Joe Argue with riders, organisers and volunteers from the 2005 BICA ride

A TEAM of cyclists who complete a marathon sponsored bike ride in Ireland each year have smashed their previous fundraising record.
The Birmingham Irish Cycle Appeal (BICA) raises tens of thousands of pounds every year for a host of charities, with participants having to cycle 100 miles a day or more in a gruelling test of endurance.
This year's event raised a total
of £42,000 surpassing the
previous record by several
thousand pounds. And the final
total is likely to be boosted still further when all sponsorship for
the event comes in.
The cycle ride is organised by Cavan man Joe Argue, assisted by his wife Michelle and a team of enthusiastic volunteers who make up the support team.

Lauren Argue, Deirdre Brady and Eugene Greaney (Laura and Lynn Children's Hospice), Michelle Argue, Joe Argue, Helen King (Burnaid - Enzo's Friends), Keith Hodson (County Air Ambulance) and Gabrielle Argue

A mini fleet of vehicles follows the cyclists, including a minibus provided by Bishop Challoner School in Kings Heath and support vehicles provided by Steve Benton Transport and DSM Demolition.
This year's cycle saw the route take in all 32 counties of Ireland, north and south, with cyclists notching-up 655 miles in just six days. Participants completed around 100 miles a day and on some days as many as 120 miles.
Several of those taking part have signed up on previous occasions but many have not ridden a bike for more years than they care to mention.
The proceeds of this year's event, are going to The County Air Ambulance Trust, Burnaid - Enzo's Friends (which offers help and support to people who have sustained burn injuries), HCPT - The Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust, Laura & Lynne Children's Hospice - Ireland and Breast Cancer Research UK.

Dancers from the Scanlon School of Irish Dance in action

A number of other smaller charities will also receive grants, including Maureen McMullen's work with children in Romania, Sister Terese O,Neill's soup kitchen in Romania, Birmingham Open Christmas Charity, Digbeth and the Irish Welfare Tuesday Club.
Most of the charities were presented with cheques at the BICA presentation dinner dance held at the Renaissance Solihull Hotel in December. Hundreds who attended sat down to dinner before the presentations and entertainment on the night was provided by the band Slack Jaw and dancers from the Scanlon School of Irish Dance
A total of 26 cyclists took part in the event and preparations are already under way to recruit people for next year's ride, which will be from Mizen Head in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal.
Speaking on the night, one of this year's cyclists Des Brennan said: "Anyone who has been on one of these cycles will tell you it is one of the greatest experiences they have ever had."
Joe Argue said: "I would like to thank our sponsors. Without them this night and the bike ride itself would not be such a success.
"The majority of our cyclists have not been on a bicycle since they left school.
"All it takes is a little bit of courage to get on that bike for the first time. Nearly everybody says I can't - but before you know it, they are."
Training starts in March for the 2006 ride. Anyone wishing to take part or sponsor the event can contact Joe Argue on 01564 826975 or 07977 465950.