Munster Boards cycle against cancer

A few Boardsies have mentioned that they would be interested in having a sister Boards Spin in honor of Le Petit Braquet and his fund raising drive (Dublin cycle page here)

My Charity Page

In his own words...

le petit braquet wrote: »

Thanks to you all. I've been very touched by the response of people on Boards to me as I am a total stranger to most of you. Concern and compassion for others is certainly one of the things that make this country great.

As I said on the other thread, above all else I want to raise awareness in men that any unusual change in your body should be checked out by a doctor. This should help with early diagnosis of a multitude of potential illnesses including cancer and early diagnosis improves prognosis.

In my case I ignored an inverted nipple for at least a year. The issue is not whether I knew that this was a possible symptom of breast cancer, and that men also can get it. Rather I should have got it checked and found out for sure that it wasn't a symptom of ANY possible illness. Instead I took the classic male approach of "ah sure it's not hurting me so why would I see a doctor". I like to think of myself as reasonably intelligent with a couple of degrees and a professional qualification to apparently prove it. However my stupidity in this regard points to an IQ that could be shared with an average brick.

There is of course no guarantee that I wouldn't still be in this position if it turned out the cancer I had was particularly aggressive, but at least I would have the consolation of knowing that I had given the doctors the best shot at curing me.

That being said, there is nothing like a terminal illness to give you a perspective on life. I have been inspired by the courage of Donal Walsh, that remarkable young man from Kerry who was taken by cancer before his 17th birthday. I've had 38 more years life than him, been married for 31 to my teenage sweetheart and reared three great kids. In the grand scheme of things, it's far more important to count my blessings and look back at the wonderful life I've had, rather than regret the "what might have beens". I can pick up the paper or look at the news any day and find lots of people in a far worse position than myself. Sorry if that bit comes across as "preachy" or sanctimonious but as Sean Kelly would say I have to "make the calk-U-lation"

Thanks again Boardsies, I feel like you've provided me with a "grand peloton" to shelter in.


Padraig

So the question is are people interested? If yes what, where and when?

With the Jazz festival on the bank holiday in Cork that may not be the best time to organise the spin so I propose the following weekend.
There are two types of spins we could do, a traditional road spin between 50 and 100 km or a more user friendly shorter 'coffee and cake spin'.

I have plotted two possible routes which may appeal or will encourage other suggestions.


First is an 80km spin, few climbs, nice roads and would be fast enough (I reckon about *cough* 4 hours and 10 minutes). It starts fast out the dual carriage way before hitting the airport hill which takes you into the country side with a fast decent and good roads to the climb before the climb to Coachford and follow the river lee all the way back into town. Just over 80km with just under 1000m climbing.
Goldilocks.
The 80k 4:10

The second is one in the Halloween spirit is a bit more 'charismatic'. I suggest this is for people to use their commuter bike, hack, a fixie, a classic steel framed bike, a high nelly, a BSO, whatever you got.
It follows a lot of what is inner Cork harbour. It starts and finishes in Blackrock at the Natural Food coffee shop for parking and food. It follows the old railway, involves the ferry, takes in a (half) TT circuit and comes back in via city and past the GAA grounds again along the water. A lovely cycle and would be a good laugh I reckon.
Boards Hack around the Harbour

Easy to do, donate to the page linked above and turn up and cycle.... simples.
So what do ye think, who's in for what?

EDIT 30/10/13

Going on those who posted that they will attend a longer 80km route is the most popular. I'm happy to stick to the Coachford route unless anyone has another suggestion?
I think Sunday the 3rd November is a good date and that gives people time to pull out their arm warmers.
As for the start time I will suggest 9am but that is just to throw it out there, if another time is better please feel free to suggest it.
Where to start and finish? On street parking is free on a Sunday and as we are planning to head out 'the link' I propose City hall beside the Fire Station on Anglsea street. There are shops and coffee there for when we land back and it would be a nice pic.
So as it stands...

Route Coachford via Airport route in the op
When: Sunday 3rd Nov @ 9am
Where City Hall (fire station side)

If you are a club member please mention it as a possible spin, every contribution to the fund counts!

Important to remember this is not an event. It is a social spin with no back up, organised food stops, broom wagon, jersey, post cycle massage (unless people from the party bus thread want to drop in).
Be self sufficient re pump, tube, food and water, there will be a stop, (Dripsey sounds good) and people will be encouraged to help fellow cyclists out with punctures etc so all welcome.
It is an unofficial spin linked to no one or nothin' so all liability and risk is your own.
Everyone is encouraged to go at your own pace, no one will be left behind (unless they want to be) normally people will take hills at their own pace with a meet up and regroup at the top. The day is about meeting follow boardsies and raising money.
That said if a club want to throw a lump of cash into the fund and belt off due to time constrains so be it, its all about the money, I will be taking it at a slow pace at the back so all will get home in one piece.

All good? Anything else?

Edit, again this is the my charity link, I think a €10 donation is ok, dont be put off if you cant afford it though anything will do really or if you want to donate more feel free!!