To celebrate Transport for Ireland’s National Bike Week – which runs from May 11-19 – we present some of the coolest two-wheeled events in which to partake around the country; covering everything from bike tours and family fun days, to inclusive cycling, bike repair masterclasses, fitness classes and even bike photo competitions.
Dublin: In Sandymount, there is a Family Fun Cycle (Sunday, May 19, 11am). Starting on Bath Avenue (across the River Dodder at Lansdowne Tennis Club), the route is a leisurely 3 hour loop finishing in Sandymount Green. There are treats and prizes for best decorated bike; while fancy dress is optional. Across town in Fingal, Blanchardstown has some really interesting things planned. Blanch’ kicks off with a Millennium Park Family Fun Day (Saturday, May 11; Millennium Park, Blanchardstown, 11am-4pm). Included is a bike orienteering event, bike repairs and even a street velodrome. There is also an Inclusive Cycling Event (Sunday, May 12, Phoenix Park, 1pm-3pm). This is aimed at anyone of any age with either physical or intellectual disabilities and/or additional needs. It’s a relaxed event allowing everyone the chance to enjoy cycling. A range of adapted cycles will be available including accessible bikes, Trishaws, and Wheelchair Bikes.
Kilkenny: Kilkenny has a number of interesting events to mark Bike Week. Kilkenny Historic Cycle Tour (2pm-3pm; Sunday May 12) is a two-wheel history tour of Kilkenny City. Elsewhere in the Marble City, a Pop-Up Bike Repair masterclass (12pm-2pm; Saturday May 11) takes place at Kilkenny Market, on The Parade, which aims to forever relieve your stress whenever having to make an emergency chain or tyre change. Meanwhile, at Castlecomer Discovery Park, there is an Introduction to Mountain Biking. Suitable for anyone over the age of 12 who hasn’t mountain biked before, this takes place on Saturday May 11, 10:30am-11:30am.
Galway: Galway City is embracing wellness and fitness during Bike Week. An outdoor Spin and Yoga class is planned for Father Burke Park (Monday, May 13; 7pm-8pm); with the idea for participants to cycle to the park before taking part in the Yoga class. If you want a more leisurely participation event, why not indulge in the Tour de Merlin Woods Family Cycle (Saturday, May 11; 12 noon); a family-friendly guided cycle through Merlin Woods.
Limerick: There are numerous events across Limerick. Perhaps the most interesting is the Cycle to Work Initiative being organised by Limerick Sports Partnership. This event runs all through the working week (Monday, May 13 to Friday, May 17) citywide and is an attempt for more office commuters to travel by bike to and from work.
Sligo: Ballisodare Bay Cycling Club is hosting a Bike Week Photo Competition, where prizes are on offer for the best cycling-related photos from the week – aimed at showcasing the fun and benefits of cycling.
Wicklow: Arklow is hosting a Learn to Cycle Programme (Saturday, May 11, Arklow Basketball Court; 10am and 10:45am; Kids aged 5-12), aimed at children who cannot cycle without stabilisers. Priority coaching will be given to kids with a disability/diagnosis for a place on the course. All kids must have their own bike and helmet. Blessington is also getting in on the act, and trying to get as many people on their bike as possible, by offering free bike rentals for the week. The Avon, at Blessington Greenway, is the place to be for this offer.
Donegal has some fun plans. There will be a Lunchtime Spin, in Donegal Town (Saturday, May 11, 12pm-4pm). This is aimed at promoting cycling in the local area and also promoting the new N56 Cycleway. There will also be a Childrens’ Cycle Treasure Hunt (Bonny Glen Woods, Glenties, Sunday, May 12, 2pm-4pm); and Doctor Bike a pop-up bike repair and check-up clinic (Saturday, May 11, Glenties, 10am-12:30pm).
Tipperary: Tipp may be the most energetic county during Bike Week, with a lot of mountain bike programmes planned; as well as a Skills League (May 13, 20, 27; Sean Healy Park, Carrick-on-Suir), focusing on bike skills and grass racing. But, we’re more favouring the Family Cycle Hike & BBQ (Sunday, May 19; 10am, Scouts Hall, Roscrea).
Waterford: Waterford is hosting a Dawn Cycle (Saturday, May 11; 6am). Starting at The House of Crystal on The Mall, in Waterford City, this cycle around Waterford is timed to catch the sunrise.
Wexford: Thinking outside the box is, again, evident this Bike Week – and nowhere more clearly than in Wexford. As well as Learn to Cycle events and BMX training classes for the younger folk, there is a Night Ride and a Cycling and Nutrition course (Thursday, May 16, 2:30pm). Run by the Pedal Pushers active retirement cycling group, it is a talk on sports nutrition and how to eat well when leading an active lifestyle.
This is only a brief flavour of events taking place around the country – mainly aimed at illustrating the diverse range of event on offer during bike week – with some counties yet to confirm their events.
For more information on booking and, what EVERY county has to offer check out: www.transportforireland.ie for more details.
