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Gaelforce West - Discussion & Afters

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,618 ✭✭✭Mr Freeze


    How'd did ye all get on?

    I was in the back wave, and did in 6hr8mins. My 1st time doing it, and nothing prepares you for the reek is what I learnt.

    Ran the runs too fast I think, and I had nothing on the bike at all, and I was in bits doing the reek. Great feeling though crossing that line to finish it.

    Great day too, the weather was perfect, I pity the lads finish after 4 or 5pm, cause its started lashing.


  • Registered Users Posts: 201 ✭✭kerinsp


    Where did you get your time? I cound not be arsed waiting 20 mins and queueing up yet again for a time at the end. I could smell the burgers elsewhere...

    What a cool event though. It was a lot harder than I expected and the climb up the reek was just agony. just lost all power in legs about 27k into the cycle. Was someone air lifted off the mountain. I seen the rescue helicopter taking off in Castlebar on the way home.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,482 ✭✭✭plodder


    I was there today for a few minutes where the cycle joined the main road coming into Westport. Never saw so many people looking quite so knackered, but most seemed to manage a smile for the people cheering. Well done to everyone. Ye were lucky with the weather as well, I think ...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,618 ✭✭✭Mr Freeze


    kerinsp wrote: »
    Where did you get your time? I cound not be arsed waiting 20 mins and queueing up yet again for a time at the end. I could smell the burgers elsewhere...

    What a cool event though. It was a lot harder than I expected and the climb up the reek was just agony. just lost all power in legs about 27k into the cycle. Was someone air lifted off the mountain. I seen the rescue helicopter taking off in Castlebar on the way home.


    Same as that, I not nothing left during the cycle, I didn't think I was going to able to do the reek, but slowly managed it, it was agony indeed.

    I timed myself, no idea when the official times are out.

    I got to the reek about 2pm, and there was a guy being brought down by mountain rescue, broken leg, dunno if he was airlifted, an ambulance came up to the base. Poor Bugger.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,933 ✭✭✭Sniipe


    Delighted with the race itself. Dissapointed with the gael force crew. I felt it was better last year. At the end last year we had a print out of every section. There was no clocking at the top of the reek nor at the bikes. That was nice info. Also the queue for the times was futile as it wasn't accurate. It didn't take into account how long you were clocked out for at the kayaks. I was in the third wave. I saw the aftermath of 2 accidents. 1 was on the first bike section on the downhill. I heard some girl had a fall then. Also when i was going up the reek saw some guy being looked at by mountain rescue.
    My finial time was about 5hr 22, a 40 min improvement (guess, when I take out the time for kayak) - Link to my time


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭racso1975


    over the moon i did it! Called my time as 8 hours did it in 6. 40. Could not believe it! Got to reek and honestly thought i could cry! Got half way up and thought forget this! Only complaint i had was there was only 2 massage people at the end for 2500 people! I was in the 7am wave. My heart went out to the later waves! The ground must have been seriously churned


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 445 ✭✭Irish_Army01


    Sniipe wrote: »
    Delighted with the race itself. Dissapointed with the gael force crew. I felt it was better last year. At the end last year we had a print out of every section. There was no clocking at the top of the reek nor at the bikes. That was nice info. Also the queue for the times was futile as it wasn't accurate. It didn't take into account how long you were clocked out for at the kayaks. I was in the third wave. I saw the aftermath of 2 accidents. 1 was on the first bike section on the downhill. I heard some girl had a fall then. Also when i was going up the reek saw some guy being looked at by mountain rescue.
    My finial time was about 5hr 22, a 40 min improvement (guess, when I take out the time for kayak) - Link to my time


    Well done!! Is that a for runner you have?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,933 ✭✭✭Sniipe


    Yea, forerunner 305. Its cheaper and better than 405 (in my opinion)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 90 ✭✭TurloughT


    Ouch, ouch, ouch - (thats me today).

    Are the results up anywhere? Does anyone have them in excel?


