Gaelforce West - Discussion & Afters

c montgomery

Hi Everyone.

I recently got a pair of INOV8 flyroc 310 and i have to say they have transformed my running. I only run in forests these days as i got bored and injured from running on roads. These runners have excellent grip, are very light and dry very quickly.
With all the rain we have been having recently i was slipping alot on the forest trails and the last straw was when i slipped and hit my head off a tree. Since i got these im always hoping that conditions are mucky as the shoes are so good in those conditions.
Not sure if anyone else has recomended these but id have to give them 10 outta 10.
Pics and reviews here: http://blog.rockrun.com/2008/08/review-inov8-flyroc-310.html


In relation to bags i went for an inov8 race pro 12 rucksack with bladder.
I only founf this by chance when i was looking for the shoes but it has a novel bladder system with the reservoir strapped around the waste rather than on your back so its more comfortable to run with(at least thats the idea). Only ordered it today so ill give a review about it later in the week.

Link to the site i got it here: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Inov-8_Race_Pro_12_Rucksack_With_Bladder/5360031762/

Hope this helps,

Oh and i dont work for inov8 just in case thats what you were thinking:)

Slogger Jogger

If you are looking for grippy inov-8s for slippy conditions then these are the dogs you know what. Inov-8 Mudclaw 270s. Wore them running the Galtees at the weekend and that was pure bog and s.....

yop

How comfortable are these on the road though? I suffer from shin splint so need the "correct " gait on the shoe to suit. Not sure if these are suited.

Slogger Jogger

If theres long sections of road then I wouldn't recommend them. If you've a race of mainly grass and mud they are just the ticket.

2 Wheels Good

Getting a bit nervous reading this, first time doing a race of this length. Heading to France in 3 weeks so going to cycle Mont Ventoux as part of my holiday, 21km/1900 mtrs. Hoping that'll help some bit. The pics of Croagh Patrick would give you the shivers though

c montgomery

Can anyone who has dont gf previously or who may have done one of the training weekends tell me what type of terraine the running section is on and how long you will be running on each type of terraine.

Cheers

Poncherello

c montgomery wrote: »

Hi Everyone.

I recently got a pair of INOV8 flyroc 310 and i have to say they have transformed my running. I only run in forests these days as i got bored and injured from running on roads. These runners have excellent grip, are very light and dry very quickly.
With all the rain we have been having recently i was slipping alot on the forest trails and the last straw was when i slipped and hit my head off a tree. Since i got these im always hoping that conditions are mucky as the shoes are so good in those conditions.
Not sure if anyone else has recomended these but id have to give them 10 outta 10.
Pics and reviews here: http://blog.rockrun.com/2008/08/review-inov8-flyroc-310.html


In relation to bags i went for an inov8 race pro 12 rucksack with bladder.
I only founf this by chance when i was looking for the shoes but it has a novel bladder system with the reservoir strapped around the waste rather than on your back so its more comfortable to run with(at least thats the idea). Only ordered it today so ill give a review about it later in the week.

Link to the site i got it here: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Inov-8_Race_Pro_12_Rucksack_With_Bladder/5360031762/

Hope this helps,

Oh and i dont work for inov8 just in case thats what you were thinking:)

Where did you buy your Innov8s I didnt think they were available in Ireland.

If you read back through this thread the terrain is discussed - I believe the first run of 12K is predominantly on road/gravel
2nd run up and down CP is varied terrain very rocky towards top and depending on weather muddy in parts.

Irishrm

Hi Poncherello,

The Edge tri shop in Cork stocks them, I'm not sure where you are based though. They have about 5/6 different models all around 90euros.

Irishrm

Here is the website.

http://www.theedge-sports.com/acatalog/Trail_Shoes.html

c montgomery

Poncherello wrote: »

Where did you buy your Innov8s I didnt think they were available in Ireland.

If you read back through this thread the terrain is discussed - I believe the first run of 12K is predominantly on road/gravel
2nd run up and down CP is varied terrain very rocky towards top and depending on weather muddy in parts.

