Co-operation Ireland, an organization that fosters good relations between the north and south of Ireland, is reinstating the charity ride it last held in 1998. The Maracycle started in 1984 and ran for 15 consecutive years before safety concerns put a stop to this popular event that at its peak attracted 4,000 riders.
But changing attitudes to cycling events and a good hard look at the route has meant Co-operation Ireland's chief executive Peter Sheridan feels the time has come. "It's going to be “challenging but do-able.” This year’s route will preclude main roads where possible as the expected 1,000 ‘maracyclists’ cover more than 200 miles over two days between Belfast and Dublin.
Starting in Belfast, riders head for Lisburn and then on to Moira, Banbridge, Camlough and Dundalk.
The route then snakes south to Castlebellingham, Dunleer, Drogheda and Naul before finishing at Dublin City University.
According to Terry O’Neill, fundraising director at Co-operation Ireland, the return of the Maracycle is down to its past success. “We have brought back the cross-border Maracycle due to popular demand as so many people have expressed an interest in cycling between the capital cities of Belfast and Dublin,” he said.
“The route has been chosen with the safety of cyclists at the fore and a number of shorter options are also available, so that it can be a real family event.
“This is a challenge that can be taken up by anyone provided they follow the training schedule. It’s also an opportunity to meet new people, while enjoying the beautiful countryside between Belfast and Dublin.”
Anyone here with memories of this event?
The cases were helmets prevented a hospital admission will be missed so, as I said previously, the studies will likely underestimate the efficacy...
I'm pleased that there's some resolution to this, it's a horrendous crime and I'm pleased to see long custodial sentances handed out. ...
What about people who cycle purely to travel, who get no enjoyment out of cycling but have no other means of getting about. Are they still hobbyists?
I think you had it all covered already at "I ride". That's enough for some...
How could making goods harder to move around ever make them cheaper? Primary school aged children could tell you the answer to that.
I would be up from Tour of Oman. But it doesn't look like many others have much interest?
Harry Corbett was Sooty's sidekick, not to be confused with Ronnie Corbett or indeed Harry H. Corbett. (Although he was once confused with the...
Stealing a couple of BSO's from a couple of kids using a car as a weapon. Seems like a high risk/low reward crime. Moron(s).
Cold snap here - below zero at commuting time.
Terrorism....