  • Registered Users Posts: 230 ✭✭richiemack


    I had to pull out, absolutely gutted started off so well, then my leg packed in before the kayak, by the time I got to bike transition I was in a terrible state, biked the course back to Westport as my legs would not have brought me down the reek. Was directed to see the physio soon as I got back, what a great service!! turned out Ive got itbs, great to find out, but terrrible timing. Next year I'll be back. What an amazing course!!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27 Maverick74


    Nothing can prepare you for that course. Sitting here wondering if i'll be able to get up when I've finished typing... There sure was alot of hills!! Like everybody else I could have cried when I got to the start of the Reek. My legs were like jelly and cramping up. Don't know how I managed to get up to the top but felt a whole lot better coming down!! Very happy today with myself as you all should be. WELL DONE to all.

    Anyone know where or when results will be available... don't know what time I did it in as my stopwatch stopped working at 5:23:47 and I was near the bottom of the Reek.. You think they would have uploaded them onto website by now. How hard could it be>


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,210 ✭✭✭gaf1983


    Thought it was a great event, but it was absolutely vicious. Took me about 7 hours. Just had nothing left at all in the tank though when I got to the foot of Croagh Patrick. Definitely next year I'm gonna bring some hill walking poles for that section, maybe use cross country trainers too instead of runners. My favourite part had to be the off road section in stage 6, I was on a mountain bike so it was great to overtake all the racers carrying their bikes who had earlier overtaken me with ease! Think next time I might do it on a racer myself though.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    Same as most here the Reek was the killer. Got terrible cramps on the cycle so was on the road stretchin, gota puncture then to top it but the legs were gone and if it wasn't for my mate and other GF'ers and the encouragement I was near gone.

    Next year will be a different setup. Get the training changed and carry less drink and food! :)

    Well done to all who took part, regardless of whether u finished it or not.
    Shame the timings were not up. One tap at the bottom of the reek was not ideal but conditions were tough.

    See you all next year! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,241 ✭✭✭ronanmac


    Tough but fantastic, I felt like crying after crossing the finishing line! Not sure of my exact time as it only dawned on me a few minutes into the kayak transition that I hadn't stopped the watch. I think 5 hours, two minutes, was about my final time but as I said, not sure. Much better than I anticipated, I think a nice even pace during the early running helped.

    It was kind of daunting cycling towards the Reek at the end of the first cycle, feeling the strain in the quads and low in energy, and knowing what was about to come up! Plenty of scrapes, cuts and bruises to be seen, and a nasty-looking crash on the big descent on the first cycle.

    And a big thanks to Enduro for all of his advice in this thread, it certainly helped me. If I wasn't so totally knackered, I would have said three decades of the rosary on top of Croagh Patrick for you:D

    Looking forward to next year already.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 38 GForcer1


    1st GF, completed it in approx 5hrs so was happy with that, didn't really know what to expect so gave myself a target of 6 or under. Went out in the 1st wave, we were blessed with the weather, almost perfect conditions, even some sun in the early part of the morning.

    The 1st half of the climb onto CP was torture, the part before the grassy bit joined the main path, very steep..found that tough, found the small 3km run quiet tough aswell for some reason

    Cycle was not so bad, i was on a MTB but definitely a road bike event as alot of time can be made up, judging by the amount of roadbikes that passed me!!

    Fantastic views on the morning running along killary harbour, beautiful part of the country, good way to spend a sat morning!..sore legs today though


  • Registered Users Posts: 603 ✭✭✭Poncherello


    Enjoyable race and the reek was very tough indeed. But I wont be returning or recommending it. There are too many other better organised races out there in a very short season.

    Registration and transition area was a fiasco and too few marshals especially on the bike descents.

    Not surprised there were accidents


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 393 ✭✭Kelter


    Enjoyed my day completely. I would recommend it. My race report/comments which I will remind myself to look at for next year are...

