Cyclists in training at the weekend (left) Niall Caffrey,Mick Hyland Arthur Dempsey and Frank Dillon.

Mullingar Lions Club Annual Summer Cycle Sportive

Mullingar Lions Club are holding their Annual Summer Cycle Sportive on bank holiday Monday, May 6.

Registration is at Shandonagh GAA Centre from 8am and the cycle begins at 9am.

Event Co-Ordinator Frank Dillon said that there are two options to cater for all cyclists, especially as the weather over the last six months means training might have been restricted. “There’s a 90km for those who want a longer spin and a 40km for all those anxious to get out on their bikes in the first week of summer and hopefully experience a little sunshine,” said Frank.

The 90km route is out towards Athlone via Ballymore, turning at Corr Cross and on to Mount Temple, then Moate, where a welcome food stop is scheduled.

“We return by road to Kilbeggan, Tyrrellspass, Rochfortbridge and back to Shandonagh. Participants on the 40km route cycle out the greenway to Streamstown, where the food stop is, and back along the greenway.”

Entry for the event is €30 and all proceeds, similar to last year, go to the Lions Club project for ‘Respite and support for families with Special Needs and Autism’.

Frank said: “Mullingar Lions Club are delighted with the success of this important project, and now a number of families are benefiting from respite on a weekly basis and getting assistance and counselling, which is making a significant difference to their lives.

“It is a project that Mullingar Lions Club wish to expand and further develop, and that is made possible by the great generosity and goodwill of so many people in our community, and Mullingar Lions Club say a huge thank-you to everyone.”

Frank concluded by inviting everyone to come out on bank holiday Monday to take part in the cycle and “enjoy the camaraderie and fun in what we hope will be the start of a good summer”.

Cyclists in training at the weekend, Darah Moore,Tony Corcoran and Patricia Connell.