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WAR: Wicklow Adventure Race Glenmalure

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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 24 Mebuccaneers


    Hi Guys
    I just want to double check when we can drop our bikes off at Glenmalure, is it tonight or can we do it in the morning?? The thoughts of driving up from Naas to Glenmalure on a Friday evening......


    At least the weather tomorrow is going to be fine with a bit of sunshine but a bit cool, nice.
    Lets hope I can sleep tonight with the excitement....or is it worry about the run up that big looking hill...:eek:
    Cheers
    Paul


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,441 ✭✭✭Slogger Jogger


    Check out the WAR Glenmalure site. There was a final checklist which should tell you all you need to know.
    Hi Guys
    I just want to double check when we can drop our bikes off at Glenmalure, is it tonight or can we do it in the morning?? The thoughts of driving up from Naas to Glenmalure on a Friday evening......


    At least the weather tomorrow is going to be fine with a bit of sunshine but a bit cool, nice.
    Lets hope I can sleep tonight with the excitement....or is it worry about the run up that big looking hill...:eek:
    Cheers
    Paul


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 584 ✭✭✭Fi H


    8.30 tomorrow morning i think for the bike drop :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 37 Gear Freak


    4 stars (good)
    The bike drop off is open at 8.30am. You can drop your bike off from 8.30 until the race briefing begins which is obviously earlier for the full route and later for the sport route.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,454 ✭✭✭hf4z6sqo7vjngi


    3 stars (average)
    I assume you can leave a bag at the first bike transition area?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 660 ✭✭✭Git101


    Weather was fantastic today. Interesting course. Second run was tough.
    I would have liked the bike stages to be longer but that's just because I like the bike. :D
    Really not sure if the river and hay bales added anything of value :rolleyes:.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27,833 ✭✭✭✭ThisRegard


    I enjoyed the river, as cold as it was, and after it the net and bales were a killer, made a challenging end to things. As the day wore on people were really struggling on them.


  • Registered Users Posts: 33 earsandasmile


    Another great day. A big thanks to Brian, Paul and the rest of the team for what was a superbly organised race. I don't how they do it, but they seem to be in the good books with the weather gods!

    My only complaint was that I missed the kayak section, but we all know what happened there and I felt it was well handled. The obstacle course was probably a bit of tokenism but I had a huge smile on my face jumping over those hay bales.:D

    What's next? Anybody here heading to Skibereen for the South Coast Endurance?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,454 ✭✭✭hf4z6sqo7vjngi


    3 stars (average)
    Really enjoyable day out and that second mountain climb was very tough. Surprised to see the numbers so low i was expecting much higher.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,818 ✭✭✭nerraw1111


    4 stars (good)
    Great race today. Working the late shift afterwards, not so great.

    Really liked today's sprint course. The mountain run was fantastic especially with the weather, some great views. The descent was a bit frantic with alot of people putting the hammer down. Almost took a wrong turn. I believe the leader of the sprint did and lost about 6 minutes.

    Happy with the run and I think might've been around sixth leaving transition.

    The bike was a disaster for me. While changing a flat tyre before the race, I somehow snapped off a tiny bit of the tyre lever. Had no time to see if it fell into the tyre. Just hoped it didn't.

    Turns out it did and the unwelcome sound of the back wheel rumbling was soon heard. It was a slow puncture at this point so managed to pump it up and get going again for about 10 minutes before going flat. Did this a few times until the top of Shay Elliot when the wheel just wouldn't inflate. Figured there was no point in changing a tube at this point so just coasted in on the flat tyre.

    I enjoyed the short obstacle course I must say.

    Excellent event, happy with my performance but a disappointing result


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,441 ✭✭✭Slogger Jogger


    What a fab day. Long day on the summit of Croaghanmoira but great to see the efforts of everyone taking part. Well done all. A couple of samples. I'll try get the rest up somehow in the coming days.

    2nd to the top of Croaghanmoira but 1st overall I believe...
    9B024D7D471842568FBE2E09882022AE-0000332535-0001939685-00800L-6BF92D4B491F4CD4BB6BBC3B05C32022.jpg

    Heading over the top and down the other side towards the cars on the horizon...
    C8B6CB454A25495A9FD27DDAE2863844-0000332535-0001939684-00800L-F660EBA626FF49C5888E88F26B08FDFF.jpg

    Robbie Bryson decends... with helicopter patroling the area...
    731369247EDF487B8AE7F0C67E788A91-0000332535-0001939681-00800L-ED324B50540F4F289610E9463A18DB1F.jpg


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27,833 ✭✭✭✭ThisRegard


    Last pic there is great, simple yet very dramatic.


