Meet our bloggers for the 2016 SKODA Tour de Conamara.
In the coming months our two intrepid bloggers will provide you with a monthly update on how they are preparing for the SKODA Tour de Conamara. Each has their own goals trying to fit work and life in around cycling and training. Meet the bloggers.
Barbara Kruta
Barbara is 29 years old and is from Slovakia. She has been living in Ireland for the past 10 years. She used to do mountain biking when she was younger but got into road cycling/racing and triathlons over the past few years. Barbara bought her first road bike 4 years ago which she used for short commuting only and then she started exploring popular cycle routes. Barbara works as a gym manager and she teaches yoga so she is active most of the time.
For 2016, Barbara’s goal is to complete her full Ironman and take part in cycle races and challenges. Her passion is triathlon and anything that involves outdoor activities.
Barbara loves travelling and exploring different countries and she also enjoys a great cup of coffee while relaxing with a book.
John Donnelly
John is 35 years old and is married to Lenka. They have three girls, aged 9, 5 and 3 so getting out on the bike is John’s quiet time. He is the box scheme manager in Beechlawn Organic Farm and he takes care of their social media. John loves cooking and juicing and having a steady supply of good organic fruit and veg is great and helps his training. Apart from cycling, John likes growing veg, fishing and hill walking.
John started cycling 3 years ago and loved it from day one. At the time, Ballinasloe had no cycling club but lots of cyclists. In November 2014, John and two friends decided it was time for a change and together they set up Ballinasloe Cycling Club. They haven’t looked back! John took on the role of treasurer and he also manages the social media. The club now has 95 paid up members. John designed a kit for the club, got sponsors and got it made. The club had a charity cycle in August and raised €2050 for East Galway and Midlands Cancer Care so it has been a great year for the club. John did many local charity and big events including Tour de Conamara.
Last year, John and 8 other members of the club set a challenge for themselves to cycle from Ballinasloe to Croagh Patrick, climb it and cycle home, all in one day. At the end of August they did it!. They cycled a total of 260 km and climbed Croagh Patrick. John will be setting himself another challenge for 2016 so the thinking caps are on!
Getting ready for the 140 km Tour de Conamara will get John up to a good base fitness level as he prepares for the Wicklow 200 the following month.