Duo's novel bike race makes the best ‘pit stops' – bar none!

A NEW type of race took place in Rylane recently as two local characters, Humphrey (Fred) Lynch and Mike Walsh, came up with a novel fundraising idea. 

Since both gentlemen are presently not interested in driving, they decided to race each other on their electric bikes and, in the process, raise funds for Marymount Hospice.

The race stared at O’Callaghans Bar, Coachford, and the finishing line was to be Fred’s Bar, Rylane, via Aghavrin and Aghabullogue. Fred got off to a blinding start with his bike on full charge and his super fast legs adding to the speed of his vehicle as he headed for Mullinhassig Waterfall.

The race looked to be his, although Mick Walsh was not letting him get too far ahead. As they neared the village of Aghabullogue, it was necessary for both to make a much-deserved and badly-wanted ‘pit stop’ at Cremin’s Bar to check the vehicles, perform safety checks and execute some necessary top-ups for the arduous journey onwards towards Rylane.

The last leg of the trip was undocumented for the most part, as one of the party in the lead car could not be extracted from Cremin’s in a timely manner. However, as both approached the lovely village of Rylane, with crowds lining the route, it was plain to see that Mick Walsh was in the lead by about four or five bike lengths, with Fred doing everything in his power to try and close the gap. Alas, the finish line came too soon for Fred and it was Mick that was declared the first ever winner of the Coachford- Rylane Electric Classic.

This novel bike race raised €1,600 and the cheque presentation took place in Fred’s Bar in Rylane on Sunday, June 26th, with music by Deora Ceol.