Cyclists from Tipperary and around the country are taking part in a fundraising cycle to help create new jobs in local food initiatives. On June 15th over 100 cyclists will take part in the 100k cycle which starts in Borrisokane at 10am. The route travels through Nenagh, Borrisoleigh, Templemore, Roscrea, Cloughjordan and finishes up again in Borrisokane. The cyclists will be raising funds for GET Local (formerly LocalSwitch), an Irish based cooperative, non profit organisation. Get Local offers empowerment, mentorship and a complete business services platform to local, community entrepreneurs creating local jobs.
Cycle teams from Borrisokane, Borrisoleigh, Nenagh and Clonmel will be taking part in the event with many more expected to sign up over the coming weeks. People along the route are encouraged to cheer on and support the cyclists as they pass through each area. Halfway refreshments will be provided to cyclists courtesy of local food producers Cloughjordan Woodfired Bakery, Brady Family Ham & Tipperary Water. Refreshments will be served up in Borrisokane at the end of the cycle.
Event organiser Padraic O Brien said “This is a fantastic opportunity for whole communities to come together and support local job creation. Almost €5 billion worth of food is imported into Ireland each year. We want to reverse the outflow of money from the local economy. We will do this through rebuilding local food supply chains. Funds raised through this cycle will enable us to provide start up capital to new local food initiatives.”
An event page has been set up on Facebook under the title Borris v Borris Charity Cycle Supporting Local Food Initiatives. You can also follow updates on Twitter from @LocalSwitch and @GETLocalBorris. Ambulance cover will be provided by The Red Cross.
Cyclists wishing to sign up can do so on the day or by phoning Padraic on 086-2222302. Online donations can be made at www.startsomegood.com/getlocalireland (after 27th May). To find out more about GET Local visit www.localswitch.ie