Skoda Cycle Series

Hani Kosti · 25-04-2015 9:49pm

djemba djemba wrote: »

I wonder did many who were meant to do the 100km route take the turn off and do the 45km route instead

I know of 4 for sure... Zero shame here, I was frozen so badly I would kill for hot soup!
I had 4 layers on (including rain jacket) and overshoes, didn't help a single bit

neris · 25-04-2015 10:40pm

Just on the off chance someone is missing them I picked up a pair of non branded sunglasses before sally gap but they were on the opposite side of the road to the way you guys were travelling

narayananthony · 25-04-2015 10:43pm

I was the lunatic out in only a jersey and bib shorts, a pink crumlin childrens hospital jersey, a good few people were very helpful keeping me going with chats. That was the worst day I've ever experienced on the bike. I didnt even know about the route change I went the long way out of laragh, clocked 102km in 4hours12 for the day. The descents were horrific, I love a good fast descent, but when you cant feel your arms or your hands they are scary, the wind cut through me too. A tough day, but one I'll remember forever. I think I had most of the symptoms of hypothermia and was shaking violently in the car for a good 30 mins after with the heat on full blast. Character building I say. Well done to everyone who took part no matter what distance they did and get well soon to the lady who had the spill in Enniskerry. Well done to the organisers on good marshalling and sensible safety decisions. Would have liked a jersey for my efforts though!!! Would have made me warmer too!!!! ;-) See ya'll on the Dragon!!!

happyhappy · 25-04-2015 11:35pm

narayananthony wrote: »

I was the lunatic out in only a jersey and bib shorts, a pink crumlin childrens hospital jersey, a good few people were very helpful keeping me going with chats. That was the worst day I've ever experienced on the bike. I didnt even know about the route change I went the long way out of laragh, clocked 102km in 4hours12 for the day. The descents were horrific, I love a good fast descent, but when you cant feel your arms or your hands they are scary, the wind cut through me too. A tough day, but one I'll remember forever. I think I had most of the symptoms of hypothermia and was shaking violently in the car for a good 30 mins after with the heat on full blast. Character building I say. Well done to everyone who took part no matter what distance they did and get well soon to the lady who had the spill in Enniskerry. Well done to the organisers on good marshalling and sensible safety decisions. Would have liked a jersey for my efforts though!!! Would have made me warmer too!!!! ;-) See ya'll on the Dragon!!!

I was the guy who was probably wrecking your head asking you if you were ok, we had a cup of tea at laragh and also went the long way with you and a girl on a tt bike. Sorry for not waiting after we left laragh, I had to keep going before I seized up!! It was indeed character building, I don't know how you survived in that gear!! See you at the dragon.

bullvine · 26-04-2015 1:47am

narayananthony wrote: »

I was the lunatic out in only a jersey and bib shorts, a pink crumlin childrens hospital jersey, a good few people were very helpful keeping me going with chats. That was the worst day I've ever experienced on the bike. I didnt even know about the route change I went the long way out of laragh, clocked 102km in 4hours12 for the day. The descents were horrific, I love a good fast descent, but when you cant feel your arms or your hands they are scary, the wind cut through me too. A tough day, but one I'll remember forever. I think I had most of the symptoms of hypothermia and was shaking violently in the car for a good 30 mins after with the heat on full blast. Character building I say. Well done to everyone who took part no matter what distance they did and get well soon to the lady who had the spill in Enniskerry. Well done to the organisers on good marshalling and sensible safety decisions. Would have liked a jersey for my efforts though!!! Would have made me warmer too!!!! ;-) See ya'll on the Dragon!!!

Where you on the red cube? I was on the giant, we passed each other a couple of times, you uttered some curse words at yourself at the climb at enniskerry. My mate had the same bike as you.

narayananthony · 26-04-2015 9:27am

happyhappy wrote: »

I was the guy who was probably wrecking your head asking you if you were ok, we had a cup of tea at laragh and also went the long way with you and a girl on a tt bike. Sorry for not waiting after we left laragh, I had to keep going before I seized up!! It was indeed character building, I don't know how you survived in that gear!! See you at the dragon.

HappyHappy - you're a gentleman. Yourself and the English girl were absolute God-Sends on that initial 15km out of Laragh. Also met a local guy up around djouce who was from Laragh and he was terrific too. If any of you guys read this - thanks a million, proper good examples of camaraderie.

