Toppled cars, injured knees and hilly trek to Dunfanaghy: Ardnashee Charity Cycle continues

However it hasn't been without its challenges as the group of budding cyclists have had to contend with soft tissue injuries not to mention torrential rain, thunderstorms and fierce winds along the way.

In fact some of the riders even came to the rescue of a young farmer who had toppled his car in a field after hitting a pothole and helped get the vehicle back on the road. All in a day's cycle!

You've probably noticed the same bunch of fellas riding through the streets of Derry and mainly around the riverfront over the past month while they've discovered Donegal and Inishowen in particular to be a treasure trove of cycling routes.

It's safe to say they've been putting in a huge shift as they attempt to reach their 16km target and they've kept plugging away even after their most experienced member, Darren suffered a setback when injuring his knee. Get well soon Darren!

And mixing it up this week, two of the group decided to venture on their toughest trek yet in a bid to clock up decent mileage when taking to the road from Derry to Dunfanaghy.

Tackling the hills surrounding Letterkenny was a gruelling challenge in itself but, undeterred, the daring duo continued on their journey, enjoying the spectacular views through Kilmacrennan, Muckish Gap, Creeslough and into Dunfanaghy where they finished their 80k plus cycle which had began four hours previously through the streets of Derry.

The group of 10 cyclists have been putting in extra work this week as they upped their game considerably with honorary mention to Mark Crossan who has impressively surpassed his individual halfway mark with a total of 1,233km under his belt already!

The entire group, namely Darren Boyle, Ryan McGee, John McConnell, Simon Collins, Mark Crossan, David Walker, James McMonagle, Marty McNutt and Dee O'Hara are well on target for the 16k having cycled a grand total of 8,199.501kms collectively since they began their challenge.

More importantly the group are well on their way towards their £10,000 fundraising target for the Ardnashee School and College's Parent Teacher Association who have been unable to stage vital fundraising activities due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The group has been overwhelmed with the help and support they've received so far and hope they can reach their target over the next eight weeks.

Thanks to the following sponsors for their generous donations; Just Vape, Pro Gym, Wicked Vapours, The Mindset Junkie, Liquid State e-cig shop, The Fitness Box, Pro Gym, With Love Recipes,We Do It All Maintenance and media sponsors, The Derry Journal and Highlight Magazine.

If you wish to donate please do so here.