Rescheduled Athlone Bike Fest taking place this Saturday

Athlone Bike Fest returns this Saturday, July 4, with a number of events aimed at bringing the cycling community together.

The event has been rescheduled from mid-May, when unsuitable weather forced its postponement.

It will start this Saturday with a charity spinathon in aid of Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service, which will commence at 10am at Athlone Regional Sports Centre (registration at 9.30am).

Teams of four people will compete for the perpetual trophy with some spot prizes to be won on the day.

From static bikes to stretching your legs a little, the second event will be a greenway cycle to Moate, starting from the car park at Athlone Town Stadium at 11.30.

The day's schedule will finish with a bike parade from the football stadium to the the canopy at Church Street, by the civic offices, where the COPA youth band will be performing.

The bike parade will assemble at the stadium car park at 12.30pm. The parade route is a shorter distance this year, designed to finish the festival with a lot of colour, and all ages are welcome to participate provided parents accompany young children.

Organisers are hoping that the bike parade will grow each year, like a mini-St Patrick’s Day parade, where sports teams can wear their jerseys and different communities fly their flags.

Participants are also encouraged to dress up and add some colour, and local businesses will have some wonderful antique bikes on display.

As the event takes place on the July 4, organisers are encouraging everyone to celebrate Independence Day by taking to their bike and enjoying the health and environmental benefits that go with cycling more and driving less.

"This is a community event not to be missed, and is supporting Esker House. Go on, get on your bike, and be part of it," said organiser Morgan Fagg.