M to M 24 Hour Challenge 2006

M to M 2006 in Under 24hrs, June 30th

The M to M cycle challenge will endeavor to see 30 cyclists including 3 lady cyclists attempt to cycle non stop from Mizen Head to Malin Head or visa versa inside a time limit of 24hours. The distance is 365 miles (585kms) between the 2 Heads, a decision on the route direction will be decided upon 48hrs ahead of the challenge due to forecasted weather conditions.This is a difficult endurance mental challenge for all the cyclists who have trained very hard over the past 6 months to prepare for this bike marathon.Cyclists from 10 counties around Ireland and 2 from the UK will undertake the challenge, along with tandem pair Billy Shanahan (vision impaired) and Denis Toomey who will join the group" said event organiser John Behan. Businessman Joe Mc Namara a native of Achill island and his company Achill leisure Group are the generous title sponsors of the Challenge. Two charities the National Council for the Blind of Ireland(NCBI) and Temple Street Children's Hospital will be the beneficiaries of the funds raised from the project's participants, which is greatly appreciated. "We are delighted to be associated with this unique 24 hour challenge a first of its kind in Ireland as are Temple Street Children's Hospital .Most of the team are cyclists from our charity cycling team NCBI Blazing Saddles. The team will certainly earn the sponsorship they have raised for this 24-hour attempt" says Martin Lawler who is vision impaired and a service user at NCBI.

Team Leader Nigel Forde of Galway Bay CC said " we have trained and prepared well for this 24- hour attempt. To get all cyclists across the line inside the time limit will be a big team challenge both physically and mentally.The night hours of 1am to 4 am will present its own dangers and difficulties where safety and concentration is the number one priority. We have a top class support structure in place, with the likes of Tommy Evans wore the yellow jersey in the recent FBD Ras and Dave Mc Call of Sportactive training camps along with the coaching knowledge of Padraig Marrey." Ritchie Donavon multi ultra marathon runner who has completed challenges across the Sahara desert and Antarctic said "this challenge will be 70% a mental battle which will test the cyclists emotionally as well as physically."
A 15 person crew is also backing up the team with, breakdown support,helpers to hand out the huge quantities of food and water that will be devoured , and road safety marshals with lead cars and out riders"

For further information please contact Galway's Eoin Behan on 087 6557163