The long wait is over...The Women's Commission Boot Inn League 2007 begins this Wednesday night!!

This League has been running for a number of years, and is for all women cyclists, especially beginners who have never raced before. The circuit is a 5 mile flat loop, so it should suit all shapes, ages and abilities. We usually do about 20 miles in total, but you can even do 1 lap at your own pace and then cheer on the other riders as they finish. There is also a social side to the league, with refreshments provided after each race. All races are on a Wednesday evening at 7pm sharp, with sign-on from 6.30pm. Velotex are sponsoring our Leaders' Jersey this year, and Staggs/Lucan Cycling Road Club will host our first race with Brendan Whelan as Race Director. Clubs have been very supportive of the League - local clubs will take it in turns to host different rounds of the league, and some clubs are offering free Club Membership for your first year to new women who sign up with them through the Boot Inn League. Lakeside Wheelers have even arranged their own Club League Races around the Boot Inn League dates so that their women members can ride in both leagues!

NB: CYCLING IRELAND LICENCES MUST BE PRODUCED AT SIGN-ON (see below for more details if you don't have one).

If you have more questions.. this might help to answer them..

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Am I fit enough?

These races are for all women cyclists, but are aimed mainly at complete beginners who have never raced before - commuters, leisure cyclists, mountain bikers, anyone who has a bike.

The circuit is a 5 mile flat loop, and we usually do 4 laps. If you find it too tiring, then just do a lap at your own pace, and watch the rest of the race. No problem. All starters get 5 points. If you miss the first few races - only 8 out of 10 races count for the overall league prizes, so you can still have a chance of doing well in the league. If you don't have the time to do 8 races, that's fine too - everyone is welcome to do as many or as few races as suits them.

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But I've never ridden in a group before

Now is your chance for a gentle introduction. Riders will be split into small groups (approx 6 riders), so you should be fine. If you think that's still too many for your nerves, let the Race Director know when you sign-on, and he'll try to put you in a smaller group, or let you off on your own. You're also welcome to come along and watch or marshal a race just to see what goes on, before you try the race yourself.

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What to bring

All riders must bring their Cycling Ireland Licence and Racing Number for sign-on. This is for insurance reasons. "Club Competition" licence holders will be insured for the event. Riders without the required Cycling Ireland licence will have to buy a one-day licence when they sign on. Cost for this is approx 10 euro.

1) Cycling Ireland Licence and Race Number (or money for a 1 day racing licence)

2) Helmet 

3) Sign on fee of 5 euro

4) Food and drink for during the race

5) Race clothing

6) a Bike!!

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Check your bike

All bikes must be road-worthy and safe for racing. Please don't put anyone at risk with faulty equipment / bad brakes etc. Your local bike-shop will be happy to service your bike for you. 

Time Trial Bars can only be used in Time Trials - please remove them for all Road Races, except those marked as Time Trials below. They are optional for Time Trials.

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How the League Points work

All riders who sign-on get 5 league points per race, except the first six riders over the finish line, who get 11,10,9,8,7,6 points. The events are handicapped. This means that riders are split by ability, and the 'weaker' groups get a headstart (a handicap). Because of the handicap, sometimes the faster riders never get to catch the ones who get the headstart, so the theory is that all riders should have an equal chance of winning the race.

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How to get to the Boot Inn

If you are going by car...

Heading North on the M50... take the exit off the M50 for Dublin Airport. At the main airport roundabout, take the Right exit for Swords. At the next roundabout, take the Left exit for St. Margarets. At the next roundabout take the first Left exit. You should find yourself at the back of Dublin Airport, surrounded by runways, aircraft viewing lay-bys and air traffic control towers. Along this road, take the first Left turn, and the Boot Inn is down this road about 1/4 mile, on the left hand side. If you miss the left turn, you will come to a roundabout - take the first exit. You will be on a road parallel to one of the runways. Follow this road for about 2 miles, and the Boot Inn will be on your right hand side. 

I'm convinced - what are the Race Dates...

1) April 25th

2) May 9th

3) May 23rd (Time Trial)

4) June 6th

5) June 20th

6) July 11th

7) July 25th (Time Trial)

8) Aug 8th

9) Aug 22nd

10) Aug 29th