Organiser: Ronnie Moore

Event Date: 6th January 2024

Closing date for entries: 30th December 2023, Max 25 Riders

E-Mail: altabanthegr8@gmail.com

Mobile: 087 6297693

All entries must be made on Eventmaster only.  Cycling Ireland Licence is required.  One-day Licence is available for €20 if required, this will be charged automatically on Eventmaster if you do not provide a valid current Cycling Ireland Licence Number.

Eventmaster Entry Link: Abandoned Churches 200 2023 – Buy Tickets (eventmaster.ie)

Entry fee: €5 plus Eventmaster Fees

Optional ACP or Audax Ireland Medals €7 each

Start time 7.00am.  6.30am for Registration.

RidewithGPS Map: Abandoned Churches 200

Start Location: Whitehall Church, Eircode D09 E2R2

Facilities/Parking: Parking available at the start, BEWARE OF THE OVERHEAD BARRIER AT ENTRANCE. This is an unsupported event, riders must bring or buy their own refreshments, and must be self-sufficient for repairs etc.

Good Lights, Helmets and Cycling Ireland Licence (Annual or One-day) mandatory. No Tribars allowed.

Route Description:

There are 2 Info Controls, so bring a pen. There is a 5k gravel section on this route. It also takes in part of the Royal Canal Way, which is a shared area, with walkers, dogs etc. Show courtesy to all other users, particularly when passing from behind. Take special care when passing under hump back bridges, where the track is narrow. Watch out for other users coming in the opposite direction.

The route visits 8 abandoned churches in Counties Dublin, Meath and Kildare. Turning right from the carpark it heads west along the R103, Collins Ave. Swinging north through St. Margarets, Oldtown, and Garristown. From Garristown the route swings west toward Dunfierth via Trevet, Dunshaughlin, Drumree, Summerhill, Agher, Castlerickard, Boyne Aquaduct, Blackwater Aquaduct, Enfield, Cloncurry, Newtown. Turning southwards at Old Dunfierth Church (ruin), south to Timahoe, heading east from Timahoe back towards Dunboyne through Ballyfanagh, Staplestown, Clonfert, Kilcock, Blackhall, Kilcloon. From Dunboyne it is a short trip across to Kilbride and back to the finish at Whitehall via Kilshane Way, Cappagh Hospital, Finglas and Glasnevin.

Controls: Summerhill 69.4k, Unknown Church 89.1k (Info), Timahoe 127.4k (Info), Kilcock 154.9k, Kilbride 186k

Abandoned Churches (Do not enter):

St Marys Clonmethane 20.8k 

Garristown 27.8k

St Marks 49k

St Marys Galtrim 62.6k

Unknown Church 89.1k

Old Dunfierth 120.2k

Timahoe Church 127.4k

Ballyfanagh 136.2k

A timed and dated proof of passage is required for all controls e.g. a till receipt

The information (info) control questions will be on the route sheet. The answers to be entered into the allocated spot on the brevet card

Last control at Whitehall closes at 20.40pm

Please sign your brevet card at the end of the event.

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