On Yer Bike with Bóthar and Glenisk!

2011 marks the anniversary of the foundation of Bóthar, the development aid agency that specialises in providing livestock to poor families in the developing world. Glenisk will join forces with Bóthar this July by providing bikes for the 32 County Fundraising Cycle, just one of the events Bóthar has organised to mark the occasion.  Pictured at the launch of the event is Ken Copeland, Bothar; Jaimie Kierans, Glenisk; and Conor O' Donoghue, Bothar.

Cycling has really taken off in recent times according to Bóthar Spokesperson, Pat McCarrick. “More and more people are taking to the roads on their bikes these days. Whether it's because of the Bike to Work scheme; for fitness; or the recession, the humble bike has experienced a well deserved revival. Our event is designed to capture some of this new-found energy. As summer approaches, we want to get people involved and we are asking them to help with our work at the same time.”

The Route

Starting in Portumna, Co Galway on July 17th, this unique week long event will take cycling enthusiasts through all of Ireland’s 32 counties. Averaging 80 miles each day, a core group of up to 30 cyclists will cover almost 560 miles. In addition to this core group, day cyclists can participate in the event as it passes through their local region or county. It is expected that the event will attract almost 200 keen leisure cyclists raising €50,000 for the charity. The event finishes in Kilimer, Co. Clare on Saturday 23rd July. 

Vincent Cleary, managing director at Glenisk says “we are delighted to support another of Bóthar's fundraising initiatives. We have been working with Bóthar for a number of years sponsoring their annual calendar, which helps raise much-needed funds for their important work helping some of the poorest communities in the developing world. This is another exciting project, which we hope will be a great success."

How to Participate

For anyone interested in cycling, this event offers a unique challenge and a fantastic opportunity get fit, see the countryside and make a REAL difference to communities in need. Participants can cover all 560 miles or just the 80 miles on the day the cycle reaches their area. For further information or for a booking form please contact Bóthar on 071 9120100; email events@bothar.ie; or visit www.bothar.org.