Wicklow 200: Ireland's Premier Cycling Challenge

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PROCEDURE ON SUNDAY 12TH jUNE

Hi Again,
Only a few days now to the Wicklow 200 / 100.

A reminder of the procedure at the start on 12th June: If you will be
arriving by car, park in an official car park as directed. The car park
may be up to 5 minutes walk from the check-in and start point, so bring
your bike with you and if possible avoid having to go back to your car
after check-in.

The check-in will be open from 6:00 a.m. and you will be free to start
as soon as you have checked in. Male and female changing rooms, showers,
and toilets, will be open from 6:00 a.m.

Allow plenty of time at the start. It will take you longer to
prepare than you think, and there will be over 2000 other riders trying to
do the same as you. At check-in your Wicklow 200 control card will be
scanned, which only takes a second or two but there will still be a
a queue. Allow extra time if you have to get a replacement
number or pick up your rider's pack.

There are 2 checkpoints along the routes. Donard, 200K only, and Rathdrum
100K and 200K. Here you will get a sandwich and tea or coffee. Please take
one sandwich, remember there will be others coming behind you and we don't
want to run out because some people took more than one. You will need your
control card to gain access to the checkpoints.

You can have your card scanned at Donard and /or Rathdrum if you wish to
have a time published on the website. This is not compulsory so if there
is a delay at the scanner no need to wait.

Please throw your litter in the litter bins, do not throw stuff along the
route, keep it till you get to one of the checkpoints or the finish.

Don't forget, there will be refreshments available at Shoreline when you
finish
Your co-operation will be greatly appreciated.
The Wicklow 200 crew

SAFETY ON THE WICKLOW 200 / 100

Hi All,
The safety of riders, volunteers, and the public during the Wicklow 200
is a major concern for all of us in the Wicklow 200. There are a
number of things that you as a rider need to be aware of in order to
help make the Wicklow 200 as safe as possible. Please read these notes
carefully, and keep them in mind on Sunday.

The Wicklow 200 is not a race, so don't let your competitive urges
lead you to dangerous or reckless riding.

The event is held on open public roads, so every rider MUST obey
the rules of the road. In particular this means staying on your own
side of the road, obeying traffic lights, and being courteous to other
road traffic.

Most accidents on the Wicklow 200 occur on descents. Please descend
carefully, and encourage those around you to do the same. On some of the
descents the road surface is potholed, and some descents have sudden
sharp corners. Please take extra coution on the descent from Glenmalure,
there is a right turn at the bottom so be prepared to STOP.

Your behaviour during the Wicklow 200 has a big effect on how the
general public think of cyclists. Please be courteous on the road and
at the checkpoints. It only takes 1 or 2 riders to act stupidly to
cause complaints and comments.

Just one word of warning about your choice of route: don't choose the
long 200 km route unless you have prepared for it. When you get to the
point where the routes separate you will only have a few kilometres done
and no climbs, so you'll still be feeling fresh.
If you intended doing the 100 km route then don't change your mind now.
Stick to the plan.

One more thing - if your rider's pack doesn't arrive in time just
come to the replacement number desk at the start on Sunday. If you
entered after 27th May we didn't post your pack and we'll have it
waiting for you. If your pack was delayed or lost in the post we'll give
you a replacement card and pin-on number, if you have a confirmation
email please print and bring with you.

The Wicklow 200 Crew.

7 Days to go - June 5th 2011

Hi All,
Thank you for entering the Wicklow 200 / 100. Packs have been sent out
now and should be with you.
Please note the following. There will be no parking in Shoreline car park.
Parking is in the Rugby club - next to Shoreline, The GAA club further on.
The dart station in Greystones. If you intend coming in a camper van
overnight parking is available in the GAA club. We will have marshalls
on duty to direct you to the car park with spaces. Allow some time to get
parked and get you and your bike ready.
DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR!
No parking or drop off on the road outside Shoreline, we want to keep
this area as clear as possible for cyclists leaving Shoreline.

If this Wicklow 200 is your first cycling adventure, there's no need to
feel intimidated or nervous. Just relax and most importantly take it at
your own pace. Many riders started on the Wicklow 200 and went on to
become truly hooked on the sport. If you're an experienced rider, give
encouragement and help to those around you. You got it when you were
starting on the bike. The Wicklow 200 is famous for the range of ages
and abilities that take part. From beginners to ex-pros it's the fun
and the challenge that keeps them coming back.

