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WAR: Wicklow Adventure Race Glenmalure

  • 10-06-2010 5:17am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,122 ✭✭✭


    Anyone else doing this?

    http://glenmalure.wicklowadventurerace.com/

    Just signed up for it as an early bird.

    The Glendalough race was excellent and one of the best races i have competed in so i cant wait for this.

    Much better value than GF although im doing that too. A sucker for punishment i guess.

    Never been to Glenmalure so im not really sure what to expect but i was never in Glendalough or Blessington before WAR and ROAR so all i can say is bring on the hills:)

    Rate this race based on, Scenery, PB potential, Atmosphere, Value, Organisation 12 votes

    5 stars (excellent)
    0%
    4 stars (good)
    75%
    ebowdiaOryxSpudmonkeynerraw1111trinewbieguaposChazMichaelGoHardOrGoHomeGear Freak 9 votes
    3 stars (average)
    8%
    hf4z6sqo7vjngi 1 vote
    2 stars (poor)
    16%
    Nem_eEido 2 votes
    1 star (terrible)
    0%


«134

Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 525 ✭✭✭guapos


    4 stars (good)
    Yeah I've signed up as well. I'm hoping to see a big improvement on the bike and less walking on the uphill parts of runs. The hellfire duathlon will be a nice training exercise.
    http://hellfire.wicklowadventurerace.com/

    Looking forward to hearing about the route from those who know it.


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


    Still in 2 minds about this one as I've both Gaelforce and Achill too. If memory serves me correctly the cycle on this one is quite tough but it's a long time since I've been around that way so I may be mistaken.


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


    4 stars (good)
    The expert entry for WAR glenmalure is not working today. Is it full?


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


    ThisRegard wrote: »
    Still in 2 minds about this one as I've both Gaelforce and Achill too. If memory serves me correctly the cycle on this one is quite tough but it's a long time since I've been around that way so I may be mistaken.

    Yeah, reckon the cycle is tougher then GF & Achill.
    Sliabh Mann & Shay Elliott are hard climbs, they are long but not too steep.
    You can never do too many adventure races :D


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


    Git101 wrote: »
    You can never do too many adventure races :D

    My mind says this but I'm not sure if the body would always agree !


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  • Registered Users Posts: 525 ✭✭✭guapos


    4 stars (good)
    They've added an off road section to the cycle

    http://glenmalure.wicklowadventurerace.com/index.php/course/shay-elliott-cycle/

    Do you think kevlar tyres will be safe?


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 DPA


    I wish i'd known there's off road before i entered.

    Any kind of rain on that section and you're a gonner even on gatorskins.


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


    DPA wrote: »
    I wish i'd known there's off road before i entered.


    Ya i agree. Not sure if i would have entered if i had known about the off road section.
    Im more of a mountain biker than a road racer and so would love the conditions if the section was long enough to warrent using a mountain bike. However at only 1.5 k ill be using the racer.

    I just hate the fact that puncturing is a real danger when racing on these road types. No matter how hard u train one flat tire and its over. I know its the same for everyone but its a bit unfair on the people who will puncture.

    Bring it on anyway, no going back now:)


  • Registered Users Posts: 53 ✭✭MushGSXR


    I'm in for this two, if tis half as good as WAR that was on in April twill be great.
    I reckon Ill try to get some tough tires for the racer. 1.5k is definetly not worth using the mtb for.


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


    4 stars (good)
    The pictures of the road dont look any worse than the roads outside my house right now. But Id worry about a puncture too. Is there any benefit in putting 'slime' in the tubes beforehand. Ive only got a racer, so will have to trust in providence that it will get me around.


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


    3 stars (average)
    Just got talked into doing this, any advice on what gear to wear, cycling gear or shorts, backpack etc.


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


    Just got talked into doing this, any advice on what gear to wear, cycling gear or shorts, backpack etc.


    Check out the gael force thread. Its pretty much the same style of race so the gear/nutrition will be much the same its just theres alot more people doing the GF than WAR so theres much more advice there.

