Maracycle weekend 23 & 24 June 2012

OK all you Sligo AC members looking to give your joints a rest from the constant pounding why not set yourself a "different" challenge while also doing something for charity, Read on.........

Co-operation Ireland presents Maracycle 2012, a weekend of cycling between the two major cities of Belfast and Dublin, with shorter distances to suit all abilities. Starting in Belfast on Saturday 23 June you have an option of cycling 110 miles to finish in Dublin, 40 miles to finish in Newry, or start in Newry and cycle 70 miles to Dublin. There is also a choice of starting in Dublin on Sunday 24 June and cycling 110 miles to finish in Belfast, 70 miles to finish in Newry or start in Newry and cycle 40 miles to Belfast. You can also take on a combination of options, for example, Newry to Dublin on Saturday and Dublin to Newry on Sunday with a total of 140 miles, or for the more experienced cyclist and those looking for a major challenge, there is also the option of cycling 220 miles both days.

This year, for the first time, we have introduced a Company Challenge, giving the opportunity for a minimum of 6 colleagues to take on the challenge of cycling all or part of the route. Cycle 40, 70 or 110 miles on either 1 or both days. You can choose 1 section and ride as a group, or each person can simply just choose which distance would suit them best. It is not a relay, but an opportunity to be part of the cycling weekend, setting realistic mileage targets for your own ability. It is also an opportunity for a your company to get involved in the community, a great team-building exercise, a personal challenge for individuals and the chance to do something positive for charity by raising sponsorship in support of your efforts. Already we have a commitment of teams from DHL, Jury’s Inns, Northgate and Haldane & Fisher and aim to ensure that each county in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is represented. Should you wish to share this information with your own company or a company you have an association with, please forward email details to us and we will follow up.

Bus & lorry transfers for you and your bike are available on all stages of the challenge. There is also a superb overnight package at Dublin City University on the Saturday which includes breakfast and evening meal and great entertainment in the bar area at DCU, offering a great opportunity for a get together with your colleagues and other cyclists. People wishing to spend Friday evening in Belfast will be accommodated in Jurys Inn who are offering a great family package including choice of visitor attraction.

Raise £100/€114 for Co-operation Ireland's peace-building programmes through your efforts and receive a fantastic cycle shirt FREE . Additionally if you want to raise sponsorship for another charity of your choice, anything above this amount can be split on a 50/50 basis, and as long as you provide us with the name and address of your chosen charity, we will handle all the administration. We can provide you with fundraising ideas, sponsorship cards and support letters to help with raising sponsorship.

For full details, please follow the link www.cooperationireland.org/supportus/2012/maracycle where you will be able to download information, entry forms or enter online. If you need to talk to us about the event, please call on +44 (0) 28 9032 1462 or send us an email to events@cooperationireland.org