CyclePlus will offer a free bike check on Saturday evening 11th June and
on Sunday morning 12th June in the car Park in Shoreline for W200 entrants.
If you are in the greystones area on saturday, we will be in Shoreline
from 4.00pm if you want to call in.

Regards,
Wicklow 200 crew

Getting closer April 27th 2011

Hi All,
As we get ever closer to this Wicklow 200 we hope you've all enjoyed
the Easter break and are getting lots of training in during the fine
weather. You may have read on the website that we cycled the 100 route
recently and are glad to report the roads are in good condition.
There are a couple of small changes in the route and these are outlined on
www.wicklow200.ie, please have a look.

Only 45 days to go and we are getting busy with entries coming in,
printing cards and address labels etc.
If you have not entered as yet please take care entering your address
and include a post code if applicable.

To remind you that it's a good idea to have your bike checked out before
the event and have a couple of spins to make sure all is ok.
The roads will be marked with a yellow W and an arrow out of it, see website
for a photo.

Don't forget entry will close on May 22nd.

Cycle safely,
Wicklow 200 crew.

64 days to go - April 8th 2011

Hi All,
Well, the Wicklow 200 office is a regular hive of activity as the
2011 event gets closer, just 64 days to go. As we continue to put the
arrangements for 12th June in place, entries are pouring in.
The weather is certainly being good to us at present, hoping you are
getting in lots of miles on the bike.
If you haven't entered yet for the 2011 Wicklow 200, you should do it soon.
Entry will close on May 22nd.
One other item: the Wicklow 200 poster can be downloaded and printed
from the Wicklow 200 website, so if you want to give your colleagues,
friends, or relatives a little extra push to join you on your
Wicklow 200 adventure this is just the thing.

Enjoy the weekend and cycle safe,
The Wicklow 200 crew.

Clocks forward 22/3/2011

Hi All Wicklow cyclists,
Now that the days are growing longer, remember the clock goes forward by
one hour on Saturday night / Sunday morning. The fine weather of late is a
great motivation to get out on the bike and step up the training.

If you are looking for accommodation on the weekend of the Wicklow 200
you can try the visit Wicklow website.
http://www.visitwicklow.ie/accommodation/index.htm

or
http://www.visitwicklow.ie/outdoors/outdoor-accommodations-packages.htm

You can find Wicklow outdoors on facebook at this link
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wicklow-Outdoors/206856689327295?sk=wall

The Royal hotel in Bray are offering a room rate of ?79 including
continental breakfast. http://www.royalhotel.ie/special_offers/

regards,
Admin

Stena Line Discount 7/3/2011

Hi All,
Less than 100 days to the Wicklow 200 now, at least the weather
has been pretty good for cycling.
If you are travelling from the UK for the Wicklow 200 Stena Line are
offering a 10% discount on fares. To avail of this log on to
www.stenaline.ie/event, put Wicklow in for first name and 2011 for surname.
BG374 is the password code and follow the instructions to complete a booking.

Don't forget you can change your mind at any time as to which route you ride,
the 200Km or the shorter 100Km.

Hope you're enjoying the dry fine weather and getting in some good cycling.

Regards,
The wicklow 200 crew

January 28th 2011 - 130 Days

Hi Again,
As we approach the end of January and with just over 130 days to the
Wicklow 200 I hope you've been getting in some cycling.
If you're thinking of riding the Wicklow 200 or 100 and are worried
about your bike and or fitness to complete the distance then read
how one 38 year old took up cycling 4 years ago and enjoyed the
feeling of freedom so much she has 2 Wicklow 200's under her belt
and is looking forward to number 3. Full text is on www.wicklow200.ie

Here are some details of a couple of our supporters over the years. If you
are in need of their services why not support Wicklow 200 supporters.

Physical Therapy:
Registered Physical Therapist Karen Doyle is offering Physical Therapy
or sport massage appointments at a reduced rate of ?45 for
Wicklow 100 & 200 participants from now to June 26th. She currently
works with various Irish Cycle teams at events from the Ras,
to European road championships and the Track World Cups. Further detail
is on www.wicklow200.ie

BIKEFITTING:
Suitable for leisure cyclist, racers and tri-athletes.
Do you suffer pains and aches on the bike ? Are you achieving maximum
power from your pedal strokes? Can you improve on your personal times?
Further detail is on www.wicklow200.ie

Regards,
The Wicklow 200 crew.