On Yer Bike!

Cycling is where it's at from next Saturday, with no fewer than seven events organised for Offalians as part of Bike Week. Now a national event, Bike Week organisers are encouraging cyclists and non-cyclists alike to dust off the cycling helmets between June 18 and 26 and discover just how much fun this cost effective and healthy way to travel is. Cyclists from Tullamore's Sprocket Rocket team are currently in training to take part in a cycle on the opening day of Bike Week in Punchestown. Thereafter no training is needed, with events suitable for even those who might have difficulty recognising a pedal. Next Monday Horan's Shop in Birr will host an introduction to cycling session for adults at 6.30pm. Wednesday sees students from St Brendan's Primary School in Birr and Ballybryan Primary School in Rhode take to their bikes to get to school, while Horan's of Birr is the starting point for a guided supervised cycle for adults on Thursday evening. Free bike checks are available at participating bike shops on Friday, and the week of cycling will pedal to an end with a 10k family fun and inclusive cycle event at 10am on Saturday. Events (which are all free) have been organised in Offaly thanks to co-operation from Offaly County Council, Offaly Sports Partnership, An Taisce and the HSE in conjunction with Wolftrap Cycling Club in Birr and Tullamore Cycling Club. Participants at all events will be entered into a draw to win a new bike. There's still time for more events to be arranged, and anyone interested in doing so is encouraged to get in contact with Edel Boyd or Eamonn Henry on 057 9357457 or 057 9357459 or ehenry@offalycoco.ie/eboyd@offalycoco.ie. For a full Offaly event guide visit www.bikeweek.ie.