THE brakes were pulled on the annual When In Doubt, Pedal It Out mental health awareness cycle last year due to Covid-19, but fortunately it is all systems go for this year’s event.

Cyclists will take to the roads of Clare this coming Sunday, October 24. The event is being based out of the Clarecastle GAA facility and will depart at 10am sharp and take in parts of Clarecastle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Shannon, Quin and Doora – Barefield parishes.

One of the organising committee, Paul Murphy, is thrilled at the prospect of the event hitting the road again following last year’s enforced hiatus.

“It’s fantastic that we are in a position to run the event this year and all of the committee are really looking forward to Sunday. Once again we in Clare Cycle Safety are being assisted by sponsorship  from Ennis Municipal District and we would like to thank them for their continued support.

“Marshalling is being provided by volunteers and will be reinforced by the presence of Clare Civil Defence, Bike Marshall’s and An Gardai Siochána.

“This year’s route has changed from previous outings and will strike out the Kildysart road as far as Drumquin, turning down towards the Fergus Estuary and coming back in to Clarecastle through the townlands of Islandavanna, Islandmcgrath and Lissane giving cyclists an opportunity to hear plenty of birdsong and appreciate the beautiful views and wildlife out in the Sloblands that were reclaimed from the river many years ago,” Paul outlines.

“The cyclists will then pass on out the old main Ennis to Limerick road as far as Latoon roundabout, swinging right for Ballygireen and weaving along through Shepperton, Carrygerry, Ballycalla, Urlanmore and Carrigoran before rejoining the old main Limerick road. This is followed for a short few kilometres before exiting and travelling cross country until we reach the Newmarket to Sixmilebridge road, which we will join before again exiting at Ballycar and then travelling on in the direction of Quin. The final leg will see the cyclists travel from Quin to Clarecastle GAA  via Latoon Roundabout”

Paul explains that the motive behind this event is to get the message out that exercise is a key component in positive mental health.

“Since we first ran this event three years ago our mantra has been ‘When In Doubt, Pedal It Out’, this may sound corny but it has been scientifically proven that regular exercise is key in having positive mental health and this is all the more important with the onset of winter and the shortening of daylight hours.”

“All funds raised from the event will go to local Mental Health Associations and we are proud to say that we’ve given financial assistance to some very worthwhile local initiatives. Mental Health Week took place recently and we would like to commend the associations in Clare that ran some very worthwhile events.”

Registration for Sunday’s event can be completed through a link on the When In Doubt – Pedal It Out Facebook page.