New charity cycle for Laois and Dublin homeless this summer

A major new cycle fundraiser is planned in Laois to support a local charity that gives food and supplies to homeless people in Laois and Dublin.

Cyclists are being invited to go the distance to help Portlaoise Action to Homelessness (PATH) on Saturday, July 27.

The fun challenge will offer a choice of two sizable routes from Portlaoise, through the Laois countryside. One is 53km and the other 100km, offering a moderate and a harder challenge for cycling enthusiasts. 

“Gear up for a meaningful ride and make a difference in the lives of the homeless community. Join us for a charity cycle event to raise awareness and funds to support those in need,” PATH says.

Chair Jason McEvoy spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“This is a fundraising event with 100% of the funds going to PATH and onto vital supplies for our nation’s homeless and people of Laois and surrounding areas. 

“The demand for our service is increasing week on week so we need as much support as possible. If people are unable to cycle, they can call up to us at the plaza on the day to meet our team,” he said.

It will start and finish at the Portlaoise Plaza, on Junction 17 of the M7 motorway (SuperMacs).

Participants must register beforehand with Cycling Ireland, with a €30 entry fee. If they are not members, they can buy insurance for the day's event. 

On the day, check-in opens at 8am. The 100km cycle will start at 9am, and the 53km at 9.15am. 

Both will stop at a halfway point at Timahoe Community Centre where refreshments will be laid out, thanks to Portlaoise Ukrainian ladies group Malva, Post 27 UN Veterans and volunteers from PATH. 

The cycles will be accompanied by an ambulance thanks to Laois Civil Defence, and a sweeper vehicle thanks to the UN veterans group .

Helmets must be worn. Any queries can be directed to PATH on 087 7744043