advice for Galway cyclist

richiemack

I rode the shanafesteen loop for the 1st time this morning. It was pretty close to hell, there was a very strong head wind from Oughterard to Rosaveel and the crossover took nearly two hours. All in all I was gone 4 1/2 hours including pee stops, a coffee and walking up the odd hill. By the time I reached Spiddal on the way back I had totally lost all drive. What time do you guys normally make the spin? Also I usually do the Spiddal block with no bother, and decided for a challenge this morning, maybe a bit too much!! any advice?

jautukas87

richiemack wrote: »

I rode the shanafesteen loop for the 1st time this morning. It was pretty close to hell, there was a very strong head wind from Oughterard to Rosaveel and the crossover took nearly two hours. All in all I was gone 4 1/2 hours including pee stops, a coffee and walking up the odd hill. By the time I reached Spiddal on the way back I had totally lost all drive. What time do you guys normally make the spin? Also I usually do the Spiddal block with no bother, and decided for a challenge this morning, maybe a bit too much!! any advice?

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/galway/217502797466 is it this one?

It is twice longer than Spiddal block. I've tried to do longer spins [also felt that energy loss at the end], but realized that I have to increase mileage bit by bit. You can take a look at the route profile there is a mountain going from Oughterar.

I'm averaging 30 km/h for first 2 hours and then I just lose energy, speed goes down to 20 km/h. So I'm averaging 25 km/h.

Edit:

Before I head out for the spin, I look at what is the wind like and what kind of hills are there on the course, so I can go easier before hills and it makes easier knowing where head wind is gonna hit you.

hynesie

I prefer to go the other way, I love the downhill into Oughterard. 4.5 hours isn't too bad, especially with a horrible headwind on the way over. I'd do it in a bit over 4 hours on my own but I'm just a casual cyclist, I'm sure that it can be done much quicker.

Esroh

Was walking in the hills out there today and the wind was stronger low down than on top.And you would have had a headwind and crossing to headwind wind for so much of that.That would knock the stuffing out of you without you realising it

OuterBombie

Well it looks like you got that challenge!

I used to do it in anything from 2:30 to 3:30 hours depending on weather conditions or what sort of session I was doing. Don't be put off, its a tough road, there's nearly always a headwind and the sheep will try to kill you.

I'd rate it as probably the toughest middle-distance loop out of Galway so congratulations on stepping up to it, you wouldn't be the first cyclist that got smacked down out there

Keep at it and it will get easier, maybe hook up with a group for it, bring plenty of grub and water, and watch out for those nasty sheep on the descents.

Mr Velo

Yesterday was a bit of a b***h on the bike anyways.
I headed did a 40 mile spin - had gotten half way in less than an hour - and that was with what felt like a cross wind (certainly didn't feel like it was at my back), however, when i was on my way home from Ballinrobe - i was met with a savage headwind.

All the way home i was battling against that wind but stayed in top cog for the entire cycle. Totally lost energy with about 4 miles to go to home. Made a mistake of not having any bars with me, no cash to call in for a bar - only a small amount of drink left. Sugar hit was badly wanting when i got home.

Very important to have some energy juice / bar for days like yesterday.

richiemack

Thanks for all the advice lads, encouraging. I had three bars and two water bottles by the time Id arrived at Rossaveel I was starving, and nearly out of water. Knocked back a cup of coffee and a big chocolate muffin, and regretted it straight away!! felt sick the whole way home, and it was a long ride from there. Next time Ill head out better prepared, check the wind, bring xtra bars, and maybe an isotonic drink in one bottle. ONly trouble is I never find them refreshing, so will have to top up the water bottle at a shop. I feel great today after it, no aches and pains, but definitely feel that nice fit strong buzz about my body!! so well worth it. Im not sure about heading with a group next time, as Id be too conscious of needing the odd break and holding them up. I think I started taking more piss breaks than I needed yesterday just as an excuse to stop and get off the bike. 4 1/2 hours is a long time to be on a bike in my books:) but I'll keep it up!