Roadside tips for stage 3. Questions and Answers

Choochtown

I've never attended a big tour stage before so I'd appreciate a bit of advice.
I'm hoping to get a spot on the side of the road for stage 3 between Drogheda and Dublin. I'll be coming from the West (N4) and have 2 children with me.

Is it just a question of parking up on the side of the road and waiting for them to pass? Or will the entire road be closed? (I'm thinking car, picnic table etc.)

Will there be a "race radio" that I could tune into so I know that they are approaching?

Anyone got any tips on a good spot? Maybe an incline so they'll be passing slower!!?

Will the M50 and M1 be packed? Would I be better approaching via N or R roads?

Anyone got a link to a detailed route map to help me pick a spot?

Lastly ... Is it worth driving for 2 hours and waiting for another while just to see elite sportsmen zoom past? I suspect yes but I'd like to hear that confirmed.

boege

Cant speak for the Giro but have watched 10-15 stages of the TDF over the years. Some info here.
http://www.girostart2014.com/

Road closures listed here:
http://www.girostart2014.com/docs/Caravan-Closures_Web_Stage_3.pdf

Some general advice:

I belive there is a caravan with the event. By caravan I mean a train of sponsor cars/vans that give out freebies. It's a bit like a St Patricks day parade about two hours ahead of the race. You will need to be in place a good 5 hours ahead of the riders if using the route.

If the section is flat the peleton will pass in circa 60 seconds - bikes and support cars. A better approach is to find a location near where they are showing it live on a big screen. This way you can watch it live and then go into the town and view the finish with a bit of athmostphere (i.e. drink). This may not be happening on the Giro but I see TV mentioned in Balbriggan.

Personally, I would prefer to watch it live on the internet but my son and wife are going to the official opening and we're in Limerick. As you say it does not appen often.

sbs2010

How about parking in Liffey Valley and getting the bus into town? Spots around the Liffey where they come in Nth Wall and cross over to Southside should be good viewing.

Choochtown

That's really helpful Boege thanks.

Choochtown

sbs2010 wrote: »

How about parking in Liffey Valley and getting the bus into town? Spots around the Liffey where they come in Nth Wall and cross over to Southside should be good viewing.

I assumed there would be really packed and a lot of waiting in one place to keep a good viewing spot with the kids getting bored etc.
I suppose I'm imagining a roadside spot, portable picnic table, sun blazing down, bottle of wine, baguette, ... (too much TDF TV viewing perhaps!)

MichealD

Choochtown wrote: »

...........
I suppose I'm imagining a roadside spot, portable picnic table, sun blazing down, bottle of wine, baguette, ... (too much TDF TV viewing perhaps!)

Have you seen the weather forecast.........?:)