‘The trips will be a fabulous experience and great fun too’, said Grainne Barnett of ARC. ‘It is for a very worthwhile cause. People on previous trips have really enjoyed themselves and got a great sense of achievement, both in finishing the cycles and also raising money for charity. They have made a lot of great friends too, and even some relationships! One of our riders married a Cuban girl last March – he met her on the beach the day before he went home and went back to visit her a few times. Next thing, they were married!’ ‘I would encourage everyone to consider the trips. You would be surprised how quickly it is possible to get the money together. Some people are a little concerned that it might be difficult but it can be quite simple. An ideal way to raise funds is to have a static cycle in a shopping centre – some of our participants have raised the money for most of their trip in a single afternoon.’ Shane Stokes |
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For more details (and fundraising tips), go to Early booking is advised in order to secure places – space is limited!
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