Celtic Knot 1000

OleRodrigo · 14-10-2015 11:58am #1

The Celtic Knot will run again next July. It will be a 1000km event with about 7000m of climbing. Entries will be limited to 26. Entry fee will be about 120 euro.

https://www.facebook.com/CelticKnot1000

More details to follow..

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OleRodrigo · 14-10-2015 12:08pm

Weepsie · 14-10-2015 1:13pm

I am looking for something somewhat absurd (to my mind) to do for my 30th, and maybe (though highly unlikely) this could be it!

godtabh · 14-10-2015 2:28pm

Weepsie wrote: »

I am looking for something somewhat absurd (to my mind) to do for my 30th, and maybe (though highly unlikely) this could be it!

Based on the pictures on facebook you will need to be a good bit older to apply

NamelessPhil · 14-10-2015 2:38pm

Yeah maybe, but those guys will still be able to kick your butt up a hill even after 900km!

godtabh · 14-10-2015 2:56pm

NamelessPhil wrote: »

Yeah maybe, but those guys will still be able to kick your butt up a hill even after 900km!

Thats a given

Alek · 14-10-2015 7:40pm

Whats the time limit for this one?

OleRodrigo · 14-10-2015 8:17pm

75 hours. It will start on Fri July 29th 6:00 am, and you have until Monday 9.00 am to complete ( whilst getting through the controls within the specified time limits ).

Its not as hard as it sounds. The first leg is 360km, so you could be back at the start by 12:00/ 1:00 am, then sleep for a few hours, then out on the next leg (340Km ), back by 12:00/ 1:00 am on Sat night. Then, if you get up at 6:00 am again for the final 300km you have 27 hours to complete that.

Or you could sleep minimally and get it all done by Sunday afternoon.

Price includes a bed for up to 4 nights for as long as you need one and all meals at the center from where it is based.

Unknown Soldier · 14-10-2015 8:37pm

Is there a reason it is limited to 26?

OleRodrigo · 14-10-2015 8:39pm

There is - thats all the beds the Center has, and I dont think we could cook meals for more than 26 people for 3 full days.

Alek · 14-10-2015 11:39pm

I don't really think I can prepare until June. Done 300+, but never even 200 and then 200 the next day... Maybe when I grow up a bit

OleRodrigo · 14-10-2015 11:50pm

As they say, the best way to prepare for one is to do one.

But yeah you'll need to start shaving first. Then ask your mum for permission. :pac:

Edit - its more doable than you might think. With a decent group theres a good chance you'll have company for the whole thing. Theres only a handful of small climbs, its not that bad, more undulating than anything. 75 hours is plenty.

Alek · 15-10-2015 1:09am

I'm not afraid of the distance (physically) or climbs, I am quite confident I can handle this, but more about my head vs so many long, long hours in the saddle... This is what I find really challenging.

Shaving... I guess I could use some indeed

rollingscone · 15-10-2015 7:47am

Alek wrote: »

I'm not afraid of the distance (physically) or climbs, I am quite confident I can handle this, but more about my head vs so many long, long hours in the saddle... This is what I find really challenging.

Shaving... I guess I could use some indeed

He's talking about your face Alek.

OleRodrigo · 15-10-2015 11:37am

That aspect of it is a challenge. After taking a wrong turn at the end of the second leg, I ended up by myself for the last 300km on this years event. Had a few difficult moments alright.

OleRodrigo · 10-11-2015 12:11pm

Website is up at:

http://www.celticknot1000.com

Planet X · 10-11-2015 12:25pm

Nice site.
Inspiring well written write ups.....I'd love to do something like this..... but hey....
Have to do a 300 first.

cdaly_ · 10-11-2015 5:26pm

First loop is a 300*...

*Well, 360 but you can have the extra 60 for free...

OleRodrigo · 22-11-2015 7:19pm

Only about 11 places left...

OleRodrigo · 23-11-2015 12:50pm

Down to 1 now.

C'mon Weepsie, get the finger out ( and your chequebook ).

Koobcam · 23-11-2015 12:57pm

Any way to enter this online? I was sort of planning to do this, didnt; realise entries would go so quickly.

OleRodrigo · 23-11-2015 1:06pm

Yes, you can register for your place here:

http://www.celticknot1000.com/contact.html

Koobcam · 23-11-2015 1:14pm

OleRodrigo wrote: »

Yes, you can register for your place here:

http://www.celticknot1000.com/contact.html

Thanks. I sent my details as directed, looks like I still need to fill out an actual entry form and pay, so hopefully I'll be able to get a place sorted.

OleRodrigo · 23-11-2015 1:32pm

Koobcam wrote: »

Thanks. I sent my details as directed, looks like I still need to fill out an actual entry form and pay, so hopefully I'll be able to get a place sorted.

