A high spirited group of 17 Foyle Cycling Club members left the GPO in O’Connell Street on Sunday morning at 7:10, when most people were still in bed, for the challenging cycle to Derry. The route took them through Ashbourne, Slane, Ardee, and Monaghan to Omagh and home through Strabane.

After 7hrs 45min on their bikes and two food stops for essential refuelling, the group rode together into the Guildhall Square before the clock struck four – a total journey time of less than 9 hrs – to a warm welcome from appreciative family and friends.

For 3 of the group it was a return journey, as Chris Philson, Paul Nelis and Donal Dorrian had undertaken the cycle to Dublin on the Friday – a round trip of almost 300 miles – to raise funds for the local branch of Duchenne Ireland, which supports children with Muscular Dystrophy.

A particular word of thanks to Alastair L’s friend Clare, who provided a support vehicle the whole way to Derry, which is greatly acknowledged and appreciated.