There is a meeting in Owenbeg on Monday 24th June 7pm to discuss preparations.

Previous cycle slams have conquered Ireland in a ten day tour in 2010, made its way to continental Europe in 2011 and last year it traveled across twelve counties with 18 cyclists on board.  2013 the Oak leaf cycle slam is travelling from Coast to Coast, 400 miles in four grueling days.

Are you up for a challenge in 2013? If so register at derrygaa.ie/cycleslam/register

The route comprises of four stages where it is hoped that over 15 people will cycle in unison across all the counties of Ulster and Sligo. With overnight stays in Bunbeg, Yeates Country Hotel (Sligo) and The Slieve Donard (Newcastle) Slam 2013 promises to be the most fun, spectacular and memorable one yet.

It will raise funds for the Derry GAA Coaching Programme which provides a comprehensive course of Gaelic Games and Physical Fitness activities to school children across the county.

Full information is available from derrygaa.ie/cycleslam

Sign in on the day from 8am leaving Foreglen from 8.30am.  60 mile route, food, showers and a good days craic all guaranteed.  Donation of £10 on the day.

Oakleaf Cycle Slam jerseys will also be available to buy for £40.
For any further information contact Chris Collins at chris.collins.gm.derry@gaa.ie

This time last year Derry PRO Chris McCann couldn’t have cycled from Limavady to Glack, last weekend he cycled halfway round Ireland in three days as part of the Oak Leaf Cycle Slam – and actually enjoyed it!

Stage One, Friday July 13 – Magherafelt to Donegal Town

As I pulled into the car park in the Derry Kit van with our trusty support driver Brian Og Mullan at Magherafelt pitch last Friday morning, I’ll admit the nerves were jangling in my stomach. Of the 16 men who took part in the 2012 Oak Leaf Cycle Slam, I was probably the most inexperienced cyclist.

I’d only bought a bike last August to shed a few pound when I was tipping the scales at over 16 stone. I got a few miles in before October when the weather and loss of light made cycling pretty much impossible. The fact is I hadn’t done a ride of much more than 30 miles before this spring.

I figured that if I signed up for the Oak Leaf Cycle slam with Chris Collins and the lads, it would give me the incentive to up the miles, and that was the case. Throughout March and April I’d steadily increased the distances I was putting in, 40 milers and 50 milers. By May I’d done a couple of 60s and even a 70 or two.  Unfortunately June was a bit of a write-off. For a start, I headed to Poland for the Euros for a week and half. Miles and healthy eating were replaced by beer and Pizzas in Poznan and Gdansk. Then the second half of the month was absolutely frantic at work, and although I got out on the bike as often as possible, my preparation wasn’t ideal.

Still, by this stage I’d gathered up a fair bit of sponsorship and I’d been included in the Derry Post’s preview of the slam, so there was no turning back now.  It was July and an event that had once seemed far off was upon me – over 300 miles in three days when the most I’d ever managed in full week before was 160.

As we rolled out of O’Donovan Rossa’s ground and headed toward Draperstown, I was fuelled by nervous energy as I looked around at all the experienced men around me.  My big worry was that they’d be thinking “Who’s this half-prepared, half-wit on the cheap bike? He’s only going to slow us down.” Events over the weekend showed me that my worries were groundless on this count as the other slammers couldn’t have been more supportive.

The first half of Friday’s run took us across South Derry through Draperstown and into Tyrone, where we stopped for lunch in Ardstraw just outside Newtonstewart. It was a pretty hilly opening 40 miles but I managed it okay and felt a little less trepidation as we pulled in to enjoy the lunch prepared and supplied for us by Aileen and Shauna. The next section of the route took us across one of the worst roads in Donegal, but still I felt grand when we rejoined the main road for the final run into Donegal town. The last 10 miles on Friday were covered at a serious rate downhill and on a perfect surface we averaged 32 miles an hour on that stretch. Thanks to help from all the rest of the guys, but particularly the Magee brothers and Richard Ferris, I managed to hang on to the bunch as we arrived at the Abbey Hotel.

