Following the success of previous Lap the Lake charity cycles during which hundreds of cyclists raised significant funds for Lough Derg RNLI, the fundraising branch are inviting participants to gear up once again for the cycle which will take place this year on Saturday 16 May.
Noting the popularity of the circuits in previous years, organisers are inviting cyclists to choose between a 120km route or a shorter 65km one.
The longer route will take participants on a full circuit of Lough Derg, giving entrants the chance to cycle through the three counties of Tipperary, Clare and Galway. The shorter route will take cyclists just beyond Killaloe to a turnaround point at Killaloe Sailing Club.
The scenery along the way is unparalleled, providing cyclists with the opportunity to appreciate the magnificence of the lake and River Shannon. One big climb up Portroe hill presents a brief challenge, but it is short and quickly followed by a welcome downhill on the other side.
On return to the lifeboat station at Lough Derg Yacht Club in Dromineer, cyclists, visitors and volunteers can relax and enjoy food and beverages.
Riders’ safety and well-being is a priority, with first aid providers, out-riders, marshals and bike maintenance stops along the route, as well as comfort and refreshments stations.
Details on how to register for this year’s Lap the Lake are available at the cycle’s Eventbrite page. Tickets are €65 for the 120km route and €50 for the 65km route and will include a goody bag.
Speaking on the planning for this event, Laura Clarke, chair of the Lough Derg RNLI Lap the Lake Fundraising Committee said: “We were thrilled with the success of the previous Lap the Lake cycles. We were blessed with fine weather so that cyclists were able to enjoy the most breathtaking scenery around the lake.
“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes into organising this event and we look forward to welcoming back cyclists from previous years as well as look forward to meeting new participants this year.
“As a search and rescue organisation reliant on the support of the public to continue its lifesaving work, fundraising events such as Lap the Lake enable the charity to provide our volunteer crew here at Lough Derg RNLI with the best kit, skills and training to power our lifesaving work.”
Christine O’Malley, Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat operations manager added: “It is wonderful to be able to offer people an event where they can have fun while raising funds. Our lifeboat crew is on call all year round and ready to launch at a moment’s notice. The funds raised through this cycle will go towards ensuring we can continue to save lives on Lough Derg now and in the future.
“Every bit of kit you see and each bit of training behind our volunteers is all made possible through fundraising. The lifeboat crew are grateful for the magnificent support they receive.”