Got the inov8s in the Edge shop on north main street cork. they were 95 euro.
The bag i got from wiggle, still waiting for it to arrive so ill give a review on it next week:)

kbishop25@gmail

Luc79 wrote: »

Hi there,
Myself and 4 of my friends have signed up to the Gaelforce West challenge - no sorry, my friend somehow managed to convince me to do it!! I've never done a triathlon in my life :eek: - the closest thing I've done is the mini-marathon (a measly 10K in comparison to 65K!!)
ANyhoo - just on here wondering if anyone has training tips or if anyone is interested in Group Training?

Hi there Luc, hope everything is going well for you. When i train in the gym i put the thread mill on incline and push myself that way. i feel it is easier on the bones. it also makes running allot easier.

kbishop25@gmail

ddwport wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm a first timer on boards and finding the comments very useful on this thread. I'm thinking of buying a new bike but wasn't sure whether to go the racer or cyclocross route? I know a lot of people last year were on racers and simply carried the bikes over the rougher stage of the course. To be honest i don't even know what the differences are between the two bikes except that the tyres are thicker and more durable on the cyclocross. Any thoughts/suggestions would be much appreciated.

well ddw. i would get a racer, a Defy 4 racer new is 550. And you can use it for racing after hey.:)

kwalshe

ronanmac wrote: »

Hi folks, decided to do the first cycling leg and the Croagh Patrick climb yesterday as, as a first-timer, was a little bit anxious about the whole thing! Hope the description is of some use to fellow Gaelforce virgins!

Left south Conamara at 6.30, a fellow Gaelforcee in one car, me in another, left one car in the Mayo Mountain Rescue car park, heading back down to Delphi Mountain Resort where we parked and set off on the cycle.

About six miles in, we came to what I found was a pretty tough climb (my friend had more cycling training done, didn't find it as tough). The descent was not as simple as throwing yourself down the side of the hill either, as it's all blind bends and the occasional pothole, plus some gravel and rocks which I presume were swept on the road by the recent thunderstorms. There is another reasonably steep, but short, climb on this road, which is narrow and windy but with a decent surface. The course then turns left onto the main road into Westport, before turning left again towards the Reek. This is basically a bog road, again with a decent surface, but is a longish drag.

It took us 1 hour 30 to get to the carpark, where we put the two bikes into the car and headed up Croagh Patrick. The initial part is boggy, we set off running but my legs were like jelly after the cycle! We settled on walking reasonably quickly while jogging on any flatish section. Going up, my calves felt like someone had poured petrol on them and threw a match at them! Most of my training to date had been based on running, I thought that marathon training would leave me with enough fitness to get through Gaelforce. I definitely found the cycling tougher than I should, however, and suffered on the ascent because of that. So it's up on the bike this week for me! 35 minutes to the top.

A brief break on top, taking in the views on a rare clear day before heading down. I've never run down a mountain before so was looking forward to the descent. Threw myself down, finding that running on the loose scree was easier if slightly hairier. Got a stitch, I presume because my legs were not used to moving so quickly. 15 minutes down.

As for gear, I used a roadbike with regular tyres, will be upgrading the tyres for some puncture resistance. Wore cycling shorts for the climb as well as the bike, surprisingly unobtrusive. Hadn't bothered changing pedals on the bike so wore SPD's, with the runners in my backpack. Not sure if I will go this route for the actual race, might use the one pair of shoes for the whole thing. The runners, which I bought for Gaelforce, a pair of Soloman XA Pro 3D, were great on the climb, had tried them on the road before, and found them a bit harsh, short on cushioning. Misgivings were put aside after Saturday though.

That's it, hope it's of some use...

Ronan how much road running have you done , what distance?

katydaly

Hi everyone,

I am hoping to climb the reek this w/e July 18th (anyone else climbing?) but I was looking at the maps others have posted about the starting point of the climb and wanted to check where the starting point is.

I have climbed the reek once before and started at the base where the old man sells the sticks. Is this the correct starting point?

If someone could clarify it for me that would be great! Thanks

Mr Freeze

katydaly wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I am hoping to climb the reek this w/e July 18th (anyone else climbing?) but I was looking at the maps others have posted about the starting point of the climb and wanted to check where the starting point is.

