The time has come again to see if you are up for the challenge of the Orwell Randonnee and to see if you can add your name to the coveted list of successful participants. In keeping with previous years this year promises to be the event not to be missed!

This year we have changed the route from the previous years – note we have said “Changed” not made it easier, some of the old favourites are still there. For interest we have managed to find a few new stretches of road through the Wicklow countryside just to keep you out of the saddle a bit more.

The event is fast becoming a key milestone on the annual sportive calendar and, as those of you who have participated before will know, it combines testing climbs and fantastic scenery in a tough day’s cycling that will stretch your legs to the full.

Whether your goal is the Wicklow 200, the Sean Kelly, or the Etape / Marmotte the Randonnee is a must in your preparation. As with last year we’re staging the event in association with the Ross Nugent Foundation which was set up in July 2010 by the family of the Dublin teenager of the same name after his death from a very rare form of cancer. The foundation’s main objective is to raise funds for equipment in oncology wards in Beaumont and other hospitals.

The funds raised last year were used to purchase 2 blood pressure monitors and a chair bed. The chair-beds are used by visiting relations and friends as they provide a comfortable chair during the day and bed overnight, if required – some people have had to sleep on the floor due to lack of resources.

Date: Saturday 3rd of May
Start/Finish: St. Benildus College, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dublin 14 - http://goo.gl/maps/k6BMD
Check-In: from 7.45am
Start: 9.00am
Fee: €30

Route: Full details can be found at MapMyRide.

Online registration: http://precisiontiming.primo-solutions.co.uk/ps/event/OrwellRandonnee2014
Open now but a word of warning: entry is limited to 300 cyclists and we won't be taking entries on the day so don’t delay. People were disappointed last year, and you don’t want to miss out on the famous carrot cake!
Update: the Randonnée is full!

Note: All participants will be required to wear a hard-shell helmet and abide by the rules of the road.

For further details, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

To set the scene for you here are some of the comments from previous years:

“Excellent event right from the moment I turned into the car park, organisation and marshalling was sublime. The volunteers and marshals were very friendly and encouraging” (2013)

“Legendary Carrot Cake is legendary – Great day out. Marshalls on every junction and no detail overlooked. Well done Orwell” (2013)

“I have never not enjoyed this or marvelled at the great job done by Orwell and their band or merry volunteers. Can’t praise them enough, they even got the weather right …” (2013)

"I have to say that this is a brute but probably the best organised event I have had the pleasure in riding... great prep for any Etape or Marmotte folks!" (2012)

"Excellent event, food stop was spectacular I must say, the cake had a touch of class about it! Marshalling was excellent, lots of bodies and they seemed actually engaged in what they were doing, which isn't always the case." (2012)

"Great marshalling, directions on the road, food stop had everything you would want. Mechanic who fixed my gears/derailleur before we started thanks a million. Carrot cake was awesome... second sportive this year after Rás Mumhan and not sure how anyone cant beat it." (2012)

Looking forward to seeing you on May 3rd!