The Air Corps and Usher IRC along with Lucan CRC are to hold their annual sportive in Wicklow next month in memory of Air Corps helicopter pilot Cmdt Morgan Sparrow who was tragically killed in a crash during an inter club race earlier this year.
While the sportive has been going for some years it has been rebranded and relaunched and will now be held every year in memory of the Usher IRC member. He died back in May when he sustained head injuries in an inter club race crash.
A new member to Usher IRC, Morgan was making his return to road racing as an A4 having last competed at junior level over 20 years ago. He was one of five Usher IRC members who are also members of the Air Corps, where he held the rank of Commandant and was Commanding Officer of 302 Squadron (Helicopters).
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The event now being held in his honour will take place on September 15th, with a challenging route through the Wicklow Mountains over 120kms. With numbers limited to just 150, those wishing to take part are advised to pre enter.
There will be two groups on the day with the advanced group aiming at an average speed of 28kph and the intermediate group 24kph. There will be leaders assigned to both to effectively marshal the riders and ensure nobody gets left behind.
The event is being run strictly on a “no helmet, no entry” basis.
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The organisers’ nominated charity is Barnardos, which a cheque to be presented to a representative of the children’s charity at a reception on the evening of the event. There will also be a raffle for a Race Across America (RAAM) bike, with tickets costing €10 each or three for €20. All proceeds from that will go to Barnardos.
Event sponsor Stagg Cycles will also be providing prizes for a free raffle to be held after the ride, with anyone who signed on eligible for that draw. The entry fee for the ride has been reduced to €30, which covers:
- Full breakfast
- On route food-stop
- Energy drinks
- Dinner after ride in Baldonnel
- Full back-up from Air Corps including ambulance & motorcycle outriders
- Event photography
- Showers & changing facilities
- Free raffle ticket
- Evening entertainment
The evening entertainment component to the event is a new addition and full details have yet to be confirmed. However, we are told it will take place in the lounge in Baldonnel and will involve drinks and music, at which family members and friends are welcome.
Those wishing to enter the event can do so by pre paying at Stagg Cycles shop in Lucan, Harry’s Bikes in Clonskeagh or Hollingsworth Cycles in Stillorgan/Templeogue – all Dublin locations.
Alternatively you can email [email protected] or [email protected]
This sounds like one that will fill up pretty quickly. So if you want to be there to remember one of our own taken far too young you’ll need to get in early.
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