Having got through the opening day I’d reached my first target and felt pretty good, but nagging at the back of my head was the thought at 126 miles, Saturday’s run would be a full 50-mile longer than Friday’s.

Stage 2, Saturday July 14th – Donegal Town to Mullingar

I’d be telling a lie if I didn’t admit that I suffered a fair bit on Saturday. Despite a minor spill and broken shoe cleat in Leitrim, first 90 miles or so I felt okay-ish but the last 30 were tough. One of the energy drinks or gels I’d taken didn’t agree with me (I’ll spare you the gory details but suffice to say my kidneys were working overtime) but that’s when the strength of the group kicked in. Liam Crampsie, Mark Young, Mickey O’Neill, Damien McLaughlin, Dean Lockhart, Eamon Ferris, Emmett Stewart , Dermot Scullion, Colin Connolly and Brendan Donnelly all helped me through nursing me home in the middle of the bunch. Just when I thought one particular hill on the final stretch was going to beat me, Chris Collins all but dragged me up it.

I can’t remember the last time I felt more tired than I did on Saturday night in Mullingar, and I was genuinely worried about making through the final 120 mile ride back home to Magherafelt. That I managed it, was thanks in no small part to Liam Crampsie who identified the energy drink I’d been using on Saturday as the probable cause of my problems and supplied with a different fluid to see me home.

Stage 3, Sunday July 15th – Mullingar to Magherafelt

The first 40 mile on Sunday went fairly hitch free, but having felt a bit of pain in my lower back it was decided to adjust my seating position at the first food stop in Kingscourt. This didn’t quite work out as an attempted repair saw the clamp round my seat post rendered useless and my bike out of commission. Having already completed 250-miles, the thought of having to travel the last 80 mile home in the van was pretty depressing but my mechanical problem proved to be a blessing in disguise, well for me at least. One of the guys who’d travelled to Mullingar on Saturday to join us for last leg offered me the loan of his bike for final run home. His sleek full-carbon Cube machine was a substantial upgrade on my own bike and I really found my legs over the final 80 miles.

Coming into the Moy for our final food-stop at 4pm on Sunday, I felt better than I had all weekend and the last 35 mile run along the loughshore through Arboe and Ballinderry was actually enjoyable, again thanks to the efforts of the rest of the group who took all the wind at the front and allowed me to cruise home in the middle of the pack. I might not have completed the Ring of Death around the Pyrenees or Paris-Roubaix but I’ll confess to feeling a fair sense of achievement as we were welcomed back into Magherafelt at 6.30pm on Sunday. This time last year I’d have struggled to cycle from Limavady to Dungiven and now I’d gone half the length of Ireland in back in three days.

I was certainly relieved to have unclipped the pedals and was dog tired on Sunday night. However, as I tucked into a well-earned plate of barbecue at the Oak Leaf later that evening, the thought struck me that I was already looking forward to next year’s Oak Leaf Cycle Slam. The event was superbly organised by Chris Collins and our support crew of Aileen, Shauna and Brian Og saw to our every need, but most of all there had been a great sense of camaraderie among the participants. That a recreational cyclist like myself was able to complete the event was a tribute to the team spirit among all the those involved, and I’d just like to thank all the other guys for nursing me round and say roll on Oak Leaf Cycle Slam 2013. My advice to anyone out there with even half a notion of doing the event next year is to go for it, it’s tough but you’ll enjoy it and you’ll be proud of yourself when you’re finished.

After 350 long miles, Oakleaf Cycle Slam 2012 comes to an epic conclusion as Club Derry host a Homecoming Gourmet BBQ evening on Sunday 15th July (8.00pm) at the Oakleaf Restaurant, Maghera. Admission is £10 by ticket or at the venue.

As part of a not-to-be missed event, entertainment on the evening will be provided by special guests and a host of Derry Scor champions includes:

Rossa Ballad Group Scor Sinsir County Champions

Hannah Ferguson Scor na nÓg Ulster Champion Solo singing

Solo singing Derry and Ulster champion Hannah Ferguson from the Watty Grahams Glen club. Hannah was one of three Derry finalists in this years Scór na nÓg.