@bullvine - yep that was me. I think I remember you - very strong on the hills, you didnt seem to need to spin the pedals you just pushed on up! Nice work! And yeah I was definitely cursing a bit, I was suffering big time - next time I'll come equipped for all weather

Hani Kosti · 26-04-2015 11:58am

narayananthony wrote: »

HappyHappy - you're a gentleman. Yourself and the English girl were absolute God-Sends on that initial 15km out of Laragh. Also met a local guy up around djouce who was from Laragh and he was terrific too. If any of you guys read this - thanks a million, proper good examples of camaraderie.

@bullvine - yep that was me. I think I remember you - very strong on the hills, you didnt seem to need to spin the pedals you just pushed on up! Nice work! And yeah I was definitely cursing a bit, I was suffering big time - next time I'll come equipped for all weather

The English girl was Nikki the legend from Belpark Tri

bazermc · 27-04-2015 11:39am

Inspector Coptoor wrote: »

Very nasty spill by a female cyclist coming into Enniskerry with only 3km to go.
I hope she's gonna be ok.

Any news on this?

Johnny Jukebox · 27-04-2015 11:46am

Well organised event totally ruined by the weather. There was a lot of misery and heartache out there last Saturday and fair play to anyone who set off.

Marshalling was pretty good, but as pointed out, the bottom of long hill after the recent roadworks and rain really needs a chap with a big red flag to slow people down.

djemba djemba · 27-04-2015 11:49am

bazermc wrote: »

Any news on this?

Turns out I know the cyclists involved. I wont go into too much detail but she is still in hospital. Thoughts and prayers are with her.

bullvine · 27-04-2015 2:21pm

There's lots of pics on the Facebook page, if anyone is interested.

bazermc · 27-04-2015 7:05pm

bullvine wrote: »

There's lots of pics on the Facebook page, if anyone is interested.

Any cyclists visible or just a haze of rain ?

bullvine · 27-04-2015 7:14pm

bazermc wrote: »

Any cyclists visible or just a haze of rain ?

There's loads of good pics, i am not in a single one though.

Kevincavan83 · 06-05-2015 10:42am

Any opinions on the cavan cycle in june??
I just did the 50k (67k to and from event) an post in sligo, now i thinks I'm hooked haha
First cycle over 45k im now thinking of stepping up in distance

mhiggy09 · 06-05-2015 11:41pm

Kevincavan83 wrote: »

Any opinions on the cavan cycle in june??
I just did the 50k (67k to and from event) an post in sligo, now i thinks I'm hooked haha
First cycle over 45k im now thinking of stepping up in distance

Theres 50,80,and 160 km options.

strokeslover · 11-06-2015 12:38pm

Anyone know if there is much climbing in the 160km?

mhiggy09 · 13-06-2015 7:03pm

strokeslover wrote: »

Anyone know if there is much climbing in the 160km?

Heres the route http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/435311564

happyhappy · 16-06-2015 5:46pm

Anyone heading to the dragon on Sunday?? And any local knowledge on the climbs to be shared??

pointer28 · 16-06-2015 6:17pm

happyhappy wrote: »

Anyone heading to the dragon on Sunday?? And any local knowledge on the climbs to be shared??

I think the two main climbs are Brandon Hill (Kilkenny) and Mount Leinster, haven't ridden either but both are on Strava if you want a better idea.

MichealD · 16-06-2015 6:18pm

happyhappy wrote: »

Anyone heading to the dragon on Sunday?? And any local knowledge on the climbs to be shared??

Yep, they're all tough!

Great route. First 20km is main road stuff but once you turn at the Ferry Bridge before New Ross it's lovely rolling country side. Beautiful short steep climb at Inishtoige with a great view of the river valley below. A loop brings you back to Inishtoige for another long climb before Graiguenamanagh food stop. Great food stop right on the river. Then more climbing towards Borris an on to the main climb of Mt Leinster. This is from the Kiltealy side (the side you descend on the Mt Leinster Challenge) to the Nine Stones and then down to Bunclody. Long drag towards Kiltealy then before a fast finish into Enniscorthy.

All in all a really tough sportive with lots of climbing. Deceptively hard. The 75k is far more manageable missing out on Mt Leinster but adding in a short steep stinger in St. Mullins.

Well worth it.

