M3 sportive May 16th

Esroh

Got an Email containing this today which might be of inerest to you based East of the Shannon


Award winning Aisling Group International Charity is delighted to be chosen to host the only event prior to the opening of the M3 motorway. This major M3 motorway cycling sportif and special event will take place on Sunday May 16th 2010 starting at the Fairyhouse cross area in Co. Meath, cycling up one side of motorway and back to start on opposite side.


‘Aisling’ needs everyone to come along and fill up this new motorway. All levels catered for plus elite. 3 distances to suit everyone; 14km family spin, 55km medium distance and 100km distance which is named the ‘Paul Healion Cycle’ in memory of well known national champion cyclist Paul Healion who tracically passed away last year. Overseas welcome. This major event will be recorded as an occasion of significance. So we need all regions, levels and countries represented.


Aisling Group International caters for children and adults and helps them gain back control of their lives so they can become active, responsible and valued members of society. Aisling Group International training & education programmes are run throughout Ireland. Ireland has one of the highest rates of drug misuse in Europe (ESPAD Report). Whether you use or not it effects the vulnerable such as the unborn, children, families, sports and the community at large. Aisling Group International charity is a not for profit charity and your support will play a vital role in the community.


Registration will be on line and numbers may be allocated pior to event. Check out our website www.aislinggroupinternational.ie and the event website www.m3cycle.ie (which will be going live on Tuesday) for details and to register. Also, please do not hesitate to contact our offices for more details and registration forms. Others may wish to sponsor some of their favourite cyclists by donating on line on the event website.


This major event is of great significance and we would encourage cyclists of all levels and ages to support the event. Some well known faces both on and off the cycling routes will be participating.

up the town

Excellent news I,ll spread the word.

Caroline_ie

got another name for it ...

Haaaammmeeerrrrfeeesssttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!

rughdh

The web site is now live.

Beasty

Caroline_ie wrote: »

got another name for it ...

Haaaammmeeerrrrfeeesssttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!

Depends on whether the "lead car" allows it, I guess:

All three events will have lead cars, follow cars, mechanical support and refreshments

Entry fee for the 100km and 55km = €38:

The entry fee includes your participation certificate, refreshments during and after the event, toilets at the start/finish, car parking on site (number or registration document must be displayed), and use of various support services during the event

Bikerbhoy

Am I missing it or have they neglected to include one very important piece of information off the website, the DATE of the event ???

Esroh

Bikerbhoy wrote: »

Am I missing it or have they neglected to include one very important piece of information off the website, the DATE of the event ???

Def not on the front page anyway

Beasty

Esroh wrote: »

Def not on the front page anyway

It's on the Aisling Group website, but I can't see it on the m3 cycle site. I've e-mailed them and they have replied to say all the details will go up on the website this week

bcmf

Esroh wrote: »

This major M3 motorway cycling sportif and special event will take place on Sunday May 16th 2010

-

Bikerbhoy

@ bcmf - we are all aware of the date of this event as the thread title suggests , we are just stating the fact that the date does not actually appear on event website.

mcgratheoin

Any idea of pacing for this? Kinda fancy being towed along for 100km by a big group but don't want to be shunted out the back

BostonB

Looks like fun!

trek climber

BostonB wrote: »

Looks like fun!

Wouldn't be also nice to cycle a stretch of road with NO potholes !!

King Kelly

I can't really see the attraction of these motorway events myself other than the obvious charitable aspect. Dead straight roads where you can see forever, no climbs but drags that go on miles, no shelter from head or crosswinds and no towns or villages to whizz through or stop in. I know the closed road is a novelty and the pace will be fast but if I want that a race would be faster and more fun(!).

jwshooter

but it would be fun to race the crxp out of it .

BostonB

Considering the opposition to the project i wonder will there be any protests on the day. I was never a fan of the route of this road.

penexpers

Probably going to sign up for this - need some sort of goal.

Ginger83

Hi, I've a Trek mtb and a hybrid.
A mate asked me to join him in the M3 55km cycle. He's a top spec racer-carbon fibre the whole shebang 3k worth.

Q?Would the hybrid be suitable to join him on or should I borrow another mates road bike? Dont want to be left behind

Thanks

thebouldwhacker

Ginger83 wrote: »

Q?Would the hybrid be suitable to join him on or should I borrow another mates road bike? Dont want to be left behind

That really is a question you should ask your mate, it depends if he plans to hammer it or just spin along....

penexpers

Anyone actually signed up for this? Was going to start training for this today.

