Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) are delighted to announce the launch of their Cycle Challenge for 2023 – this year a stunning route through Bohemia and along the Danube has been planned, starting from Prague, and finishing in Vienna.
The Cycle Challenge is IHF’s largest and longest standing fundraising event, running every year since 2009 and proudly supported by Kingspan for 14 years. Since established, it has raised over €2 million for IHF’s Nurses for Night Care service; benefitting thousands of families with the provision of over 2,000 nights of care every year. By joining the 2023 Cycle Challenge, participants will help IHF to continue this vital work and support the other services IHF provide including the Bereavement Support Line and other work in end-of-life and bereavement care.
When: Sunday 2nd July to Saturday 8th July 2023
Where: Prague to Vienna
What is it: A 5-day cycle, covering 500km in total
IHF’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Cycle Challenge will start in Prague on Monday 3rd July, with the route progressing through the undulating landscape of the region, moving alongside rivers and forests and leading to 14th Century towns and picturesque villages. Midweek, the Cycle will pass through the unique Trebonsko UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to overnight in the Renaissance town of Telc. Cyclists will enjoy the sights before picking up the cycle path along the Danube and into Austria to arrive in Vienna on the final day. Overall, the itinerary will provide a wonderful opportunity for different levels of cycling enthusiasts. There are a number of route options with daily distances ranging from 85-125km and optional climbs for those seeking to push themselves further.
Cyclists can come alone or with friends and family and some may take on the challenge in memory of a loved one. Cyclists of varying levels are welcome on this unique journey and to share the goal of cycling 500km. By taking part in the Cycle, supporters will take on a personal challenge but will also be helping IHF to support people facing dying, death and bereavement. Cyclists will be supported throughout the journey by the IHF team. Flights, accommodation and full board are included. Places are limited so if you are interested in taking on a challenge of a lifetime contact Louise on 01-6793188.
Helen McVeigh, Director of Fundraising at IHF, said: “By joining IHF on the Cycle this year, you will be embarking on a personal challenge and you will also be supporting people across the country who are facing end of life. It is IHF’s vision that no one should face these difficult times without the care and support they need. This is your chance to make a difference for end-of-life care and bereavement care for families across Ireland.”
For more details, please see www.hospicefoundation.ie/cycle
Irish Hospice Foundation
Irish Hospice Foundation is a national charity that addresses dying, death and bereavement in Ireland. Our vision is an Ireland where people facing end of life or bereavement, and those who care for them, are provided with the care and support that they need. From advocacy and education to services such as Nurses for Night Care and our Bereavement Support Line, Irish Hospice Foundation believes in the importance of dying well and grieving well wherever the place. www.hospicefoundation.ie
The Bereavement Support Line, in partnership with the HSE, is there to provide free and confidential connection, comfort and support to people who have been bereaved. It is a national freephone service 1800 80 70 77 available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.
Key Reasons to join IHF’s Cycle Challenge
- Cyclists of varying levels are welcome
- There is space for a limited number of electric powered bikes
- Advanced cyclists have the option to take on extra climbs most days, whilst the rest
of the group continue on the standard route. - The physical challenge is likely to make you fitter and stronger, whatever the current level of fitness
- Meet new people who also enjoy cycling and make lifelong friends
- Discover wonderful new places and see stunning landscapes across Czechia and Austria.
- Time out from everyday life to do something different
- Visit UNESCO world heritages sites such as the 14th Century town of Cesky Krumlov and Trebonsko Biosphere Reserve
- Have an unforgettable experience with lifelong memories