This Saturday 24th October a sea of over 250 cyclists taking part in Cycle Against Suicide – SpinOff will make their way through the Ring of Gullion and South Armagh. The cyclists will leave Crossmaglen at 10.30am and form a very impressive looking orange peloton, travelling to Silverbridge, Forkhill, Slieve Gullion, Meigh, Camlough and back to Crossmaglen.
Since the first Cycle Against Suicide Event in 2012 over 10,000 cyclists have taken part in cycles to help spread the message around the island of Ireland that ‘It’s ok not to feel ok and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help’.
The aim of the events is to begin a conversation about mental health; looking after ourselves, reaching out to each other, making a difference, to reduce stigma around asking for help and ultimately through raising awareness, of the help and support that is available, to break the cycle of suicide on the Island of Ireland.
Monthly SpinOffs are organised by the communities for communities. The Crossmaglen/South Armagh SpinOff is being organised by Damien Martin from Crossmaglen and Joanne Callan from Meigh along with the support of many local schools, businesses and community organisations.
The SpinOff will have all the colour, energy and fun of the main annual cycle but all packed into a single day. Entertainment, refreshments and a mental wellbeing event will all take place before and after the cycle.
Crossmaglen Community Association invites everyone to wish the cyclists taking part in the Cycle Against Suicide Spin Off a safe journey as they depart the Rangers at 10.15am on Saturday for a parade to the Square for a 10.30 start. The cyclists will be welcomed back to the Square at 3.30pm for refreshments, entertainment and a mental health talk by several high profile speakers including Tyrone GAA player Cathal McCarron.
Shop owners and businesses along the route are all encouraged to decorate their shop fronts in the Cycle Against Suicide’s orange. Residents too are urged to show their support for this great cause by making banners or flags.
All Cyclists MUST attend the Safety Briefing at 9.30am, or they cannot take part. Registration is currently open online via www.cycleagainstsuicide.com, with an entry fee of 10 euro for Cycling Ireland or CAS club members. Registration for cyclists not affiliated to these clubs will cost 30 euro which includes membership and insurance and is also available on the Spin Off morning in Crossmaglen Rangers, from 8.00am-10.00am only.
Crossmaglen Community Association are delighted to welcome the All Island Cycle to the town and stand shoulder to shoulder with the cyclists to break the Cycle of Suicide.
If you are interested in volunteering or donating refreshments or helping out on the day, please contact the organisers via the Cycle Against Suicide – Crossmaglen SpinOff Facebook page, or by coming along to the Rangers Hall from 8am on Saturday morning. Help is required with registrations, and refreshments in the evening from 3pm.
Later on Saturday evening the Festival of Lights Truck Run will continue to showcase the unfailing community spirit in Crossmaglen. The illuminating event takes place at 7.30, also raising awareness and support for charity and again the Crossmaglen Community Association encourage everyone to come to the square at 7pm to show their support to all the participants as they make their way around South Armagh. For those who did not see it last year this is a breath-taking sight not to be missed.