Co. Monaghan is limbering up for National Bike Week, which takes place from 18^th to 26^th June. This is a Dept of Transport-funded initiative which is co-ordinated by the County Council. Events are being run by a number of community and sporting groups around the county, and there is something for everyone, from the super-fit to toddlers.  Events are free, and there are hundreds of prizes to give away, so what are you waiting for?  Take down the high nelly, evict the spiders, and get on yer bike!

Events include:

-          The Garda bike unit will be visiting primary schools around Castleblayney to impart information on safe cycling and teach cycle skills

-          The county’s cycle shops will be offering free bike checks during the week. Participating shops include George’s Cyclosport in Emyvale, Castleshane Cycles, Carrickmacross Cycles and Treanor Trophies in Ballybay

-          For those who like a challenge, Muckno TRI are running the Wetlands Duathlon in Ballybay on Friday 17th, consisting of a 2.5km run, then a 20km cycle followed by another 2.5km run.

-          If you prefer to get off the beaten track, you won’t want to miss the Mountain Bike skills ride in Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre on Saturday 18^th (pre-booking essential)

-          For those with children, there are family fun cycles in Oram on Sat 18^th and Ardaghey on Sun 19^th, and a Father’s Day family cycle in Castleblayney on Sunday 18^th, which will include kids obstacle courses, a toddlers’ tricycle race and prizes for novelty bikes and fancy dress

-          Those with special needs are not forgotten. Monaghan Sports Partnership is organising a Special Needs Cycle at St Mellan’s GAA grounds on Monday 20^th

-          Carrickmacross plays host to a 30km road cycle on Tuesday evening 21^st

-          St Tiarnach’s Clones and St Mary’s Glaslough national schools will be hosting COW (‘Cycle on Wednesday’) Days, with 5^th & 6^th classes in Glaslough taking on a 4 village challenge by cycling around Glaslough, Caledon, Tynan and Middletown

Cycle with the Stars!

Co. Monaghan, specifically the area around Scotstown in north Monaghan, plays host to the National Elite Road Racing Championships on Sunday 26^th June.  This is an event for professional cyclists, many of whom will be heading out to the Tour de France the following week.

Many of the competitors will arrive on Saturday evening, to ride a circuit of the route to be used the following day.  As part of National Bike Week, this pre-race lap is being opened up to the public, providing a unique opportunity to cycle with the stars of the international cycling world.

Posters and leaflets detailing each event are available in local shops, or you can get more information on Monaghan County Council’s website, www.monaghan.ie or on www.bikeweek.ie