TAOISEACH ENDA Kenny, is to take part in the gruelling 180km (112 mile) annual Ring of Kerry charity cycle, Munster’s biggest charity fundraising event, in July, organisers confirmed yesterday.
Mr Kenny has been advised to get used to “learning the tricks” of avoiding potholes on the Kerry roads and not to make “the all too common mistake of riding in too high a gear”.
Mr Kenny signed up for the cycle yesterday, as he had on previous occasions, said organiser and Fine Gael councillor Cathal Walshe of Killarney.
The Taoiseach, along with other cyclists, is being issued with a number of tips about his training schedule as well as the condition of his bicycle.
“Don’t make the most common mistake of riding in too high a gear. Heavy gearing means you are labouring to turn the pedals. Change to low gears, spinning the pedals at about 75/85 revs per minute, changing the gears all the time to maintain this cadence uphill and down,” cyclists are advised.
“The training programme is based on four days training each week with rest periods in between. Mix your routine with other forms of exercise, swim, walk, handy cycling or stretching. Try to keep the legs up, sit instead of standing, even in the pub,” is the advice.
Last year 4,000 cyclists took part in the gruelling cycle.
This year’s event takes place on Saturday, July 2nd and is sponsored by Radio Kerry’s community fund.