BERNICE HARRISONon alternatives to movies and the mall
NATIONAL BIKE WEEK finishes on Sunday and there are events designed to get even the most reluctant cyclist back on two wheels.
A spin in the local park might be enough for beginners but more adventurous families should look at Coillteoutdoors.ie for their nearest forest cycle. The best ones for families are in Limerick at Curragh Chase Forest Park where you can opt for a short 15-minute cycle or a more challenging 30-minute spin.
There are some particularly scenic organised cycles, such as Sunday’s Three Counties Bike Run, a looped 16km cycle in the Carracastle area which will take in Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon. Families are welcome and a shorter route will be available for younger cyclists. For other events see bikeweek.ie.
The biggest day of the week is this Sunday where cyclists from 32 counties will converge on the Phoenix Park and all cyclists are invited to come to the park, parts of which will be closed off to make it even more two-wheel friendly. Dress up in your county colours and converge on the Papal Cross between 11am and 4pm where there will be family friendly activities.
Spectators can get involved too.
The annual Wicklow 200 (or the shorter Wicklow 100 for some) is on Sunday beginning at 7am in the Wicklow town of Greystones. It’s a huge event and enthusiastic onlookers are welcome – participants range in age from 12 to 80.