All set for ‘Lap of the Lake’ charity cycle

Following the success of the inaugural ‘Lap the Lake’ last May, in which 250 cyclists raised funds for the RNLI, the Lough Derg RNLI Fundraising committee are bringing it back. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6, and will raise funds for the RNLI’s local lifeboat station, which is operated by volunteers on Lough Derg. The RNLI is a charity that saves lives on the water and works to prevent drowning.

There are still places available for the Lough Derg RNLI charity cycle, Lap the Lake, to be held on Saturday week. Lough Derg RNLI volunteers invite you to participate in an event that promises to be a day full of fun on a route around Lough Derg noted for its magnificent countryside and views, an event which will raise essential funds for the lifeboats.

This year, by popular demand, the organising RNLI fundraising committee have planned two routes. Both start in Dromineer village and take in spectacular countryside.

The longer 120km route heads first to Nenagh, on to Portroe and around the lake, crossing the bridge at Ballina to Killaloe, then on towards Mountshannon for a comfort stop and lunch break. From there the route continues on to Portumna where there will be another comfort stop with refreshments at Le Boat Emerald Star Line. The last leg of the cycle passes through Terryglass, Ballinderry, Coolbawn, Puckane and finally back to Dromineer where shower facilities are available at Lough Derg Yacht Club.

The shorter, 65km route, follows the first route with a comfort/lunch stop at Killaloe Sailing Club at Two Mile Gate. From there participants will return by a reciprocal route back to Dromineer.

Riders' safety and well-being is a priority, with First Aid providers, out-riders, marshals and bike maintenance stops along the route, as well as the comfort and refreshments stations.

The day will conclude in Dromineer with food, full bar facilities and of course, music.

Niamh McCutcheon, Chairperson of the Lough Derg RNLI Fundraising Committee said: “We encourage participants, their friends and families to join the fun.”

HOW TO TAKE PART

Details on how to register to take part in the RNLI Lough Derg Charity Cycle 2023 Lap the Lake are available on the fundraiser’s Eventbrite page.