    Mt 2 cents would be to get a pair of tri shorts and to try out different energy gels/bars to find the ones that suit you before the race.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 697 ✭✭✭biomed32


    he all, I have just signed up to do the sport version of the wicklow adventure race with a friend,http://glenmalure.wicklowadventurerace.com/ i decided on that as i have not done an adventure race of any sorts in the past. Im just wondering about clothing and stuff to bring.

    I have my torso all sorted so to say with a cantubury cold long sleeve base layer, nike dry fit technical tee-shirt, the jersey we will be getting and my high viz cycling jacket which i think is ok. i have karrimor running tights and cycling shorts as well for the lower half of my body.Does this clothing sound like enough or would you reccomend anything else.

    the next decision is a really good decent pair of trail runners and i am willing to spend between 60-80 euro on these and will streach it to 90 euro if necessary as i have a number of other events lined up. I have no idea where to start here and would appreciate some help i.e. what runners would be suitable/ brand names that would be recommended. Should i also get technical socks or water proofish socks like seal skins.

    for hydration i plan to use a camalbak or similar as i can put spares of what ever i need in this bag too like a fleece and that. can anyone reccomend a hydration pack or another form of hydration.

    thanks in advance and apologies for the long post
    sinead


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 81 ✭✭madson


    Hey,

    Recently bought a pair of Saloman speedcross 2 and find them pretty good, nice and light but they are roughly 100 euro. Great Outdoors had a decent selection when i was in there, a new shop on Abbey shop called Base Camp also have trial runners.

    I have a Deuter hydration pack i use and have had no problems with it, the Camelbacks are meant to very good, there was talk of a few people on the Gaelforce thread buying camelbacks and finding them great. Wiggle and Chainreactioncycles are probably your best place to get one.

    In terms of clothing you'll be wearing too much if you wear all you mention, I've done a few races and only whore cycling bib shorts, a cycling jersey, and a long sleeve top for when its windy/raining. This year for gaelforce i'll just be wearing a tri suit and a cycling jersey and have a long sleeve top for going up CP to keep warm.

    Good luck with your training and maybe see you there.


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


    Before you start an events thread please check there isn't one for that event already, like this...
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055935727


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 697 ✭✭✭biomed32


    thanks for your help madson, i got a pair of asics today, blackheath 2 which were on sale and reccomended. there very comfortable too.

    appologies sloggerjogger i must have missed that thread i will ask the mods to delete/lock this thread


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


    4 stars (good)
    biomed32, I just want to echo whats being said, youve got too much gear there. a light cycle shirt and shorts is enough to wear, bring waterproofs and base layers in your kit, (will likely be mandatory anyway). Its only September, I wouldnt wear that much in January.

    I wouldnt wear wp socks. Your shoes will let water out, I find seal skins trap water inside if you totally immerse them, and thats a nightmare. Wet feet wont bother you that much if you have breathable socks.

    Keep your rucksack light as possible. Water is heavy! Have two bottle cages on the bike in preference to a lot of water on your back.


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


    Found myself running on the trail section from Kellys Lough on Sunday having come around and down from Clohernagh. A nice descent at the end before you'll be back on the bikes for more pain and suffering :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 6 kellysean


    Lads,
    I'm trying to figure out what bike to use for the WAR racew in Sept. I used a racing bike in the April WAR race and also in Gealforce last year.

    However, the WAR website indicated 1.5km will be off track. So I'm not sure weather to use racing bike and carry it over the off tracp section or to use a mountain bike for the race.

    Would really appreciate to hear what others are planning on doing.

    Thanks,
    Sean.


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


    4 stars (good)
    Im bringing a racer, simply because the hybrid bike i have is slow and heavy in comparison. Ill deal with that offroad section on the day, wheel or carry the bike.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 593 ✭✭✭toomuchdetail


    How does the run compare to the run on the Achill Roar expert last year, wanted to cry like a baby on the climb last year -- under estimated ROAR in spades last year, tough run and cycle .
    Doing GF and ROAR expert and would like to do this or blacksod tri on 18th but thats only a week after ROAR.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6 kellysean


    Oryx wrote: »
    Im bringing a racer, simply because the hybrid bike i have is slow and heavy in comparison. Ill deal with that offroad section on the day, wheel or carry the bike.