I have climbed the reek once before and started at the base where the old man sells the sticks. Is this the correct starting point?

If someone could clarify it for me that would be great! Thanks

Hi,

No that isn't the correct starting point, the GaelForce route goes up the back of the reek starting from the Mountain Rescue base.

I hope to climb this weekend too, we will be cycling from Delphi to it and giving it a go. We attempted that last week and were starting our climb on the bikes up to the base when one of the lads fell off and split his head, aint that right DDwport???

GForcer1

katydaly wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I am hoping to climb the reek this w/e July 18th (anyone else climbing?) but I was looking at the maps others have posted about the starting point of the climb and wanted to check where the starting point is.

I have climbed the reek once before and started at the base where the old man sells the sticks. Is this the correct starting point?

If someone could clarify it for me that would be great! Thanks

Coming from Dublin side of westport, continue throught the town, following signs for CP, as you exit town,take left ( sign posted Clifden ) and then take the 1st right turn after that ( heading towards CP) Continue down this road for approx 2 miles, then you will see a graveyard on your left, take the left turn immediatetly after this, follow this road for approx another 2.5miles ( very narrow road ) until u reach a t-junction ( just after passing a school). Turn right at t-junction and follow this road up towards CP, after approx 2.5 miles, you will see the Mtn Rescue cabins on your right.

There's a few GPS maps in previous posts showing route to take up CP.

yop

I presume KathyDaly is doing the not Gaelforce and not just inquiring about climbing the reek!
If you want to run it from the "front" then bang away, it maybe best to try the GF track though which runs from the back as the lads say.

Sniipe

Here is the point to start your Croagh Patrick climb:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=53.753564,-9.638851&daddr=&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=17&sll=53.753983,-9.638357&sspn=0.005747,0.014859&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=17
So there is a bib point here and another one at the top, how you get up and down by foot is up to you. I think zig zag up and try and cut a corner or two on the way down

Enduro

Poncherello wrote: »

Where did you buy your Innov8s I didnt think they were available in Ireland.

If you read back through this thread the terrain is discussed - I believe the first run of 12K is predominantly on road/gravel
2nd run up and down CP is varied terrain very rocky towards top and depending on weather muddy in parts.

Innov8s are also available in Amphibian King in bray, as far as I know. They are excellent shoes. I have 2 pairs.

The terraine on the first run section has got one technical climb and descent, but is mostly on road and fireroad. The second run (Kayak to Delphi) is half very stumpy boggy terraine, and half road. CP is about as technical as it gets in Ireland.

Irishrm

Hi folks,

Looking to get trail running shoes and a lot have you seem to have already purchased a pair. Its a toss up between the Inov-8 Mudrock/Mudclaw and the Salomon Speedcross 2's. I've tried the Inov-8's on and was very impressed with their light weight and sole but I can't find anywhere in Cork to try on the Speedcross 2's. I've tried Mahers and the Great Outdoors but no luck. Any other suggestions?

Cananyone who has purchased a pair of the Speedcross 2's give me their opinion also?

Irishrm

How did anyone go in the Achill half marathon? I heard there was plenty of hills...

c montgomery

Enduro wrote: »

Innov8s are also available in Amphibian King in bray, as far as I know. They are excellent shoes. I have 2 pairs.

The terraine on the first run section has got one technical climb and descent, but is mostly on road and fireroad. The second run (Kayak to Delphi) is half very stumpy boggy terraine, and half road. CP is about as technical as it gets in Ireland.

Hi enduro,

Hi have a pair of inov8 flyroc310 and im considering wearing them for gf6. The only thing is that im worried about the run section being on mostly road as i find they dont have enough cushioning when running on road for more than a few km.
I have never seen the gf6 route and have heard differing roports on the terrain.
Could you advise on what you think would be the correct footware as i am seriously considering on bringing the asics in the bag and deciding on the day.

Cheers

c montgomery

c montgomery wrote: »

Hi Everyone.

