Lap of the Mask Leisure Cycle attracting a broad entry

With less than a week to go to the annual Lap of the Mask Leisure Cycle, the excitement is building for what promises to be a great day out for recreational cyclists. The event has so far attracted entries from counties as far away as Donegal and Dublin. Are these cyclists who tour the country every weekend doing leisure spins? Apparently not – from speaking to several of the would-be participants, these are cyclists who “haven’t cycled that kind of distance in years” or have never cycled that type of distance and “recently took up cycling with the Bike to Work scheme”. It is the opportunity for people to complete the 64km circuit at their own pace in a supported environment that is attracting the new wave of recreational cyclists.

There is a great sense of fun around the event locally this year. Word on the street in Ballinrobe is that the local traders are going all out for the Lap of the Mask – and they’re not planning on setting up shop at the finishing line; rather getting on the trouser clips and having a go at the circuit themselves. There is even talk of a few small bets on the side. Who will finish the event? Who will have to pull up after the food stop? Who will be home before whom?

And what of the regular, hardened cyclists? Word is out among the Western Lakes Cycling Club members that there are plenty of other weekends for racing, but this is a day to sit back and enjoy the ride. Some of the club members are searching for a High Nellie in lieu of their racing bike this weekend.

Online entry for the event is open until Friday night, or participants may register on the day. Visit www.westernlakescc.com for registration details. Sign on for the event at 9:30am on Saturday 15th May at the Western Lakes Cycling Centre, Kilmaine Road, Ballinrobe. The event starts at 11:00am. The entry fee is €30 for non-CI members and €20 for CI members. Proceeds from the event will be shared between the Mayo Cystic Fibrosis Building Project and Western Lakes Cycling Club.