Well the day is almost upon us! Let’s hope that the weather is as good as last year. I thought that I would take the opportunity to update you on final plans for the Munster 200.

Sign on will start at 6.30am at the South Court Hotel, Raheen and close at 7.45am. To save time, I would appreciate if those of you who have not completed and returned Registration and Indemnity forms together with your €40 Reg fee could do so this week. At sign on you should also bring along your completed sponsorship cards and sponsorship money. Alternatively you can lodge this to our Bank of Ireland Account.

Bank:Bank of Ireland

Account Number:27591058.

You can then attach lodgement slip to your sponsorship card and return this.

After sign on we will assemble at 7.45am for departure at 8am SHARP. At sign on you will be given your Jersey, bike number, which should be attached to the bike, Nametag, which you should attach to your bag. Your bags with spare clothes etc can be placed in the Van and will be accessible during the cycle.

The most important thing to remember on the day is that we are all part of one team, with one goal and that goal is to raise as much money as possible for Cystic Fibrosis in the safest way possible and to have as much fun as we can in doing that.

The most important piece of equipment you have is yourself so look after it. The best way to do this is to ensure the following:

1. Your bike is up for the journey.

2. A helmet is a must, if you arrive in the morning without a helmet you will not be able to participate.

3. Brakes – No harm in investing in new brake blocks (~€10)

4. Cables – Brake and Gear cables

5. Tyres – Check for nicks and weakness likely to cause puncture

6. Chain – Oiled and running smoothly

7. Gears – Check that are not jumping or causing chain to slip off

8. Bars – Ensure they are straight and tight

9. Water-Bottle cage – Get one if you don’t have one.

10. Saddle – Have you got the height checked for you?

With regards to clothes, the best approach to take is to wear a few layers that can easily be removed. Finally try and wear something that is reasonably aerodynamic for your ease and avoid jeans, as they get very heavy when wet and are not suitable for lengthy exercise. A helmet is essential and no cyclist is allowed start without it. If you need any new equipment, be sure to call into John in Siopa Rothar, John St, Limerick.

Recommended clothing/items:

Gloves / Rain Jacket / Padded Cycling Shorts / Warm Footwear / Change of Socks / Water Bottles on your bike.

There will be a full support crew on the day to ensure your safety and to meet all your needs:

1. Chief d’Equipe. Ensuring the smooth running of the event on the day, liasing with Gardai etc to ensure that the day is successful.

2. Lead Car. Chef d’Equipe will be in this car and will set the pace. Pace average of 15mph. The lead car will determine pace to accommodate majority. Under no circumstances can the Lead Car be passed during the day.

3. Lead Cyclist. Denny Mulvihill has agreed to be our lead cyclist and together with the lead car will determine and control the pace during the day.

4. Motorbike Marshals. Peter O’Donoghue and his crew will again assist in keeping us safe on the roads.

5. Support Car – If you only cycle five miles and you have to come off the bike and go in one of the cars that is ok. None of us know what it will be like until we hit the road and it is no reflection on anyone who cannot cycle the entire distance. If we see you struggle we will take you off the road and put you into the support car. At no time will the main bunch slow down to accommodate anyone who has fallen significantly off the back. Those who have fallen behind will be picked up by the support car. You can always rejoin when it is safe to do so.

6. Mechanic Van - If you need any repairs the mechanic will assist you. Your cycling bags will be in the support van and you will have access to them during the cycle.

7. Medics. There will be two Ambulances (Red Cross and Civil Defence) The Civil Defence is for back up in case there is an accident, requiring hospital attention, that the Red Cross will need to bring the patient to.

8. ‘Catering Crew’ – Food & Drink will be supplied to you by our caring support crew at the rest stops. There will also be Water and snacks in the Lead and Support cars that you can avail of during short “Catch Up” stops.

I would ask that you adhere to any instruction given by any of the officials during the day, as they are there to ensure your safety. We intend this to be a very enjoyable day and a huge amount of work goes into its preparation and execution. On the road we need to look out for each other and ourselves, we need to leave the South Court in the morning & arrive back into Limerick City in the afternoon as one team, a safe team & a successful team.

Our plan is to arrive back into Limerick City with a lap of the City, then head up to the South Court where shower and changing facilities are available. Meal will be served for all Cyclists and Support Crew. We have had some queries in regard to family members joining the meal. Unfortunately, due to the large number of Cyclists, we are unable to accommodate extra people in the cost. However if extra people do wish to attend the meal, they would need to cover the cost @ €25 per head and notify us by Tuesday 10th at the latest. As with last year we are committing to give all sponsorship to Cystic Fibrosis with none of it going to the costs of the event.

As Colm is now moving into a participant’s role, I will be co-ordinating the event on the day & please direct any queries through my team or myself.

Best of luck to you all.

Annemarie Conneely

086 2509301