Raymond O’Hagan Scor Sinsir Ulster Champion Recitation

Meet the Cyclists, stories on how training is going for the 18 strong team, events, videos and much more…..

Upcoming Events for you to get involved in

Friday 22nd June:  Cycle Slam Quiz Night The Market Inn (Regans) Draperstown from 8pm.  Everyone welcome to attend the now annual quiz night which is sure to test your general and sporting knowledge

Friday 13th July: The Oakleaf Cycle slam 2012 departs Magherafelt for the beginning of its 350 miles in three days taking in twelve counties including Donegal, Leitrim, Westmeath and Monaghan.

Sunday 15th July: Oakleaf Cycle slam home coming party and Club Derry BBQ at the Oakleaf, Maghera.  Tickets will be available on the night and from Chris Collins or any Club Derry member before the event.  Get out and show your support for the cyclists and enjoy a cracking meal at the same time.  Music will be provided on the night.

Sunday 5th August: The Foyle Challenge sponsored by Genesis Breads: Now an annual event, the 60 mile cycle will be departing Owenbeg from 9am and will challenge cyclists on a very quick route across Limavady, Magilligan, across the Ferry, through Derry and back to Owenbeg.  A minimum donation of £10 per cyclist is requested.  All cyclists will be provided with changing facilities, a warm shower, snack on the road and a meal after the cycle.

To keep up to date with everything that’s going on and to follow the lads on the challenge this year “like” their page:  www.facebook.com/oakleafcycleslam

Donations can also be made to cyclists individually or collectively on their fundraising page: www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/oakleafcycleslam

For more information contact Chris Collins at chris.collins.gm.derry@gaa.ie

Derry Physical Fitness officer Anthony Begley helps Derry schools coaches Enda Muldoon and Kevin Hinphey gear up for the Oak Leaf Cycle slam 2012. Now in its third year, the fundraiser hopes to raise over £18,000 to support the County school coaching programme. (Photo: Mary K Burke).

Events for 2012 Oakleaf Cycle Slam are as follows:

Friday 22nd June:  Cycle Slam Quiz Night The Market Inn (Regans) Draperstown from 8pm.  Everyone welcome to attend the now annual quiz night which is sure to test your general and sporting knowledge

Friday 13th July: The Oakleaf Cycle slam 2012 departs Magherafelt for the beginning of it’s 350 miles in three days taking in twelve counties including Donegal, Leitrim, Westmeath and Monaghan.

Sunday 15th July: Oakleaf Cycle slam home coming party and BBQ at the Oakleaf, Maghera.  Tickets will be available on the night and from Chris Collins or any Club Derry member before the event.  Get out and show your support for the 17 cyclists and enjoy a cracking meal at the same time!

Sunday 5th August: The Foyle Challenge sponsored by Genesis Breads: Now an annual event, the 60 mile cycle will be departing Owenbeg from 9am and will challenge cyclists on a very quick route across Limavady, Magilligan, across the Ferry, through Derry and back to Owenbeg.  A minimum donation of £10 per cyclist is requested.  All cyclists will be provided with changing facilities, a warm shower, snack on the road and a meal after the cycle.

Further details can be found at www.derrygaa.ie/cycleslam or www.facebook.com/oakleafcycleslam

Derry Physical Fitness officer Anthony Begley helps Derry schools coaches Enda Muldoon and Kevin Hinphey gear up for the Oak Leaf Cycle slam 2012. Now in its third year, the fundraiser hopes to raise over £18,000 to support the County school coaching programme. (Photo: Mary K Burke).

Events for 2012 Oakleaf Cycle Slam are as follows:

Friday 22nd June:  Cycle Slam Quiz Night The Market Inn (Regans) Draperstown from 8pm.  Everyone welcome to attend the now annual quiz night which is sure to test your general and sporting knowledge

Friday 13th July: The Oakleaf Cycle slam 2012 departs Magherafelt for the beginning of it’s 350 miles in three days taking in twelve counties including Donegal, Leitrim, Westmeath and Monaghan.

