Cork Harbour Cycle

It will soon be time to get your bicycle out again and what a fabulous amenity we have around Cork’s great harbour for cycling. Many harbours including Cork claim to be the second largest ( after Sydney) in the world. Which one is true depends on definitions (what factors are measured ). But when measured by waterfront access and paths, Cork Harbour is largest. The paths and roads along the waterfront make for a beautiful cycle and not too hilly. But this great harbour, with its coastal hills south of Carrigaline, also provides challenging hills to test the hardiest cyclist.

Spring is already in the air and by March winter should be well past, a good time to get back on the bike. On Sunday 3rd March the Cork Harbour Cycle will provide two options. One is a 40 Km. circuit taking in the waterfront paths in a circuit from the city to Passage, the ferry to Cobh and back along Cobh and Fota islands returning to the city. This cycle is suitable for all and hopefully our long standing supporter, Mary Murphy, will dust down her High Nelly to cycle again this year. The 100Km. option, not for the faint hearted, takes in a further 60Km. between Carrigaline, Tracton and Crosshaven, where their Rugby Club kindly provide facilities for a food station.

It’s all in aid of Africa Direct, a small all voluntary Cork based charity. Register on www.africadirect.ie and your donation will go to help fund schools and slum communities. Money goes a long way in Africa, as little as €25,000 will build a school, €600 a house and a teacher’s annual salary €1,500. If cycling is not taking up all your time you’re welcome to become a member.