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EMYVALE

Cycle Across America

Cycling has become a big favourite pastime with many health conscious people, though running and walking might be the preferred option for the majority. It may be the recession or the increase in illnesses among the population or the costs and difficulties involved in getting treatment when sick or just the desire to get that ‘feel-good factor’ which has persuaded so many to become active and to think healthy. Whatever it is does not matter but the benefits and enjoyment make it all worthwhile.
Cycling as a recreation is good but many have gone on to become competitive and take part in road races each weekend. This is not for the faint hearted as the training and preparation necessary to reach that level of fitness is demanding in time, effort and determination. There are many cycling clubs in this county and many Monaghan people are members of Clubs in other counties and we have them in action in the RÁS every year. Two Monaghan men, Ronan Baxter and Peter Vance, are members of the Lucan Cycling Club and team Renegade. Four members of the club including these two have taken on the challenge of cycling across America and it will hopefully raise lots of money for Barnados. The other two cyclists are Declan Brassil and Daryl Bent. Ronan’s dad, Sean, with Jimmy Harte will provide back-up in the support van for the lads. There are ten other members of the support crew and one rider will be on the road at all times, 24/7.
It starts on June 16th in San Diego, California, and finishes 3,000 miles away on the East Coast in Anapolis, Maryland, which is not too far from Washington DC. They will climb a total of 170,000 feet, travel 500 miles per day, endure temperatures ranging from +50 to -5 degrees. You can see all the details and keep in touch with their progress on facebook - Hunky Dorys LCRC Renegade Racing.
Ronan began cycling while in college in Belfast and then joined Lucan when he went to Dublin. He now has about ten years experience. Peter has been cycling for over 6 years and is really looking forward to this challenge. ‘It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it will be a great achievement to complete it’, says Peter.
We wish them every success and congratulate them on taking on the challenge. We met with them in the Shopping Centre in Monaghan and they were getting a great response from the public who passed by. Of course that is very important and all donations will be gratefully received as it is a very worthy cause. If you meet any of the people involved you might hand over a donation, however small, as all great thing start with small beginnings.
Our picture shows: Sean Baxter, Ronan Baxter, Christopher McCarron, Grace Baxter, Zoe Vance, Peter Vance and Jimmy Harte.