    Ye, i'm between minds. Trying to figure out of the mountain bike will be slower overall copared with a racer and just carrying it on the off road sectio!!


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


    How does the run compare to the run on the Achill Roar expert last year, wanted to cry like a baby on the climb last year -- under estimated ROAR in spades last year, tough run and cycle .
    Doing GF and ROAR expert and would like to do this or blacksod tri on 18th but thats only a week after ROAR.

    The trail runs are gradual and not severe depending on how hard you are pushing it. The hill run on Croaghanmoira will sort people out though. What it lacks in distance it makes up for in evil steepness and hard underfoot conditions. A pity you can't take a moment at the top to take in the marvellous view.


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 DPA


    The trail runs are gradual and not severe depending on how hard you are pushing it. The hill run on Croaghanmoira will sort people out though. What it lacks in distance it makes up for in evil steepness and hard underfoot conditions. A pity you can't take a moment at the top to take in the marvellous view.

    Is the trail run obvious for Croaghanmoira SJ?

    I ran Carrawaystick last night. Is very doable and pretty enjoyable. I plan to run the Croagh this weekend


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


    DPA wrote: »
    Is the trail run obvious for Croaghanmoira SJ?

    I ran Carrawaystick last night. Is very doable and pretty enjoyable. I plan to run the Croagh this weekend

    I've only run up and down it from one side (aughrim, not aughavannagh side) and the path is clear as day.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 697 ✭✭✭biomed32


    thanks oryx, i have decided to ditch the socks as said and have gotten a pair of 1000 mile socks with my runners that I bought, Asics blackheath gel runners reduced from 80 to 60 euro. i have done two short runs with them and will be heading to the park tomorrow to do some trail running and sprints, so far they are very comfortable and have good stability.

    i hear you on the clothing. i went out with my nike dryfit and figured i would be far to warm with the layers i said, I now intend on wearing my base layer and the jersey i will get, and i have a rain jacket if i get cold


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


    kellysean wrote: »
    Lads,
    I'm trying to figure out what bike to use for the WAR racew in Sept. I used a racing bike in the April WAR race and also in Gealforce last year.

    However, the WAR website indicated 1.5km will be off track. So I'm not sure weather to use racing bike and carry it over the off tracp section or to use a mountain bike for the race.

    Would really appreciate to hear what others are planning on doing.

    Thanks,
    Sean.


    After doing all of the GF cycle on a racer with standard tyres without any problems ill be sticking with the racer for WAR.
    I have no idea about the offroad section in WAR but it cant be any worse than the last section in GF.
    The cycle in WAR seems to be much harder than GF too so the racers will give you a great advantage over the MTB's.


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


    DPA wrote: »
    Is the trail run obvious for Croaghanmoira SJ?

    I ran Carrawaystick last night. Is very doable and pretty enjoyable. I plan to run the Croagh this weekend

    How did your run go? If my reading of my map was right its up the mountain down the other side then back?


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 DPA


    I plan to run it on Saturday SJ.

    I hopeded to run it last night but Carrawaystick took me longer than expected. I drove the course after to find Croagh and now know where to stop. There's a big pile of stones at the entrance and a clear path in. After 55k of the race this will be a killer. It will definitely sort out/finish off plenty!!

    The cycling is way tougher than the other AR's i've done. The Ford up by the Shay Elliott is crazy. After being initially sceptical, i'm glad it's in now.

    Have you done both runs? 21k is tough on the pins


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


    4 stars (good)
    If anyone i planning a recce on a sunday morning and wouldnt mind company could they let me know?


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


    DPA wrote: »
    I plan to run it on Saturday SJ.