    On the drive down Delphi is further away than you think and badly signposted. Be prepared
    Registration was a joke. Wear bad shoes and trousers as you will get covered in mud
    The starting time is early... and starting that early might affect your morning ritual of... well you know... visiting the bathroom. Not a good way to start...
    Runners are not the right footwear. Most of the running is offroad. Wear something grippier (I slipped and fell a bunch of times)
    The hill/mountain/thing on the first run is brutal, so the suggestion that it is a 12k run will fool you...
    Towards the end of the first run you can see the kayaks... they are tricking you... the route takes you a very long way of getting to them.
    I suck at kayaking...
    Enjoy the second run. It is the easiest part of the race. Run hard as you may have a break while they look for your bike!!! (My bike was lost and took 5/7 minutes to find)
    Punctures will happen. Have an aerosol repair thing to hand (my bike was punctured when I picked it up at delphi. To tell you the truth... I was too tired to be angry... and glad of the excuse to stop for a few minutes!)
    The biggest part of the race is cycling on road, having a decent road bike is essential.
    There is a hidden bridge about 1km down the downhill bit. Crazy dangerous. I think I heard a girl was hurt there later in the day.
    The last 5 miles of the first cycle as you come up to the reek is the toughest. Have something in the tank for it.
    Bike parking at the reek is a joke.
    The first half of the climb up the reek is the toughest. Have something in the tank for it.
    Don't spend so long checking out clew bay... beautiful... yes... but during a race is not the time...
    Careful on the way down!!! Careful now!!! (I saw someone was quite hurt)
    Careful on the cycle from the reek to the off road bit. Quite dangerous with the amount of randomly parked bikes and tired people cycling/walking up. Road was too narrow for the amount of traffic.
    Off road section... I just don't know what to say... how much do you think of your bike. I heard a guy who was in the top 5 buckled his wheel on it!
    Final cycle... one of the best thrills ever!
    That first pint of Guinneas... sweet!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 494 ✭✭elchupanebrey


    did gaelforce yesterday. first time for me too. i suppose with three times as many in it this year there had to be many many first timers.

    i timed myself but not overly accurate, i think i made between 5hr 20 and 5hr 30. happy with that. was aiming for around 6hrs.

    like everyone i thought the reek was sheer hell, i questioned my whole sense of being on the way up that little mound.

    the people on the roadside cheering and clapping was a big boost i thought, fair play to them.

    might chance i next year when the memory has faded a bit


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 85 ✭✭Ra1ph


    Delighted to finish GWF6 in under 6hrs, not sure of my exact time. Organisers are slow to publish results.

    Like most people found the reek to be toughest part. Enjoyed the lift I got from the spectators. Disappointed with the rental bike crowd, they were badly prepared, both at registration and the day of the race. No pump, tube, cage or repair kit with the bike after been told they would be there. Lost 10mins plus after I got the bike while they sorted me out and even after that they had not pumps left.
    Will bring my own bike next year.

    Other than that a great day and the the spirit amongst the competitors was fantastic. Cannot wait for next year.


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


    @thebouldwhacker ... Well ???


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 90 ✭✭TurloughT


    Kelter wrote: »
    Enjoyed my day completely. I would recommend it. My race report/comments which I will remind myself to look at for next year are...