Mr Rubicon Conundrum · 17-06-2015 11:54am

I agree with MichaelD, I did the 130kms last year, which turned out to be 140kms. Man, it was tough. Mt Leinster nearly killed me, I think we were at the bottom of it after 99kms, so a decent ride and then a big climb. Embarrassingly, I had to walk a bit of it as I was so wrecked.

Would I do it again? Definitely, it is a great event, well organised, tough and a great sense of achievement. I'm just not available to do it this year, along with many other events I want to do.

Buck Melanoma · 17-06-2015 12:34pm

:eek:

Mr Rubicon Conundrum wrote: »

I agree with MichaelD, I did the 130kms last year, which turned out to be 140kms. Man, it was tough. Mt Leinster nearly killed me, I think we were at the bottom of it after 99kms, so a decent ride and then a big climb. Embarrassingly, I had to walk a bit of it as I was so wrecked.

Would I do it again? Definitely, it is a great event, well organised, tough and a great sense of achievement. I'm just not available to do it this year, along with many other events I want to do.

Yep that's correct, did this last year, started struggling with stomach bug on the spin out of Enniscorthy(about 15km into spin), sharp,short shock on Inistioge climb, lots of rolling roads in this area, food stop in Graiguenamanagh(approx 75km) was excellent, advise to fill ur boots there as Mt. Leinster climb starts at approx 100km, can't remember much about this climb, did it in lowest gear, with head down, couldn,t get out of saddle due to stomach and leg cramps, great relief to reach the top,lovely picturesque descent, no more big climbs after this , just rolling roads, but be warned the road surface wasn't great in parts on this final run in, total distance was just shy of 140kms (distance advertised as 130km) Won't be doing it this year due to other commitments, but would recommend it, some lovely scenery,there was also a nice jersey as part of registration pack last year.

Hollywood130 · 18-06-2015 2:48pm

Is there a jersey this year? There wasn't in the Sligo one, only a T-shirt, was a nice souvenir all the same. Did just see an online offer on the SKODA cycling jerseys & stuff, thinking of getting myself some. Anyone any idea what the quality is like?? It's nice bright gear and it's not too dear

hunter9 · 18-06-2015 3:41pm

Anyone know if you can use someone else's entry. A friend is going racing instead and offered it to me.

cyclist21003 · 18-06-2015 3:43pm

Is anyone going to sign up to the IRD Duhallow Sportive cycle on the 25th July? I'm tempted to...

marvin80 · 18-06-2015 9:41pm

Hollywood130 wrote: »

Is there a jersey this year? There wasn't in the Sligo one, only a T-shirt, was a nice souvenir all the same. Did just see an online offer on the SKODA cycling jerseys & stuff, thinking of getting myself some. Anyone any idea what the quality is like?? It's nice bright gear and it's not too dear

I did the Cavan one last week and the goody bag had a Skoda bottle holder, a bag of sweets and a few packs of energy gels.

barryf42 · 20-06-2015 5:53pm

hi
anyone know if you can enter these on the day- forgot to register for the the dragon thank you

lookitsme · 21-06-2015 6:08pm

Hollywood130 wrote: »

Is there a jersey this year? There wasn't in the Sligo one, only a T-shirt, was a nice souvenir all the same. Did just see an online offer on the SKODA cycling jerseys & stuff, thinking of getting myself some. Anyone any idea what the quality is like?? It's nice bright gear and it's not too dear

wasn't to impressed with the goody bag a bike light and a few gels, tshirt would have been nice but we can't have it all. it was a challenging course, bit windy in parts. I don't know why it was advertised as a 130km it was much closer to 140km. got a certificate on finishing it will take pride of place on the fridge.

happyhappy · 21-06-2015 9:18pm

Well that was an interesting day!

Enjoyed the first 30ks, the roll out and pace setting was a great idea and created a big group travelling at a decent club standard pace which sailed us all through the strong head wind.

Punctured at 32k. The mechanic was passing and stopped to help which was very decent for a puncture.

Punctured again within 2kms. Doh.
I put it down to a pinched tube and put another tube in, again helped by the mechanic who stopped again for me.

I was now at the very very back and was facing a lonely day until the food stop which I decided I'd skip and just take the food and eat on the bike to make up time.

I didn't even make it that far - punctured again before inistioge and that was me done. I have a brand new hard shell gatorskin tyre so it's defo a wheel rim, spoke or similar problem that's caused all the puntures and I couldn't go on puncturing all day.

