VIEW, Issue four, 2012


Website: viewdigital.org


Page 16


I rode the Maracycle once and lived to tell the tale – again and again


By Brian Pelan T


he Maracycle – from Belfast to Dublin and back – is set to take place on Saturday, June 23, from Queen’s Sport, Upper Malone, Belfast. Hundreds of cyclists from all over Ireland have all ready signed up to the event, organised by the peace- building charity Co-operation Ireland. I will be with them in spirit but not in body. I am hoping to do it


next year – I just have to put some miles back into my legs, cut down on the junk food and lay off the cigarettes. I done it once before in1985. It’s a day I will never forget. To say


that I was nervous would be an under-statement. I had trained for the event, but as they say, there’s nothing like doing the real thing. My memory is off a glorious day as the cyclists set off from Belfast. The well-toned, super-fit riders were at the front on their light-weight ma- chines that glided effortlessly to Dublin and back. Leading up the rear was all sorts of everything, including yours


truly. One saving grace was that matter how unfit you were, there was always someone in worse shape. It meant that although riders would pass you on the road – I was also able to pass those in worse shape, huffing and puffing, as they put there bodies though mental and physical torture. As we approached the border, I recall a fellow cyclist confiding to me that he had never been in the Republic, and asked ‘did I think, he would be OK’?. I told him to relax and just to think of the glorious pints of Guinness that awaited him in Dublin. I arrived in Dublin in about six hours, had a couple of pints, then


lay awake most of the night at the hostel I was staying in with thoughts of terror at the repeat ride back to Belfast that awaited me in the morning. I need not have worried. My legs had got the hang of it and I was back in Belfast in about five hours. Good luck to all those who are taking part in this year’s event,


especially my younger brother Paul. And to the first-timers, enjoy the experience and remember, you get to brag about it for the rest of your life. I have – as my long-suffering family and friends can testify.


• The closing date has been extended so there is still time to get your entry in.


• Cyclists depart on Saturday, June 23, from Queen's Sport, Upper Malone, Belfast in staggered starts from 7.30am to 8am. The new start at Upper Malone is an ideal location and takes around 2.5 miles off the route each day. Distance to Dublin is now 108 miles to finish at Dublin City University.


• To enter, you can print out the entry forms and details or enter online at www.cooperationireland.org/supportus/2012/ maracycle


• If you have any problems with entering the event or need more details please email: events@coopera- tionireland.org or give us a call on +44 (0) 28 9032 1462.


On your bike: A bunch of riders at the start of last year’s Maracycle


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