Belfast teacher prepares for ultimate 'Cycle Climb Cycle' charity challenge
Last updated 10th Dec 2021
Meet Oisín McVicker, a 29-year-old primary school teacher in Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain who has a passion for fitness and fundraising.
Having witnessed the struggles his local community was battling throughout the pandemic, Oisín took action.
“I started raising funds in the build-up to Christmas last year. So many families are struggling to put food on the table, so we set ourselves the goal to feed 48 families on Christmas Day.
"I completed the 4 x 4 x 48 challenge, which is a physical and mental endurance event, running 4 miles, every 4 hours for 48 hours.
"With the incredible money raised last year, we ended up sending out over 400 dinners from the North Belfast Community Food Bank.”
Oisín has once again partnered with the NBCFB, who help support the North Belfast community all year round, with Christmas and the winter period being the busiest time of the year.
“The reason I help and fundraise is to support my local community. I live, work and socialise with the people in this community, they all mean something to me. I was so lucky growing up, Christmas was always a happy time, so I want others to feel that way too. If I can help make Christmas that little bit easier for another family, then my mission is complete.”
Having already tackled both a mammoth mental and physical challenge in 2020, Oisín feel like he had to step up his game this year.
“I needed something harder, my first thought was the seven peaks challenge, but it didn’t seem hard enough. Then I thought it would be nice if I started and finished in North Belfast. Turns out that’s a little too far to run, so instead I’m going to get the bike out.”
As a part time personal trainer, Oisín doesn’t seem too worried just yet.
“I’d say I’m generally a fit enough person so I should be okay. I completed a 20 mile cycle a few weeks back that’s about all the miles I’ve done in the bike this year. My dog Luna has me up around the Cave Hill a few times a week as well.”
Support for Oisín’s challenge continues to grow, “I’m cycling alone with a support car but will be hiking with a few friends and “Meet the Mournes” group. I’ve got a few good friends joining me on the last two peaks to make sure I get off the Mournes in one piece.”
The plan is…
Cycle 1 – 32 miles (Belfast – Carryduff – Ballynahinch – Drumaness – Clough – Newcastle)
Starting at Cliftonville Circus at 2am on Sunday 12th December, we will make our way to Donard Car Park to refuel before making our way to the Carrick Little Car Park.
7 7’s Climb - Binnian - Lamagan - Donard - Commedagh - Bearnagh - Meelmore – Meelbeg
The wonderful Meet the Mournes team have helped plan the route. For anyone wishing to join at various points of the climb, I will be live streaming my location from Strava but a suggestion would be to jump in for the last two Peaks (starting at OTT car park at 1:30pm)
Cycle 2 – 36 miles (OTT Car Park – Castlewellen – Drumaroad - Ballynahinch – Carryduff – Belfast)
After descending from Meelbeg the 7th and final peak, I’ll make my way to OTT car park where I’ll jump on the bike and make my way back to North Belfast for the final 36-mile cycle.
“None of this would be possible without the support from everyone at home and in the local community. That’s who I’m doing it all for.”
If you would like to support Oisín on his Cycle, Climb, Cycle challenge, donations can be made via his Go Fund Me page HERE.
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