An annual Moy-based sponsored cycling initiative is making a slight change of course for 2025 in its “most daring and challenging” cycle to date.
The initiative – by the name of Challenge Her – was inspired following the sudden death of organiser Mary McConville’s sister, Ann, in 2014.
Ann is described as having “lived to the full”. She was devoted to her family, her career and her sports interests.
In her ‘Peace and Reconciliation’ work, she was passionate about bringing local communities together, particularly in the border areas where this Sportive is taking place.
She loved adventurous sports, such as mountaineering, rock climbing, canoeing, running, swimming and triathlons.
During her final years she enjoyed biking, particularly mountain-biking.
Ann was very enthusiastic, promoting sport, particularly to women, and believed in the physical and mental benefits of exercise. She always relished a challenge.
Her sister Mary – who is affiliated with Square Wheels Cycle Club in Moy – has every year since 2016 held the annual cycle for various charitable causes in Ann’s memory.
Speaking to Armagh I, Mary explained: “It was initially to get more women involved in cycling and since then the numbers have just grown.”
This year with the summer solstice falling on a weekend over June 21, Mary and her team decided to do something a little different – in what they are calling their most “daring and challenging” cycle yet!
“Not only are we challenging you to cycle almost 100 miles/160kms but we’re asking you to complete it overnight during the longest day of the year – The Summer Solstice,” said Mary.
“We will also be visiting The Hill of Tara where the High Kings of Ireland celebrated the Solstice in bygone days.”
Their starting point on the evening of June 21 will be at Portadown Boat Club for pre-cycle tea and coffee at 8.30pm before setting off on their first stretch of the 100miles at 9pm sharp.
From Portadown cyclists will make their way to Dundalk, stopping at Ann’s former workplace Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) for refreshments.
The second stop takes place at the breath-taking Hill of Tara where Mary explains there will be “bonfires, music and storytelling” alongside further refreshments.
A third and final tea stop will be enjoyed at Cabra Community Sports Centre in Dublin – finishing at approximately 5am.
“It’s not for the faint hearted,” said Mary, but it will undoubtedly be a fun night of exercise, achievement, camaraderie and reward.
This year’s endeavour seeks to give “something back to people who are making a difference in others’ lives” raising funds for Cycle Against Suicide.
The cycle is open to one and all with all proceeds to Cycle Against Suicide.
Click here to find more information on Challenge Her’s Summer Solstice cycle
