Co-operation Ireland Maracycle Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 June 2015

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1 Co-operation Ireland Maracycle Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 June 2015 Come Prepared Make sure your bike is well maintained. Don t leave it until the last minute to check. Learn how to do basic repairs. Although there are repair vehicles on the route, you are expected to be able to fix punctures. Be sure to train carrying basic tools and equipment that you will use over the weekend and know how to use them. Be sure to have a water bottle fitted. You can fill this up at the start site and at rest stops along the route. A red flashing light on the back of your bike is recommended by the police. Many aches and pains, especially knee and neck/shoulder problems are caused by inappropriate set up of your bike. Get some expert advice on being fitted to your bike. A great deal of discomfort and injuries can be avoided. Be prepared for any kind of weather and always expect the unexpected. Here are some suggestions: Waterproof and/or windproof jacket. Number of light layers rather than one heavy layer to maintain a regular body temperature. Padded cycling gloves to cushion handlebar shock plus provide warmth and protection. Padded cycling shorts to prevent saddle sores. Cycling shirt with pockets, handlebar or bum bag are all good for carrying money, snacks and other essentials such as tools, puncture repair kit and spare tubes. Cycling helmet is compulsory. Sunscreen. Extra money in euro and sterling for drinks and snacks along the way and for overnight stays. Tool kit including pump, spare tube, tyre levers and repair kit. Bike lock. Small overnight bag - will be transported by lorry between start/finish sites. Important the whole route is signposted with yellow direction signs Safe Cycling We expect all participants to be competent cyclists and familiar with riding on public roads. Here's 18 points to follow to help ensure your safety: 1. You must wear a cycle safety helmet. 2. The roads are not closed for this event. 3. The rules of the road apply at all times and must be obeyed. 4. You must stop at all red traffic lights and stop signs. 5. Junctions are not manned during the event. 6. Cyclist must take full responsibility for their own safety by stopping at junctions and paying attention to other vehicles on route. 7. A team of motorcycle marshals will be on hand to guide you and warn you of any potential hazards but these marshals are not permitted by law to direct traffic. Please obey their directions and advice. 8. Comprehensive route signage will direct you and warn you of junctions. On some narrow routes it will be necessary to cycle single file. Pay attention to the route signage. 9. Do not leave before the official start time as you will not be registered and all the back-up services are triggered from the first official start time. 10. Cycle no more than two abreast especially when overtaking. 11. Keep to the far left of the road. 12. Call passing and stopping to alert those cyclists around you. 13. Look over your shoulder before moving out. 14. If traffic builds up behind you or your group, move into single file and allow the build-up of traffic to clear. 15. On towpaths cycle slowly in single file and give way to other users of the towpaths including walkers and joggers. 16. Do not wear headphones or earplugs. You need to be able to hear traffic and calls from other cyclists.

2 17. Wear bright or reflective clothing. 18. Cycle safe and enjoy the event. Useful Information Cyclists will depart in staggered starts between the times of on Saturday and on Sunday. Slower cyclists should ensure they leave early. Faster cyclists should leave in later groups. Start area in Belfast is from Queen s Sport, Upper Malone Road, Belfast. Start area in Dublin is from Dublin City University, Collins Avenue. Start area in Newry is from Haldane Fisher, Carnbane, at on Saturday and on Sunday. The whole route will be marked in both directions with yellow signs. In some areas there may be yellow markings on the road. A maximum time of 10 hours each day is permitted to complete the bike ride. Please note that the finish sites in Belfast and Dublin will close at both days. To ensure that the event is completed safely in good time, these times will be strictly adhered to. Remember that volunteers have given up their free time to provide assistance at this event therefore we ask you not to spend too much time at rest stops or watering holes along the way. Cycle helmets are compulsory and must be worn at all times. Roads are not closed please observe the rules of the road at all times. For your own safety, cycle no more than two abreast and single file when red route signs appear. Please show extreme caution where red single file signs appear, through towns and on the main road sections. To make the event as safe as possible for everyone, cyclists reported to be continuously refusing to obey the rules of the road will be disqualified. Should you be advised by First Aid not to continue, your number will be taken and you must retire from the event. Co-operation Ireland cannot be held responsible for anyone who ignores this advice. If you are unable to leave the rest stops by the time indicated (this will be on the information on the rest stops) you and your bike will be picked up and brought to the finish by sweeper vehicle. Should you need to drop out at any stage, please inform the nearest rest stop co-ordinator or official vehicle. Remember your bike is your responsibility. Lock it where necessary, but not to crush barriers or railings on site. Coach transfers include the lorry transport of your bike. We cannot transport your bike unless you let us know in advance. Remember to add the emergency medical number, found on the back of the safety card, to your mobile phone so you have it handy should you require it over the weekend. Services Provided Car parking Belfast: Secure overnight car parking is available at Queen s Sport, Upper Malone on Saturday 27 June at no cost. Please do not leave any valuables or bags on show in your car. However as there is limited parking available you are advised, if possible, to get dropped off in the car park at the House of Sport at the Upper Malone Road roundabout, just a short distance from Queen s Sport. Use this car park to get picked up again on Sunday to avoid as little traffic as possible entering the finish site. Car parking Dublin: Secure overnight car parking is available at DCU from Friday 26 June to Sunday 28 June at a cost of 3. Access to the multi-storey car park is via Collins Avenue. On arrival take the normal car park ticket from the machine. Please ensure that you buy a one-exit ticket at the Co-operation Ireland Information/Registration Desk in the main sports hall for 3, and use this ticket on departure. For cyclists getting dropped off there is a drop off area just inside the gates on Collins Avenue beside the multi-storey car park.

