The Overview Of The Event:
The Dash of the Derg charity bike event, sponsored by Ei Electronics and organised by the Irish Electrical Cycling Club (IECC), sounds like a fantastic opportunity to support a worthy cause while enjoying a day of cycling.
Event Sponsors: The event is generously supported by Ei Electronics as the title sponsor, along with several Gold and Silver level sponsors from the industry, demonstrating widespread support for the cause.
Gold level Sponsors: City Electrical Factors, CJK Engineering, EWL Group, Fegime Ireland, Irish Electrical Buyers Group (IEBG), In2 Engineering, Ireland’s Electrical Magazine, Legrand, Lidacel, Reg Farrell Engineering, Richmond Electrical Wholesale, Robus, JV Tierney Consultant Engineers, Schneider Electric.
Silver Level Sponsors: Ethos Engineering, Fisher Paykel, Fusion 4 Quality, Mitchell McDermot, National Electrical Wholesalers, Profile Emergency Lighting,
Organisers: The event is organised by members of the newly formed Irish Electrical Cycling Club (IECC), including Stephen McManus (Lidacel), Michael Bissett (Hager), Diarmuid McStay (REW), Andrew Clifford (JV Tierney), and Dan Fisher (Core Distribution & IEBA). Their dedication and efforts in organising this event highlight the commitment of the electrical industry to supporting charitable initiatives.
With such enthusiastic support and meticulous organization, the Dash of the Derg promises to be a memorable event, bringing together individuals from the electrical industry for a day of camaraderie and philanthropy
Here Are The Key details:
Who can participate?
Anyone involved in the electrical industry, including contractors, wholesalers, consultant engineers, and distributors, as well as their family and friends, is invited to participate and raise funds for the Irish Electrical Benevolent Association (IEBA).
Route Description
The course is a 115km route, relatively flat, designed to accommodate cyclists of all levels.
The route will be clearly marked, there will also be both static and bike marshals around the route. Your cooperation will be appreciated.
Click here for the GPX File
Cost to Participate
Teams of four to six individuals can sign up at a cost of €600 per team, providing a great opportunity for colleagues and friends to come together and support the cause.
Insurance Information:
All members of Cycling Ireland are automatically insured to participate in the event. Proof of Cycling Ireland Membership is required when registering.
A Cycling Ireland Event Licence, one-day insurance cover, is required for any non-members of Cycling Ireland to participate in the event.
How To Enter A Team:
Teams can easily register for the event by clicking the registration link below:
Eventmaster link coming soon!
Insurance Information:
All members of Cycling Ireland are automatically insured to participate in the event. Proof of Cycling Ireland Membership is required when registering.
A Cycling Ireland Event Licence, one-day insurance cover, is required for any non-members of Cycling Ireland to participate in the event.
Start/Finish Location
The start and finish point is at Flanagan’s On The Lake, Ballina, promising an enjoyable day of cycling amidst scenic surroundings.
Parking
There are a number of car park options:
Smith O’Brien GAA & Camogie Club – Google Map
Once parked, make your way to Flanagan’s On The Lake, just a 5-minute cycle for registration and safety brief.
Carpooling is suggested to alleviate car parking for the event.
Public car parks in the town are also available.
NOTE: There is no parking available in local housing estates or on the road outside the venue.
Arrive early. There may be some delays as you leave the motorway. We will do everything in our power to keep everyone moving.
Registration
Before you start the Dash of the Derg, you will need to pick up your pack at registration. It is mandatory to ‘sign-in’ on the day of the event.
Registration will be available from 8.30am at Ei Electronics Demonstration Van at the Start/Finish point of Flanagans On The Lake.
Please bring your confirmation email with QR code to pick up your race pack. If you can’t find this email our registration team will be able to assist you.
All participants will require to have their bikes checked by our on-site mechanic prior to registration. Your cooperation & patience will be appreciated.
Proof of insurance is mandatory to participate in the event.
Insurance Information:
All members of Cycling Ireland are automatically insured to participate in the event. Proof of Cycling Ireland Membership is required when registering.
A Cycling Ireland Event Licence, one-day insurance cover, is required for any non-members of Cycling Ireland to participate in the event.
What to bring on the morning of the event.
- Helmet (Compulsory)
- Mobile Phone
- Puncture Repair Kit (2 Spare Tubes, Tyre Levers, Pump)
- Photo ID
- Food and drink (there are water stations on the route but it is always safer to bring your own, you will need it!)
- Your email printout
Goody Bags
You can collect your goody bag during the Registration.
Official Start & Finish Times
Start: 10:00am
Once registered, Marshall’s will allow teams to leave from 10 am onwards via a rolling start.
Cut-Off: 6:00pm
Medical Support
First-Aid will be provided on the day by the Red Cross. If you do experience a medical emergency, phone the Medical Helpline number which is on your bike number. Give clear and precise information on the nature of the injury and where the casualty is located and give your contact number.
Insurance Requirement:
All members of Cycling Ireland are automatically insured to participate in the event. Proof of Cycling Ireland Membership is required when registering.
A Cycling Ireland Event Licence, one-day insurance cover, is required for any non-members of Cycling Ireland to participate in the event.
Food
Before the Event:
Your entry to the event offers each participant a breakfast roll or pastry option and refreshments at Flanagans On The Lake.
After the Event:
Your entry to the event offers each participant a BBQ (Gluten Free Options) and refreshments at Flanagans On The Lake.
YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE YOUR TOKEN FROM THE REGISTRATION FORM TO AVAIL OF THE FOOD.
Please Note: Refreshments will also be waiting for you at the finish line.
Litter
Riders are encouraged to enjoy their surroundings without environmental impact
PLEASE BRING YOUR LITTER BACK TO THE FINISH AREA.
Water Stops
As well as water being available at the start/finish area, there will be two water stations along the route at the 40km and 80km points.
Litter
Riders are encouraged to enjoy their surroundings without environmental impact
PLEASE BRING YOUR LITTER BACK TO THE FINISH AREA.
Safety Rules
- Rules of the road apply at ALL times.
- All participants must obey the instructions of Gardai, Red Cross, and Marshals.
- Please note: Marshals do NOT have the authority to stop traffic.
- RESPECT: Respect other road users, marshals and fellow cyclists.
- Not every junction may have Marshals so you should approach junctions as if they were not there and proceed with caution.
- This event takes place on open roads and cyclists must give way to other road users where applicable.
- There are downhill sections and there may be dangerous bends, please pay attention to signs, flags and whistles.
- Strictly No iPods or Headphones – safety is a huge priority and failing to hear instructions or the sound of oncoming traffic can cause serious accidents to you, fellow participants and to the general public.
- All bicycles should be well-maintained and in a road-worthy condition. Participants are advised to carry a pump, spare tubes and tyre l
After The Event
After you cross the finish line (and catch your breath!), you can proceed to the clearly marked Medal Collection Area to collect your medal.
A chance to get a Team Photo
There will be refreshments for all participants.
Where To Stay
The IECC is not affiliated with any of the accommodations listed below.
Here are some of the hotels in the vicinity:
The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre in Killaloe
Killaloe Hotel & Spa in Killaloe
The Old Quarter in Limerick City – Approx 20km away
Absolute Hotel Limerick in Limerick City – Approx 20km away
Castletroy Park Hotel , Castletroy on the outskirts of Limerick City – Approx 18km away
Kilmurry Lodge Hotel , Castletroy on the outskirts of Limerick City – Approx 17km away
Maldron Hotel & Leisure Centre Limerick in Limerick City – Approx 22km away
Limerick Strand Hotel in Limerick City Centre – Approx 20km away
The Savoy Hotel in Limerick City Centre – Approx 20km away
Here are some of the B&Bs and Guesthouses in the vicinity:
Bealkelly Country House approx 9km from Killaloe
Clareville House B&B approx 12km from Killaloe
Cosy Shepherds hut Between Maple and Hawthorn approx 15km from Killaloe
Brennan Court Guest Accommodation approx 16km from Killaloe
The Carriage Houses at Beechpark House, Bunratty approx 26km from Killaloe
The Hazel Tree BnB. Tuaim Uí Mheára approx 26km from Killaloe
115km Training Plan
Creating a training plan for a 115km cycle event involves gradually building up your endurance, strength, and speed over several weeks. Here’s a suggested 10-week training plan:
This 10 Week Training plan requires you to start training from mid-July.
Week 1-2: Base Building
Day 1: 1-hour easy ride at a comfortable pace
Day 2: Rest or cross-training (e.g., yoga, swimming)
Day 3: 1.5-hour ride, including 15 minutes of intervals (30 seconds hard effort, 2 minutes easy)
Day 4: Rest or cross-training
Day 5: 1-hour easy ride
Day 6: 2-hour ride at a moderate pace
Day 7: Rest day
Week 3-4: Endurance Focus
Day 1: 1-hour easy ride
Day 2: Rest or cross-training
Day 3: 2-hour ride with rolling hills
Day 4: Rest or cross-training
Day 5: 1.5-hour ride, including hill repeats (3-4 climbs of 5-7 minutes each)
Day 6: 2.5-hour ride at a steady pace
Day 7: Rest day
Week 5-6: Strength and Speed
Day 1: 1-hour easy ride
Day 2: Rest or cross-training
Day 3: 1.5-hour ride with intervals (4-6 x 1 minute hard effort, 2 minutes easy)
Day 4: Rest or cross-training
Day 5: 2-hour ride with hill sprints (10-12 short, hard efforts on steep inclines)
Day 6: 3-hour ride at a moderate pace
Day 7: Rest day
Week 7-8: Fine-tuning
Day 1: 1-hour easy ride
Day 2: Rest or cross-training
Day 3: 2-hour ride, including longer intervals (3-4 x 5 minutes hard effort, 5 minutes easy)
Day 4: Rest or cross-training
Day 5: 2-hour ride with hill repeats
Day 6: 3.5-hour ride at a steady pace
Day 7: Rest day
Week 9: Tapering
Day 1: 1-hour easy ride
Day 2: Rest or light cross-training
Day 3: 1-hour easy ride
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: 45-minute easy ride
Day 6: Rest
Day 7: Rest
Week 10: Event Week
Day 1: Rest
Day 2: Short, easy ride to keep legs loose (30-45 minutes)
Day 3: Rest
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Pre-event ride (20-30 minutes easy with a few short efforts to open up the legs)
Day 6: Rest
Day 7: Event day!
Remember to listen to your body throughout the training process and adjust the plan as needed. It’s important to include rest days for recovery and to avoid overtraining. Additionally, make sure to fuel properly before, during, and after rides, and stay hydrated. Good luck with your training and the event!