As a warm-up to the April 2020 event, some of the group competed in ‘The Rugby Dash’ – cycling from Mizen Head to Malin Head, covering 400 miles in 36 hours. ‘The Rugby Dash’ left Mizen Head on Saturday 5th October at 6am and the group arrived at Malin Head on Sunday 6th October. Read more about the adventure below…
The Mizen to Malin was created as a warm up to ‘The Great Rugby Cycle’ round Ireland 2020, however it was more of a ‘beast’…
The trip started from Belfast on the Friday night with a long van journey to the most southerly point in Ireland. Spirits were high as the forecast had a tail wind, but someone forgot to mention the rain, rain and rain.
Simon Danielli’s bike came in handy again as Budge Pountney, up for the challenge did not have a bike, had not been a bike and did not know how to use the gears borrowed the former Ulster & Scotland wingers bike. His trial was at 7am in a cold, dark and empty car park at Mizen. The 4 brave men started off from Mizen at 7.30am, and were guided not by Strava or Google maps (technical issues) but by a good old paper map.
Apparently the scenery in this part of the world is stunning, however due to the darkness, then rain, mist and fog nothing but the wheel in front could be seen. A long day on the bike of 191 miles, ended at 11.30pm when a change of route and accommodation allowed 5 hours ‘ rest’.. Up and away at 6.30am for another long day in the saddle No rain and a slight tail wind with glorious Autumnal sunshine so the group arrive at the final destination at 8.30pm. The small incline up to Malin was not an enjoyable climb after nearly 31 hours of cycling.
Budge has vowed never to go on a bike again..
Age 49. From Edinburgh, Scotland but living in Belfast since 2015
Interests:
Cycling & Rugby. Walking or running with our two dogs. Reading sporting autobiographies.
Occupation:
Chief Executive of Royal Belfast Golf Club
Other info:
I have been a supporter of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation for three years. Originally from Melrose in the Borders hence the connection with Doddie.
Always like to push the boundaries for the events I plan. This will be a great way of seeing more of Northern Ireland and enjoying the ‘craic’ along the way.
Age 52. From Ballymena, via Orkney and Melrose.
Interests:
Any form of fitness - Cycling, Running, Gym & Boxing being the main ones. Coaching Youth Rugby at Ballymena and Athletics (Hurdles) at Ballymena & Antrim Athletic Club
Occupation:
Dentist at Galgorm Dental
Other info:
Stu’s brother, and like him, I have been a supporter of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation for three years. Lived most of my childhood in Melrose, hence the connection with Doddie.
Did the last two legs of the first Great Rugby Cycle and the Mizen to Malin Challenge.
Competed Internationally for Scotland & N. Ireland at Athletics (400m Hurdles). Played rugby for Ballymena & Melrose.
Age 51. From Bangor Co Down
Interests:
Cycling, road biking and mountain biking member of North Down cycling club. I love spending time doing all sorts of exercise which could be a trip to the gym or swimming in the cold sea around the Ards Peninsula. I don't mind as long as I get my fix! We have to recently brought a renovation project and this has meant that I have spent a lot of time recently on bringing our Old Victorian property up to the twenty first century, and it’s always good to spend some quality time with my family and our dog.
Occupation:
I am currently a regional manager for Arcadia overseeing stores in both NI and Eire, which involves a lot of car time travelling around Ireland. I enjoy seeing this fantastic country at a slower pace on the bike rather than speeding around in a car.
Other info:
I participtaed in the Mizen to Mallen challenge last year which I thoroughly enjoyed although the legs told me a different story for a few days after. Always up for a challenge and keen to meet new people whilst doing what I love.
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
