Date: Saturday 4th January 2025

Start Time: 7:00 AM SHARP

Harry Clarke Memorial Window

J Clarke-Receipt

Clontarf and Scots Window

The 2025 running will be a reprisal of this Audax event which was designed to commemorate the Centenary of Armistice Day and the end of World War I. The route takes you on a poignant journey through historical sites and memorials, echoing the sacrifices made during the Great War. Experience the legend of the Angel of Mons as you cycle through the picturesque Irish countryside.

Start Location: Scots Presbyterian Church, Clontarf (To be Confirmed).

Clontarf Dart station has trains arriving in both directions in time for the start.

Organiser: Kevin Lynch (2025 reprisal), Original route design by Ronnie Moore

Distance: 207km, (BRM 200km validated by Audax Club Parisien & Audax Ireland)

Entry Fee: €5

Cycling Ireland Licence required. One-Day Licence available for €20 if needed.

Optional ACP or Audax Ireland Medals €7

Entry via Eventmaster only. Entries close 1st January 2025. There will be a limit of 30 Riders.

Important Notes:

This is a self-supported event. There is no back up. NO tribars allowed. Helmets are mandatory. This is a winter spin. Riders should be prepared for cold, wet or windy weather and dark conditions. Good lights (including backup lighting), high-viz clothing, and warm clothing are essential.

No lights, no ride. In line with Audax rules, sufficient lights are required to start. Lighting systems designed for city riding are not suitable. Flashing rear lights are not permitted.

Bring a pen for info controls at visible Great War Memorials (GWM). Most riders will use a modern cycling computer to follow a provided GPS course.

Route Description:

The route begins at the Scots Presbyterian Church in Clontarf, where you can view the Harry Clarke stained-glass memorial window.

Clontarf to Drogheda (82km): Heading east towards Howth, the route then swings north towards Drogheda via Malahide Road, Estuary Road, Balheary, Ballyboughal and Lusk.

An approved detour via Balrothery brings you past the cemetery, which contains a monument to Harry Redmond, a Brevet Hiberniae Point. At 47km the town of Skerries (Control) provides ample options as a food & rest stop, followed by Balbriggan, Stamullen (Brevet Hiberniae available), and Julianstown.

Drogheda to Castlebellingham (110km): Arriving in Drogheda, information control at the War Memorial, in the form of a Celtic Cross. There is a wide range of cafes and shops available. The route then leaves the town passing the Boyne Viaduct, another Brevet Hiberniae point. From Drogheda, continue north to Castlebellingham via Sandpits and Annagassan. Castlebellingham, (Info control), at 110km is the most northerly point of the route.

Castlebellingham to Slane (144km): Head south to Slane through Stabannan, Dromin, and Collon. Caution: The descent of Slane Hill is very dangerous and steep, with a sharp right-hand bend at the bottom before crossing the River Boyne.

Slane to Garristown (176km): After crossing the Boyne, take the next right turn off the N2 (don’t miss it!) and continue south to Garristown via Beauparc and Puddin Hill. This section is through quiet country roads in Co. Meath and over the border into North Dublin. Don’t delay, as the evening could now be closing in fast.

Garristown to Clontarf (207km): Turn left in Garristown and follow the R130, turning right onto the R122 through Oldtown, across the R125, and through St. Margarets, Whitehall, Malahide Road, and Marino, finishing back at Scots Presbyterian Church.

Controls: Skerries 46km; Drogheda 84km; Slane 144km; Garristown 176km; Finish at Scots Presbyterian Church 207km.

Info Controls (Great War Memorials): British Legion Hall, Killester 4.5km; Drogheda 82km; Castlebellingham 110km; Collon 132km.

Ride with GPS Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/3951915

Safety/ experience level: This event is run in the Audax/Randonneuring style and intended for experienced cyclists. Riders are responsible for their own safety and should be capable of navigating the course and making basic bicycle repairs. You should expect at least some challenging weather and riding in the dark. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin beforehand.

The Angel of Mons: This Audax event is inspired by the legend of the Angel of Mons, a story that emerged during the First World War. In August 1914, the British Expeditionary Force faced overwhelming odds against the German army at the Battle of Mons. Amidst the chaos and retreat, stories circulated of a supernatural intervention – angelic figures appearing in the sky to protect the British troops. It became a powerful symbol of hope and resilience during a time of great hardship. This Audax pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in the Great War.

Permanent: This ride will also be available as a Permanent, by arrangement with Kevin Lynch

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