A long distance ride from Malin Head to Mizen Head to raise funds for the Irish Community Air Ambulance.
The first charity run was held on the 21st June 2022, when 13 motorcyclists left Malin Head at sunrise (5am) to ride to Mizen Head and be there before sunset (10pm) on the longest day of the year. In doing so they raised over €8,500 for the Irish Community Air Ambulance. If you want to help us raise even more in 2023 then please register your interest now.
The 'rules' of the day are very simple, you cannot leave Malin Head before 04.47hrs on Wednesday 21st June - sunrise at Malin Head that day, and have to arrive at Mizen Head before 22.00hrs - sunset at Mizen Head that day. As it's not a race or a timed event all riders are set of with an interval of a few minutes between each other. It's a bit of a long distance orienteering event for the route is a little under 1000km long and you can take any roads you like but are not allowed to use motorways. Additionally there are a number of POIs along the way which you have to take a photograph of and all photos must contain either you, your bike, or both, in front of or next to the POI. A number of prizes are awarded such as:
- The person who raises the most sponsorship
- The shortest distance
- The oldest motorcycle
- The youngest motorcyclist
In order to take part you must pledge to donate at least €250, this is money you raise in sponsorship from friends, family, work colleagues, etc., between now and the event; sponsorship forms are available from the event organiser once you've registered. If you raise more than €250 that’s fantastic as there is no limit to how much you do raise, all donations will be very gratefully received, but the minimum to be pledged is €250.
Naturally, as you will be starting so early and finishing so late at opposite ends of the country, accommodation is a consideration as we would not advise (unless you live in the vicinity of Malin or Mizen) that you ride through the night to get to the start and then take part in the event, or home from the finish after a long day’s riding. Therefore, camping facilities are provided FOC at both the start and the finish; should you want a proper bed then it will be your own responsibility to book the accommodation but please liase with the organiser as several beds have already been reserved for participants on a first come first serve basis.
For the inaugural 2022 event there were 13 riders, we'd like to see a lot more in 2023. Should you wish to express an interest in taking part please submit your details on the contact form here. By submitting your details you are under no obligation to take part, at this stage we (the organisers) just want to get basic details i.e. name, email, for those interested so we may maintain contact with you as the details for the event are finalised. We also suggest you like and follow the TLDD’s Facebook page to keep up to date with announcements and developments.
This will be a challenging event but is also meant to be fun and, as mentioned above, there are prizes for various challenges on the day so if you want to put yourself to the test and raise money for a very good cause please complete this form and register your interest.
As bikers we hope we will never have to call upon the services of the Irish Community Air Ambulance but will be eternally grateful they are there should the situation arise. Do your bit to support them and have some fun at the same time.
