To Infinity… and Beragh!

DURING the summer months, 27 cyclists crossed the continent, riding 555km from the cobbled streets of Paris to the rural roads of Carrickmore, raising over £50,000 for Termonmaguirc Cancer Patients Comfort Fund, which supports local people battling cancer in Termonmaguirc parish.

Now, many of those who took part in that epic feat have formed a new cycling club, Infinity, and on Sunday (December 18) they were involved in another, more manageable, charity cycle… a festive-themed one in aid of Air Ambulance.

At the weekend, Infinity invited cyclists of all ages and abilities to trade the spandex for a Santa hat, ‘tinsel up’ their bikes, and join them on a 16-mile charity spin from Beragh to Omagh and back.

Speaking last week, Dearbhla McDonald, a 23-year-old from Gortin who has been elected into the position of chairperson with Infinity on account of the spirited part she played in the success of the Eiffel to Termon cycle, said that “absolutely everyone is welcome to join us on Sunday for what will be a great day’s craic”.

“Almost anyone will be fit to do this cycle,” said Dearbhla.

“We are starting out from Beragh GAA pitch at 1pm, then we will ride into Omagh and up through the centre of the town. Participants are welcome to do the 16-mile route by making the return spin to Beragh, or if they feel like eight miles is enough, they can jump in the back of the trailer and get a lift home.”

SANTA HATS

But here is the shtick – you had to come clad for Christmas!

“We don’t care what you wear, as long at there is a bit of festive spirit behind it,” said Dearbhla. “Throw on a Santa hat, stick on a set of reindeer ears, or land kitted out in a full donkey costume… go as far as you want!”

All of the proceeds of which will be donated to Air Ambulance NI who save many lives across the North every year. Dearbhla added, “You don’t have to be a member of Infinity to take part in the cycle but there will be an opportunity for anyone who wishes to join us to do so. We don’t charge a membership fee and if you decide to join you’ll have plenty of craic, regular exercise, and you might even get away on a few sunny ‘training trips’ next year.”