    I hopeded to run it last night but Carrawaystick took me longer than expected. I drove the course after to find Croagh and now know where to stop. There's a big pile of stones at the entrance and a clear path in. After 55k of the race this will be a killer. It will definitely sort out/finish off plenty!!

    The cycling is way tougher than the other AR's i've done. The Ford up by the Shay Elliott is crazy. After being initially sceptical, i'm glad it's in now.

    Have you done both runs? 21k is tough on the pins

    If you are running this early on Saturday I'd offer to join you. I live not 15 mins away from Croagh near Aughrim. I'm not doing the AR myself. Tempted.. but have marathon plans. Maybe next year. Drop me a PM if interested in company. Coffee and cake after in Macreddin or burger and chips in Glenmalure. The diet of champions :D


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


    Here's the run mapped on OSI geolives...

    Just realised the run starts and finishes on the Slieve Mann side.

    2F4F0FA2E52548F4AC69F77D5FC651A7-0000332535-0001876033-00800L-6F628BA53395451891728329561883E1.jpg


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


    Elevation profile. It'll be painful after the earlier runs and cycles... Evil people they are bringing you down the other side to come back up ;)

    F2547DDFAFAD4848B217E33D74EA723C-0000332535-0001876178-00800L-900759051EED4E5BA5D18E68770A338D.jpg


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


    Photos from the run on the Croaghanmoira section taken this morning here:
    http://pix.ie/mickhanney/album/386070


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 DPA


    This course is not to be underestimated. i managed to get round it today and i'm shattered. The cycle part is unbelievably tough. The 20k spin from Glenmalure Lodge to the run at Croaghanmoira is nearly all uphill with the road very rutted in parts.

    Good photos Mick!


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


    Photos from the run on the Croaghanmoira section taken this morning here:
    http://pix.ie/mickhanney/album/386070

    Cheers man, excellent pics.

    Lets just hope it dry:)


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


    DPA wrote: »
    This course is not to be underestimated. i managed to get round it today and i'm shattered. The cycle part is unbelievably tough. The 20k spin from Glenmalure Lodge to the run at Croaghanmoira is nearly all uphill with the road very rutted in parts.

    Good photos Mick!


    I was thinking that alright after looking at the elevations on map my ride. Im going to try and find a route in cork that might mimic it and give it a go.
    If anyone is looking for a training partner in cork drop me a pm. My friend has pulled out so im flying solo on this one.


  • Registered Users Posts: 103 ✭✭ronan1986


    right, having just completed the gaelforce i have been convinced to attempt this race also...

    Just want to get some feedback on how tough the route is in comparison to gaelforce. I notice many of you saying the cycle is tougher. This does not bode well for me. on the gaelforce that was easily my worst section!!

    Are the kayaks a two man affair or solo kayaks??

    Overall, is this easier or tougher than gaelforce??


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


    ronan1986 wrote: »
    right, having just completed the gaelforce i have been convinced to attempt this race also...

    Just want to get some feedback on how tough the route is in comparison to gaelforce. I notice many of you saying the cycle is tougher. This does not bode well for me. on the gaelforce that was easily my worst section!!

    Are the kayaks a two man affair or solo kayaks??

    Overall, is this easier or tougher than gaelforce??


    Im not sure about the kayaks but at WAR glendalough they were 2 man sit on tops so id say they will be the same.

    The cycle looks to be tougher than GF but at least theres not as much off road. I havent seen the cycle myself but from map my ride you can get a good idea of it.
    The first cycle section looks ok with only one real hill that goes on for about 4.5km at the end.
    shay-elliott-bike-profile.jpg

    The second cycle looks much tougher with higher gradiends to really test our aching legs. You can see the elevation here:
    :http://www.mapmyride.com/view_route?r=7bd83fca9f6bdc61554f244c9b879558&show_elevation_panel=1&rs=undefined

    Gradient goes up to 9%:eek:

    The third cycle looks an easy enough affair with a 4mile downhill ride home i hope:D

    Im not sure how it will compare to GF in terms of difficulty. You will finish this faster than GF i think as there is no Croke Patrick. However if you eliminate croke patrick i think the running and cycling sections in WAR are harder.
    Saying all that i expect this to be better than GF as WAR glendalough was excellent with great organisation, a great atmosphere and one of the best days (weather wise) of the year so far.


