Europe’s Toughest Cycling Challenge
Race around Ireland
2014
This is an ultra-cycling race over a 1350 mile lap of Ireland. In 2014 it is the European Ultra-Cycling Championship. Race Around Ireland is also one of a number of events which make up the world ultra-cycling series.
A tandem has never been entered in Race Around Ireland before. The event represents a step up from the Lands End to John O'Groats challenge and so a different bike is being used. Norman and James will be cycling an Orbit Lightening Pro. They still have their other tandem which will be on hand as the spare bike. The Race Around Ireland website will provide real time tracking of their progress. So get ready to watch the dot!
1,350
miles to ride
(the eqivilant of cycling96 ½ laps of Coniston Water)
5
days to complete
the equivalent of cycling from Birmingham to Lands End each day1st
tandem to enter
Race Around Ireland75,500
feet of ascent
(the equivalent of2¾ Mount Everest ascents)
Raising funds for
Support for victims of human trafficking
CHALLENGE UPDATES
Reflections
07/09/2014
Relaxing now!
04/09/2014
A Tough Decision
03/09/2014
Three cheers for the Crew team!
03/09/2014
Cool Runnings
02/09/2014
Five star treatment
02/09/2014
On the road
01/09/2014
Race start
01/09/2014
Our team is now complete
30/08/2014
Only 2 more sleeps to go!
29/08/2014
Only 2 days to go!
28/08/2014
Only 3 days to go!
27/08/2014
Only 4 days to go!
26/08/2014
Introducing our charities
25/08/2014
Meet our Mascots
24/08/2014
New Sponsor and Mascot Competition
19/08/2014
BBC North West Tonight evening news
10/08/2014
Listen to Radio Cumbria this Wed morning
28/07/2014
Big Mileage Week
20/07/2014
Title Sponsor Announced
01/07/2014
The Fellowship of the Tandem
24/06/2014
Bike Tune at JD Tandems
07/06/2014
Retul Bike Fit
04/06/2014
Preparations in Ireland
28/05/2014
Role reversal
07/05/2014
New crew member
22/04/2014
Next stop – Race Around Ireland
13/04/2014
After midnight and still going strong
12/04/2014
Pitstops to re-fuel allowed
12/04/2014
Can you hear cowbells?
12/04/2014
Ready for the off.
11/04/2014
Beech Boys Tandem – first 100 miles
25/03/2014
The Team
Norman and James will be supported throughout the race by a brilliant race crew.
Jonathan Barton
Crew Chief Looks like Sir Dave Brailsford. Jonathan is the Captain Phillips of cycling! Cool under pressure. Wise and good humoured. Awesome!
Rowan Barton
Navigation Advisor to NASA on astro navigation. Able to find his way home from any point on the planet using a magnetised needle, cork & dish of water! Brilliant!
Adam Walker
Driver Some people say he was once a stunt double for the Stig. All we know is he is a top support car driver who never gets lost. Cosmic!
Laura Beech
Physio & Chief Medical Officer Better than super glue, Laura can repair anyone or anything with a roll of physio tape! Magic!
Lydia Beech
Food Logistics & Head Cheer Leader More power than a Saturn 5 rocket! Classic motivational talks, big smiles & top positivity. Totally on it!
Christine Beech
Race Control More organised than the Olympic Opening Ceremony, more helpful than Dr Who’s assistant. Steady and persistent, sorts the impossible. A real Lady Penelope. F.A.B.!
James Beech
Tandem Pilot Allegedly turned down the part of Maverick in the Top Gun sequel. Has all the moves. Always comes up smiling. Unflappable. Amazing!
Norman Beech
Stoker Main function - calorie munching and pedal spinning. Never gives up. Factory default setting - endurance. Stormin!
Pat Menzies
Driver The dictionary definition for team player is - Pat Menzies, The technical driving coach for films such as Speed, the remake of the Italian Job and Life on Mars, she has more wonder than Wonder Woman and is definitely our angel of the north. Why-aye man!
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