Important update

Hi all,

As most of you may be aware, the weather forecast for this weekend is not in our favour and for the safety and enjoyment of participants it is with great reluctance that we have decided to change the route for Saturday. The decision was made based on a number of factors including last week’s Skoda Tour of Wicklow where similar conditions were experienced and we wanted to ensure that we maximize riders safety.

Updated plan

Basically, with our new route we’ve removed most of the higher, more exposed climbs that we deemed could be very dangerous in the conditions. We’ve also had reports of oil on one of the steeper climbs thus making it hazardous. We’ve believe that we’ve come up with a route that is still very challenging and should provide each rider with the great sense of achievement on completion.

Our new route: ridewithgps.com/routes/7695327

The start of the event will still go ahead at 9am and we’ve tried to ensure that we can accommodate the extra cars that may be arriving.

The only real change we’ve made regarding the food and water stops are :

• The first water stop will still be situated at the top of Djouce hill.
• Our feed stop will be in the same location in Laragh.
• The final water stop will now be located at the Luggala crossroads.

We’ve asked that as part of the food at the finish, that the chip van will provide teas and coffees to those who may want them. We’ve also ensured that there will be plenty of hot water for showers for those that want to avail of them.

Given that we’ve taken out the climbs, we’ve also decided to cancel this year’s KOM and QOM competitions and will instead donate the cost of the jerseys to our associated charity. Hopefully it’s something we will try next year if the conditions are suitable.

Once again, our apologies for this late change but we feel that given the circumstances, we’d prefer to provide a event that everyone can get around safely rather than one where people may suffer unnecessarily.

Any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks,
John

The Orwell Wheelers Randonnée is back for 2015! We're getting the notice out now so you can get the date in your diary now, and start saving room in your stomach for cake! As has become usual, it's taking place Saturday 2nd May, the bank holiday weekend, with start and finish in St Benildus'. The route however, is our hardest yet!

Two climbs of the Sallygap, the Wicklow Gap, Lugalla and... the return of the Wall! All in aid of the Ross Nugent Foundation! At 150km, it's a fantastic warm-up for the Wicklow 200, or a standalone challenge for anyone! We reckon it's the toughest randonnée event in the country, with nearly 2,350m of climbing over 150km. It's worth it for the cake though!

Click on the poster for the full size version, and check out the route at the bottom of the page! 

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