Yep, entry and payment details will be sent on in due course. I'll send you an email confirming your place shortly.

Weepsie · 23-11-2015 1:51pm

OleRodrigo wrote: »

Down to 1 now.

C'mon Weepsie, get the finger out ( and your chequebook ).

Is there a reserve list? My own fault. Shoudlve just signed up for it, needed the kick up the arse rather than the fear

OleRodrigo · 23-11-2015 1:54pm

Weepsie wrote: »

Is there a reserve list? My own fault. Shoudlve just signed up for it, needed the kick up the arse rather than the fear

Yep, I'll stick you down. Just use the contact form linked above and I'll send you an email with your waiting list number.

OleRodrigo · 24-11-2015 9:04pm

Weepsie wrote: »

Is there a reserve list? My own fault. Shoudlve just signed up for it, needed the kick up the arse rather than the fear

We had one guy pull out so I stuck you in. Email sent.

Weepsie · 24-11-2015 11:15pm

Cheers, I will get all sent back this week I hope. Then I'll need to panic!

ciaeim · 28-11-2015 2:35pm

Anyone ever do this or have any thoughts on it? looks like an epic cycle, how would you train for something like this, i expect nutrition and pace and time management would be of the utmost importance. any thoughts ?

Darkglasses · 28-11-2015 2:37pm

Merged threads

OleRodrigo · 28-11-2015 4:26pm

ciaeim wrote: »

Anyone ever do this or have any thoughts on it? looks like an epic cycle, how would you train for something like this, i expect nutrition and pace and time management would be of the utmost importance. any thoughts ?

Yes you're right, they are all important.
Real food in the form of balanced meals should form the majority of your strategy for the ride, with simple carbs in small amounts - the 80/20 rule. Keep high fibre foods to a minimum beforehand.
Pace is very important.
Time management - plan your stops and stick to the plan. This won't always be possible. Again, the 80/20 rule.

http://www.celticknot1000.com/faqs.html

Koobcam · 28-11-2015 5:20pm

My four hours in the rain today has also reminded me of the need to be ready to ride for hours or even days in the rain and at widely differing temperatures - bring lots of changes of clothes and a saddle bag big enough for extra layers I'd say. It will be handy having the Clara base as you can potentially bring several changes of kit and at least you know that if you're wet you'll have something else to change into back at base. Not envying anyone mad enough to have signed up for the WAW.

OleRodrigo · 28-11-2015 5:48pm

One of the appealing aspects of the ride is returning to the same spot each day, allowing you to carry a minimum of stuff out on the road and change/ shower after each section, if you want.

It's good to do a few long rides in bad weather during winter. The Geimridh200 is next week and there's a few in Jan/ Feb. Should be available as permanents if you can't make the actual events. Winter miles, summer smiles

.

Wishbone Ash · 28-11-2015 6:21pm

OleRodrigo wrote: »

One of the appealing aspects of the ride is returning to the same spot each day..

That could also increase the temptation to abandon it!

(The Barkley 160k ultra-marathon (with 16,500m climbing) has five loops from the centre starting point. Competitors say that the urge to give up is overwhelming each time one sees one's car parked at the start.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_Marathons

OleRodrigo · 28-11-2015 6:33pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

That could also increase the temptation to abandon it!

(The Barkley 160k ultra-marathon (with 16,500m climbing) has five loops from the centre starting point. Competitors say that the urge to give up is overwhelming each time one sees one's car parked at the start.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_Marathons

They aren't really similar events. There were three DNFs this year - one due to a mechanical and the other two with knee problems ( mainly due to the PBP qualifier rides beforehand).

The feedback was positive on the loop system out of a single base, especially from those doing their first long ride.

OleRodrigo · 14-12-2015 3:05pm

Good news. Some extra accommodation has been secured at the venue bringing the total amount of participants to 33. If you haven't got your entry in yet, there is currently a cancellation list in operation.

darkvalley · 14-12-2015 6:30pm

A serious rush of blood and over-enthusiasm made me join the waiting list for this one.
Damn you pre-christmasy positive thought!!

Weepsie · 14-12-2015 6:41pm

darkvalley wrote: »

A serious rush of blood and over-enthusiasm made me join the waiting list for this one.
Damn you pre-christmasy positive thought!!

I think that's what happened to me. I've (finally) sent my payment, having ummed, and then just forgotten, and then realizing I had transferred it out of my account anyway.

Might have to set up a log, and get some serious advice on training, and gear and the rest for this. I'll know early April how I'm set for it, having missed out on first 3 months of last year.

Koobcam · 26-06-2016 9:51am

Just wondering how people are getting on with their training for this? Not too much longer to go at this stage, starting to wonder if the training is up to scratch. I've done a few 300s, plenty of 200s, a load of longish (150-200) rides back-to-back, but the distances in this event are going to be longer than anything I've done before

OleRodrigo · 27-06-2016 9:52am

Don't worry about it. Try to keep in group that suits your pace. Keep the pace a bit less than you might like and focus on getting through all of it. Slow and steady will win through.

