John's bike

2nd June 2009

“Galway to Gaza; Irish Cyclists baptise bikes in the shadow of the Dragon”

 The team were invited dockside at the Volvo Ocean Race  to visit the Irish-Chinese yacht, Green Dragon. The cyclists were on day four of their Irish leg  and we thought it would be a nice gesture to name our bikes after doctors and paramedics killed in the recent conflict after the numerous targeted attacks on ambulances and medical institutions.

On the Shop Street we set up the bike trainers and spun for about 4hrs and collected money. Maybe it’s due the generous nature of Irish people but there was no sign of a recession this weekend, we really were encouraged by the donations from ordinary Galwegian’s. However we still have a long way to go not only in miles but also in raising money.

After meeting Caoimhe Butterly during her lecture tour we have decided to take a back-up van which will be donated to a Waafa hospital in Gaza for transporting patients, most of their vehicles were destroyed in the recent military invasion. Anyone interested in helping sponsor this much needed vehicle should contact us.