Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle

Pedal Power for Kerry Charities!

Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle Returns -

Saturday 3^rd July, 2010

 

 

Attention eager cyclists – registrations are now being taken for the Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2010! Taking place on Saturday, July 3^rd 2010, the event, sponsored by Radio Kerry’s Community Fund, is the biggest one day charity fundraising event in Munster and will see thousands of leisure cyclists experience a fun and rewarding day’s cycling, while at the same time fundraising for worthy Charities.

This year’s lucky six beneficiaries have just been announced, all of whom provide vital services for people in need in the Kerry area.  They are as follows:-

 

• Kerry Parents and Friends Association
• Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club
• Recovery Haven – Comfort & Care for Cancer
• Enable Ireland Kerry
• Irish Wheelchair Association – Killarney/South Kerry Branch
• Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre

 

The 112 mile leisure cycle takes place around the picturesque Ring of Kerry and to date the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle has raised over €3.5 million for Kerry Charities and after reaching a record number of cyclists last year when over 3,000 people took part, they are hoping to sign up even more this year.

 

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Organising Committee stated “Last year was amazing in terms of the numbers participating and the sum of over €450,000 raised.  This year we have chosen Charities that do amazing work in our county and the need for funds is as great as ever.”

 

Cathal added “As the evenings get longer more and more people will be taking to the outdoors for their exercise.  I would like to urge everyone who is dusting off their bicycle to think about joining us on this year’s cycle.  There’s plenty of time for people of all fitness levels to get fit for the cycle, have fun meeting like minded people and at the same time, fundraise for Charities based in their communities.”

 

As well as the six main charities, a further fifteen Kerry charities will also receive a donation from the cycle; Friends of St Josephs Home; Tribal Trust – Kenmare;  Ballybunion Community Centre;  Heartbeat Killarney – Kerry; Kerry Mental Health Association; Emigrant Support Housing Assoc; Irish Dogs for the Disabled; Kerry Cancer Support Group; Castleisland Day Care Centre Ltd, Kerry Life Education Ltd, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland – Mid West/South Region; Killarney Water Rescue; IMNDA Care and Research – Motor Neurone Disease; Brothers of Charity Southern Services; Abbeyfeale District Search & Rescue.

 

Melanie O’Sullivan, Sales & Marketing Manager, Radio Kerry added “We are very happy to reprise our role as  main sponsor of the Cycle in 2010 and to see 20 Kerry Charities benefiting from this year’s event. As well as the vital funds raised it is an excellent opportunity for these Charities to create more awareness for the work that they do.  Radio Kerry is happy to assist with facilitating this awareness campaign through the sponsorship of the Ring of Kerry Cycle.”

 

 

Further information on all of the Charities can be found on the Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Cycle Website www.ringofkerrycycle.ie.  People interested in participating in the actual cycle can register online on the website and all Postal Applications can be sent to The Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Cycle, PO Box 115, Killarney Post Office, New Street, Killarney.  Enquiries can also be made by phone to (064) 6671900.  Anyone wishing to make a direct donation can also do so by using these contacts.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter online?
Yes, you can enter online

Can I enter by post?

Yes, by contacting Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, PO BOX 115, New Street Killarney, Co Kerry

Can I enter by phone?

Yes, by ringing 064 - 6671900

What is the closing date for entries?
The closing date for online, post and phone entries is Friday, 18 June 2010. A limited number of entries will be taken on the eve and morning of the event.

Is there an entry fee?
There is no entry fee. This is a charity event and each cyclist is expected to raise sponsorship for one or more of the beneficiaries.

How can I check that I am entered & how do I get sponsorship cards?

As entries are processed, each entrant will receive by post an information pack, containing a registration number and sponsorship cards.

Must I sign on, on the eve/day of the event?
Yes. Every participant, including those already entered, must sign on prior to starting. At the sign-on you will be given your bike label which will give you access to the food stops and allow you passage by the stewards at checkpoints.

If I have already entered, what should I bring to sign-in?

Your Cyclist Registration Number.

Can I sign-on the night before the event?
Yes. Sign-on facilities will be in place on Scott’s Street, Killarney (near Scott’s Hotel) on Friday, 2 July from 7pm to 9pm.

At what time and where does registration/sign in open on the day?

Registration/sign in at start (Killarney Racecourse, Ross Road, Killarney) on 3rd July from 6am. Registration/sign in closed at 7.45am.

At what time does the event start?
Official start is at 8am but you may start at any time earlier once you have signed on. Get there in good time so that you can enjoy the atmosphere.

Is there free car-parking?

Free car parking available at the race course which is located on Ross Road.

What do I need to bring with me on the cycle?

Bike in good working order (Have it checked well in advance).  A hard shell helmet is compulsory for every participant. 2 spare tubes, pump, repair kit, drink and supplementary food of your own choice, eg energy bars, bananas. Do not experiment with new stuff today!!!  Also don’t forget to bring a sense of fun!

How will I know the route?

The route follows the main Ring of Kerry Road. There is a sketch on this website and on sponsorship cards. There will be stewards and Gardai at various points along the route. Please obey their instructions and observe Rules of the Road at all times.

Where are the feeding-stations?

The main food stops will be at

Caherciveen at 40 miles(. Colaiste na Sceilge on far side of town.) and

Kenmare at 90 miles( Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine beside the church.  Sandwiches, cakes and drinks will be available at those stops.

There will be light refreshments at Sneem at 70 miles. (The Sneem Hotel on far side of town).
Toilet facilities will be available at all feeding stations.

What will the weather be like?

Kerry summer weather. Anything is possible. In case we get the odd drop of rain you would be well advised to bring some wet weather gear but be optimistic and bring your sunscreen also!

What do I do if I have a medical or mechanical emergency on the route?

If you need help, ring the emergency number printed on your bike label.    It is recommended that you be able to deal with routine mechanical problems such as punctures yourself. Please remember that the cyclists will be spread over a very large area, so it may be some time before help is able to reach you. In the unlikely event that you find that you are unable to complete the route, the services of a broom wagon will be available.

Where is the official finish?
At the Gleneagle Hotel. When you sign off there, you will receive your special certificate. Your photograph will be taken and you will be able to purchase it on line at http://kerrycyclephotos.ie. Light refreshments will be provided as you arrive.

Is this cycle for any particular charity?
Yes. The nominated charities are shown on the sponsorship cards and on this site.

How do I return my sponsorship cards and funds?

If you got the cards from any of the named charities, return them to that source. Otherwise, return them (cash converted to cheque) to Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, PO Box 115, Killarney Post Office, Killarney, Co.Kerry.  Please  finalise this important part of the event by 31st August 2010. 

Will there be a facility to accept sponsorship cards and money at the registration points?

Yes

The Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Cycle is now on Facebook.  Why not drop by and join us to help promote the event, join the discussion on training or just chat with some of your fellow cyclists you’ll be seeing on the day.