CONGRATULATIONS TO Michael Dawson, his colleagues at the Gift Voucher Shop and the other organisers of the Cycle4Haiti charity bike ride last weekend.

More than 150 saddled up for the two-day cycle from Dublin to Galway – four times the turnout for the inaugural event in 2010.

They raised an impressive €125,000 for the Soul of Haiti foundation, which is chaired by Michael Carey of Jacob Fruitfield and was established by a group of Irish entrepreneurs in recent years to support projects in the impoverished state.

Dawson twisted my arm to take part this year, getting me back in the saddle again after a 15-year gap. God bless the Green Party for its bike-to-work tax scheme.

Nicolas Roche won’t be quaking in his boots but thankfully I made it across the finish line without falling off or passing out.

Admittedly I only completed the Athlone to Galway leg, but I was in good company with Aer Arann’s Pádraig Ó Ceidigh also joining the cycle in the midlands.

Thanks to all those who sponsored me or bought raffle tickets, which helped me pass my €1,000 target.

Dawson’s challenge now is to manage the growth of the event. The logistics involved in getting 150 cyclists from Dublin to Galway safely over two days are not to be underestimated.

It’s a great event, and as word spreads it will grow and grow. They’re already planning for more than 200 next year.

So get on yer bikes and sign up for next year’s cycle.