Tulsk father and son tackle 290km cycle challenge
Tulsk father and son, Ed and Aaron Payne are undertaking a 290km cycle challenge.
Most people would balk at the thought of completing a marathon.
But nine year old Aaron Payne from Tulsk is taking on a challenge seven times that distance—cycling an extraordinary 290 kilometres alongside his father, Ed.
The father and son team set off yesterday, Tuesday April 7th, on their journey in Offaly at the far end of the Royal Canal. Over five days, they will make their way through Kildare, Dublin, Meath and Westmeath before finally arriving home in County Roscommon. They plan to cycle roughly 50km each day, with one longer stretch of up to 70km. Along the route, they will stay in Airbnb’s as they rest and recover between stages.
The challenge is a fundraising effort in aid of Tulsk National School and Coman’s Swimming Club—two organisations close to Aaron’s heart. The Paynes hope to raise funds for new sports equipment for both the school and St. Coman’s.
This isn’t Ed’s first encounter with long distance endurance efforts. Last year, he completed the length of both Scotland and Wales on foot. Inspired by his father’s feats, Aaron originally wanted to run the full 290km himself. However, after some careful persuasion from Ed and his mother, Jennifer, a cycling challenge was agreed upon instead.
Aaron is no stranger to sport, already training regularly in swimming and rugby. His motivation, he says, comes from watching his dad push his limits: “When Dad ran the two canals,” he explains, “I wanted to do something big too.” The family isn’t new to the route either—Aaron and Ed completed the same 290km distance last summer over the course of two weeks. This time, the pair aim to finish it in less than half that time. Jennifer and Aaron’s older brother will meet them at various points along the journey to supply food, encouragement and essential support.
The hope is to reach and even surpass their fundraising goal of €1,000. Donations can be made through their .
A family fun bingo night, held on April 3rd at the Hyde Centre in Roscommon, also helped raise additional funds.
