The demand for places for this year’s cycle has been phenomenal with 11,000 cyclists taking to the roads on 4^th July. 

However, many more cyclists have been left disappointed and unable to register.

If you have registered and can’t make it please contact us and let us know. We will cancel you registration and allocate the place. 

Please please do not pass your registration on to another cyclists as it could impact on the smooth running of the event and very serious implications should there be an incident. 

Bearing in mind that there will be almost 9000 other cyclists on the Ring of Kerry Cycle, it is important to try and gain some experience with group cycling, as this will definitely help you on the day.  How?  It will be more enjoyable, yet more importantly it will instill a feeling of safety when on the bike, cycling beside all these other cyclists.  As well as that it is a lot easier!!

There are many techniques and traditions associated with cycling in a group, primarily language and signals, which help ensure the safety of all riders.  The following tips should help while gaining experience: -

SIGNALS/SHOUTS – Lead riders, at the front, use hand signals to indicate stopping or turning and generally ‘shouts’ back information to the group regarding obstacles and dangers e.g. potholes, pedestrians, dangerous surfaces, animals and on coming traffic.  Riders at the back generally ‘shouts’ forward a warning on traffic approaching from the rear.  So “Car Up” means car approaching rear of group and “Car Down” means car travelling towards you – down the throat and up the rear!  It’s shouted so as to ensure all cyclists hear and heed to the warning.

SIGNALS to CARS – Its worth bearing in mind that, as a cyclist if any communication with a driver results in an accident, e.g. indicating to a driver that it is ok to overtake or pass the group, then the cyclist could be liable.  So it’s best to let drivers make their own decisions. It is important to show respect and in return gain respect of the drivers.

UP & OVER/CHAIN – As it is about 20-30% harder to be cycling on your own or in a group up front as a windbreaker, it is good etiquette to take turns!  The easiest way to do this is by the “up & over” technique.  The group rides in two a breast formation.  The rider at the front cycles in front of the rider on his/her left and then pull into the left in front of the rider, while being certain of clearing the front wheel.  This will have a ripple effect down the group, resulting in turns at the front.  Time at the front varies, depending on the wind and intensity of group spin.

You might come across the term “half wheeling”.  This is a term used when two riders are riding side by side. Normally both front wheels would be aligned on an imaginary line. Half wheeling consists of riding slightly ahead of the cyclist to your side, so by advancing your wheel halfway up the road, as opposed to riding evenly together.  Half wheeling comes from either bad riding form or being completely unaware of technique….so now you are more aware.

SITTING ON THE WHEEL – Cyclists save a huge amount of energy by following in the slipstream of the rider in front.  This is commonly known as “drafting’.  Cyclists maintain a steady straight line.  Therefore do your best by not allowing a gap to open between you and the rider in front.   If you feel you cannot keep the pace, cycle from the back of the group, so as not to interrupt the line, yet get the benefits of the group cycle.  In time you will be able to participate.

Happy & Safe Cycling & ENJOY!!

01. Set up an online fundraising page. We recommend setting up a page on the Enable Ireland justgiving.ie or mycharity.ie pages. It’s easy to do, allows people from all over the world to sponsor you, the money comes straight into the Enable account and you don’t have to chase people for money. You can set your own target and watch the money rise. If your are having difficulty setting up a page give Sean a call on 087 760 9768 and he will help.

02. Carry a sponsorship card with you. Not everyone has a computer and some people like to sponsor in cash.

03. Pin a sponsorship card up in work or local club. We only suggest you do this in places you know well. It can help add up the €€€€.

04. Contact your employer. Lots of companies support charities and they may be willing to support you. They can also take an advert in the strictly brochure. Some companies will match your fundraising efforts.

05. Use your networks. Do you have a large client base or relationships with suppliers? Is it worth asking them if they would like to support you?

06. Does your company have an in house newsletter. Give them a call and they might want to feature you in an issue.

07. Add a link to your fundraising page your email footer at work – think of how many e-mails you send each day. (Make sure you ask your boss).

08. Keep family, friends and colleagues updated with your training and fundraising efforts - on or offline. The more engaged they are, the more they will be willing to help.

The success of annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle relies to a large extent on the efforts of volunteers.

The cycle committee, marshals, doctors, nurses, bike mechanics and all the volunteers you meet on the day will not be paid. (Although, we might slip them the odd ham sandwich and slice of brack!)

This is because the aim of the event is to raise as much as possible for the chosen charities and keep costs at a minimum.

There are a number of refreshment stops on the route of the cycle and each year, charities are nominated to take care of a particular stop. 

This year, Enable Ireland will be one of the charities responsible for the stop in Kenmare. We will be starting at 10am and will finish up at 7pm with upwards of 10,000 cyclists passing through.

We are looking for volunteers to help feed the masses! commit to doing a 4.5 hour shift (10am – 2.30 pm or 2.30pm to 7pm).

Having been involved both as a cyclist and as a volunteer, I can honestly say that volunteering is a huge amount of work - at times overwhelming and tiring but it's also great fun, an opportinuty to meet some fantastic characters, have an amazing experience and it certainly will makes you feel part of the cycle.

If you know someone who might be willing to come along and help please as them to contact me on 066 712 8220 or email sscally@enableireland.ie for details.  

We are also looking for qualified medical practitioners to help.

Thanks,

Séan