The roads of Co Monaghan are set to be invaded by bicycles from 13 – 20 June as part of the second annual National Bike Week.

The event is organised by the Department of Transport, and co-ordinated locally by Monaghan County Council. Groups and organisations from all around the county have become involved in organising events in their areas, and there will be something for everyone, from the super-fit competition rider to the smallest child. Fun and family are the focus of the week, with no fewer than four family events planned over the eight days.

Ballybay Family Cycle and BBQ

The week kicks off on Sunday, 13 June in Ballybay with a family cycle around Lough Major, followed by a BBQ and fun activities down at the Wetlands centre. Activities include a “Something Fishy” presentation and fish tank displays by Northern Fisheries, a camping demonstration by Ballybay Scouts Group, and a live birds of prey exhibition. Music, facepainting and a bouncy castle will be provided for the kids, and the Camphill Community will be on hand to display their wonderful crafts.

“My bike is broken” will not be accepted as an excuse as Gabriel Treanor will act as Bike Doctor at the event! In addition to the bike-related activity, everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and walk across Derryvalley Lake on the floating walkway. For more info contact Agnes McGuinness on 086 1086943

Special Needs Cycle

The focus on Monday, 14 June will be on people with special needs. Emyvale Cycling Club will be hosting a Special Needs Cycle at St Mellan’s GAA grounds in Ballyoisin from 2.30 - 3.30pm. The club will provide bikes and tricycles suitable for use by adults with special needs and the event will conclude with refreshments.

Emyvale Cycling Club have been working with Errigal Truagh Special Needs Group for the past year, having become aware through a Disability Awareness Training programme organised by Monaghan Sports Partnership of the limited opportunities to participate in sport experienced by people with a disability. The Club raised funding to purchase a specially modified bike, and now regularly visit the Errigal Truagh group to work on bike skills with the group members. For more info on this event contact Paul Cassidy on 00447926985460.

Carrickmacross Fun Cycle

On Tuesday evening, 15 June a leisure cycle will depart from the front of the Shirley Arms Hotel at 6.15pm. The route has been arranged so that participants can loop back to town whenever they feel tired, or those feeling more energetic can complete the full 20km route. Refreshments and music will be provided, as well as spot prizes and plenty of craic. This late addition to the line-up may not feature on the posters, but rest assured it will be an event not to be missed. For more information telephone Valerie on 087 6387164 or Mick on 042 9690950.

Time Trial, Tydavnet

Cyclists in North Monaghan are also in for a treat on Tuesday, 15 June as Emyvale Cycling Club host a Time Trial around the roads in Tydavnet. Starting at the primary school on the R178, cyclists will be released one by one to compete against the clock, this is known as ‘the race of truth.’ Prizes will be awarded in six categories, including U-16, veterans and women. You don’t have to be a member of a cycling club to have a go, so if you’ve always wondered how you’d measure up against the big boys, this is your chance! For more info contact Patsy on 087 2824583.

Cycle to School

Wednesday, 16 June has been designated as ‘Cycle to School’ Day with events happening at primary schools around the county in association with An Taisce’s Green Schools Travel Module.

Clones COW Day

The staff and pupils of St Tiarnach’s National School will be engaged all day Wednesday, 16 June in bike-related activities. The children completed bike safety training last year and many now cycle to school every day. In recognition of its efforts, St Tiarnach’s is one of the first schools in the country to have been awarded a fourth Green Flag by An Taisce. These awards recognise achievement in sustainable living.

Staff and pupils will finish off a fun day’s activities by cycling through the town. As many will be in fancy dress for the occasion, this is sure to bring the town of Clones out in smiles, and perhaps a few intrepid members of the public might join in the fun!

Cycle to Work

Monaghan County Council has designated Thursday, 17 June as ‘Cycle to Work Day’. The Council will provide refreshments to businesses which organise a cycle to work for its staff on this day. To register your business for this offer, contact Carol at 047 73725 or email clambe@monaghancoco.ie. A National Workplace Challenge has also been announced. Teams from companies around the country (which must include at least one ‘new’ cyclist) will record every time they get on their bike for ten minutes or more and compete for cycling related prizes sponsored by Trek. The 10 Minute Cycle Challenge is a fun, free workplace event. For more info or to register, see http://www.smartertravelworkplaces.ie/cc.php.

Duathlon

Organisers of this event, Muckno Triathlon Club, assure us you don’t need to be super-fit to participate, but we’ll reserve judgement until we see the state of participants at the prize giving afterwards! The Duathlon will consist of a 2.5km run, followed by a 20km cycle, and conclude with a final 2.5km run.  The run will take place on the tracks around Ballybay Wetlands Centre, and the cycle will involve a few laps of a circuit through the town, out to Derryvalley Church, across to the Monaghan road and back through the town. There are prizes in six categories, covering men’s and women’s classes, and including a race for beginners. So if you’ve been thinking about trying a triathlon, this is the ideal event to get you started. Registration will take place from 6pm on Friday, 18 June at the Wetlands Centre in Ballybay. The race is on at 7pm.  Bike Doctor Gabriel Treanor will be on hand to help those who need it. For further information contact Dessie Duffy on 086 3848113.

See Dartrey Estate on Bikes

Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre’s excellent team will be leading a number of bike rides through Dartrey Estate on Saturday, 19 June. Due to the nature of the terrain, mountain bikes are preferred and if you don’t have one, you can hire one from Tanagh.

There will be three rides:

Trail 1: Family Trail

This will be suitable for families with children between 8 and 12 yrs. There will be a few stops along the route to take in some nature facts, toast marshmallows over a campfire and other adventures guaranteed to delight your kids.

Trail 2: High Adrenaline Fast Trail

This option is sure to appeal to teens and young adults.

Trail 3: Heritage Bike Trail

This ride will be conducted at a more leisurely pace, with frequent stops to discuss the sights and delights of the estate. The highlight of the ride will be a visit to the recently restored temple on the estate – a magnificent building well worth a visit and not often open to the public. The three rides will leave Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre (just outside Cootehill) at 2pm. For further information contact Michelle on 049 5552988

Blayney Bike Blast

Blow away the cobwebs with a spin around Black Island, Lough Muckno. Or for the more adventurous, take a 10km spin around the entire lake! Or for the completely bonkers, there’s a fancy dress cycle through the town, where prizes will be awarded for odd bikes and odder costumes! The events will kick off from the car park in front of Blayney Plant Hire on the Monaghan road at 2pm. Blayney Plant Hire staff will be on hand to advise on bike care and help anyone who gets into trouble. For further information contact Joe Brennan on 087 2258399.

Monaghan Family Cycle

Fancy taking a dander around Monaghan town and out to Rossmore Park with the kids? Then this is the event for you. Starting in front of the Courthouse at 2pm, leaders from Emyvale Cycling Club will bring you safely through the town and out to the beautiful Rossmore forest park. En route, there will be detours for wacky races, kids’ games, music and entertainment. George McCarron of George’s CycloSport in Emyvale will be on hand to sort out any bike problems. The craic is guaranteed, and there will be spot prizes aplenty for all who participate. For more information contact Paul Cassidy on 0044 7926985460.

Spot Prizes

For those who require a bit more of an incentive, staff from Monaghan County Council will be keeping an eye out all week for cyclists, and will be awarding spot prizes for anyone they come across during the week. So, what are you waiting for? Get on yer bike! More information about Co Monaghan events, and events all over the country, can be found on www.bikeweek.ie.