    On the drive down Delphi is further away than you think and badly signposted. Be prepared
    Registration was a joke. Wear bad shoes and trousers as you will get covered in mud
    The starting time is early... and starting that early might affect your morning ritual of... well you know... visiting the bathroom. Not a good way to start...
    Runners are not the right footwear. Most of the running is offroad. Wear something grippier (I slipped and fell a bunch of times)
    The hill/mountain/thing on the first run is brutal, so the suggestion that it is a 12k run will fool you...
    Towards the end of the first run you can see the kayaks... they are tricking you... the route takes you a very long way of getting to them.
    I suck at kayaking...
    Enjoy the second run. It is the easiest part of the race. Run hard as you may have a break while they look for your bike!!! (My bike was lost and took 5/7 minutes to find)
    Punctures will happen. Have an aerosol repair thing to hand (my bike was punctured when I picked it up at delphi. To tell you the truth... I was too tired to be angry... and glad of the excuse to stop for a few minutes!)
    The biggest part of the race is cycling on road, having a decent road bike is essential.
    There is a hidden bridge about 1km down the downhill bit. Crazy dangerous. I think I heard a girl was hurt there later in the day.
    The last 5 miles of the first cycle as you come up to the reek is the toughest. Have something in the tank for it.
    Bike parking at the reek is a joke.
    The first half of the climb up the reek is the toughest. Have something in the tank for it.
    Don't spend so long checking out clew bay... beautiful... yes... but during a race is not the time...
    Careful on the way down!!! Careful now!!! (I saw someone was quite hurt)
    Careful on the cycle from the reek to the off road bit. Quite dangerous with the amount of randomly parked bikes and tired people cycling/walking up. Road was too narrow for the amount of traffic.
    Off road section... I just don't know what to say... how much do you think of your bike. I heard a guy who was in the top 5 buckled his wheel on it!
    Final cycle... one of the best thrills ever!
    That first pint of Guinneas... sweet!

    Well summed up.

    I think looking at it will a little distance now there were too many people on the event. Perhaps if you were off in the first wave it would be different, but I started at 9.30 and spent the day in traffic. Most tough sections (run/cycle/climb) were thin, tight and overcrowded. Less participants = more enjoyable event.

    Also, and I know I sound like a moany cyclist, that section 6 / trail cycle is crazy. A road race bike is the correct tool for the event so this section is just an annoying potential bike breaker stuck in because someone thinks they're being smart. A guy came off in front of me and forced me into a muddy ditch, brakes stopped working, we had to walk down blocking the track for mountain bikers having their moment of glory. Another girl ended up in the ditch beside me again trying to avoid walkers on a tight slippy track. I for one was delighted to see tarmac.



    Last rant, why isn't there a proper timing mat at the start?



    -Badly run, over subscribed.

    +Beautiful country, great crowds, good banter between competitors.

    Thank god it was on yesterday and not today!


  • Registered Users Posts: 59 ✭✭clopd


    I had a great time yesterday - its really a beautiful part of the world and great course overall. I'm very proud to have completed it. Nonetheless I feel it is important to air some feedback to the organisers - hopefully they are tracking this thread!!!

    1 - Registration - needs a major review. Why not post packs out to people with the timing chips. I'd be happy to cover the cost of postage rather than arsing around with people who hadn't any experience with similar events.

    2 - Goodie bag was a joke - I would have preferred if I got nothing before the race but something unique at the end that was given to those who completed. At least then I would have felt you cared somewhat about the competitors.

    3 - Safety - such a load of noise was made about the mandatory kit before the event and that it was for the safety of participants, yet there were massive safety issues on the course. Dangerous sections of the bike course should have been marshaled - e.g. the bridge on the bend after the first major descent. Or even better signage on sections of road that had potholes two feet wide and deep.

    4 - Do not encourage the practice of hiring bikes - I was amazed at how many people hired bikes - and they were crap bikes. This doesn't happen in triathlons and to me GF6 is a more challenging and serious event. Its not a fun run.

    5 - Transitions area at the reek - I know space was limited - but you should have known how the numbers were going to hit it. Anyway it was a significant safety issue allowing people to dump bikes on the cycle course side of transition. Why weren't they told to go the other side.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    clopd wrote: »
    I had a great time yesterday - its really a beautiful part of the world and great course overall. I'm very proud to have completed it. Nonetheless I feel it is important to air some feedback to the organisers - hopefully they are tracking this thread!!!

    1 - Registration - needs a major review. Why not post packs out to people with the timing chips. I'd be happy to cover the cost of postage rather than arsing around with people who hadn't any experience with similar events.

    2 - Goodie bag was a joke - I would have preferred if I got nothing before the race but something unique at the end that was given to those who completed. At least then I would have felt you cared somewhat about the competitors.

