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Participants at the start of last year’s Ardfert Harvest Cycle. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE time has almost arrived for the 5th Ardfert Annual Cycle in aid of Ardfert School Building Fund and all is ready for what should be another great event this Sunday, April 29 at 10am.
This is a departure from the previous year’s cycle which took place in September and the move to springtime 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 2 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 positive feedback in relation to the route from the 2017 equivalent, it will remain unchanged for 2018.
Following tea and scones, both routes will start at Ardfert National 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 Ballincloher Cross where the shorter route will turn off to Lerrig Cross and back to Ardfert.
The 70km route will continue on past Ballincloher Cross into Ballyduff and onto the North Road where riders will face the ascent up 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 and with the weather promising to be good, these views will be all the more spectacular.
There will be water stops along the route for cyclists to take a breather and to avail of the now traditional and much sought after Ardfert barm brack.
Following the cycle there’ll be a BBQ, raffle and music with a great party atmosphere to allow riders unwind and discuss the events of the day.
Helmets are compulsory and registration fee is €25 which includes BBQ and entry into raffle for 4 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 at by clicking here or registrations will take place in Ardfert National School on Saturday evening from 6 – 8pm and on Sunday morning before the race from 8.30 – 9.45am.
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 27th April. The kids cycle which had a successful inaugural year in 2017 will take place later in the year.
