A Summer Solstice cycle from Limerick City to Lough Gur and back and a family cycle along the banks of the River Shannon are among the highlights of the 2014 BeSpoke Cycling Festival, taking place throughout Limerick this week.
Launched last Saturday by the Minister for Public and Commuter Transport, Alan Kelly, TD, the week-long National Bike Week initiative is being hosted by Limerick Smarter Travel, Limerick Sports Partnership and An Taisce Green Schools.
Events held so far have included the European Mountainbiking Championships in Ballyhoura, and numerous bike fixing workshops to help get people on their bikes for the first time or rediscover their love of cycling.
The Festival's flagship event takes place at 3pm this Sunday when participants will be taken on a cycling tour of the city’s waterfront beginning and finishing at Howley’s Quay. The Riverside Bike Parade will be followed by a family fun day along the recently refurbished quayside. The parade will be followed by entertainment and refreshments at Howley’s Quay and participants are invited to come in fancy dress and to decorate their bikes to win great
prizes!
Ahead of this, Adare GAA Field will be the venue this Thursday (June 19th) at 11am for the County Limerick Cycling Pursuit Challenge during which students will work on their cycling skills through fun, cycling challenges.
On Friday, Limerick Smarter Travel, in association in the Mens Shed Group Southill in partnership with Green Schools Travel, will host an event where participants can bring their bike for free minor repairs in advance of Sunday's Bespoke Bike Parade.
Saturday offers the public a unique opportunity to experience the Summer Solstice in the magical surrounds of Lough Gur. Departing Limerick City at 5.00am, participants in the Summer Solstice Cycle will cycle to Lough Gur and back. Also on Saturday, Limerick Smarter Travel will host a Bike Repair Day at the Parkway Shopping Centre from 12.00pm to 3.00pm, while the Great Southern Trail Cycle will see cyclists of all ages travel along the route of the Trail, starting from three locations (Newcastle West, Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale) at 10.30am.