Sport Ireland Meath Heritage Cycle Tour 2017- General Information & Frequently Asked Questions

Safety First

A hard shell helmet is compulsory for every cyclist. Cyclists don’t require an expensive bike, but it must be well maintained and in roadworthy condition. The roads will remain open at all times and in the interest of safety, cyclists must obey the instructions of the Gardai, the Civil Defence and other event personnel on the day. Please be aware of other road users at all times.

Facilities

Event HQ is Trim Castle Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath. Free car parking will be provided around Trim in designated sign posted carparks. In addition to sign-on facilities on Sunday, the Hotel will provide toilet facilities at the Start/Finish. Post event refreshments will also be provided at the finish area on Castle Street.Complimentary shower and changing facilities will be available to participants in Aura Leisure Centre, Newhaggard Road, Trim.

Keep Meath Clean

We would ask all cyclists to leave nothing behind but their tyre tracks! You will be cycling through some of the county’s most spectacular scenery and past some of Ireland’s best known historic landmarks - so please don’t litter.

Weather Conditions

This is mid-summer so pleasant weather should be the order of the day. However cyclists would be well advised to bring some wet weather gear. In the event of inclement weather the organisers have the right to alter the route.

First Aid

First-Aid will be provided on the day by the Civil Defence. All cyclists will receive emergency contact numbers.

Service Vehicles

Service vehicles will patrol all the routes and offer assistance where required. Remember, it is not a breakdown service and all participants will be expected to perform their own minor repairs. More serious breakdowns will be assisted where possible. Repairs - tubes and tyres will incur a cost. Please carry some cash to facilitate this. This is not a free Service. Directional signs will be obvious to all and major junctions (only) and hazards will be manned by stewards.

Broom Wagon

Broom wagon will be provided on the day per route. Due to the vast nature of the course it is difficult for the organisers to guarantee transport back to Trim, for every cyclist who gets into trouble. However, if you do get in to difficulty, please inform event personnel immediately (each cyclist will be issued with a list of contact numbers for the relevant route) and we will endeavour to remedy each individual situation.

Insurance

All registered cyclists are covered by Cycling Ireland for this event. If you have an incident on the day, you should contact Cycling Ireland no later than 21 days after this incident.

Start/Finish Area

All routes will start & finish in front of TrimCastle. Refreshments and toilet facilities are available at finish area.

Accommodation

Accommodation options are available on

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entry available on the weekend of the event?

There will be NO registration facility on the weekend of the event.ALL intending cyclists must have already registered on or before WEDNESDAY 26thJULY.* (*with the exception of the 11km Family Spin- entry only available on the day). Entrants will receive a confirmation email prior to the event.

REMEMBER:CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF EARLY BIRD ENTRIES IS THURSDAY 20th JULY 2017 (STANDARD ENTRIES WEDNESDAY 26thJULY).ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER WEDNESDAY 26thJULY. NO ENTRY ON THE WEEKEND OF THE TOUR!NO EXCEPTIONS.

What does my registration pack include?

Online entrants will receive details via email andpostal entrants who have no email address will receive confirmation via post. Your cycle entry pack includes: your confirmation letter/receipt – including your Registration Pass.(Please note: You must produce your pass at sign in), Route Information/Safety Instructions, General Information/Frequently Asked Questions Trim Area Event Map.Route maps are available to download from sign-in you will receive souvenir jersey (excluding 11km Family Spin). On the day you will receive refreshments en route and at the finish along with cycle support services.

What if I can't make it to the cycle on the day?

Unfortunately there is no facility for a refund or the transferring of an entry.

Can I change from one route to another after registration?

No changes in route selection can be accommodated after the closing date.

Must I sign-in prior to the event?

Yes. Every cyclist must sign-in prior to starting their chosen cycle-route At the sign-in you will receive your event wristband, souvenir jersey, route information and Emergency Contact Numbers. (souvenir jersey not applicable to 11km).

Please note: You must produce your event order number at sign in.Wristband must be worn at all times during the tour.

Can I sign-in the day before the event?

Yes, you can. Sign-in at Marquee on Castle Street, Trim will open on Saturday 29th July from 2pm to 7pm.

What time does sign in open at on the day?

Sign-in for the 160k event will open on 30th July from 7am-7.45am

Sign-in for the 100k event will open on 30th July from 8am - 9.15am

Sign-in for the 50k event will open on 30th July from 9.30am-10.15am

Sign-in and registration for the 11k event will open on 29th July from 2pm

Participants should allow plenty of time to sign in prior to their event start.

What time does the event start at?

Start time for the 160k event will be at 8am on 30th July.

Start time for the 100k event will be at 9.30amon 30th July.

Start time for the 50k event will be at 10.30amon 30th July.

Start time for the 11k event will be at 5pm on Saturday 29thJuly.

The official start for all routes is TrimCastle. Please arrive there in good time so that you can enjoy the atmosphere. Stewards will direct all cyclists from the sign-in to the official start.

Is there free car parking?

Yes. Free car parking will be provided around Trim in designated sign posted carparks.

What do I need to bring with me?

A hard shell helmet is compulsory for every participant. Your REGISTRATION PASS is necessary for sign in. Don't forget your bike, spare tube, pump, gear, food and drink (there are food stations on the route but it is always safer to bring your own. You will need it!) Also don't forget to bring a sense of fun!

Where are the Food Stops?

(Toilet facilities available at all Food Stops)

Family Spin 11km - There will be a food stop at Jack Quinn’s Pub (7km)

Tara Loop 50km - There will be a food stop at the Hill of Tara(23km) and a water stop at Kiltale (36km).

Royal Tour 100km - There will be a water stop atSeneschalstown GAA Club (29.2km) and afood stop atWilkinstown Community Centre(59km).
Royal Challenge 160km - There will be awater stop atGormalough Inn(51km). The food stop will be inCormeen Community Centre (99km)and the lastwater stop will beat Bawn Inn, Higginstown(133km).

Cyclists should carry a water bottle with them for filling at water stops along the way.

Must I be over a certain age?

Yes. For insurance reasons the following age restrictions apply:

Family Spin is open to 6 years +, those under 12yrs on 29th July 2017 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tara Loop participants must be aged 10yrsand over on 30th July 2017 and under 16's must be accompanied by an adult. Royal Tour and Royal Challenge participants must be over 16 years of age on 30th July 2017.

Do I need permission from a parent/guardian to participate?

Yes, if you are under 18 you must have permission from a parent/guardian. Application form must be completed by a parent/guardian.

Is this cycle for any particular charity?

The nominated charity is Enable Ireland Meath. Enable Ireland provides Early Services in Meath for children with disabilities. The services provided include: clinical assessment, therapy, education, training and family support. These are vital services promoting personal development of children with disabilities, which enables independence, choice and inclusion. Enable Ireland teams work with the individual and their family on a plan for each life stage. Sponsorship cards are available from Meath LSP office on 046-9067337. You may also support the charity on the day.