This article is from page 34 of the 2007-06-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 34 JPG
C’S DRY e iene namee ulus Ireland are oiling their bikes and stretching out their calf muscles in preparation for the fourth annual Tour the Burren which will be hitting the roads of north Clare on June 16.
This year’s tour will have two sepa- rate routes and is designed to cater for everyone from the experienced cyclist looking for a challenge to the day tripper after a bit of fun.
“We cater for all kinds of cyclists, from the slow to the fast, from the tall to the small. We accommodate everybody, for as long as they want to take part they will be looked af- ter,’ said Patrick O’Donohue of the Burren Cycle Club.
“We will have a broom wagon go- ing after the cycle, picking up anyone who needs a lift. We will also have full assistance for anyone who has any mechanical problems.
“We have two routes. The first route is 16O0km and has four main climbs at Ballaghtdine, up Corker Hill, up the Cork Screw Hill and at the Cliffs of Moher. It leaves Ballyvaughan at 9.30am and 1s for cyclists who have a bit of experience.
“The second route leaves Bally- vaughan at llam and is 60km long. There will be a food stop with food, beverages, sandwiches the whole lot at the Royal Spa in Lisdoonvarna. Afterwards we will have a celebra- tion at Monks Pub in Ballyvaughan with a jazz band.”
Since its formation in 2003, the Burren Club has gone from strength to strength and this year boasts more than 40 members. Some 120 people took part in the tour last year and or- ganisers are hoping for an even big- ger turnout this year.
“We just finished the Croi tour last weekend round Lough Corrib, some of us are going to do the Wicklow Tour in early June and then we have the Tour de Burren. We are also look- ing at doing the Ring of Kerry in July if people are interested in taking part in that,” continued Patrick.
“The challenge of the tour is the climbs but more important than that is the scenery. It’s spectacular. A few people will take the race seriously but it’s mainly for average cyclists to
have a good day out. The last person home is the most important person.”
Tour de Burren takes place on Saturday, June 16, with registra- tion taking place in Ballyvaughan between 8.30am and 930am. Entry for licensed members is €10, €20 unlicensed. For more info, contact Patrick on 086 2579682, John at 086 8405449 or www.burrencyclingclub. onee