Along the way the cyclists, who came from all over Ireland as well as London, Scotland, New York and New Zealand, took in the breathtaking scenery of the west coast of Ireland. Every night a short video was uploaded onto the charity’s website www.mainstaydrp.org for the cyclists’ supporters at home and abroad to follow their progress.
[caption id="attachment_26014" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="The cycling team that peddled from Mizen in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal to raise funds for Mainstay DRP."]
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No matter what lay ahead, the cyclists gave it their all – from the steep climb over the MacGillacuddy Reeks on their first day in the saddle to the last few miles uphill along the Inishowen Peninsula, to their final destination at Malin Head on day five.
The charity’s Chief Executive Helen Taylor said she felt “very emotional” watching the cyclists cross the finish line after their intensive journey.
“It was very emotional. It was absolutely great to see them doing the last stretch which was perhaps one of the most arduous stretches in the whole of the cycle. It was just uphill and uphill for the last four or five miles.
“This was an absolutely marvellous event and thanks go to all those who organised it, all the support staff, but most importantly the cyclists who cycled every inch from Mizen Head to Malin Head in order to raise funds for those most vulnerable in our society.”
Helen said many new friendships had been created during the event and she hopes they will keep in touch, attend future fundraising challenges and spread the word about the charity’s work.
The cyclists’ task was not only to complete the difficult challenge and raise awareness about Mainstay DRP but to raise £30,000 for Mainstay DRP’s long-term fundraising plan entitled ‘Building The Dream’. The project aims to create a state-of-the-art purpose-built development for older people with learning disabilities in the Downpatrick area.
Established in 1989 as the Downe Residential Project, the charity was created to provide much needed care and support for people with a learning disability and autism living in the Co Down area, their families and carers.
[caption id="attachment_26016" align="alignright" width="400" caption="Cyclists on the Mainstay DRP run from Mizen to Malin Head."]
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Over two decades on, the organisation now provides residential care, respite services, supported housing, day care and vocational training for those with a learning disability requiring their services. The charity is also one of the biggest employers in the area with 135 members of staff.
Fintan McGrady, co-organiser of the Elite Challenge, praised the cyclists for their hard work and determination both cycling and fundraising.
He said, “I have to say out of all the cycling trips that I have been on, this is the first one that we have arrived with everyone intact and someone hasn’t dropped out along the way. It is a credit to this group.” He added that the great weather throughout had kept everyone is high spirits.
With this cycle challenge now complete, it is on to the next one – the Mainstay DRP Mourne 100KM Cycle which is taking place on Sunday September 18.
One hundred and seventy cyclists participated in the event last year which took them around the majestic Mountains of Mourne. This time around, Fintan and co-organiser Laurence Morgan want even more people to take part.
The 2011 route, which starts and finishes 100km later in Castlewellan, is a combination of fast flat coastal roads combined with moderately steep climbing.
And for all those who have just cycled from the bottom to the top of Ireland, a 100km cycle around the mountains will be like a walk in the park!
If you want to take part in the 100km cycle… watch this space!!! or log on to the Mainstay DRP website at www.mainstaydrp.org]]>
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