Sunday 15th July: Oakleaf Cycle slam home coming party and BBQ at the Oakleaf, Maghera.  Tickets will be available on the night and from Chris Collins or any Club Derry member before the event.  Get out and show your support for the 17 cyclists and enjoy a cracking meal at the same time!

Sunday 5th August: The Sperrin Challenge sponsored by Genesis Breads: Now an annual event, the 60 mile cycle will be departing Owenbeg from 9am and will challenge cyclists over some off the most beautiful, rugged scenery the Sperrins has to offer.  A minimum donation of £15 per cyclist is requested.  All cyclists will be provided with changing facilities, a warm shower, snack on the road and a meal after the cycle.

Further details can be found at www.derrygaa.ie/cycleslam or www.facebook.com/oakleafcycleslam

The clouds got darker, it was looking ominous!  30 miles down the road and it was decided to take a coffee stop at a French Pasteriee were McGee was threatening to go mad around the shop at the sight of buns in every shape and size.

The changeover took place Cathal was in the van and Emmett back out on the road for the remaining 70 miles and then the rain started.  The rain was raucous, although it wasn’t cold like at home, the rain was slightly cooler than body temperature, nothing else for it but we had to persevere, heads down, the speed lifted to 22mph everyone just trying to get to the next point 30 miles down the road.

30 miles came and there was no recognition of any towns we were supposed to be passing through.  Cathal leading us in the van began to worry, so did we.  Another 5 miles down the road and the best I can describe the events that took place was from that famous scene from Dumber and Dumber when Lloyd drove in the wrong direction:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbYan4RbKQ0 picture Cathal as Lloyd and Richard as Harry.

Decision to me made, drive back 20 miles the way we came or get a lift on the motorway for 5 miles across  the danger, across the motorway it was.  When we got in and sat for a while we started to get cold and ceased up, to be honest we were very nearly continuing in the van to Dieppe but our slogan “think of the children” came into play and we bared the elements and stuck with it for the final 23 miles into Dieppe.

In the end it turned out to be a very challenging day, soaked wet through, a lack of a proper food stop and cycling across France in the wrong direction, however we made it to the campsite which was showing the effects of the rain, made some spuds by the request of Richard and battened down the hatches for another night’s rest hoping that the weather will be kinder tomorrow.

To follow the lads on their journey to Paris go to www.facebook.com/oakleafcycleslam

We were proved correct, the run out of London in glorious sunshine was great and in no time we were in Leatherhead and out of any congestion or danger.  The early night’s sleep seemed to bring out the best in the lads as the pace was frantic averaging 18.2mph for the 80 mile journey (105 miles for Emmett as he was the only man not in the van today).  With the sunshining everything was going well until Cathal, Emmett and Diarmuid went one way through Maidstone and Richard followed Chris in the van on a ring road, 10 miles later and the lads were reunited with some choice words as to who actually left who.  Once back on the road the pace rose again and in no time we were in Folkestone 3 hours ahead of schedule, the panic was over, we knew we were going to make it for the Euro Tunnel on time.

In Folkestone we decided to head to the  leisure centre to get a wash and revitalise the legs after a hectic day of cycling in the sun, unfortunately our plans didn’t work out as the pool was unavailable but we got showered up and headed for fish and chips as our last meal before France.

Google sent us to the Little Fish and Chip shop and it didn’t disappoint, the fish was huge and the chips weren’t bad either so with bellies full and weary legs it was onto the Euro Tunnel which was incredibly easy and efficient to board, 35 mins later we were in Calais and driving on the right hand side of the road.  Chris and Emmett successfully navigated us to the campsite which was rough enough but after the bikes were maintained and a controversial draw for the beds made everyone was tucked up and ready for another nights sleep.

To find out if the lads make it to Paris follow them on www.facebook.com/oakleafcycleslam