CheGuedara

Signed up alright, should be interesting - flat (i'd imagine) but with a pristene surface could make for some high speed pacelines if the wind is decent on the day

Fredo

signed up for it as well

kennyb3

I might do this, havent broken a ton yet so might be a good way to do it with a nice road no hills and plenty of groups. makes a change to the ususal training routes

furiousox

I'm currently doing 50k 3-4 times a week which takes me just under 2hrs each time.
Logic would tell me to sign up for the 55k spin but I'm wondering if I'd manage to do 100k due to the occasion, being in a group, flat terrain, etc?
I was aiming to do a 100k spin before the summer ends but I'm not sure if this has come up a bit soon and maybe I need some more k's under my belt first?
I would hate to do the 55 and feel like I have plenty more left in the tank, but of course I would also hate to hit a brick wall at the 70-80k mark
So..55 or 100?

Beasty

furiousox wrote: »

I'm currently doing 50k 3-4 times a week which takes me just under 2hrs each time.
Logic would tell me to sign up for the 55k spin but I'm wondering if I'd manage to do 100k due to the occasion, being in a group, flat terrain, etc?
I was aiming to do a 100k spin before the summer ends but I'm not sure if this has come up a bit soon and maybe I need some more k's under my belt first?
I would hate to do the 55 and feel like I have plenty more left in the tank, but of course I would also hate to hit a brick wall at the 70-80k mark
So..55 or 100?

You're already doing getting on for 200k a week. 100k in a session will be no problem - there's no way you'll hit a wall.

bcmf

furiousox wrote: »

I'm currently doing 50k 3-4 times a week which takes me just under 2hrs each time.
Logic would tell me to sign up for the 55k spin but I'm wondering if I'd manage to do 100k due to the occasion, being in a group, flat terrain, etc?
I was aiming to do a 100k spin before the summer ends but I'm not sure if this has come up a bit soon and maybe I need some more k's under my belt first?
I would hate to do the 55 and feel like I have plenty more left in the tank, but of course I would also hate to hit a brick wall at the 70-80k mark
So..55 or 100?

55k are ya mad.... 100k and when ya start to feel just hang on the back of the peleton and they will happily drag ya home

furiousox

100k it is then, I'll be the guy wheezing along at the back getting a tow from Beasty and bcmf!

Vélo

I've just signed up for this. Seeing as I live just down the road from the start, it'd be rude not to!

bcmf

furiousox wrote: »

100k it is then, I'll be the guy wheezing along at the back getting a tow from Beasty and bcmf!

Good luck getting a tow from me as I wont be there. Looks like the towing duties is up to Beasty

furiousox

Just registered for the.........100k

blorg

furiousox wrote: »

Just registered for the.........100k

If you are doing 55km 3/4 times a week without difficulty in under two hours you should be targetting a 200km like the Wicklow 200 this year. Honest. See how you get on with this 100km and then aim for one; I am sure you will do fine. There are also a fair few 160km distance rides (Sean Kelly, Tour de Kilkenny) which are highly recommended.

trek climber

CheGuedara wrote: »

Signed up alright, should be interesting - flat (i'd imagine) but with a pristene surface could make for some high speed pacelines if the wind is decent on the day

Three of us did a trial cycle on it yesterday- we covered about 25K going northwards from Skyrne. It is fairly flat but very open so if it is windy stay in a group. There was one section here we had to walk for about 500-600 metres asit is only gravel but otherwise it is very smooth.
It was a bit eerie actually with no traffic in site.

penexpers

Can anyone point out on google maps where exactly the start is?

FrankGrimes

Any definitive word on what role the lead car will play - i.e. will it try to enforce a speed limit to keep the bunch together or will it allow a hammerfest? Nothing more frustrating than being hemmed in behind a lead car so if that's how it'll be = no dice for me.

Beasty

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Any definitive word on what role the lead car will play - i.e. will it try to enforce a speed limit to keep the bunch together or will it allow a hammerfest? Nothing more frustrating than being hemmed in behind a lead car so if that's how it'll be = no dice for me.

Per website

Cyclists will be able to go at their own level of speed and fitness whatever is comfortable.

