Orwell Randonnée 2013

Answer the question. Yes or No? Are you ready for a challenge? Yes or No? Can you overcome some of the toughest roads in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains? Yes or No? Can you take on the notorious Wall, Sally Gap, Luggala and the Shay Elliot in one ride?

If so the Orwell Wheelers Randonnée offers the perfect mix. And it’s back again in 2013 – on Saturday, May 4th. The event is fast becoming a key milestone on the annual sportive calendar and, as those of you who have participated before will know, it combines testing climbs and fantastic scenery in a tough day’s cycling that will stretch your legs to the full.

To keep things fresh, we’ve made some tweaks to the 140km route to ensure it presents the ideal blend – whether your goal is the Randonnée itself or preparation for the Wicklow 200, the Sean Kelly, the Etape or the Marmotte.

We’re staging the event this time round in association with the Ross Nugent Foundation which was set up in July 2010 by the family of the Dublin teenager of the same name after his death from a very rare form of cancer. The foundation’s main objective is to raise funds for equipment in oncology wards in Beaumont and other hospitals.

Online registration opens today here but a word of warning: entry is limited to 300 cyclists and we won't be taking entries on the day so don’t delay.

To whet your appetite (and not just for our famous carrot cake), you’ll get a flavour of the 2012 event here and here. If that’s not enough to get your pedals turning, here’s what some of last year’s participants had to say:

"I have to say that this is a brute but probably the best organised event I have had the pleasure in riding... great prep for any Etape or Marmotte folks!"

"Excellent event, food stop was spectacular I must say, the cake had a touch of class about it! Marshalling was excellent, lots of bodies and they seemed actually engaged in what they were doing, which isn't always the case."

"Great marshalling, directions on the road, food stop had everything you would want. Mechanic who fixed my gears/derailleur before we started thanks a million. Carrot cake was awesome... 2nd sportive this year after Ras Mumhan and not sure how anyone cant beat it."

Looking forward to seeing you on May 4th!