Event Information - Maynooth Cycling Club

Event Information

Before the Event

Please ensure you have everything you need to be self-sufficient for an event of this nature including rain jackets, spare tubes, pumps, tyre levers, food, drink, on bike nutrition etc
The wearing of bicycle helmets during the event is an absolute requirement.
Keep up to date with the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
All participants should ensure their bikes are in good working order BEFORE starting the event. Do not rely on mechanical assistance being instantly available on route - we will be with you as quickly as possible but we may not be able to fix what is wrong with your bike on the side of the road.
Registration is only available before the event on-line, and only registered cyclists may participate. You can register here: https://eventmaster.ie/event/Od7VtpmH0Z

Start/Finish

Sign on takes place on the morning of the event (15th September) from 8.00am to 9.15am for both the 100km and 60km routes. The Start and Finish venue is Maynooth GAA club, located on the Moyglare road (https://tinyurl.com/4d9e4vn6). It’s important to sign on to ensure you get your participant number, emergency contact numbers and also receive any late information on the event. Sign on will not open until 8.00 sharp. If you arrive early please be patient.
Parking is available at the Maynooth Education Campus (Post-Primary and Community College) also located on the Moyglare roadabout 500m away from the Maynooth GAA club. There will be signage and car park attendants to give you direction.
There is no parking permitted at Maynooth GAA club for safety reasons.
A safety briefing will be given at the start line five minutes before roll out. Please pay close attention to this briefing as up to date safety information and road conditions will be covered.
Exercise caution when approaching the venue by car as cyclists will commence rolling out on the course from 9:30am onwards.
Refreshments will be available before you start. Water and food stop for the 60km is at 30km mark (Bective) and the water and food stop for the 100km is at 56km mark (Johnstownbridge GAA club). A hot meal will be provided to all riders when you have finished the event at Maynooth GAA club. Present the wrist band that you were given at registration to redeem for your meal.
If the weather forecast is very bad before the event for the day or turns very bad during the event, the committee reserves the right to alter the course to ensure your safety. We will announce this either prior to, at the start of the event or you’ll be made aware of it along the route.

On the Event

Once you are signed on, both the 100 km and 60 event will roll-out at 9:30am.
If you choose to start riding the route before the designated roll out times above, you will not be able to avail of event support on the course including marshals, support Vehicles, Gardai, emergency medical cover, mechanical support etc. Additionally, water stops and food stops will only commence at times predicated on set roll out times. Riders who start prior to the set rollout times are not deemed to be part of the event until / if the lead safety car reaches them on the course.
Both groups will be led out by a safety car and will lead for the entire route. Do not pass the safety car. There will be a broom wagon for each route.
Roads will not be closed as part of the event. As such, the normal rules of the road apply and all participants must assume personal responsibility for their own conduct on the roads.
Both routes have rolling hills while the second half of the 100km is relatively flat. Pacing yourself will help you have an enjoyable event. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Water refill stations are at the 30km and 56km point (100km route).
To mark the route there are signs, road markings and marshals on the course to assist you keeping to your chosen route. Marshals will not be at every junction so familiarise yourself with your chosen route to avoid getting lost. All turns off the route will be marked and/or marshaled. If it is not marked do not turn. The route markings will be explained at briefing just before you depart on your chosen route.
It is essential that you cooperate with Marshals out on the course. Riders are responsible for deciding if it is safe to proceed at Junctions.
There are some points on the course that extra care is needed by riders to ensure their own safety. Please pay attention to marshals and signs that may alert you to hazards on the course.
Please be considerate and show courtesy to other road users. ‘Give Respect, Get Respect’.
Do not throw litter on the course or at the venue. Leave no trace.
You’ll be given a wrist band when registering that contains a number for contact in the case of emergencies so please call this number if you need medical or mechanical assistance. These same wrist bands are redeemed for your hot food at the finish.
There will be an ambulance/Jeep provided by Kildare Civil Defence following the event on each route.
If you are cycling the event alone, we’d recommend that you carry some form of id in case of emergencies.
It is advisable to bring cash with you in case of emergencies.
Pay particular attention to Marshals and Gardai
Avoid traveling in large groups when leaving the food stops and be considerate in relation to other road users.
This event is run on open roads with other road users. It is not a race. You must obey all rules of the road at all times.
If you leave the designated route you will be deemed to have left the event. Do not take off-route excursions.