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Pupils, staff and parents launch the Ardfert NS Cycle which takes place on Sunday, April 28. Photo by Dermot Crean
PREPARATIONS are well underway for the 6th Ardfert Annual Cycle in aid of Ardfert School Building Fund.
After such a strong turnout last year, the cycle will again take place in springtime with this year’s event scheduled for Sunday, April 28.
This cycle provides the perfect opportunity for those preparing for the Ring of Beara / Ring of Kerry / Ring of Clare / Wild Atlantic Mizen events later in the summer.
It is an ideal opportunity for all, from the cycling enthusiast to the first timer, to take part in an event that is both achievable and challenging.
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A leisure cycle with two routes, 32km and 70km, it will provide a challenge for both the novice and experienced cyclist as they negotiate the countryside of north Kerry.
Following tea and scones at Ardfert National school, both routes will leave from the School and will head past Liscahane towards Tralee, turn left onto Bracker O’Regan Rd.
Moving towards Abbeydorney, riders will face their first test with a climb up Listellick, both routes will continue together until they reach Ballinclogher Cross where the shorter route will turn off to Lerrig Cross and back to Ardfert.
The 70km route will continue on past Ballinclogher Cross into Ballyduff and onto the North Road where riders will face the magnificent Kerryhead, but once they reach the top, the views they will encounter on the descent into Ballyheigue will literally take their breath away.
There will be water stops along both routes for cyclists to take a breather and following feedback from previous year’s participants the stop on the 70km route will be earlier on the route to give the cyclists a chance to replenish.
Following the cycle there’ll be a BBQ, raffle and music and a great atmosphere is guaranteed at the finish line.
Helmets are compulsory and registration fee is €25 which includes BBQ and entry into raffle for four spot prizes.
Registration fee for U16’s is €15 and they must be accompanied by an adult. The cycle is due to start at 10am.
Participants can register in advance online by clicking here from today or registrations will take place in Ardfert National School on Saturday 27th April from 6 – 8pm and on Sunday morning before the race from 8.30 – 9.45am.
Early bird registration is available until March 12th where registration fee will be €20 at http://tgun.it/e/733
For groups of five who wish to enter together, there is a special offer of 5 cyclists for the price of 4. To register as group you need to email ardfertcycle@gmail.com before Friday 26th April.
Principal Betty Stack said she was delighted that this event has become an annual one which the school is proud to be associated with and in particular this year with the weekly couch to 32km cycle in preparation for the event. The kid’s cycle will take place later in the year.