  • Subscribers Posts: 19,425 ✭✭✭✭Oryx


    4 stars (good)
    Tough event for me today but didnt expect anything less. Had the interesting experience of goin ass over tit down the shale descent of croaghanmoira. Proper war wounds to show for it too. :) But once again kudos to Brian and Paul for a challenging and flawless day.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,724 ✭✭✭Enduro



    What's next? Anybody here heading to Skibereen for the South Coast Endurance?

    If you want to try your hand at a real adventure race the Cooley Raid is on in two weekends time. A super race. There is a thread about it in this forum.


  • Registered Users Posts: 33 earsandasmile


    Enduro wrote: »
    If you want to try your hand at a real adventure race the Cooley Raid is on in two weekends time. A super race. There is a thread about it in this forum.

    Cheers Enduro. Are you taking part?

    I'm new to these type of events, but do I detect a bit of slagging over what constitutes a "real" adventure race? :confused:

    I don't have a training partner or group that I could compete with so I guess that rules me out. I guess I'll just have to be more social at other events and try and find some other like minded sadists!;)


  • Registered Users Posts: 76 ✭✭fluboy


    I would like to also say thanks to the lads for organising the event yesterday.


    I enjoyed it to a certain point. I found the second run or should I say hike to be too tough and dangerous. Very few people could run on that terrain. They need to change this run section or I, and from what I heard on the course yesterday, wont be back next year.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27,833 ✭✭✭✭ThisRegard


    Hi fluboy, at many of these events there are sections where few people can run, they can be very technical and challenging, for example not many people would manage to run the height of Croagh Patrick. Even at the IMRA races there's sections were the majority of people have to slow to a crawl.

    Anyway, after Gaelforce and Achil expert in the last few weeks I tried to be nice to my body and did sports yesterday. Had a fun day, somehow managed to hurt one foot on the descent and as a result in compensating with my weight on the other leg got a massive blister on the other. Took it handier than normal from then on but had already made a few places so wasn't too bothered. A quick transition and then came the cycling, still my weak spot. Immediately lost a few places at the beginning but held my own once I got into a rhythm and caught a few again after the rough section. A group of us shot back to the finish, got out ahead of them into the icey river as they were changing their shoes, fell over the hay and over the finish line for a top 20 finish.

    Great weather yesterday and the tea and sandwiches are always welcome at the end. Another well organised event by the lads and a good atmosphere around it too.


  • Subscribers Posts: 19,425 ✭✭✭✭Oryx


    4 stars (good)
    fluboy wrote: »
    I would like to also say thanks to the lads for organising the event yesterday.


    I enjoyed it to a certain point. I found the second run or should I say hike to be too tough and dangerous. Very few people could run on that terrain. They need to change this run section or I, and from what I heard on the course yesterday, wont be back next year.
    I would rather do a tough, and risky event like this, and know I beat it, than one where every step is safe. In something like this you do your own risk analysis and are responsible for your own safety, even though people are on hand to help, obviously. They may not suit everybody but I would not want the organisers to remove the risk and therefore, the real challenge. There are plenty of easier events out there for those who prefer that.


  • Registered Users Posts: 201 ✭✭kerinsp


    I dont want to see any more hills for a while. Tough race.
    Are the results up anywhere?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 584 ✭✭✭Fi H


    fluboy wrote: »
    I enjoyed it to a certain point. I found the second run or should I say hike to be too tough and dangerous. Very few people could run on that terrain. They need to change this run section or I, and from what I heard on the course yesterday, wont be back next year.

    I think if you are concerned like this then adventure racing is not for you. Thats the whole point in an adventure race, its a tough challenge!!

    I have no problem at all with tough terrain that you have to go slowly on my only small niggle with the race was the barbed wire fence we had to cross. Put my hand down on the cover and ripped my finger, tried to get a leg over & cut my leg in a few places- finally got one leg over and then my shorts got caught - spent a few mins like that before having to stand on the fence to pull it down to actually get across. I know a good few people cut themselves there. I think they forgot that there are some short people like me :) I think where theres a genuine hazzard like this that it might be appropriate to put a couple of block so you could get across safely.

    Other than that, although I found it very hard & will be definitely buying a road bike, it was a fantastic day out as per usual and very well organised!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,441 ✭✭✭Slogger Jogger


    Results up now: here

    Didn't take part yesterday as I was helping out. Felt the urge to cycle some of route today. Croaghanmoira was looking splendid. If you ran most of this yesterday fair play to you.

