The Longest Day

TLD2010 – what is it?

In 2010 we will be riding from Lowestoft in the east of England, to Guarran Point in the west of Ireland, with the aim of getting there before sunset.

Who is it in aid of?

This year we are raising money for HELP for HEROES.

Is there a website I can donate on and direct my friends to?

Yes. Go to www.justgiving.com/tld2010 and have your card ready.

Do I have to be a member of www.xrv.org.uk to do the ride?

No. But you may find it useful to register as a member of the site so you can engage in the TLD discussions. Registration is free. There is an option to subscribe, for which you will receive additional benefits such as affiliate membership of MAG free of charge, a private messaging facility, and the ability use the For Sale/Wanted section, to name a few.

How long will the ride take?

Approximately 15 to 18 hours as an average guide. This includes a ferry crossing so about 13 to 16 hours in the saddle depending on the pace you ride.

What are the ferry details?

There are two ferries available; the first has been prebooked with 30 spaces available for the slower riders and those with pillions, leaving Holyhead on the Irish Ferries Swift at 12:00 arriving in Dublin City 13:49

The latest check in time is 30minutes before departure

The second for the remainder is with the Stenalines, the Stena Adventurer leaving Holyhead at 13:50 and arriving at Dun Laoghaire at 17:05.

The latest check in time for this boat is 60 minutes before sailing

What is the official route?

You are not required to stick to the official route, and may make your own adjustments as you see fit.

However, the sweeper, the backmarker who will be watching out for riders in difficulty, will be following the official route only, so if you have any difficulties on the ride and are not on the official route the sweeper may not be able to assist you.

From Lowestoft to Holyhead

From Dublin to Dingle

and from Dun Laoghaire to Dingle

Click on maps for Google Maps route plan

What bike can I ride?
If you are riding a small capacity machine, you may need to review the route carefully and adjust your start time to ensure you can make the ferry. Only you can tell how many breaks you will need, etc, so this needs to be built into your riding plan for the event.

Are you all nutters? I’m a bit worried about riding in a group.

Yes. We are nutters. Nutty about long distance riding, endurance events and raising money for charity. Apart from that we’re as normal and ordinary as you could get.
The large group tends to break up on the road so riders can ride at a pace that suits themselves. There will be a fast group, a medium group and a sight-seeing group. We take safety very seriously and we are acutely aware we are representing both the biking community and our charity event, so you won’t find anyone doing wheelies, burnouts, or stoppies at the lights etc.

How do I register for the ride?

Click in the Register section of this website and downlaod and complete the registration form.