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


    @ c.montgomery. Its no CP but Croaghanmoira is not to be taken lightly. Remember you have to summit it, go down the other side then come back. All this on tired legs. Much of the trail is shale-y. Not the free flowing rubble of CP but not something you'd want to unestimate. Weather will be critical. I did a race on this a few years back in heavy ran. The trial was like a river flowing down... :rolleyes:


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


    @ c.montgomery. Its no CP but Croaghanmoira is not to be taken lightly. Remember you have to summit it, go down the other side then come back. All this on tired legs. Much of the trail is shale-y. Not the free flowing rubble of CP but not something you'd want to unestimate. Weather will be critical. I did a race on this a few years back in heavy ran. The trial was like a river flowing down... :rolleyes:

    OHHHHHH:eek:
    Didnt realise this and i guess i was taking it a bit lightly. Sure im signed up now so theres no going back so bring it on. Hopefully it will be dry tho. I think we have been blessed with the weather so far this year at all the AR so i fear were due a bad one. Fingers crossed tho:)


  • Registered Users Posts: 103 ✭✭ronan1986


    Thanks for the replies

    Guess i better up my effort on the bike so......


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


    4 stars (good)
    SJ, much as I appreciate the info, its beginning to psyche me out now. Too much (bad) information! :) I got to stop reading this thread and just turn up on the day and do the damn thing :)


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


    @Oryx. Its a gentle wee thing of a hill. Nothing to worry about. :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 DPA


    The problem with the cycle part is that it is hard to get into any rhythm…which is the key to cycling. On Saturday, there was a strong wind and it was showery which added to the difficulty of getting anything going for any length of time. The roads are very tough because the quality of them ain’t great and on some of the faster descents you have to pick a line in between the pot holes. It’s tough to pick the right gear also as there are short climbs and descents a lot of the time. There are markings on the road in different parts, so it appears the council are going to patch up some of the bad stretches of road. The short climb up and descent down the Shay Elliott and the descent from Croaghanmoira to Glenmalure are the best roads to cycle on.

    As SJ says, Croaghanmoira is not to be underestimated. The second bike leg to this point and the run over it will blow the race open. The run up Carrawaystick Mtn is not too bad. The surface is good nearly the whole way up.

    Don’t be put off doing the race. It is doable but you need to train properly and pace yourself well.

    Did you do a recce on Sunday Oryx? What did you think?


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


    4 stars (good)
    Nope, had Dublin tri on Sunday, and I cant do a recce alone. Shoite at navigating, Id still be there next month. Which is why I asked if anyone else was up for a recce.


  • Registered Users Posts: 103 ✭✭ronan1986


    anyone know where I could get a good deal on a new cyclocross bike??

    I'm thinking less than €700, or is that just out of the question....

    Basically i'm just after getting into all this adventure race stuff and everyone i've talked to has said a cycloscross bike is probably the way to go. The bike i have been using to train with (and do the gaelforce with) is a 14 year old dawes mountain bike that has dodgy brakes, very bad tyres and is generally a bit too small.I think its about time I got a new bike..

    any advice would be very grateful. Bear in mind that i'm relatively new to technical jargon that goes along with bikes etc...


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


    I paid something like that for a Giant TCX2 bike a year ago. Its great for the Wicklow back roads and offroad too. Would probably be ideal for the likes of this race. Got it from cyclesuperstore.


  • Registered Users Posts: 103 ✭✭ronan1986


    yeah was in their store the other day, the price on the Giant TCX2 is €899


  • Registered Users Posts: 525 ✭✭✭guapos


    4 stars (good)
    What times are people hoping for? i finished the first WAR in 5.40 and West Wicklow Roar in 4.45 but i reckon ill be 5 to 5.30 for WAR Glenmalure.


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