Nearly a year in the planning, and with all the little details, you could tell the Big Day out was well thought out.
A couple of years ago Claire Young had a vision of bringing women from all over the country together to ride their bikes and in 2022, The Big Day out was born.
Always looking to increase the fun, this year’s challenge was to make the event even bigger.
Not one, but two days of coach-led rides and workshops were brought to Tollymore National Outdoors Centre on 23 and 24th September 2023.
The morning offered 19 & 26 mile road rides with views for miles, led by our Ride Leaders.
The off-road disciplines headed out on a variety of trails suitable for new to experienced natural trail riders, with a selection of MTB coaches and Trail Cycle Leaders.
As if that wasn’t enough, Fustle Bikes brought their stunning Gravel bikes and together with our Trail Cycle leader, headed out onto the Gravel paths around the forest.
A delicious stew lunch allowed the ladies to chat and get to know each other.
Next up, afternoon workshops.
Each participant had 2 to choose from the big list of offerings, the choice was hard.
-Yoga with Lucie
-Breathwork & meditation with Yogafitforsport
-Strength & Conditioning with StrengthFarm
-Cornering with Ian Bailey
-Steep drops with Iain Sneddon
-Indoor climbing with Tollymore Centre
-Bike Maintenance with Craig Rea
-Try a Gravel bike with Fustle
-Try an ebike with Phillip McCallen
Lots of fun was had!
Now time for the raffle. The generosity of our sponsors made this a top class raffle and thanks to everyone who bought tickets, £600 was raised for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, chosen in memory of Sarah Fegan, who was well known within the cycling community and Claire’s Women on wheels off-road group this year.
Dinner and a social evening followed.
Yes there’s still more…
A windy and wet start to Sunday, meant the road ride couldn’t go ahead but thanks to the flexibility of the outdoor centre, options of Climbing wall and bike skills, close to the centre were on offer.
3 MTB groups headed to the natural trails and a Gravel ride headed out into the Forest.
The weekend drew to a close after another delicious lunch and lots of smiling good-byes.
The event was captured for social Media by the amazing Lyn, from Noodlehorsemedia.
Thanks to Fustle Bikes and Phillip McCallen for bringing your fleet of demo bikes and giving up your Saturdays to spend with us.
Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket, without your interest and participation we couldn’t bring you these types of events.
Special mention to the organising committee and every single person who gave up their weekend to volunteer. Thank you!
The event was supported by Cycling Ulster and we loved seeing so many members attend.
I, for one am already looking forward to bringing you Big Day Out 2024. Is it too early to ask the committee for a get together?!