Just did the route check last week, there could be up to 150km of a headwind on the second section so it's important to conserve energy and share the work if possible.

CramCycle · 27-06-2016 11:08pm

Koobcam wrote: »

Just wondering how people are getting on with their training for this? Not too much longer to go at this stage, starting to wonder if the training is up to scratch. I've done a few 300s, plenty of 200s, a load of longish (150-200) rides back-to-back, but the distances in this event are going to be longer than anything I've done before

Think of it as either 3x300 with an extra 100 FOC, and not ime off in between.
Actually, just don't think about it, just do it.

How are you feeling overall? Have you made a battel plan or are you just going to go for it and see let the plan happen around you as you go?

Koobcam · 30-06-2016 7:33am

CramCycle wrote: »

Think of it as either 3x300 with an extra 100 FOC, and not ime off in between.
Actually, just don't think about it, just do it.

How are you feeling overall? Have you made a battel plan or are you just going to go for it and see let the plan happen around you as you go?

Feeling grand, I've been in Beijing the past three months, so it's not been possible to simulate Irish roads or weather, but it's been good for getting the kms in. Been hard to do many long rides in the past few weeks because of work and the incredible heat (high 30s most days). Not sure how group ridign will go, I had kind of been working on the assumption of having to ride most of it solo, but a group for part of it would certainly make it more manageable. Wind and rain are going to be the biggest obstacles I think.

OleRodrigo · 22-07-2016 11:56am

The Route has been finalized and is ready for next week:

http://www.celticknot1000.com/the-route.html

Weepsie · 22-07-2016 12:43pm

Saw the Facebook post. A little bit if a cruel joke butting the biggest climb (unless I'm mistaken as I often am) 750 km in to the cycle

ford2600 · 22-07-2016 12:52pm

Weepsie wrote: »

Saw the Facebook post. A little bit if a cruel joke butting the biggest climb (unless I'm mistaken as I often am) 750 km in to the cycle

Mistake too I thought felt they should have routed it day 3 the other way and left climb for last 50km..

They'll be bored of flat roads at that stages and glad of a bit of mountain

OleRodrigo · 22-07-2016 1:25pm

Yeah, it is quite flat . ' The Cut ' wouldn't rank in the challenging climbs of Ireland.

That said, quiet flat roads are mentally challenging, especially after a few days. Some sections have dead roads with strong headwinds.

Its no walk in the park, despite its scenic nature.

Koobcam · 24-07-2016 9:12pm

ford2600 wrote: »

Mistake too I thought felt they should have routed it day 3 the other way and left climb for last 50km..

They'll be bored of flat roads at that stages and glad of a bit of mountain

Nah, get all the climbs out of the way at the start of day 3, best way to do it.

ciaeim · 25-07-2016 5:15pm

Doing this at weekend. And am bricking it. Training was badly disrupted with illness and have never done a 300 k cycle and now have 3 to do back to back. Have almost 6k done this year tho so hope that helps.

DanDublin1982 · 25-07-2016 7:01pm

ciaeim wrote: »

Doing this at weekend. And am bricking it. Training was badly disrupted with illness and have never done a 300 k cycle and now have 3 to do back to back. Have almost 6k done this year tho so hope that helps.

Best of luck. Really like the idea of this event and hoping to maybe have enough in me to give it a bash next year.

ciaeim · 25-07-2016 8:22pm

DanDublin1982 wrote: »

Best of luck. Really like the idea of this event and hoping to maybe have enough in me to give it a bash next year.

Thanks. And I will no doubt need it 😉

NamelessPhil · 25-07-2016 11:06pm

Good luck to everyone. I did it last year and it was the furthest I'd ridden in one weekend. I'd done 400 and 600km events but this was my first time facing into riding 300km on the third day and it was fine. I managed to get about 4-5 hours sleep every night and being able to come back to a bed, food and a shower was a great advantage.

The route is much the same as last year for days one and three. Day two has a detour into the dead roads of Clare that wasn't on last year's route. Although there isn't a lot of climbing over the three days, I found the first day's route over Sligo and Mayo surprisingly lumpy and if there's a headwind it could be quite sapping. The Cut is not particularly difficult on day three, you've got a bit of a warm-up and it's not the hardest climb in the country. My least favourite section of the route was the 15km of road between Enniscorthy and Bunclody, the Slaney Drive, last year it had feck all road surface and with nearly 900km in my legs at that stage I felt every lump!

It's a great way to see the country and you have a certain satisfaction from knowing that you've ridden from Ballina to Enniscorthy via Corrofin!

Celtic Knot 1000

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