32 County Challenge

Gruelling charity cycle to pass through the 32 counties of Ireland in 32 hours

25 riders to cycle 590 miles in three days in aid of Irish Wheelchair Association and the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

A group of 25 cyclists will set off from Listowel in Co. Kerry on Thursday 10th September and pass through each of the 32 counties of Ireland, aiming to complete the demanding feat in less than 32 hours of cycling time before finishing up in Waterford on Saturday 12th September.

The 32 County Cycle Challenge will be in aid of the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Irish Guide Dogs for the blind. An Post is lending its support to the unique and commendable challenge by providing the group of 25 riders, who will be covering just under 600 miles over the three days, with An Post cycling gear and equipment.

The event is being organised by cycling enthusiast John Behan, who has previous experience of such challenges after he organised a group of 30 riders to cycle from Mizen Head to Malin Head in under 24 hours three years ago, with the objective achieved and the distance of 366 miles covered in just under 21 hours.

"We have a group of 25 riders from all over the country committed to the 32 County Challenge and raising as much money as possible," event organiser John Behan said. "Weather conditions will be a major factor on the trip but most of the riders have done difficult challenges previously, so they are mentally prepared for the challenging three days," Behan, who turned 60 earlier this year, said.

"We have targets set in order to achieve the 32 counties in the 32 hours and to do this we will have to average over 18 mph. We estimate that each rider will drink about 20 litres of fluids on the road and burn about 20,000 calories with each rider losing approximately 5 to 6 kilos each.

"We have already received generous support from a number of groups and individuals including An Post who will be supplying the us with cycling gear. It will be demanding but we're looking forward to it and we will have an experienced back-up crew in place to ensure that the event runs without any glitches."

Day 1 starts in Kerry and finishes in Sligo after 240 miles and passes through 12 counties and the group expects to be on the road for anything up to 13 or 14 hours.

Day 2 starts in Sjigo, covering the North of the country and finishes in Navan in Co. Meath after 220 miles.

The final day of the 32 County Challenge, Day 3, starts in Navan and covers the East side of the country, finishing in Waterford after 130 miles, passing through 8 counties.