    5A01F37BC7CF453A87C21FBE44FF8A16-0000332535-0001941085-00800L-443EE32509BC4EC7A8F784CD28190D4A.jpg


  • Registered Users Posts: 76 ✭✭fluboy


    Maybe your right, but you have missed my point. I thought that the terrain on the second run was impossible to run on. In War Glendalough, both runs were equally a tough but at least you could run if you were strong enough.

    Just wondering did you go back and fix the fence or did you leave that to the poor farmer?:confused:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,441 ✭✭✭Slogger Jogger


    fluboy wrote: »
    I thought that the terrain on the second run was impossible to run on...

    I disagree. Ran the 2nd route recently with DPA. Obviously it would be more difficult after a run and cycle but practice, practice.. Or use a deliberate walk run strategy to conserve energy.


  • Registered Users Posts: 76 ✭✭fluboy


    Doubt I will ever be that strong. One thing that you can’t take away from the course was the views of the Wicklow countryside. Unbeatable


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,930 ✭✭✭Spudmonkey


    4 stars (good)
    Great event yesterday and weather to boot.

    That second run was a killer, especially after the cycle just before. But it made the cycle home all the sweeter!!

    Congrats to everyone that did it. I found it as tough as any I had done before!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 584 ✭✭✭Fi H


    Dont worry i didnt actually hurt the fence. I just stepped on the lowest bit to lower it about 2 inches so i could get over - it sprang back up straight away.

    Photos are really good! There are some pretty hilarious ones of me trying to get over the bales of hay at the end! took a few attempts & a leg up in the end :D:D

    Felt sorry for my friend who thought you HAD to swim the river so took off her shoes and socks and then had to swim it cause she couldnt stand :)

    Thank god for the weather or i think we would have been in hypothermic weather. In the end I think icing the muscles helped out with the recovery :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,454 ✭✭✭hf4z6sqo7vjngi


    3 stars (average)
    I look fairly happy for someone who is running down a mountain:rolleyes:
    IMG_7096.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,441 ✭✭✭Slogger Jogger


    @Jackyback. Where you the one with your bike helmet on near the top.. but didn't even notice you were wearing it :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,454 ✭✭✭hf4z6sqo7vjngi


    3 stars (average)
    @Jackyback. Where you the one with your bike helmet on near the top.. but didn't even notice you were wearing it :)

    Yes that was me totally oblivous to the fact I had it left on from the last transition, felt like a right numpty when someone told me on the summit.:rolleyes:


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  • Subscribers Posts: 19,425 ✭✭✭✭Oryx


    4 stars (good)
    Saw a few helmets hanging on a gate post halfway up the second run. You werent the only one to forget. :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27,833 ✭✭✭✭ThisRegard


    The sports splits are up now, as I guessed I lost time on the descent after my slight injury but made up for it in the river and hay section, maybe I should take that triathlon malarky up after all !


  • Registered Users Posts: 872 ✭✭✭smurphy29


    Having been pleased with my performances in GF and Achill, this was my first disappointing showing. A few mistakes...

    Should have strapped up my knee. It felt fine in the lead up to the race but early on the first mountain run I could start to feel it. After practically walking the first descent of the second run, hopped into the ambulance and they strapped it up, and I felt much better after that, but I certainly lost some time with that error.

    Then my puncture - some of you may have sped past me just after the bridge on the second cycle as I grappled with a simple puncture. Had changed a puncture before, but never under race conditions and the sight of people passing me by made me flustered and panicked as my spare tube was failing to inflate properly... turns out my pump wasn't working, but I kept thinking it was another puncture in the spare! Eventually, with some assistance - thank you lads! - got my tyre back in order and finished the race, but lost a staggering 40-45 minutes. An expensive lesson learned, though.

    Still, a grand race with some seriously tough climbs, especially on the bike. Three 60k races in five weeks might have been dipping into the well once too often for me, but I've enjoyed a first season of adventure racing. Have a bit of experience in the tank, so I'll look forward to next season with gusto.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,724 ✭✭✭Enduro


    Cheers Enduro. Are you taking part?

    I'm new to these type of events, but do I detect a bit of slagging over what constitutes a "real" adventure race? :confused:

    I don't have a training partner or group that I could compete with so I guess that rules me out. I guess I'll just have to be more social at other events and try and find some other like minded sadists!;)

    I didn't take part for several reasons.

