Summary: The Blazing Saddles were established in 1992 by NCBI’s Eamon Duffy, with the first trip taking the group to California. Since then, the Blazing Saddles have cycled all over the World and have raised tens of thousands of euro for NCBI on each of their legendary events.
The Blazing Saddles take their name from the hilarious ‘Mel Brooks’ movie!! This high profile cycling team embark upon a variety of Irish and International challenges each year.
Who can participate?
Anyone over the age of 18 years with a bicycle and wishing to experience a challenge while experiencing spectacular and famous destinations. Our cycle events vary in levels of challenge, there’s something for everyone.
What is involved?
Once you sign up for a cycle event you will begin fundraising. Fellow Blazing Saddles will be on hand to give you encouragement to reach your required level of fitness for an event and, of course, to reach that all important fundraising target.
Highlights of 2012
Above: Billy Shanahan (left) and Mark Kehoe (right) sporting their Trip to Tipp Jerseys with Nicholas Roche (centre) at the Nicholas Roche Classic on October 2nd 2012.
Blazing Saddles Events Scheduled for 2013
Details: Cycle with Tour de France legend Stephen Roche in Majorca this May to raise vital funds for NCBI. Click on the link above for more information or to secure your place on this exciting trip.
Other Recommended Cycles taking place in 2013
Interested in taking part in other cycles for NCBI? Below is a list of highly recommended cycle challenges taking place throughout the country in 2013.
For a greater selection of cycle challenges taking place this year please view the Irish Sportive Calendar. NCBI would like to invite anyone interested in taking part to contact us today on Lo-Call 1850 33 43 53 or at cycles@ncbi.ie. Once you do so we can send you on information and material to help kick start your fundraising for people living with sight loss in Ireland.
1 Mount Leinster Challenge
Date: 19th May
Details: Run in conjunction with Slaney Cycling Club, the Mount Leinster Challenge is leisure/cyclo-spotif event which lets cyclists choose between a 100k or 140k route. Both options include an ascent of the famous “Mount Leinster”, a climb which has been used in numerous times in the FBD RAS and has often been the deciding factor on the 2nd last day of the event, not least in 2004 when David McCann attacked on the descent to gain a race winning lead in to Tullow and overall victory. Now in its 8th year, places on this brilliantly run cycle are limited to just 300 participants so early registration is advised!
Entry: €25
Link: Mount Leinster Challenge
2 Wicklow 200
Date: 9th June
Details: The Wicklow 200 is a non-competitive cycle ride that takes place on one day every June. It covers 200 kilometers around the roads of beautiful County Wicklow (the “Garden of Ireland”) and attracts over 2000 cyclists from many different countries. There is also the option to take part in a 100k cycle on the same day.
Entry: €42.
Link: Wicklow 200
3 Ring of Kerry Cycle
Date: 6th July
Details: The Ring of Kerry, which will be celebrating its 30th year next July, is well known as the biggest one-day charity fundraising event in Munster. Attracting thousands of leisure cyclists every year, this event is incredibly well supported with numerous marshals and food stops to help you along your way. The total distance covered is 180km and gives cyclists the chance to take in some of the most spectacular views of the Ring of Kerry, all whilst raising significant funds for many charities in Ireland.
Entry: Through charity sponsorship.
Link: Ring of Kerry Cycle
4 Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford
Date: 24th & 25th August
Details: The Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford is a leisure cycling event that attracts over 5,000 cyclists each year. With 12k, 50k, 100k & 160k routes available, participants are treated to some of Co. Waterford’s most stunning scenery. It’s also a great opportunity to cycle with one of Ireland's greatest ever sportsmen, Sean Kelly, in his native County Waterford.
Entry: €40
Link: Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford
5 Nicolas Roche Classic
Date: October (exact date to be confirmed).
Details: With both a 50k and 90k cycle on offer, the Nicholas Roche Classic is an excellent late-season cycle to mark in your diary for next October.It is also gives cyclists a rare opportunity to join one of Ireland's current top sportsmen on a tour of the roads of Meath. Not to be missed!
Entry: €25
Link: Nicholas Roche Classic
More Information
For more information on Blazing Saddles Trips taking place in 2013 please email JP Corcoran on cycles@ncbi.ie or call 1850 33 43 53.
Cycles taking place this year include a 7 day trip to Majorca from 18th - 25th May and numerous domestic events such as the 18th Annual Trip to Tipp on 27th and 28th July.