Age no barrier for 70-year-old cyclists

PADDY and Geraldine Griffin are point blank refusing to take much notice of the calendar. They admit they are 70 but will not accept that they should trade strenuous cycles for brief, shuffling little walks.

Such is their enthusiasm and fitness levels, the couple are in the process of putting 1,500 miles into their legs in preparation for the Mizen Head (Cork) to Malin Head (Donegal) fundraising cycle from May 31 to June 3. They are aiming to complete the cycle in 35 hours, during the four-day event.

 

The couple live in Malahide but Paddy is from Miltown, while Geraldine (née McMahon) is a native of Kilmurry McMahon.

Whatever the number of decades totted up, very few people would opt to pedal the strenuous Dublin to Kilrush route in a single day. However, 15 years ago that’s exactly what Geraldine and Paddy managed, eschewing transport by car, bus, rail or air in favour of their preferred two-wheel mode.

“Geraldine only came to the sport in her late 40s. She took part in eight Mara Cycles Dublin/Belfast return,” Paddy noted. “She raced for a number of years and was the first in Swords Cycling Club to win the Ladies Cup and aged 55 she cycled from her home in Malahide to Kilrush, which was 185 miles in a day,” Paddy marvelled.

The upcoming cycle will be over a 665km route and all proceeds collected by the Griffins will be donated to the Neurofibromatosis Association of Ireland. Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder affecting over 2,500 children and adults countrywide.

“I’m particularly proud of Geraldine as it’s a marvellous achievement by any standard for her age,” Paddy, who is also 70, told The Clare Champion.

Geraldine has previously cycled 500 miles around Ireland in aid of Childline and has twice completed the Wicklow 200 mile cycle, while she has cycled in Galway and Kerry several times.

“Most of Geraldine’s cycling achievements have been in aid of a wide range of charities, for which she has raised thousands of euro. Some of those who benefited include the Irish Cancer Society, the Irish Heart Foundation, Childline, the Neurofibromatosis Association of Ireland and Co-operation North,” Paddy explained.

As if cycling the length of the country isn’t taxing enough, Paddy is forecasting that his wife may not leave it at that.

“Following the Mizen to Malin trip, Geraldine is planning, with a group of friends, to take part in the Ring of Kerry tour and, who knows, she may attempt once more to ride from Dublin to Kilrush in a day,” he speculated.

Cycling from the most southerly point in Ireland to the tip of the Inishowen Peninsula poses a fresh challenge for the couple. They will cross the Kerry Mountains via Glengarriff and Moll’s Gap before resting overnight in Tralee. The next morning the group will head for Tarbert and will stop off at Crotty’s in Kilrush before heading up the coastline to Paddy’s native Miltown, followed by Lahinch, the long climb to the Cliffs of Moher and the undulating roads around Doolin, Blackhead Ballyvaughan and finally Oranmore, where they will be halfway to Malin Head.

On day three, cyclists will traverse the N17 from Oranmore via Tuam, Knock, Sligo and Bundoran, completing the longest stage of the trip. The following morning they will be hoping that the legs hold out for the final stage to Malin Head.

Before reaching their destination, the group will face many difficult climbs and rapid descents, including Barnas Mor Gap and the final torturous climb to Malin Head.

Paddy and Geraldine are hoping their friends will come out along the route to wave them on, especially when passing through Clare on June 1. They will be joined by about 20 additional cyclists for their country-long cycle.

For further information on the Neurofibromatosis Clinic or to make a donation, contact the helpline at 01 8726338 or visit mycharity.ie.