    There is no hard and fast definition of what an adventure race is, but the Wikipedia entry on the subject describes it very well, and would be fairly universally accepted. The 3 core sports are usually considered to be hill running/walking, Mountain Biking and Kayaking. So, if you're road biking, you're not really adventure racing. I've been racking my brains to think of any examples outside of Ireland where adventure races don't have mountain biking, and I can only think of one race. Mostly you'd be expected to be self sufficient and do your own navigation (as part of a team) as well.

    I'm more frustrated than slagging. Road biking is so much duller and less interesting than mountain biking. Personally, I'm completely bored with the road-bases races here. I'd love to see all the people doing the WARs, ROARs and GF give one of the proper adventure races a go. It would be great for the sport, and even better for the racers themselves!

    If you don't have someone to race with and you want to team up then there a few things you can do... As you say youself you can actively search out people at races. IMRA races have in the past been a great place to pick up teammates for ARs. You can use forums like this one and the IMRA or Sleepmonsters forum to find teammates. You could also contact the race director and let them know you're looking for a teammate. This happens all the time, even in the big international races. They'll be able to put you in contact with other people who contact them looking for teammates.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,724 ✭✭✭Enduro


    fluboy wrote: »
    Maybe your right, but you have missed my point. I thought that the terrain on the second run was impossible to run on. In War Glendalough, both runs were equally a tough but at least you could run if you were strong enough. :

    You're wrong. It's perfectly runnable. Its a great run, in fact. The weakness there is with you, not with the race. Rather than trying to get the race made easier you should try and improve your own running ability, or else just stick to less technical races.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,818 ✭✭✭nerraw1111


    4 stars (good)
    Hey Enduro,

    I'd like to step up to some of the longer races next year, weekend, multi day races.

    Any recommendations for 2011 events to keep an eye out for? I know the Cooley raid is next month but work commitments rules that one out.

    Best of luck in the Worlds!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,441 ✭✭✭Slogger Jogger


    Yes that was me totally oblivous to the fact I had it left on from the last transition, felt like a right numpty when someone told me on the summit.:rolleyes:

    That was me. Sorry I didn't throw any money in for your impromptu collection at the top :p


  • Registered Users Posts: 13 ChazMichael


    4 stars (good)
    Really enjoyed this Adventure Race on Saturday. Very well organized. Well done guys! Just my second AR after doing ROAR a few weeks ago. Sport class in both cases. Time to improve the training and join the Elite's for next year! ;)


  • Registered Users Posts: 33 earsandasmile


    Enduro wrote: »
    I didn't take part for several reasons.

    There is no hard and fast definition of what an adventure race is, but the Wikipedia entry on the subject describes it very well, and would be fairly universally accepted. The 3 core sports are usually considered to be hill running/walking, Mountain Biking and Kayaking. So, if you're road biking, you're not really adventure racing. I've been racking my brains to think of any examples outside of Ireland where adventure races don't have mountain biking, and I can only think of one race. Mostly you'd be expected to be self sufficient and do your own navigation (as part of a team) as well.

    I'm more frustrated than slagging. Road biking is so much duller and less interesting than mountain biking. Personally, I'm completely bored with the road-bases races here. I'd love to see all the people doing the WARs, ROARs and GF give one of the proper adventure races a go. It would be great for the sport, and even better for the racers themselves!

    If you don't have someone to race with and you want to team up then there a few things you can do... As you say youself you can actively search out people at races. IMRA races have in the past been a great place to pick up teammates for ARs. You can use forums like this one and the IMRA or Sleepmonsters forum to find teammates. You could also contact the race director and let them know you're looking for a teammate. This happens all the time, even in the big international races. They'll be able to put you in contact with other people who contact them looking for teammates.


    Some great advice here, thanks.

    I would certainly aspire to trying some of the events you describe here. However, with a young family and the cost of buying/ renting some of the equipment required and learning some of the skills needed for these I think it will be a few years before I'd be ready.

    The beauty of WAR, GF, ROAR etc. is that they cater for people like myself. I suppose their role is twofold; they can be completed and enjoyed by anybody with a decent level of fitness and without any specialist skills, i.e navigation, rope work etc.. Also, they serve as a feeder to the types of events you mention. I would expect that a lot of people taking part in these would step up to the races you mention.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,724 ✭✭✭Enduro


    nerraw1111 wrote: »
    Hey Enduro,

    I'd like to step up to some of the longer races next year, weekend, multi day races.