    3 - Safety - such a load of noise was made about the mandatory kit before the event and that it was for the safety of participants, yet there were massive safety issues on the course. Dangerous sections of the bike course should have been marshaled - e.g. the bridge on the bend after the first major descent. Or even better signage on sections of road that had potholes two feet wide and deep.

    4 - Do not encourage the practice of hiring bikes - I was amazed at how many people hired bikes - and they were crap bikes. This doesn't happen in triathlons and to me GF6 is a more challenging and serious event. Its not a fun run.

    5 - Transitions area at the reek - I know space was limited - but you should have known how the numbers were going to hit it. Anyway it was a significant safety issue allowing people to dump bikes on the cycle course side of transition. Why weren't they told to go the other side.

    Agree with what you said. If we could get an email address I think its in the interest of us all to email these points.
    We DESERVED to be treated better after paying that amount. 212k euro and how much spent?????
    Not even a hot cuppa soup on the finish line.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    Any other events similar or where we would even find out!!!
    I think our gang has "the bug" :)

    roar.ie is possibly the next event


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,618 ✭✭✭Mr Freeze


    yop wrote: »
    Agree with what you said. If we could get an email address I think its in the interest of us all to email these points.
    We DESERVED to be treated better after paying that amount. 212k euro and how much spent?????
    Not even a hot cuppa soup on the finish line.

    +1

    We definitely should email them.

    I really enjoyed the day, but the poor organisation took away from it.

    I wouldn't do it again unless the organisers correct the mistakes that were made this year.

    For example, my Dad was watching the race on the west road at the turn off for the coast road into Westport house. He was there for a few hours, and there was no marshal present while he was there (between 12 and 3) , and some people went straight in the west road, missing the turn, he had to call them back and direct them the correct way.

    He had to direct a lot of people the correct way he said, otherwise they would have went wrong.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 90 ✭✭TurloughT


    CKWPORT wrote: »
    +1

    We definitely should email them.

    I really enjoyed the day, but the poor organisation took away from it.

    I wouldn't do it again unless the organisers correct the mistakes that were made this year.

    For example, my Dad was watching the race on the west road at the turn off for the coast road into Westport house. He was there for a few hours, and there was no marshal present while he was there (between 12 and 3) , and some people went straight in the west road, missing the turn, he had to call them back and direct them the correct way.

    He had to direct a lot of people the correct way he said, otherwise they would have went wrong.

    Was that you in the Batman suit?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,618 ✭✭✭Mr Freeze


    TurloughT wrote: »
    Was that you in the Batman suit?

    No.:D


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    TurloughT wrote: »
    Was that you in the Batman suit?

    LOL, speaking of Batman,did any spot Superman on the reek!!! I nearly pissd myself laughing when I spotted the cape heading up the reek!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,618 ✭✭✭Mr Freeze


    Ya I spotted Batman and Superman on my way down, they were on the way up. Batman was way ahead of Superman.

    They finished at around 4 o clock, I was just leaving westport house and I heard BATMAN and SUPERMAN being roared down the mic. Fair play to them , those capes must have been a pain over the whole course.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 494 ✭✭elchupanebrey


    Superman couldn't keep up with Batman coz he had a chunk of kryptonite in his rucksack. It's true, it's true.


  • Registered Users Posts: 593 ✭✭✭toomuchdetail


    Only stopped saying never again this morning, great buzz around with the GF and the participants were super and the atmosphere was electric.
    I think most of the sentiments are similar about the experience yesterday, the positives were mainly what the orgainisors had no control over, location,backdrop,weather the sheer hell of the reek , everything else they seemed to touch left a lot to be desired.
    Now for the rant :
    The registration should have happened in Westport in a school gym ,leisure centre etc and after going to the expence and trouble we would have dropped our bikes to delphi anyway , The transition could have been solved with sectioned areas with large flags highlighted the wave color to help in the mess that was transition .
    Luckily I knew the area but bridges,bends potholes etc should have been flagged more clearly with large readable signs and not the small or non existent signs.The road off the dirt track on the last section is just too dangerous a condition for cycling .
    Agree on the west road marshals and also at the turn off for westport house , several guys were cycling on up the hill towards wesport and had to be turned back.The quay area was a mess, cars/vans/buses everywhere ...everyman for himself.
    This would work better as a 2 day event with these numbers ,runners/joggers/walkers day1 , elites day 2 or vice versa a simple box to predict times for a 12k run would help also with guys getting into their correct wave.