I guess with a motorway, there will be at least 3 lanes including the hard shoulder, so it will probably be difficult for them to keep back the "enthusiasts" with a lead car - it will need to go at the pace of the cyclists rather than the other way round

trek climber

Beasty wrote: »

Per website


I guess with a motorway, there will be at least 3 lanes including the hard shoulder, so it will probably be difficult for them to keep back the "enthusiasts" with a lead car - it will need to go at the pace of the cyclists rather than the other way round

Unless they get busy road marking between now and the 16th May there is no road markings on either side, just the ugly concrete bollard in the middle

happygoose

The majority of it is marked now as far as I can see, certainly down the south of the county.

I'm delighted they've marked Paul's passing with an event in his memory. A fantastically talented and devoted athlete who's sorely missed.

I can't wait for it, I hope its well run and well attended.

CheGuedara

Just a small reminder for those that might have entered but not read the finer print finely enough (a mistake I made)

M3 Motorway Cycle wrote:

Where do I get my number? You will need to sign on and collect your number in the following ways:

• At Aisling Group International Offices, CYWS, Fairgreen, Navan during the week prior to the event or
• At the 'Vortex' Nightclub, County Club, Dublin side of Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath on Saturday evening 15th May 6p.m. til 8p.m. or
• 16th May 7a.m. til 9.30a.m. at the 'Vortex' Nightclub. There is limited parking at this venue and people are asked to park at the back on the right side when signing on and collecting their number.

Apparently while an info pack will be sent out numbers still need to be collected from Navan/Meath (not handy for those of us from the depths of Munster to get to) - just something to be aware of

happygoose

This place is just 3kms from the start, ideal place to park up for the event, and there is a fair amount of parking spots there, a few hundred.

I recommend it highly for a feed afterwards too!!!

trek climber

CheGuedara wrote: »

Just a small reminder for those that might have entered but not read the finer print finely enough (a mistake I made)



Apparently while an info pack will be sent out numbers still need to be collected from Navan/Meath (not handy for those of us from the depths of Munster to get to) - just something to be aware of

Had not seen that myself - thanks..

furiousox

Info pack arrived today, it's basically a copy of the FAQ's from the website and a sponsorship card for the Aisling Group (optional)
Can anyone tell me whereabouts the Fair Green is in Navan?
Thanks

penexpers

Signed up for this today - put myself down for 100km but not sure if I will do that or the 55k.

buffalo

My pack arrived today as well. I'm supposed to be at a stag the night before though... might end up doing the 55km as well.

sy

furiousox wrote: »

Can anyone tell me whereabouts the Fair Green is in Navan?
Thanks

Coming from Dublin on N3, as you enter the town take first left (R161 on Map) after passing under the old railway bridge which crosses the Boyne (you won't miss it!). Travel about 200 metres and take sharp right (if you miss the turn continue to roundabout and come back!) to Fair Green and offices are just after the entrance to the Church on left. Lots of parking. Sorry tried to embed Google Maps but not working for me
Link

Highway_To_Hell

Got my number picked up for me today. (madness having the collection point at the furthest point from the start/finish and only collectable between 10am- 4pm)

Anyone know what the wind/weather forecast is for Sunday?

Lookin forward to cycling on a surface hat should be like glass, I just hope the winds are no too strong, Last year I completed in a 1/2 Ironman where the cycle section was on a closed motorway my max speed heading north was 60km and my slowest average speed per km heading south was 16kmh. Just wondering if Sunday will be a race/spin of two halfs.

trek climber

Highway_To_Hell wrote: »

Got my number picked up for me today. (madness having the collection point at the furthest point from the start/finish and only collectable between 10am- 4pm)

Anyone know what the wind/weather forecast is for Sunday?

Lookin forward to cycling on a surface hat should be like glass, I just hope the winds are no too strong, Last year I completed in a 1/2 Ironman where the cycle section was on a closed motorway my max speed heading north was 60km and my slowest average speed per km heading south was 16kmh. Just wondering if Sunday will be a race/spin of two halfs.

Dont know about the wind but the forecast is good - dry with sunny spells

penexpers

Bah. Picked up an infection and I'm currently on antibiotics. Still hope to make it for Sunday.

There's an update on the website saying over 1,000 people have signed on.

penexpers

Weather update for Sunday (woeful language from met.ie)

Sunday: The overnight rain is clearing to showers and some sunny spells are developing during the day. Staying relatively cool with top temperatures between 11 to 14 degrees in a northwesterly wind.

barrabus

anyone cycling down from Dublin for this?

Vélo

barrabus wrote: »

anyone cycling down from Dublin for this?

I'm cycling all the way from Ratoath to do it;)

souter

barrabus wrote: »

anyone cycling down from Dublin for this?

I'll be heading from Fairview