Reels on Wheels – time to get on your bike and support PipeCraft
The annual Na Píobairí Uilleann PipeCraft sponsored cycle from Dublin to Milltown Malbay for the Willie Clancy Summer School is on the horizon again and we are inviting you to take on the challenge by joining us on this exciting trip.
The 170 mile journey sets off from Dublin with a Garda escort on Friday morning July 6, 2012 and lands in Milltown on the Sunday afternoon with stopovers in Tullamore and Feakle en route. The chosen route is primarily flat with some beautiful countryside to enjoy on the way.
This is now the third year of the event since it was re-introduced in 2010 and it is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the company of fellow musicians and music enthusiasts, accomplish a decent physical challenge while contributing to a worthy cause.
Aimed at cyclists of all abilities, the cycle is punctuated by two nights of music, plenty of sport and provides NPU not only with a great opportunity to generate much needed funding – we raised €20,000 over the past two years – but also to raise awareness for the organisation, in particular for our pipe-making project at our PipeCraft workshop in Clonshaugh which requires critical long-term funding to sustain the training.
The only requirements for participating in the cycle is that you are over 18, fit enough to cycle 60 miles in one day (at your own pace), have a bike, a helmet and raise the initial deposit of €150 which covers your cost of bed and breakfast for two nights.
For wheelers who are more experienced and fancy a decent spin, there are ample opportunities on the way – the cycle is split into two groups for part of the journey with the proviso that no one is left to cycle on their own.
Safety is obviously paramount and the cycle is marshalled by experienced cyclists while lead and rear cars provide essential back up to the participants while also carrying your gear and instruments. A trained first aid specialist will be part of the support team.
You can use whatever type of bike you are comfortable with but wearing a helmet is compulsory.
Should any cyclist struggle on the way they can deposit their bike in one of the accompanying vehicles and at no point will anyone be cast adrift.
Food and rest stops are frequent and the reaction of those who participated over the past two years as been overwhelmingly positive with most returning again this year.
So why not give it a go? You might have jettisoned your New Year resolution already but here is a gilt edged opportunity to set yourself a modest target and give yourself an excuse to get spinning.
As a non impact sport cycling is ideal for participants of all ages and there has been an explosion of interest in the sport in recent years.
So, go on, surprise yourself and join us – we can guarantee you’ll be taken aback by the positive reaction of those around you who will be only too willing to donate when they see you making the effort.
For more details about the PipeCraft Sponsored Cycle, contact Helen@pipers.ie. A deposit of €150 is required before April 6th to confirm participation while participants are encouraged to raise up to €500 in sponsorship if possible.
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