Road races are the bread and butter of the common racer in Ireland.

Rules

For those who haven't raced on open roads before, the rules of the road still apply. Anyone seen repeatedly riding on the wrong side of the line will be penalised. Check for overtaking car traffic if moving out of the bunch. Be very cautious on corners - the marshals will do their best to stop traffic back from the junction, but it's not always possible, and drivers are not always co-operative. Obey any orders from marshals, such as to slow down - they're trying to keep you safe.

Basically, use some common sense. It's not worth endangering yourself and others to gain a few places in the bunch. Stupid/reckless riding will be not be tolerated.

Racing

Most road races will be in DMS (delayed mass start) format. That means that there will be a separate race for each handicap group. Scratch will usually start first. Limit and Semi-Limit may race a shorter distance than Scratch and Semi-Scratch. Some races will be a combined pursuit (CP, aka handicapped).

If it's a CP, it's in the interests of each group to work together to both stay away from the chasing groups, or to catch the groups ahead - i.e. if Limit can work together well, and stay out in front without being caught, all the points will go to Limit riders, rather than having to sprint against Scratch riders. Similarly, if Scratch attack each other, and don't get a group effort going, they're unlikely to catch the groups in front, and won't score any points.

In a DMS, attack the hell out of each other and get in the break. Then win the sprint. Easy.

Finish

At the finish, if you didn't get a place, please keep riding through and home. This allows us to clear the area and let traffic flow – again, keeping the residents happy is paramount to the continued success of the league. Please return to the finish line if you think you placed, because we might not have Dave Mc's encyclopaedic knowledge of faces and names to put to the prizes. It's good practice to make sure your name was noted.

Circuits

Black Bull

Sign-on: Varies

Green Sheds (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/23105513)

Our usual route northside - out through Batterstown, turn right at the first roundabout to get onto the circuit. Follow the road around the Dunshauglin ring road before turning left for Dunsany. Left at Dunsany, and then left onto the Trim Road, before turning left at the first roundabout. Finish line is on the second drag.

Dorey's Forge (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/23105534)

A flat enough loop, but with a steep ramp for the finish.

Mullagh (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/23105551)

Not used much in recent years.

Brittas

Sign-on: https://www.orwellwheelers.org/members/locations#brittas

Inner lakes loop (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/23105787)

From Brittas, riders will turn left off the N81 through Manor Kilbride, then turn right onto the circuit and past the bottom of Red Lane. Left turn to cross the northernmost bridge on the lakes, and left again on the far shore to go over the finish line at the top of the drag. After crossing the line, the course drops down the hill and over the bridge, just before the speed ramps turn sharp left for the second lap. This is a very sharp turn, be extremely cautious!

Ballysmuttan finish (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/23105775)

Using the inner lakes loop, but turn right at the line to finish at the top of Ballysmuttan climb

Sallygap finish (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/5015603)

Using the inner lakes loop, but turn right after Manor Kilbride to climb to the Sallygap crossroads

Blessington

Sign-on: https://www.orwellwheelers.org/members/locations#blessington

Russborough (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/8158983)

Starting just south of Blessington, going through the two roundabouts and out to Ballymore Eustace, and back to the N81 northbound. The descent to Ballymore Eustace is technical and tight, and ends with a sharp left turn. The finish is off the circuit at the gates of Russborough House.

Tulferris (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15273518)

Turn left at Poulaphouca and up the major climb of the circuit. A lumpy lap finishes by dropping down to the bridge and a flat run-in to the line.

Others (Not currently in use)

Golden Ball (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/9919901)

Neutralised from Golden Ball to Enniskerry. Keep right at Texaco and sharp right up Curtlestown Hill. Official start is at the shops on left (~6.6km mark). Route continues to top of hill just past the Reconciliation centre, take a sharp right onto Military road and head back to the viewing point to take right turn onto Cruagh Road. After a few kilometres take right turn up Tibradden hill to Glencullen (Johnnie Fox's) and finish.

Blue Light (www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/268630061)

Mostly replaced by the Golden Ball for the last round of the league.