    Any recommendations for 2011 events to keep an eye out for? I know the Cooley raid is next month but work commitments rules that one out.

    Best of luck in the Worlds!

    Thanks for that! Luck is always a good thing to have for the expedition races :)

    And as for races to look out for...

    CLEC : Usually on in July. The traditional format here is teams of 3, but there was pairs last year as well. A classic race, taking anything from 3.5 to 8 or 9 hours to finish. The mountain biking is outstanding, and always brings a huge grin to even the most experience rider's face. Good running, and a short kayaking section on Sit on Tops as well. Course is marked, so theoretically no Nav is required. Post race party is legendary. The sole road bike race is completely pointless, as it misses the best reason to do the event (the mountain biking. In summary, if you can do GF/ROAR/WAR, then you can do this. Similar distances, but with MTBing instead of road biking (Take note earsandsmile!!!)

    Beast of Ballyhoura: Usually on the august bank holiday. The hardest race in Ireland, and possibly the best, but has been completed successfully by many novices over the years. Race takes about 30 hours for almost all teams (optional sections ensure that). Mixed teams of 4. Takes place in the ballyhoura region of Cork/Limerick/Tipperary. Makes full use of the Ballyhoura MTB trails, and this year included some amazing natural trails as well. Also does the near impossible of putting in kayaking sections using the sit-on-tops that are actually great fun, the "combat kayaking" sections. Usually has one or two interesting surprise events included as well. One of the team needs to be able to navigate. The winners get the best trophies I've ever seen. Great atmosphere throughout the weekend.

    Ballyhoura Blitz: Baby brother of the beast. A short one day race that is notble for making good use of the ballyhoura MTB trails. Course is marked. Just running and MTBing in the race.

    CCAR (Causeway Coast Adventure Racing) series: Usually both a short and long course are laid out. Very novice friendly races. Ivan (the RD) usually throws in a few intersting surprise events. Teams of 2 or 4. One needs to be able to navigate. Well organised races, and great fun to do.

    Cooley Raid: A bigger brother to the CCAR races. A 24 hour race in traditional AR format. One of the team needs to be able to navigate. Given its autumn slot in the calendar, can get quite gnarly with the weather. I've yet to do this one myself, as I keep getting calendar clashes, but I keep hearing great reports about it.

    Kilbroney challenge: Another one day race. Can be done in pairs or solo (I think). Another one I keep missing due to clashes, but always hear fantastic reports about it. Mountain biking and hillrunning sound superb in it. The Mourne mountains are a super setting for adventure sports.

    I know I've left something out, and will post when I remember!

    And remember... in many ways the longer races are much easier to do. The tempo is much slower and more relaxed. And they are more social... there's usually plenty of chat and banter within and between teams.

    If you can complete these races then there's nothing to stop you giving some of the big mult-day races abroad a go! It's the same stuff, just scaled up over a longer distance and timeframe.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 584 ✭✭✭Fi H


    I think you are missing Ras na Riochta :)

    As for the CLEC tarmac I really enjoyed it this year cause it let you do a race alongside the teams who were doing the real mountain biking race so you got a taste of what they were going through while being able to do your own race. It was my favorite race despite getting lost in the woods and having to ring home for moral support. Definitely great party after.

    I for one would not even have considered doing an adventure race with mountain biking in it earlier in the year but with a few of the road biking ones under the belt I am now starting to consider these. As I've said before though, my problem is more with them being team events :)

    Enduro - i'm following you now to make a positive comment after all your anti road racing ones ;)


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,818 ✭✭✭nerraw1111


    4 stars (good)
    Cheers Enduro, much appreciated


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,123 ✭✭✭GoHardOrGoHome


    4 stars (good)
    fluboy wrote: »
    I found the second run or should I say hike to be too tough and dangerous. Very few people could run on that terrain. They need to change this run section or I, and from what I heard on the course yesterday, wont be back next year.
    ThisRegard wrote: »
    Hi fluboy, at many of these events there are sections where few people can run, they can be very technical and challenging, for example not many people would manage to run the height of Croagh Patrick. Even at the IMRA races there's sections were the majority of people have to slow to a crawl.
    I disagree. Ran the 2nd route recently with DPA. Obviously it would be more difficult after a run and cycle but practice, practice.. Or use a deliberate walk run strategy to conserve energy.
    fluboy wrote: »
    Doubt I will ever be that strong. One thing that you can’t take away from the course was the views of the Wicklow countryside. Unbeatable

    Hi Fluboy, the Croghanmoira run was tough but definitely runnable. Did you find it too hard to run down or to run up? I found the run down quite tough but it's a matter of practising your descending. Technique, leg strength (and ankle strength) and confidence are all required to be a good descender. These can all be improved on. I've improved my descending in the last year or two but I've a long way to go.

