Event Date: 16th to 20th August 2025
Distance: 1200km, 8700m of ascent, with a 90 hour time-limit
Start time: 10:00am
Start Location: Heuston Station, Dublin
Entry Limit: 30 Riders
Closing Date for entries: Saturday 2nd August 2025 (may close earlier if event is full)
Organising Club: Orwell Wheelers
Organiser: Joe Fitzpatrick
E-Mail: joefitzpat@gmail.com
Difficulty/Climbing (from * to *****): ***
Event Information
The Shoulder2Shoulder 1200 is a fully self-supported audax passing through all 32 counties on the island of Ireland. Departing at 10am from Heuston Station allows riders from outside Dublin take a train to the start.
This is an event for experienced randonneurs and endurance cyclists only. Riders must have completed a brevet of 600km minimum in 2024 or 2025 in order ride this event.
This event will take place on unlit county roads. Lights must be turned on during hours of darkness or other low-light conditions (typically 9pm to 6am). A lights check will be completed before an event card is provided to each rider. You will not be permitted to take part if your bike does not have a good set of lights. Carrying backup lights is recommended. Riders must wear a high visibility vest or belt at night.
Riders are not allowed to receive any support along the route, other than at designated controls.
It is explicitly stated that riders take part in the event solely at their own responsibility. They will be fully responsible for following the correct route, and arranging their own accommodation and food as required.
All entries must be made on Eventmaster only, and Cycling Ireland Licence is mandatory. For those who do not have a valid Annual Cycling Ireland Licence, an event licence is available. (Previously known as an ODL, this covers the 90hrs of the event). This will be charged automatically on Eventmaster if you do not provide a valid current Cycling Ireland Licence Number.
Eventmaster Entry Link: Link to follow later
Entry fee: €5 plus Eventmaster Fees
Optional ACP or Audax Ireland Medals €7 each, can be ordered on Eventmaster.
RidewithGPS Map (Provisional): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48831773 (the name of this route will be updated to include the word FINAL after route checks have been completed).
Parking/Facilities: There is a paid car park at Heuston Station.
Route Description: The route leaves Dublin heading East towards Edenderry before turning North to Newry, Antrim town and across the top of Lough Neagh. From there it heads West to Omagh, into Donegal and back into Northern Ireland at Pettigo. Travelling South through Enniskillen, it dips into County Longford then travels West to Ballaghadereen. After that it goes South to Limerick, West to Ballylongford then back East across the country to Waterford. The final Northerly section passes through New Ross, Carlow and Blessington before the easy climb to Ballinascorney for a view over Dublin before dropping back to Heuston station and the Finish.
Controls: Control validation will be managed electronically (most likely via timestamped photos posted to a WhatsApp group). Exact locations are yet to be finalised but are likely to include some (or all) of the locations below.
