The training is at an advanced stage, the bicycles are serviced and in pristine condition and the starter’s flag is at the ready for the Tour de Ballyfinnane which will hit the roads on Saturday, April 13.
The event is now in its ninth year and all the funds raised from the cycle will go towards the upkeep of the local community hall which is such a crucial amenity in the area. The organising committee has thanked everyone who has been so generous in supporting the cycle.
The Tour De Ballyfinnane will have two route to choose from and registrations are now being accepted.
Route 1, which is 70km, will take the cyclists west to Castlemaine and along the Dingle Peninsula to Keel, Inch, Annascaul and returning to Ballyfinnane via Gleann na nGealt, Camp, Tonevane, Caherleaheen, Farmers’ Bridge and over the final climb of the day at Garraun. The entry fee for that option is €30.
Route 2, which 45km, is a flat course and ideal for beginners or inexperienced cyclists. The route goes east to Currans village, Castleisland, Ballymac, Tralee and back to Ballyfinnane via the Killarney road and Gortatlea. For this route the registration is €25.
The cycle will commence at Ballyfinnane Community Hall at 10.00am on the day.
Since it was founded in 1984, the hall has been a welcoming space available to all in the community. Built through the collective effort of families in the parish, it stands as an example of what working together as a community can do and through voluntary labour and contributions from members of the community, the hall came to life, serving as a space where the whole community can gather.
The facility is now in need of some structural updates to ensure it remains a safe, accessible and welcoming space for all and the first priority is to make the toilets wheelchair accessible, reaffirming the voluntary committee’s commitment to inclusivity.
Cyclists can register online at www.tourdeballyfinnane.ie or, alternatively, they can register at the Ballyfinnane Community Hall between 8.00am and 9.45am on the day of the cycle.
After the cycle, a barbecue and refreshments will be available at Shanty Bar for all participants.
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