    To sum up what the orgainsors seem to think of us the only updated link today on their site seems to be a link to offer to SELL photos of the event to us ,again you can see where the hearts are.
    I would have preferred no goody bag (that contained only flyers and only 1 sized T-shirt )and receive a sheltered tent with soup/rolls food etc at the finish even finding the stodgy pasta in itself was difficult.


    Really enjoyed it though as it was my first, will not make the mistake next time and follow like a lemming and take the impossible route up the reek as the original path is much quicker.Great plans for a good night out came to a halt in Henaghans after the 3rd bout of calf cramps.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 270 ✭✭iwsf


    I have to agree with previous comments, the organization wasn't the best.
    But what a great day !
    The last part of the cycling was the worst for me , actually walked the last mile or so, had to energy left.
    the best moment was when i was almost down from that little hill and turned back to look at it :D

    Will do it again next year.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 85 ✭✭Ra1ph


    Agree with other posters about the shabby organisation, limited split timing, no water at the end of race, even a hose to wash down your legs, the "goodie bag", registration.

    Does anyone know who won the race or do the organisers even know??

    I had a great time but it's seems for the event management company it was all about the money!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,933 ✭✭✭Sniipe


    Bloody greedy organisers!

    To add, dissapointed with all the litter bugs. Shame on them.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2 tobar13


    Just spoke to the organisers - they say the results will be up on the website by 5pm today.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,759 ✭✭✭belcarra


    Home page now states:
    "Results of 2009 will be up by 5pm today, 24th August."

    ...so, if it's written, it must be true!!

    Tobar13 - Did they give any other feedback??


  • Registered Users Posts: 123 ✭✭matrixroyal


    I know organising 2500 people is not an easy task so I suppose we should give some credit for them getting the basics right.

    that said, so much could be better and hopefully they take it into account.

    - registration could have been spaced out more and streamlined
    - if that was a goodie pack, I 'd hate to see a baddy pack !
    - more space, racks and rack signage for bikes
    - big descent on the bike was dangerous
    - transition on the reek
    - the scalp or bike track, well I was on a road bike so I cursed it but I understand why it's there.
    - the finish line was a bit flat could have been better organised with a longer stretch and maybe crowds on both sides ?



    I did a triathlon in ballina recently and I got a lovely long sleeve tshirt, showers, a rub down, times texted to me within the hour and a lovely salmon meal - all for 40 euro. I did another in Clogherhead a few weeks ago and got a lovely cycling jersey. You would have to wonder at the 85 euro price and no results until 2 days later.


    Still though, a great day, the competitors are great, I had a good few chats at different times with lads - i'll be there next year.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    richiemack wrote: »
    I had to pull out, absolutely gutted started off so well, then my leg packed in before the kayak, by the time I got to bike transition I was in a terrible state, biked the course back to Westport as my legs would not have brought me down the reek. Was directed to see the physio soon as I got back, what a great service!! turned out Ive got itbs, great to find out, but terrrible timing. Next year I'll be back. What an amazing course!!

    I passed a lad with his right legs strapped at the ankle, wasn't u was it? In the black wave


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 393 ✭✭Kelter


    Sniipe wrote: »
    To add, dissapointed with all the litter bugs. Shame on them.

    Totally agree. What were people thinking dropping their bottles on the reek... I was disgusted with them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 721 ✭✭✭Highway_To_Hell


    TurloughT wrote: »
    Was that you in the Batman suit?

    Batman really must have superhuman powers as he was also doing the Half Ironman in wexford yesturday:)


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2 tobar13


    belcarra wrote: »
    Home page now states:
    "Results of 2009 will be up by 5pm today, 24th August."

