Time To Prepare For The Annual Ardfert Cycle

Posted by

.

Participants at the start of the Ardfert Harvest Cycle last September. Photo by Dermot Crean

PREPARATIONS are well underway for the 5th Ardfert Annual Cycle in aid of Ardfert School Building Fund and it’s much earlier than usual this year.

There are a number of exciting developments for this year’s event which is scheduled for Sunday, April 29.

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.

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.

Continued below…

.

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 their ‘Alpe d’Huez’ up 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 the route for cyclists to take a breather and to avail of the now traditional and much sought after Ardfert barm brack and also give the opportunity for the cyclists to take in the views that Ardfert and its surrounding area has to offer.

Following the cycle there’ll be a BBQ, raffle and music with past participants commenting that food on offer made them think they were after cycling in the Tour De France such was the Michelin star quality of the burgers!

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 by clicking here  or registrations will take place in Ardfert National School on Saturday 28th April from 6 – 8pm and on Sunday morning before the race from 8.30 – 9.45am.

 

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.

Race organiser Maire O’Connell noted that there is great anticipation for this event with a number of cyclists already registered.

The kids cycle which had a successful inaugural year in 2017 will take place later in the year.

Comments are closed.

image