Half an hour later I was in the broom wagon and I stayed which them for a few hours. They dropped me off for lunch as they went to collect an injured girl and one of the skoda cars brought the two of us back to the start.

Being in the broom showed me the amount of work that goes into the running of the event. While with them, There were loads of punctures and mech stuff to deal with, and we also heard of one serious enough medical issue.

Massive thanks to the members of Slaney CC who assisted me, I only hope I can repay the favour in the future.

Great route and I will be back next year.

The only downside (and it's only a small observation) to these skoda events is the marketing and branding stuff that goes on. I know it's necessary in a commercial world but it's starting to go a bit ott. Selling skoda gear at the start, the loud music, dj counting down to the start, and the finishers being treated as if they'd won a TDF stage to mont ventoux are examples. Judging by some of the faces at the start I don't think I'm the only one that thought this.
However this doesn't take away from the huge work that is put in by local people to make this events happen and the benefit to local charities etc.

easygoing39 · 21-06-2015 9:54pm

happyhappy wrote: »

Well that was an interesting day!
The only downside (and it's only a small observation) to these skoda events is the marketing and branding stuff that goes on. I know it's necessary in a commercial world but it's starting to go a bit ott. Selling skoda gear at the start, the loud music, dj counting down to the start, and the finishers being treated as if they'd won a TDF stage to mont ventoux are examples. Judging by some of the faces at the start I don't think I'm the only one that thought this.
However this doesn't take away from the huge work that is put in by local people to make this events happen and the benefit to local charities etc.

Well they/skoda have to put something on to try and justiy the rip off €35 they charge to these events!!
You could have done the Swords Cycling Club's sportiff today for €20.

happyhappy · 21-06-2015 10:03pm

easygoing39 wrote: »

Well they/skoda have to put something on to try and justiy the rip off €35 they charge to these events!!
You could have done the Swords Cycling Club's sportiff today for €20.

I could but I wanted to do Mount Leinster though and enniscorthy is easier for me to get to. I registered for it in March when planning out my season.

You are correct on the price issue. The majority of club sportives are €15 to €25.

Hollywood130 · 22-06-2015 9:29am

As far as I was aware, skoda are only the sponsors, definitely for the sligo one the sligo champion set the price, i know a girl in the paper and asked where the money was going and she said the charity mainly and the rest was organising so I was guessing the tshirts, etc. Don't think skoda are getting a penny out of it, thats prob why they do all the advertising to try and get something out of it

Leroy42 · 22-06-2015 11:41am

Brilliantly organised. Route was signposted and arrows on the road at all junctions.

Plenty of motorbike marshalls throughout the course, Skoda cars seemed to be driving all over the course all day

They was at least one marshall at every junction and the Guards were in the towns stopping the traffic.

Food stop was great, what a picturesque place (always helped with the sun shinning). Having people stand at the top of Mount Leinster handing out water and gels, well that was well beyond the expected.

Yeah, the whole build up and finish was a bit grating, but I say that as someone who has done lots of sportives. I am sure that for many the event is non-typical and so making the day feel special I think is a great idea. Compare the start to the W200 when people just move off without any fanfare and I think this creates a better event feeling. I think it also helps bring the event into the community, rather than it being something the community are just being asked to facilitate.

Amazing effort by all those that organised and played their part in running the event. A great success and I would strongly recommend it to anyone.

€35 is a bit pricey though.

lookitsme · 22-06-2015 6:09pm

Leroy42 wrote: »

€35 is a bit pricey though.

I would have to agree with the price being a bit over the top, but as someone who does only one or two sportives a year I like the showbiz start makes it feel like an event but maybe they can turn the volume down from 11, its nice to have a chat and mingle with like minded people and would be nice if you could actually hear what they are saying back to you. if you want good value I dont think you can go wrong with an an post cycle, a jersey lots of nice food and a great atmosphere.

joehayes999 · 22-07-2015 12:59pm

Many doing this?
Cant choose between this, Beaufort and the Ballincollig to Clon charity cycle.

joehayes999 · 22-07-2015 4:04pm

joehayes999 wrote: »

Many doing this?
Cant choose between this, Beaufort and the Ballincollig to Clon charity cycle.

Opps sorry. I mean the Duhallow sportive on Saturday!

Skoda Cycle Series

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