Date: NOT currently scheduled

Difficulty/Climbing (from * to *****)    ***

Organiser: Gary Bracken, Wolftrap CC

E-Mail: birraudax@gmail.com

Phone: 086 3580978

Address: 5 Cappaneale Upper, Birr, Co. Offaly

Entry Fee: €5 by Cheque or Postal Order, (plus €7 for optional ACP or Audax Ireland Medal if required)

Online Entry Link:

Download Standard Entry Form New Entry Forms

Closing Date:

Start: Birr Rugby Club, Birr, Co. Offaly

Time: 8am SHARP

Facilities: Plenty of parking at Start.  This is a self-supported event, so you need to bring or buy your own supplies.  There are a range of hot food/deli options available at controls.

Route has changed due to severe deterioration of some roads used last time.  New Map below.

Map: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/8199405

Route Description: The cycle starts in the historic Georgian town of Birr, Co. Offaly.  It starts by winding its way around the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains with a few short sharp drags in the first 75kms, before tackling two tough climbs of “The Cut” at 8km long, followed quickly by the “Wolftrap” at 5km long, which is as tough a climb as you will find anywhere.  The summit of the Wolftrap is reached at 100km, and that’s the worst of the climbing over for the day.  The route then heads out into bog country which is a little flatter, and then through rolling countryside towards the ancient monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise along the Shannon, and back to Birr crossing the Grand Canal, and along quiet country back roads to the finish.

There will be a secret Control along the route to keep everyone honest !

The route is not overly hard once you have negotiated the first 100kms, but it will be a good test of riders fitness.

Cycling Ireland Licence required, 1-day Licence available for €5

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