FAQs

 

Can I enter online?

Yes, you can enter online at www.meathsports.ie

Can I enter by post?

Yes. You can enter by post. A downloadable entry form will be available from May 2012 or you can call 046 9067337 and we will post an entry form out to you.

When is the closing date for entries?

The early bird closing date for entries is Thursday 19th July 2012.

Entries for the 50k, 100k and 160k will be accepted up to 5pm on Wed 25th July 2012.

Participants are advised NOT to send postal entries after Tuesday 24th July 2012.

There will be NO registration facility on the weekend of the event

(with the exception of the 11km Family Spin - entry for this event is only available on the day).

What is the entry fee?

Early bird entry fee, available until Thursday 19th July is as follows:  

  • Entry fee for the Tara Loop (50k) is €20 per person
  • Entry fee for the Royal Tour (100k) is €30 per person/€25 Unemployed/OAP Discount
  • Entry fee for the Royal Challenge (160k) is €35 per person/€30 Unemployed/OAP Discount 

Cycling Ireland members can avail of a 10% discount on their respective entry fee. Membership number to be completed on entry form and proof of membership produced at sign- on on the evening before/day of the event.

The standard entry fee will apply to applications after the early bird closing date of 19th July 2012 as follows: 

  • 160km Royal Challenge €45 per person or €40 Unemployed/OAP Discount 
  • 100km Royal Tour €40 per person or €35 Unemployed/OAP Discount
  • 50km Tara Loop additional €10 per person i.e. €30

 

11km Family Spin for All - Cyclists enter on the day of the event (no penalty applies)

What does my registration pack include?

Online entrants will receive a confirmation email prior to the event and
postal entrants will receive confirmation via post. Confirmation will be sent out from early June 2012.

Your cycle entry pack includes: Route Map, Route Information/Safety Instructions, Frequently Asked Questions and Trim Area Event  Map.

At sign-in you will receive a souvenir jersey(excluding 11km Family Spin).

On the day you will receive refreshments en route and at the finish along with cycle support services.

What if I can't make it to the cycle on the day?

Unfortunately there is no facility for a refund or the transferring of an entry

How can I check that I am entered?

If you complete the online entry process you will receive an email confirming your entry. Postal entrants will receive confirmation of entry along with an information pack which will be posted out as entries are processed.

Can I change from one route to another after registration?

No changes in route selection can be accommodated after the closing date. Sorry!

Must I sign-in prior to the event?

Yes. Participant must sign-in prior to starting their chosen cycle-route. At the sign-in you will receive your event number, souvenir jersey,  route information and Emergency Contact Numbers.

Can I sign-in the evening before the event?

Yes, you can. Sign-In at Trim Castle Hotel, Trim will open the evening before the event (Saturday 28th July) from 5pm to 8pm.

What time does sign in open at on the day?

  • Sign In for the 160k event will open on the morning of 29th July from 7am-8am
  • Sign In for the 100k event will open on the morning of 29th July from 7am-8am  
  • Sign In for the 50k event will open on the morning of 29th July from 9am-10am
  • Registraion for the 11k event will open on the morning of 29th July from 10.30am.
    • Participants should allow plenty of time to sign in prior to their event start.

What time does the event start at?

  • Start time for the 160k event will be at 8.30am.
  • Start time for the 100k event will be at 8.30am.
  • Start time for the 50k event will be at 10.30am.
  • Start time for the 11k event will be at 12 noon.

The official start for all three routes is Trim Castle. Please arrive there in good time so that you can enjoy the atmosphere. Stewards will direct all cyclists from the sign-in to the official start.

Is there free car parking?

Yes. Car parking will be provided in the vicinity of the Start/Finish Area and will be signposted on the day.

What do I need to bring with me?

A hard shell helmet is compulsory for every participant. Don't forget your bike, spare tube, pump, gear, food and drink (there are food stations on the route but it is always safer to bring your own. You will need it!) Also don't forget to bring a sense of fun!

Is there a Time Limit?

On the 160km Royal Challenge Cyclists who do not reach Duleek(40km) by 10a.m. will be advised to continue on the 100km route. This measure is being taken due to health and safety concerns and out of consideration for event volunteers.

Where are the Food Stops?

(Toilet facilities available at all Food Stops)

Family Spin 11km - There will be a food/water stop at Jack Quinns Pub (7km)
Tara Loop 50km - There will be a water/fruit stop at the Hill of Tara(20km) and a food stop at Kiltale(38km).
Royal Tour 100km - There will be a food stop at Gormalough (50km) and a water stop in Bohermeen (75km).
Royal Challenge 160km - There will be a water stop at Battle of the Boyne (48km). The food stop will be in Drumconrath (88km) and the last water stop will be at Bohermeen (145km).

Must I be over a certain age?

Yes. For insurance reasons the following age restrictions apply:

Family Spin is open to all ages but those under 12yrs on 29th July 2012 must be accompanied by an adult.

For the 50km Tara Loop participants must be aged 12 and over on 29th July 2012 and Under 16's must be accompanied by parent/ guardian.

For the 100km Royal Tour and 160km Royal Challenge participants must be over 16 years of age on 29th July 2012.

Do I need permission from a parent/guardian to participate?

Yes, if you are under 18 you must have permission from a parent/guardian. Application form must be completed by a parent/guardian.

What will the weather be like?

This is mid-summer in the North East so pleasant weather should be the order of the day. However should we experience rain, all participants would be well advised to bring some wet weather gear.

What first-aid facilities will be available on the day?

First-Aid will be provided on the day by the Civil Defence. There will also be service vehicles (mechanical difficulties) and a sweeping wagon, Due to the vast nature of the course it is difficult for the organisers to guarantee transport back to Trim, for every cyclist who gets into trouble. However, if you do get in to difficulty, please inform event personnel immediately (each cyclist will be issued with a list of contact numbers for the relevant route) and we will endeavour to remedy each individual situation.

Where is the official finish?

All 4 routes finish back at Trim Castle, i.e. all routes will start and finish at the same location just adjacent to the event HQ. At Trim Castle Hotel participants can expect refreshments and toilet facilities.