    ...so, if it's written, it must be true!!

    Tobar13 - Did they give any other feedback??

    No other word belcarra. Just sit tight I guess...:confused:


  • Registered Users Posts: 497 ✭✭Bugsy2000


    Hi all, I was a Gael Force virgin too this weekend. F me. That last cycle up to Croagh Patrick was the killer alright. I have to say I really enjoyed it though and will be back next year. I thought the craic with fellow competitors was brilliant. I didn't come across anyone who seemed to be in it for 'The Race', everyone was up for the laugh regardless how much they were suffering, and christ did we all suffer. Plus everyone was very aware of people around them who needed some encouragement, or a kick up the a**e. A personal thanks to those people.

    As someone who is new to this kind of event I can't compare to the organisation of other events but I have to say I was dissapointed at the lack of timing mats. Looking at the times for other years, it was great to see the 6 different stages broken down into the split times, and I really was looking forward to seeing where I lost and made up time. ( Although it took me nearly seven hours I know I'd be in the top few hundred people for the descent of Croagh Patrick, and you need these little boosters for your ego to get you g'd up for next year). I have to agree with the points about signage, I drove the cycle route last week so I had an idea what I was in for with the big downhill section, but I still got caught unawares as I took the bend with the bridge way too fast and nearly went over. A lot of money was generated for GaelForce, Westport & its business' (2300 people turned up, a lot of them stayed in Westport & surrounding areas and a lot of money was spent in pubs, restaurants etc, between them all a bit moer could be done for marshalling / signage)

    All in all, I loved it, hello again to all who I met & thanks again for the encouragement - see you all next year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 175 ✭✭rjp123


    first ever time doing anything like this and loved it, however organisation left alot to be desired. To deal with 2500 runners is not a walk in the park - someone suggested holding it over two days which was a good idea.They should focus a little less on making money - if the event is a success and enjoyable for all, the money will come.
    • trying to sell tickets for 'concert' was a p!!stake. i hope no one went to it.
    • registration was like glastonbury. holding registration on a thursday is all well and good but for those working this is not an option. hire a hall/gaa club/delphi adventure centre with a hardstanding area - don't hold it in a marsh. Or else post stuff out in the post. I did pay about 85 to enter and a stamp costs about 55 cents! I was told to horse my bike against a railing, which was already abou 10 deep with other peoples bikes. I hung it on rack and luckily it held! I also resented being funnelled through a shop at the end of registration process!
    • bus to start line was fine, but maybe have a toilet on the bus as it took about an hour and a quarter to get there. 4 portaloos on the beach is a joke for that amount of people.
    • why the briefing and group start - pointless. you have your chip and should be allowed start as soon as you get dropped off at beach?
    • signage was poor throughout the race - an A4 piece of paper with an arrow in permanent marker flapping in the wind is a bit cheap. Some bends were dangerous too - i nearly killed myself on the long cycle descent with the car barrier on the left.
    • water stops were ok but 1 hose/ 1 tap at each station is again a bit stingy.
    • bike rack at croagh patrick was a mess.
    • stop pilgrims on race day???:) too many people racing on the mountain that day to have to deal with non racers?
    • terrain was almost too ridiculous in some stages, especially middle of the 12k run and the last "cycle".
    • goody bag was a t-shirt, a few compeeds and a few flyers selling stuff (again). nice touch. don't bother next time guys.
    • finish line in westport - tents way too small to huddle under. no food. had to buy a burger and a pint - someone said there was pasta but i guess i missed the sign! there should be massages/rub down area. there was a physio volunteers tent going through a warm down but at that stage i was too goosed to move.
    • Lessons learned for me - proper footwear (id buy trail runners), maybe get a telescopic skipole or something (or they should have them at base of croagh patrick if you want them), id know where to push myself and where to hold back.
    • you should have your result automatically texted to you immediatley after crossing finish line.
    anyway, i hope they take our comments on board.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 295 ✭✭OuterBombie


    rjp123 wrote: »
    anyway, i hope they take our comments on board.

