Blogger: Lauren Lucy Crowley
Last weekend the OnTheQT crew braved the elements and took part in the 33rd Ring Of Kerry Charity Cycling event! This is the biggest one day charity fundraising event in all of Munster!
The cycle attracts thousands of cyclists who leave from Killarney and follow the 180km around the stunning Ring Of Kerry! 11,000 people took part this year – all raising much needed funds for local charities. To date the cycle has raised over €10.2 million for Kerry Charities! What an achievement!
As soon as we arrived in Killarney on the Friday evening for the big event, we checked in registration to receive our bike tags (As the roads are closed only registered cyclists are allowed through!). We then set out off the beaten track to our wonderful Air B & B accommodation! (OnTheQT tip if you plan to do the ROK cycle be sure to book accommodation in advance as the whole entire town sells out!).
Located at the base of Carrauntoohil our Air B & B was simply bliss! A large modern house with classic decor looking out over the mountain. It is designed to be a ‘blue light’ free zone and so there is no wifi, no phone reception, no television… just you and the countryside! There is also a beautiful yoga room with a telescope for you to use! Our host was extremely friendly, and even greeted us at 5.00am when our alarms went off with freshly baked rolls from the oven!
Unfortunately it starting lashing rain as soon as we set out on our adventure, however we took shelter and didn’t let it ruin our enthusiasm! There were an abundance of first aid stations, bicycle repair stands, bathrooms and pick up trucks for those who didn’t wish to continue along the way – such a well organised event! There were two main pit-stops; one in Cahersiveen (at 60km) and the other in Kenmare (at 140km). At these pit-stops there were an unlimited supply of sandwiches, bananas, hot tea /coffee, and biscuits! It was so nice to have a little rest for a while!
As we cycled around the ring, I couldn’t stop admiring the scenery… it was just beautiful! We stopped multiple times to take photos, especially at the top of Coomakista and Molls Gap.. I felt as though we were in a holiday brochure for Ireland! #Spectacular We also cycled through places I never even knew existed.. and so I made a note to myself to return before the Summer was over!
The cycle itself is not a race, it’s purpose is to raise money for local charities, and so there is a great atmosphere throughout the day! Young, old, whoever you may be.. if you’re thinking of giving it a go next year, I highly recommend it!
