Ulster Grand Prix 1 - The Pits Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Cuilcagh: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.

Regards
Cuilcagh - Volunteer Ireland Reviewer
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Hidden : 5/2/2010
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

The cache is placed near the Pits area of the Ulster Grand Prix Dundrod Circuit - The "Fastest road race in the World"

The Ulster Grand Prix is one of the last remaining major races still run on public roads. The first races here took place in 1922 after a local politician (and motorcycle enthusiast) Thomas Moles pushed through the "Road Races Act" enabling public roads to be closed for the purposes of racing. Originally this was on the Old Clady Circuit which incorporated the "Seven Mile Straight" and it was on this stretch that the original Pits area was located - near Loanends Primary school.

The course was over 20 miles in length and included a section across the runways of RAF Aldergrove. The annual race continued here until 1939 with the fastest ever lap being claimed in that year by Dorino Serafini riding a Gilera in 12m 17.8s an average speed of 100.03mph.

The Second world war intervened and there were no races until 1947 and due to changes to the roads and airport layout these took place on a shortened Clady circuit of 16.5 miles with the fastest lap being claimed by Les Graham on an 500cc MV Agusta in a time of 9m 21s and an average speed of 105.94mph. The race remained here until 1952 when it moved to the present Dundrod Circuit.

Between the years of 1949 and 1971 the race was part of the FIM World Championship and as such attracted international riders including the great Giacomo Agostini who won here 7 times in his career.


1963 saw the formation of the Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club whose fanatical support continues to this day. Each year they produce a pin badge to raise funds with the earliest examples fetching high prices and becoming increasingly collectible.




With the loss of International status, the racing gradually evolved into a more specialist form with very few "short circuit" riders also competing on the roads due to the unforgiving nature of the courses here and also at the Isle of Man TT. The early seventies saw the emergence of many sucessful local riders, Joey Dunlop being the most famous, who were to dominate the Road Racing scene worldwide.


The main Grandstand opposite the Pits is now named in honour of Joey Dunlop who won 24 races here in a variety of classes over a period of 20 years from 1979 to 1999. The 2009 Meeting saw new records being set with an outright lap record by Conor Cummins on the 7.4 mile circuit now standing at an average speed of 133.28mph! I doubt your "lap" of the caches will be quite as quick.....


This is part of a series of caches around the current and previous tracks.

Be aware, that it may be impossible to access some of this series during the actual Bike week and the days leading up to it - always obey the instructions of Race stewards and Marshalls - Road Racing can be dangerous for riders and spectators alike!


THE CACHE:

This cache is a small plastic container - it should be replaced as closely as possible to the original location to avoid discovery by accident - however those of you with long arms should be careful not to place it out of reach of the rest of us! Although the area seems remote, during "bike week" large numbers of people will be walking around! It will also contain useful information in locating the 5th Cache in this series....

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Oruvaq nezpb

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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