Carrick native to tackle some of Europe's steepest mountains
Carrick-on-Shannon's Colin Murray is currently in training for a gruelling event that will see him cycle 1,100km over some of the steepest mountains in Europe over a 12 day period later this month.
On June 21, Colin will embark on "Les Dix Alpes" (The 10 Alps) in Como, Italy in memory of a childhood friend, Martin, who died of cancer last September. Colin felt the need to give something back to cancer care in Ireland and the people who had done so much to care for his friend and is determined to raise money for Cancer Care West.
The strenuous trek includes the famous cols of the Tour de France: Col de l'Iseran, Col du Galibier, Col d'Izoard and Col de la Bonette. In addition, some lesser known, but no less challenging climbs like the Simplon Pass, Col du Petit St. Bernard, Col du Grand St. Bernard, Col de Vars and Col de Lautaret will also feature en route to Nice, where the finish lies.
Along his arduous route Colin will complete nine passes above 2,000 meters plus the legendary climb to the ski resort of l'Alpe d'Huez where lot of famous professional cyclists have fought out heroic duels here in the recent past; Federico Bahamontes, Marco Pantani and Lance Armstrong.
It is now Colly's turn to follow in their tire tracks and in the process raise vitally needed funds for Cancer Care West. "Cycling is one of the greatest forms of escapism" says Colly, who spends many long hours on the Dublin and Wicklow mountains in preparation for "Les Dix Alpes", the ultimate road biking high-altitude experience.
The event has an additional depth of meaning for Colin as he considers the memory of the pain and suffering endured by his friend over his protracted struggle with a devastating illness. Collin relates that to the challenge of climbing some of the steepest slopes in Europe 10 times in 10 days. An additional motivation is given by the impending arrival of Colin's first child in September, after which, no doubt, opportunities to spend time biking furiously around Europe will necessarily be more limited!
Colly will be incurring the cost of the cycle out of his own pocket and all money raised will go directly to charity. No money donated will be used as part of the cost of the cycle.
To donate, please visit www.collymurray.com. From this website you can also track his progress by clicking on the blog link.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Weather for Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