3 Car parking Newry: Secure overnight car parking on Saturday 27 June is available at the start/finish site in Newry which is located in the Haldane Fisher site at Carnbane, Shepherd's Way, Newry, BT35 6QQ. Overnight Bike Park Dublin: Saturday 27 June On arrival at the finish site at DCU you can store your bike overnight in the main sports hall which will be manned from and locked after this time. Bikes can be removed on Sunday morning from Transport of Baggage: A baggage lorry will be available to transport your bag from Belfast and Newry to Dublin on Saturday and from Dublin and Newry to Belfast on Sunday. Bags will be sorted numerically and you can collect from the baggage area at the finish sites. Ensure that the numbered bag tag supplied is attached to your overnight bag and left on the correct numbered trolley before departing. It is important to bring only one small overnight bag per person as larger bags do not fit on the trolleys. Do not leave any valuables in your bag. Refuelling: Water will be supplied at start/finish sites and at rest stops each day along the route. You should fill up water bottles before you depart and at each of the stops. Some refreshments will also be available. Tea, coffee, and sandwiches are available at the lunch stops Castlebellingham on Saturday and Lislea on Sunday. Toilets are available at start/finish sites and most of the rest stops along the route. Support Vehicles: 20 motorbike marshals including a first aid motorbike, lead car, sweeper first aid bus and lorry, co-ordinator car, event safety car, medical vehicles and repair vehicles. In addition, lorries are used to transport bags and bikes. Swept Bikes: If you feel you cannot complete any part of the cycle challenge, a sweeper system is in operation behind the cyclists, which will call in at all rest stops on route. You and your bike can get a lift from the nearest rest stop to the finish. If you get swept on Saturday, you can collect your bike from the main sports hall at DCU before or on Sunday morning before If you get swept on Sunday, please ensure you collect your bike from the Swept Bike Area at Queen s Sport, Upper Malone before If you need your bike transported either direction between Belfast and Dublin, please inform a member of staff at registration so it can be left in the appropriate area to get loaded onto the lorry. Information & Lost Property: Available at start and finish sites. Showers & Changing Facilities: Available at the finish site in Dublin at DCU and in Belfast at Queen s Sport. Accommodation Friday 26 June & Sunday 28 June: Jury s Inn Belfast Hotel, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7AP. Full Irish Breakfast is available from The Belfast start and finish site is at Queen s Sport, Upper Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5NB approximately 3 miles from the hotel. Local Taxi Services: Fon-a-Cab Value Cabs Please note there is no parking at Jurys Inn. The closest car park behind the hotel, does not open until on Saturday morning. Saturday 27 June: Dublin City University is the Maracycle finish site on Saturday, and the start site on Sunday. On arrival at DCU, you will be directed to the accommodation desk where you can collect your room key and meal vouchers. Towels are provided in rooms. 2 course evening meal is served in the restaurant from The Hub Bar is open from until midnight. Full Irish breakfast available from

