The 2010 BDO Get BACk Challenge will take place this year on Saturday 3rd July. The event will cover the 100km cycle route from The Strand Hotel Limerick to Doonbeg while the 20Km will follow a picturesque route that will start and finish at Doonbeg Golf Resort.
The 1.2.20 Challenge will also feature an extra cycle leg on Friday 2nd July for those looking for an extra challenge. This will involved a 120Km from Ballyvaughan to Limerick via the Clare coastline.
FAQ’s for Event Participants
KEY EVENT TIMES – SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION
| 10.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. | Registration |
| 11.35 a.m. | Group photograph followed by blessing of the cyclists and walkers |
| 11.45 a.m. | Departure of cyclist from Strand Hotel |
| 12.00 midday | Walkers depart Strand by bus for Doonbeg via Ennis |
| 1 p.m. – 1.45 p.m. | Registration of Walkers – Darby’s Room – Doonbeg Golf Course |
| 2.00 p.m. | Walkers depart Doonbeg |
| 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Walkers and cyclists arrive at Doonbeg |
| 6.30 p.m. | BBQ and entertainment |
| 12.30 a.m. | Bus departs for Limerick via Ennis |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q. From where and at what time will the 100km and 20km commence?
A. - The 100km cycle will take place on Saturday 3rd July from the Strand Hotel at 11.45 a.m. The group are expected to arrive in Doonbeg at approximately 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- The 20km walk will take place on Saturday 3rd Julyfrom Doonbeg Golf Club at 2.00 p.m. and finish in Doonbeg between 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Q. Is this a race?
A. The object from this event is to raise funds and have an enjoyable day and evening. Everyone is expected to participate with an ethic of staying with the group.
Q. Can I fundraise online?
A. Please send www.mycharity/charity/getbackchallenge link to encourage online contributions among your friends and colleagues.
Q. How do I return my sponsorship funds?
A. Please return your sponsorship booklets to your Get BACk contact within your organisation or bring to registration on the morning of the event.
Q. Can participants wear their own cycling / walking gear?
A. All participants must wear the official BDO Get BACk Challenge cycling jersey and walking t-shirt for ID purposes. All jerseys and t-shirts and final information packs will be distributed to each participant in mid June 2010.
Q. Are all participants required to register?
A. Yes, all participants are required to register. On registration you will receive an event ‘wristband’ which will enable you to avail of refreshment stops and gain entry to the BBQ and entertainment that evening.
Q. Where will the registration take place for the 100km cycle and 20km walk?
A. A registration desk will be set up in foyer / reception at the Strand Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick for the 100km cycle and 20km walk. There will also be a registration desk in Darby’s Bar in Doonbeg Golf Club for walkers gong direct to Doonbeg.
Q. What time should participants register for the cycle and walk?
A. Event registration will take place between 10 and 11 a.m. at the Strand Hotel and between 1 p.m. and 1.45 p.m. in Doonbeg Golf hotel. We would encourage walkers to go along to the Strand to see of the cyclists.
Q. Will there be a group photograph this year?
A. A group photograph will take place at 11.35 a.m. followed by the blessing of the walkers and cyclists before departure of the 100km at 11.45 a.m.
Q. Is there transport for walkers to and from Doonbeg?
A. A bus will leave the Strand after the cycle departure for Doonbeg. A bus will return to Limerick via Ennis that evening at 12.30 a.m. after the entertainment for those not staying in Doonbeg.
Q. How will bags and bikes be identified?
A. - Cycle participants will receive two name tags (one for luggage and one for bike)
- Walkers will receive one name tag for their bag.
Q. How will bags be taken to Doonbeg?
A. A coach will depart from the Strand Hotel, Limerick via the West County, Ennis for Doonbeg for walkers and bags. All participants (including cyclists) must leave their bag on the bus transporting walkers to Doonbeg. All bags must be tagged for identification purposes – with labels supplied.
Q. What happens your bags in Doonbeg
A. Participants staying in Doonbeg will have their bags left in their rooms. Other bags will be left in a designated collection area.
Q. Will there be technical support available for bikes?
A. We will supply technical support for any puncture repairs etc. There will also be event cars offering support for the cycle and walk. Cyclists must bring spare tubes.
Q. Will there be stops during the 100km cycle and refreshments for walkers?
A. There will be refreshment stops in Ennis, Lahinch and Spanish Point for the cyclists. Refreshments on walk will be available at a number of points along the 20km walk route.
Q. Booking accommodation in Doonbeg?
A. All participants who are planning to overnight in Doonbeg must book directly with Doonbeg Golf Club – Contact: Gene Clohessy, Telephone No (direct line) 065. 9055603 or 065.9055600 (reception) or Email gene_clohessy@doonbeggolfclub.com. A special event rate is available.
Q. Will there be shower facilities in Doonbeg?
A. Shower and changing facilities will be provided in Doonbeg. For those returning to Limerick / Ennis after the BBQ their bags should be tagged and left in the designated room. Those people checked into Doonbeg are asked to go their rooms rather than use the golf club facilities. Doonbeg will have all participants staying in the hotel pre-checked in so all you must do is collect your key at reception.
Q. How will participants return to Limerick after the BBQ?
A. Bus transport will be provided after the entertainment at 12.30 a.m. to Limerick via Ennis. Participants must confirm in advance of the event whether they will travel back to Ennis or Limerick on the bus or have made their own arrangements. There is no bus transfer on Sunday if people are staying in Doonbeg.
Q. How will participants get their bikes back to Limerick?
A. Bikes will be transported back to Limerick for collection at the offices at BDO from Tuesday 6th July onwards. It is important that your bike has your name tag on it. Tags will be provided. Participants must confirm in advance of the event whether they wish their bikes to be transported back to Limerick or are making their own arrangements. BDO is not responsible for any damage, theft or loss due to transportation.
SAFETY
Q. What are the safety rules?
A. Walkers
- There will be a safety car at the front of the group and another at the rear. All walkers must stay between the two cars on the left hand side of the road;
- All walkers must stay as close to the side of the road as possible;
- Walkers are responsible for their own safety on open roads
Cyclists
- Cycling helmets are compulsory;
- Personal music players that require ear phones are not allowed;
- Cycling two a breast is advised but please stay inside the yellow lines on the dual carriage way and as close to the left hand margin as possible on secondary roads. In certain circumstances, single file cycling will be necessary;
- Please allow at least one bike length between your bike and the bike in front of you;
- In the event that you need to stop or slow down please make the cyclists behind you aware to avoid accidents;
- Please alert cyclists behind you to any upcoming pot-holes, stones or obstacles by pointing down with your left or right hand;
By adhering to the rules and regulations of the event and the road, all cyclists and walkers will have a fun, safe and memorable day.
For further assistance please contact either
Mark O’Connell or Ann Howlett on 061.414455
