Event Information
Date: Saturday August 3rd
Start & Finish Location: Ryehill Demesne, Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway H65 AX79
Start Time For ALL Riders: 10am
Sign-On Opening Time: 9am. You MUST bring your event registration ticket (printed or phone) to 'sign-on'
Distances: 80km or 120km
Surfaces: Normal Tarred Roads 75% / Bog Roads 15% / Farm Tracks 5% / Gravel Roads 5%
Directional Signage
The routes will be marshaled at all main junctions. Every turn is signposted with a RED directional arrow. As you leave Ryehill Demense the two routes go in separate directions: those doing the Rouleur (120km) route turn left, whilst those doing the Puncheur (80km) route turn right. At this points participants should follow the correct direction for their chosen route.
Feed Stations
At sign-on you will receive a colour coded wristband which must be worn on the wrist at all times and presented at the feed stations to collect food. Feed stations are located at: Puncheur - 45km; Rouleur - 45km & 80km
What To Bring
Helmet (no helmet no ride!), bike, spare tubes, water bottles, mobile phone, emergency food/cash, rain jacket, sunblock
Safety
This event is being held on open roads. Please obey the rules of the road and follow marshals instructions at all times.
Parking
Car parking facilities are provided free of charge at the start location in Ryehill Demesne. Please follow marshals instructions when arriving to Ryehill Demesne.
Toilets / Showers
There are separate male / female port-a-loo toilets available at the start / finish area. Toilets are available at the petrol station in Abbeyknockmoy and also in Menlough. There are no shower facilities available.
After The Event
A BBQ is available after your ride at Ryehill Demesne free to all participants. To claim one free burger & drink participants must present their wristband. Family and friends may join you where food may be purchased at an additional cost.
Littering
Please be kind to the local community and private land owners who are kind enough to allow us use these areas - please DO NOT litter. Bring your rubbish to the foodstops or back to the finish area where it will be collected.
Registration Fee
Puncheur €45; Rouleur €50 plus booking fee. Additional one-day licence fee of €10 applies to non-CI members.
Registration Link: https://eventmaster.ie/event/86kPt7qTV1
FAQ
Hopefully the list below will answer questions you may have. If you have any further queries please feel free to contact us - details on the home page.
Why should I do this sportive?
RIDE THE CLASSIC is a unique type of event on the Irish cycling scene, combining fun off-road sectors within a road cycle - a true 'classics' style event!
Is this sportive all off road?
No! This cycle is predominantly on normal quiet country tarred roads, with approximately 25% of the route 'off-road'
What are the off-road sectors like?
A mixture of compact gravel & grit bog roads, boreens, and farm tracks. The sectors range between 1 & 4km in length. Everyone is capable of riding the sectors irrespective of cycling experience.
What type of bike can I use?
Most types of bikes are permitted including e-bikes. 'Time-trial' bikes or bikes fitted with 'Tri-bars' are NOT permitted. For comfort and safety we recommend a bike with minimum 25mm tyres.
Do I need a gravel bike?
No. Approximately 75% of the routes are on normal tarred roads. The remaining off-road 'sectors' can be ridden easily with a standard road bike.
Are the routes hilly?
No. This is a predominantly flat course, with no climbing. The routes have intentionally been designed to match the Galway Classic, a true 'classics' style, flat, but challenging course.
Will food be supplied?
Yes. The 120km route will have 2 foodstops and the 85km route will have 1 foodstop. You will also have the opportunity to stop at shops in Abbeyknockmoy, Monivea, and Menlough if required. There will be an after-ride BBQ free to all participants and available at a cost to friends and family.
Will there be mechanical support?
Yes. We will have a 'broom wagon' and mechanical support on the day to ensure no one is stranded with mechanical difficulties or left behind. It is your responsibility to bring spare tubes and extra clothing/gillet to remain warm and dry in the event of such difficulties.
Do I need any special equipment?
Bring spare inner tubes and some extra clothing (gillet/jacket) if needed in the event of a puncture.
Can I park my car at Ryehill Demesne?
Yes. Parking facilities will be provided at Ryehill Demesne for no extra charge.
Can friends and family join me in Ryehill Demesne?
Yes. Friends and family may join you in the car park and post-ride BBQ areas within Ryehill Demesne. Only cyclists with a wristband may enter the pre-ride staging area, just before the start.
Can I register on the day?
No. Registration is only available before the event, online through Eventmaster. Links on our website.
Do I need to sign-on?
Yes. On the day of the event all participants MUST present a valid event booking ticket at 'sign-on' which will be emailed to you after registering. Please print this ticket or bring it on your phone for presentation at 'sign-on'. After 'signing-on' you will receive food stop ticket(s) and a wristband for the after-cycle BBQ, as well as a route map, sector list, and emergency contact details.
Can I get a refund?
As a policy we do NOT offer refunds or defferals for this event under any circumstances. Places may be transfered but only through the appropriate eventmaster channel up to 5 days prior to the event.
How do I transfer my place?
Send an email to support@eventmaster.ie requesting a transfer a minimum of 5 days before the event.