4 How to get your Final Pack Pick up from Co-operation Ireland, 5N Weaver s Court Business Park, Linfield Road, Belfast, BT12 5GH on: Friday 19 June from Pick up at Queen s Sport, Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5NB on: Friday 26 June from On the Day on Saturday 27 June from If you have already collected your pack on one of the previous collection days, you do not have to queue again on the morning of the event. Newry Starts In addition to the pre event collection dates, those starting in Newry can collect packs on the day at Haldane Fisher, Carnbane, Shepherds Way, Newry, BT35 6QQ as follows: Saturday 27 June from Sunday 28 June from For those cycling one way only from Dublin to Belfast on Sunday 28 June, packs can be collected at the start area in DCU from Belfast Start Information Saturday 27 June START VENUE QUEEN S SPORT, UPPER MALONE ROAD, BELFAST, BT9 5NB Staggered Starts from Directions to the start: Approach Belfast on the M1 leaving the motorway at Junction 2, direction of Outer Ring and Newtownards. From the South, take the 3rd exit onto Stockman s Lane A55. From the North, take the 1st exit onto Stockman s Lane A55. Straight ahead at traffic lights at Boucher Road. Straight ahead at traffic lights at Musgrave Park Hospital and traffic lights at junction with Lisburn Road and Upper Lisburn Road. Turn right at traffic lights at junction with Malone Road. Take 2nd exit at roundabout at top of Malone Road at House of Sport into Upper Malone Road. Entrance to Queen s Sport is a short distance from roundabout on left. You should be at Queen s Sport, Upper Malone between dressed in cycling gear. Changing and toilet facilities are available. Water is available at the start and at the rest stops on route. Secure car parking is available from on Saturday morning until on Sunday evening. As spaces are limited, please get dropped off if possible. The drop off area is at the car park at the House of Sport, beside the roundabout on the Upper Malone Road. For those who have not already collected their pack, please proceed directly to registration inside the clubhouse. You can leave your bike in the marked area outside the clubhouse. Please ensure you wear your Maracycle Bib Number at all times during the event. You will not be allowed into the start area without displaying your number. Tie the bag tag onto your overnight bag before leaving this on the correct numbered trolley. Only one small bag per person permitted as larger bags do not fit on the trolleys. The bags will be transported by lorry to the finish sites in Newry or Dublin. No valuables in your bag please. Tie the bike tag underneath your seat when leaving the bike overnight at DCU or at any times when your bike is transported during the event. What to Expect on Route with emergency phones numbers is included in your pack. Take a moment to read the information and add the emergency numbers into your phone. Use the plastic bag to keep your mobile phone and other small items you require during the ride, safe and dry. Champion Chip Ireland is providing a registration and timing service. Please note this service is for speeding up the registration process and for providing a safety element to the event. Although timing will be available for your own information, this is not a race. Please ensure you wear the timing chip on your ankle at all times when cycling and return this at the finish. Cyclists will be directed towards the start line where they will leave in groups of approx 100. No-one is permitted to leave before the official start time as all back up services are based on this time.

5 Dublin Start Information Sunday 28 June Start Venue - Dublin City University Staggered Starts from Exit the University onto Collins Avenue. Directions to the start: DCU is located a short distance from Dublin city centre, Dublin Airport and the M50 and M1 motorways. The campus is bordered by Ballymun Road and Collins Avenue. If travelling by car, the multi-storey car park is located close to the Collins Avenue entrance. You should be at DCU between dressed in cycling gear. Changing facilities are available if required. Secure car parking is available in the multi-storey car park located close to the Collins Avenue entrance. On arrival take the normal car park ticket from the machine. You will need to purchase a one-exit ticket from the Co-operation Ireland information desk in the sports hall for 3 and use this ticket for departure. Please proceed directly to registration at the sports hall. You can leave your bike in the bike park. Collect your pack from registration which will include a bib, bag and bike number, safety pins, Championchip, What to Expect on Route and emergency numbers. Please Note if you have already registered on Saturday you do not need to register again. Please ensure you wear the Maracycle Bike Number at all times during the event. You will not be allowed into the start area without displaying your number. Tie the bag tag onto your overnight bag before leaving this on the correct numbered trolley. Only one small bag per person permitted as larger bags do not fit on the trolleys. The bags will be transported by lorry to the finish sites in Newry or Belfast. No valuables in your bag please. If your bike has been stored overnight in the main sports hall at DCU you can remove this from Ensure the bike tag is attached underneath your seat at any times when your bike is transported during the event. Take a moment to read the What to Expect on Route Information and add the emergency numbers into your phone. Use the plastic bag to keep your mobile phone and other small items you require during the ride, safe and dry. Please ensure you wear the timing chip on your ankle at all times when cycling and return this at the finish. Coach Transport Friday 26 June A coach will depart from just inside the Collins Avenue entrance to DCU, beside the Multi-Storey car park at The coach and lorry will be there from Drop off at Belfast is at Jury s Inn, Great Victoria Street, Belfast. The lorry will transport your bike to Belfast and you can collect this from the start area at Queen s Sport, Upper Malone Road, Belfast, from on Saturday morning. Saturday 27 June If you have taken the option to start in Newry and cycle to Dublin, there is transport available for you and your bike from Belfast to the Newry start. A minibus will leave from Queen s Sport, Upper Malone Road, Belfast at to travel to the Haldane Fisher site in Newry for the start. If you have taken the option to cycle from Belfast to Newry and require transport from Newry to Dublin, the minibus will be leaving from the Haldane Fisher site in Newry at Your bike can be left overnight or brought to Dublin. Please Note. There is no transport option back to Belfast on Saturday night. Sunday 28 June A coach will depart from just inside the Collins Avenue entrance to DCU, beside the Multi-Storey car park at The coach and lorry for bikes will be there from Drop-off point in Belfast is at Queen s Sport, Upper Malone Road, Belfast. If you have taken the option to cycle from Newry to Belfast on Sunday, there is transport available for you and your bike from DCU to the Newry start. A minibus will leave from DCU at to travel to Haldane Fisher site in Newry for the start. If you have taken the option to cycle from Dublin to Newry and require transport from Newry to Belfast, the minibus will be leaving from the Haldane Fisher site in Newry approx Your bike will also be transported. Please Note If you have chosen coach transport options, this includes the transport of your bike. If you are making your own travel plans, we can't include your bike in our transport plans unless you let us know in advance. Cost of transporting a bike is 6/ 7.50 per bike.