[ryan_sherlock]

Originally Posted by manwithaplan

That's exactly the right approach. I went along to last year's event with the children and they shouted their heads off, particularly for those that were struggling. I know it's a national champs but there's more than a whiff of novelty about it and I strongly agree that everyone should be allowed have a go. The fact that many regular racers will have put the good bike away and started grinding out the slow miles also suggests a more relaxed approach. The saturday morning slot should mean that there's no huge time pressure.

The course makes things interesting. Many of the twisty little evil boreens these things are run on don't give you much of a view of the road ahead. On this you will be able to see your five minute man. There's heaps of room for spectators too and a good bit of parking high up to make it easy to bring the little ones. I plan to be there supported by my sizeable brood. A decent lunch and plenty of ice cream will follow. It has the makings of a great day out.

Yeah - you cover much of what I think about it. Very easy access (sit in car), to get to the upper two thirds of the climb. If the weather is nice - it is simply stunning up there and yeah, you can see you 5 minute man easily! Shops, coffee shops, restaurants etc... all close by.

These are a few photos I took when I rode up there back in March: http://ryansherlock.blogspot.be/2012...for-march.html

[ryan_sherlock]

Originally Posted by buffalo

Is that the intended gap? I was hoping that we could all pace each other, and then have a sprint finish.

For the National Championship, it will be the usual Time Trial thing. 1 minute probably. Just there are long stretches where you can see miles ahead (thus the 5 min man)

[manwithaplan]

Originally Posted by buffalo

Ice cream in October. The eternal Irish optimism!

My children are remarkably unfussy when it comes to ice cream eating conditions. From the graveside of a near relative to a January hailstorm, I know what the tug on the sleeve and the puppy dog eyes mean.

[joker77]

Originally Posted by ryan_sherlock

We will try to make this as in inclusive event as possible. For the actual title it will be like other years (A1/A2/A3), but we would hope to be able to give everyone a chance to race it.

Cheers for the info Ryan - could A4's enter and be ineligible for a title, but be given a time?

[ryan_sherlock]

Originally Posted by joker77

Cheers for the info Ryan - could A4's enter and be ineligible for a title, but be given a time?

I have to verify the rules (re title) but A4s will of course be able to enter and get a time and get the same treatment as everybody else.

[g0g]

As a non racing cyclist I'd love the idea of random cyclists being able to enter on the day as a separate event. I'd happily fork out a few quid to have a go. Organising a "slow-people event" beforehand would leave you these people at the top to cheer on the competitors later (or possibly some bodies on the side of the hill for them to pass on their way up). I know Strava lets you try/compete these things anyday, but it'd be a great novelty to feel you were part of a spin-off of a national event. I dunno though, maybe the serious cyclists would have a problem with that? In that case maybe it's time for a Boards Hill Challenge again?

[lennymc]

Even though im terribly slow I generously pace myself up hills, I think im going to enter this.
It should be painful fun.

[daragh_]

Originally Posted by lennymc

Even though im terribly slow I generously pace myself up hills, I think im going to enter this.
It should painful fun.

You are only doing it so you can go back down afterwards at a ridiculous speed.
I'll have a go if there is room for lardy ass A4s.

[lennymc]

Originally Posted by daragh_

You are only doing it so you can go back down afterwards at a ridiculous speed.

ssshhhhhhhhhhh

[ROK ON]

Ryan
Well done for endevouring to run the event.

If in tandem with the national champs you wanted to open a support event to all comers then perhaps for novelty think of using the Strava weight categorisation.

Only reason is that I want to win the fat category (& beat LennyMc in the process).

Hope the event is a success.
Inspired location choice.

[lennymc]

^^^^^

bring it on.

Looser buys all the pies. Winner gets to eat them.

[Morrisseeee]

Originally Posted by lennymc

^^^^^

bring it on.

Looser buys all the pies. Winner gets to eat them.

Jeeepers this could be EPIC : lennymc 'v' ROK ON

[ROK ON]

Battle of the Bulge

[Lusk Doyle]

Originally Posted by ROK ON

Struggle of the Bulge

Fixed that for you

[wav1]

Originally Posted by lennymc

Even though im terribly slow I generously pace myself up hills, I think im going to enter this.
It should be painful fun.

Lenny they obviously havn't heard that your buying SMALL club gear now.