Meet
Gary
Home place
North Cork in the south of Ireland
Why I Ride
I originally rode for fun with friend but as years have passed I Now ride to train and to build strength and challenge myself but most importantly I ride to race.
What I Ride
S-Works, Tarmac S/6, XeNTiS Mark 3’s
Favourite Race so far
As I’m relatively new to the world of ultra cycling I’m coming from a background of adventure racing and my favourite race so far was quest beara 12hr it was a multi sport race of mountain running road cycling and kayaking.
An endurance highlight
Finishing second overall in the Quest Beara race after hours of battling with the other competitors
My most challenging moment
Having to retire from The Joe Barr 500 mile due to a crash on the bike early on in the race that I couldn’t recover from . It was a tough call to make .
What I tell myself to keep the bike moving forward
During a race when I’m in a mentally tough place I always try and think of my wife and 2 small boys who have been so supportive and understanding and say to myself come on they are at the finish line waiting for you .you need to do this for them keep the pedals moving you’ll see them soon.
Racing or Riding Goals
Well let’s start by saying I’ve unfinished business in Derry so The Joe Barr 500-mile 2024 is a must but also I want to look at ultras outside of Ireland and I also have an ultra event that I want to do for charity.
What endurance teaches me
I’ve learn the importance of a solid and supportive crew that understands me and how I feel and what I need from the first hour all the way to the final hour .I’ve also learnt from both long day and night training spins you will hit mental and physical lows but once your head is in the right place the lows do pass and the obstacle that seemed impossible now seems so much easier to go around.
Favourite treat-food on the bike
this was the question that took the longest to answer 😅😅.I’m gonna go with an apple square with white icing .