Co-operation Ireland 2009 22nd to 27th September

Thanks to Stephen Nolan on Rasdio Ulste4r I've learnt about a Charity Cycle Ride taking place in New England.

CO-OPERATION IRELAND 2009 Overseas Challenge:

New England in the Fall

Tuesday 22nd September - Sunday 27th September

Co-operation Ireland is the leading peace-building charity on the island of Ireland . It is dedicated to promoting better relations between the people of Northern Ireland and of the Republic of Ireland . Co-operation Ireland creates and provides opportunities for groups from both sides of the border to come together so they can learn about each other's traditions and cultural backgrounds in order to help build a society which is based on tolerance and acceptance of cultural difference. As a non-political organization, Co-operation Ireland works with groups and organizations from all sections of society in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland .

Our 2009 overseas bike challenge brings us to New England for five days of cycling over 350 miles. New England is the historic heart of modern America . Bounded on the north by Canada and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean , New England offers immense diversity for all who visit. On this bike challenge lakes and rivers will greet you, towering forests, miles of white sand beaches, outstanding mountain ranges and quaint fishing villages will set the scene for this picturesque week of cycling, in cooperation with Bike New England.

For more information, visit the Cooperation Ireland Overseas Challenge page. www.cooperationireland.org/?q=supportus/sporting/cycling/2009/newengland

Schedule

Flight from Dublin to Boston . Arriving at Logan Airport , you'll be transported by bus to Gloucester, MA, where participants will stay at the Atlantis Oceanfront Inn situated on the rocky shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean . . Gloucester is an historic fishing community made famous in the book and movie "The Perfect Storm".

Day 2, Wednesday, September 23 : Cape Ann - Marblehead loops

For today's ride, we start out together riding to Rockport on the tip of Cape Ann for a visit to Bearskin Neck or a walk at Halibut Point State Park. Circling back to Gloucester , the full 70 mile route takes participants along the Cape Ann coastline to Magnolia, Manchester By the Sea, Beverly, and Salem, with a range of distance options. After a short ride out to the Eastern Point Lighthouse, we return to the inn for a second night in Gloucester .

Day 3, Thursday, September 24: Ipswich , Salt Marshes and Plum Island :

We head north along the New England coastline today, with our first stop Jeffreys Neck in historic Ipswich . continuing along the Great Salt Marsh to Newburyport. The ride ride continues on the bike path out to Plum Island for a loop through the Parker River Wildlife Sanctuary. We'll along the Merrimack River to the Fairfield Inn in Amesbury, where we'll be staying for the evening. Today's ride offers multiple distance options up to approximately 70 miles.

Day 4, Friday, September 25: Coastal New Hampshire

Today we ride for 30 miles along the New Hampshire coast on our loop from Newburyport MA to Portsmouth, NH, following many of the same roads as the Seacoast Century. With distance options up to 60 miles, we return through rural New Hampshire for another night at the inn in Amesbury , MA.

Day 5, Saturday, September 26: The Olde Stone Walls Ride to Boston

Today's 50 mile ride to Boston passes takes us through a wooded and sparsely populated area of Essex County , lined with stone walls, thanks to labors of our farming settlers. We'll ride along the Ipswich River , passing through some of the area's charming Colonial era villages such as Byfield, Topsfield, and Reading . Van support is available for those who do not wish to cycle the full 62 miles. We'll stay at the Holiday Inn on Beacon Hill in Boston .

Day 6: Sunday, September 27: Hub on Wheels

Hub On Wheels was founded in 2005 with three goals: to create an important civic event, showcase Boston 's neighborhoods and parks, and raise money for causes important to the Mayor. The ride was modeled after similar events in New York and Chicago , and brings together several thousand participants, hundreds of volunteers, and numerous local businesses in celebration of Boston and bicycling. With routes looping through Downtown, the Back Bay , Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Hyde Park , Mattapan, Dorchester , and South Boston , it presents a truly unique way to see our great city.