    On the way back up to Croghanmoira I chose a run/walk strategy to conserve strength but Beth McCluskey was like a metronome and just kept chipping away at the hill until she was at the top. She ran the whole thing. Sometimes a hike is the best option for a competitor but it wasn't unrunnable.

    In other IMRA races I have a deliberate policy of walking before I *have* to. Works for me!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,123 ✭✭✭GoHardOrGoHome


    4 stars (good)
    Had a look at the splits there.

    I was second fastest in the river run/obstacle course! I thought it was great craic. Managed to throw myself at the haybales and roll over without losing too much momentum. Couldn't quite catch the Belpark lad who I was racing on the final bike leg.


  • Subscribers Posts: 19,425 ✭✭✭✭Oryx


    4 stars (good)
    Had a look at the splits there.

    I was second fastest in the river run/obstacle course! I thought it was great craic. Managed to throw myself at the haybales and roll over without losing too much momentum. Couldn't quite catch the Belpark lad who I was racing on the final bike leg.
    You had a great race, flying past me on that second run. :) My obstacle time was 2 mins longer on winsplits than on my printout. Not sure why.

    Re the runnablity of the second run, I fell on Croaghanmoira because of dodgy ankles and a lack of concentration, not because of the terrain. S'pose that skill comes with practice.


  • Registered Users Posts: 108 ✭✭Q7


    Oryx wrote: »
    You had a great race, flying past me on that second run. :) My obstacle time was 2 mins longer on winsplits than on my printout. Not sure why.

    I think the splits for the obstacle also include the time stop for the downhill cycle section near the end.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 482 ✭✭trinewbie


    4 stars (good)
    Hi Fluboy, the Croghanmoira run was tough but definitely runnable. Did you find it too hard to run down or to run up? I found the run down quite tough but it's a matter of practising your descending. Technique, leg strength (and ankle strength) and confidence are all required to be a good descender. These can all be improved on. I've improved my descending in the last year or two but I've a long way to go.

    On the way back up to Croghanmoira I chose a run/walk strategy to conserve strength but Beth McCluskey was like a metronome and just kept chipping away at the hill until she was at the top. She ran the whole thing. Sometimes a hike is the best option for a competitor but it wasn't unrunnable.

    In other IMRA races I have a deliberate policy of walking before I *have* to. Works for me!

    Totally agree, Croghanmoira was 100 percent runnable, the descent on both sides is less technical than the descent through the switchbacks of the miners from WAR back in April. Both sides of Croghanmoira allowed for some really speedy descending.

    Fluboy, if its descending thats holding you back you just need more time in the hills, switch the old brain off on descents and go for it...Dont imply that an event is unsafe of too difficult just because you underestimated the challenge of the race...The organisers did a fantastic job on the day - The course was as described and the event was very well run. Savage day out:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,441 ✭✭✭Slogger Jogger


    The full set of photos from Croaghanmoira are up on Action Photography's site
    here


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,122 ✭✭✭c montgomery


    Enduro wrote: »
    CLEC : Usually on in July. The traditional format here is teams of 3, but there was pairs last year as well. A classic race, taking anything from 3.5 to 8 or 9 hours to finish. The mountain biking is outstanding, and always brings a huge grin to even the most experience rider's face. Good running, and a short kayaking section on Sit on Tops as well. Course is marked, so theoretically no Nav is required. Post race party is legendary. The sole road bike race is completely pointless, as it misses the best reason to do the event (the mountain biking. In summary, if you can do GF/ROAR/WAR, then you can do this. Similar distances, but with MTBing instead of road biking (Take note earsandsmile!!!)

    Cant believe i never heard about this race, i couldnt design one suited to me better myself:D

    Ill defo be doing this nexy year, roll on 2011:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 482 ✭✭trinewbie


    4 stars (good)
    The full set of photos from Croaghanmoira are up on Action Photography's site
    here

    Thanks SJ - is it possible to get an original soft copy of one of the pics?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,441 ✭✭✭Slogger Jogger


    trinewbie wrote: »
    Thanks SJ - is it possible to get an original soft copy of one of the pics?

    On condition that you were running when I snapped you :D. Sent you a PM...


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