    Have you emailed these comments to the organisers? Its valuable information that they may not be aware of (believe it or not).

    This race has no real standard to live up too and it sounds like they are setting the bar lower and lower each year.


  • Registered Users Posts: 5 rurphy


    Superman couldn't keep up with Batman coz he had a chunk of kryptonite in his rucksack. It's true, it's true.

    AHEM!! Yes that was exactly the reason!! I was Superman for the day - my mate Ronan was Batman and yes he found going up a lot easier! Might have been something to do with the EPO in his Bat Utility Belt!

    You were correct to say that in an vindictive move he placed Kryptonite in my rucksack - the things people do......

    I'd love to say a big thanks to all who cheered us on! I thought the "why don't you just fly up!" comments heading up the Reek might have gotten irksome - but were suprisingly motivating!!

    Lessons Learnt:

    1. Don't wear a Superhero costume - the weight of expectation is too much!! I mean I really needed to vomit but imagine how many kid's lives woulda fallen apart at the sight of seeing a red-faced Superman projectile energy gels all over the Holy Mountain!?

    2. Wellies for reg!

    3. Prob go for lightweight but sturdy trail runners next time - you're gona get wet no matter what but coming down the Reek my feet were pounded in my Asics.

    4. Chuffed with the decision of Moutain Bike with slicks - great on the road and we were able to fly past on the MTB stage. (Not sure I agree with people's opinions that this should be taken out - it's an adventure race! and the organisers clearly state that Road bikes may not handle it)

    All in all, yes there were disappointing things, t-shirt, lack of time on finish, weather for after-party, but really ask yourself why we did it? For our own challenges - and if that's the reason, a crappy t-shirt doesn't matter!

    Well done to everyone, hopefully our lack of dignity made some people smile (we also raised around €2,000) - maybe next year Clark Kent will make an apperance!

    Richie


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,618 ✭✭✭Mr Freeze


    hey Superman, I was roaring at ya one stage, Did Batman beat you to the top in the end????


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    Have you emailed these comments to the organisers? Its valuable information that they may not be aware of (believe it or not).

    This race has no real standard to live up too and it sounds like they are setting the bar lower and lower each year.

    This is what they should live up to:


    "I did a triathlon in ballina recently and I got a lovely long sleeve tshirt, showers, a rub down, times texted to me within the hour and a lovely salmon meal - all for 40 euro. I did another in Clogherhead a few weeks ago and got a lovely cycling jersey. You would have to wonder at the 85 euro price and no results until 2 days later."

    Listen I was delighted to do the event, I was delighted to have finished and delighted to have met some great people through my 7 hours of near breaking point.
    But I have to say it was a downer not to get something to say we did it. I forgot to start my watch after the 2nd run so I am guessing my timings.
    I appreciated the stewards were there, fair play to them. But still GF took on too much.

    Maybe for next year they could do like the Achill roar and do a beginner and expert level. Still though I am sure like me there were a few people near to breaking point.

    I presume we just email gaelforce or contact them!
    http://www.gaelforcewest.ie/contact


  • Registered Users Posts: 5 rurphy


    CKWPORT wrote: »
    hey Superman, I was roaring at ya one stage, Did Batman beat you to the top in the end????

    Ha ha thanks! He had the legs on me on the way up alright - in a move of solidarity we walked side by side at the top! I totally beat him down though - I could fly you see........

    Also apologies to all who got a wild flapping cape in the eye - blame the wind! ;)


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    LOL, u really should have wore it out in Heneghans, you would have had some laugh!!!

    There was a guy in a mankeene (Sp!) and another lad in a big skirt, tights and pink belly top!!! Was hilarious!¬


  • Registered Users Posts: 5 rurphy


    yop wrote: »
    LOL, u really should have wore it out in Heneghans, you would have had some laugh!!!

    There was a guy in a mankeene (Sp!) and another lad in a big skirt, tights and pink belly top!!! Was hilarious!¬


    Was thinking about it - but the cape got a small bit of dirt on it :0


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