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Joe
Argue pictured here with his wife Michelle |
His
surname may be a verb that conjures up all sorts of misleading
images but when catching up with Joe Argue the other day, a disagreement
was the last thing on his mind.
This softly spoken, courteous gentleman was far more interested in
discussing the main loves of his life, which includes the wife, Michelle,
fondly referred by Joe as the lovely Michelle, as well as the children,
grandchildren and numerous other extended family members scattered
all over the world. His second love is cycling. Not just ‘normal’ cycling
that we may do every once in a while but this is ‘real’ cycling.
Joe also expressed his pride about his daughter Caroline who completed
this year’s ride, which was her ninth, and his granddaughter
Lauren who completed her first cycle, this year.
For me cycling summons up recollections of family jaunts to Small
Heath Park or Farm Road Park. Unfortunately, with only one bike between
six, cycling inevitably led to tears, rows and difference of opinions
amongst the Cunningham girls. These days, although the proud owner
of my own bike, let’s just say it rarely leaves its resting
place - which is stashed among the cob webs in the shed - as cycling
is definitely a challenge for me and always leads to feelings of
defeat after no time at all.
Not so for Joe who is one of the main organisers and part of approximately
30 cyclists who make up the participants of the Birmingham Irish
Cycling Appeal (BICA). Joe himself has been involved with the organisation
of this annual event for the past eleven years since its begining.
Joe tells me: “This year’s challenge took place in July
with the group managing to cycle 550 miles from Mizen Head, in Cork,
to Malin Head in Donegal, via the west coast of Ireland. The aim
of this year’s challenge, as in previous years, was to raise
as much funds as possible for a number of charities and achieving
fitness whilst doing so. We’re pleased to say that every penny
donated to the event goes directly to the nominated charities as
all the cyclists’ expenses are either self-funded or sponsored
separately.
“The buzz that comes with taking part in an event such as this
is phenomenal. It can be a challenge because it often means cycling
roughly 100 miles a day during the six day event, although we do
stop for the odd refreshment along the way. I’d have to say
one of the most appealing aspects of the cycle has to be the bonding
that inevitably takes place during the days spent together. Another
alluring aspect is, obviously, the stunning scenery along the way
but also the hospitality of the Irish. More often than not the participants
are more concerned with nursing sore heads, following a session in
the local gathering the night before, as opposed to contemplating
the soreness of their limbs and the punishing schedule facing them.
“Michelle is the main organiser of the programme and works
diligently to ensure that we have somewhere to lay our heads at the
end of the day; our luggage arrives safely between destinations and
most importantly, the mobile canteen can cater for the needs of the
ravenous riders throughout the tour.
“This year we had the pleasure of Peter and Maureen Mohan who
were part of the back up team. They provided the amusement, boosted
the team’s morale and offered support just at the right time.
On occasion during some parts of the day, it can feel like an uphill
struggle (quite literally) but with the efforts of the lads and lasses
in the back up team you seem to be able to summon up that extra bit
of energy from somewhere within.”
Joe appears to be a determined and resolute individual and enjoys
nothing more than seeing a plan through. Historically, he’s
been determined and unwavering, especially when moving to Birmingham
from his County Cavan home in 1968, with the intention of making
the building industry work in his favour. Joe did just that, and
now lives prosperously with his energetic family and is currently
enjoying his semi-retirement existence. Semi-retirement means different
things to different people and for Joe it means always on the look
out for that next funding raising opportunity. There’s the
Dinner and Dance fundraiser at the Renaissance Hotel in Solihull
on 2nd December with Bob Brolly and his band providing the entertainment.
Then there’s the plan to fit in yet another fund raising cycling
event for some time next year, but this time in the U.S.A.
Joe says: “The plan is in its initial stages at the moment
so we’re just seeing how things go. Mind you, the whole family,
as well as numerous other folk, has expressed a keen interest in
joining up so I’m of the opinion, why not? After all, I have
sisters out there and what are sisters for if not to provide a brother
they haven’t seen in a while with some of that well-renowned
Irish-American hospitality.”
It appears Joe is never happier than when he’s just completed
one event and in the midst of planning yet another gruelling project.
It’s through the concerted efforts of Joe and the other volunteers
of BICA that so many charities have benefited greatly down the years.
Maybe one day I’ll dust off that old cycle in the shed and
borrow some of Joe’s cycling gusto. But then again, maybe I’ll
leave it to the people who know best - and that’s the BICA
guys.
For further information, contact Joe Argue on 07977 465950.
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