I recently got a pair of INOV8 flyroc 310 and i have to say they have transformed my running. I only run in forests these days as i got bored and injured from running on roads. These runners have excellent grip, are very light and dry very quickly.
With all the rain we have been having recently i was slipping alot on the forest trails and the last straw was when i slipped and hit my head off a tree. Since i got these im always hoping that conditions are mucky as the shoes are so good in those conditions.
Not sure if anyone else has recomended these but id have to give them 10 outta 10.
Pics and reviews here: http://blog.rockrun.com/2008/08/review-inov8-flyroc-310.html


In relation to bags i went for an inov8 race pro 12 rucksack with bladder.
I only founf this by chance when i was looking for the shoes but it has a novel bladder system with the reservoir strapped around the waste rather than on your back so its more comfortable to run with(at least thats the idea). Only ordered it today so ill give a review about it later in the week.

Link to the site i got it here: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Inov-8_Race_Pro_12_Rucksack_With_Bladder/5360031762/

Hope this helps,

Oh and i dont work for inov8 just in case thats what you were thinking:)

Ok so i got the inov8 bag the other day and have to say they are excellent. The resevoir is wrapped around the waste and extreamly comfortable when running. The 12l capacity of the rucksac is more than enough for rain gear, some food and a medical kit. There are 2 pockets on the waste for storing food that are perfect for eating on the go.
Defo recommend them, there lethal:):)

Stary

Irishrm wrote: »

Hi folks,

Looking to get trail running shoes and a lot have you seem to have already purchased a pair. Its a toss up between the Inov-8 Mudrock/Mudclaw and the Salomon Speedcross 2's. I've tried the Inov-8's on and was very impressed with their light weight and sole but I can't find anywhere in Cork to try on the Speedcross 2's. I've tried Mahers and the Great Outdoors but no luck. Any other suggestions?

Cananyone who has purchased a pair of the Speedcross 2's give me their opinion also?

Hi,

I recently invested in the Speedcross 2s. This is the first time I have used this type of running shoe but I am impressed so far. They are very light, the easy shoelace tie device is great and the best thing for me is the grip.
Coming down steep wet hills in other shoes i always felt that I was holding back in case i slipped, but these shoes give you excellent confidence. As an extra recommendation may i suggest that you get some good trail running socks. I got some 1000 miles trail socks and they compliment them perfectly!

Enduro

c montgomery wrote: »

Hi enduro,

Hi have a pair of inov8 flyroc310 and im considering wearing them for gf6. The only thing is that im worried about the run section being on mostly road as i find they dont have enough cushioning when running on road for more than a few km.
I have never seen the gf6 route and have heard differing roports on the terrain.
Could you advise on what you think would be the correct footware as i am seriously considering on bringing the asics in the bag and deciding on the day.

Cheers

I can only tell you what I do, and let you decide if its relevant to your own personal criteria. I use Asics trail runners. They're a compromise between out-and out fell running shoes like the Innov8s, and road trainers. They have better grip and durability than road shoes, and better cushioning than fell runners, but not as good grip. They have enough grip for me to get by on (but I do all my training on road shoes in the mountains, so I've trained myself to deal with slippery conditions without too much grip), and enough cushioning for the trail/road section on GF. But I'd probably get away with running in the Innov8s if I wanted. I'm wearing them more and more these days, going along with the less is more theories on cushioning.

Sniipe

Enduro wrote: »

I use Asics trail runners. They're a compromise between out-and out fell running shoes like the Innov8s, and road trainers. They have better grip and durability than road shoes, and better cushioning than fell runners, but not as good grip.

Sure thats probably where you got your Boards.ie name:
http://www.shoestation.com/shoestation/product.asp?pf_id=PAAAIAJIIMJDFBGF&s_id=0

Or perhaps (and congrats btw), they named a shoe after you?

Enduro

I never knew!

Irishrm

Stary,

What is the cushioning like on the speedcross 2's on the road?

Anyone know of anywhere in Cork that stocks them?

Stary

Irishrm wrote: »

Stary,

What is the cushioning like on the speedcross 2's on the road?

Anyone know of anywhere in Cork that stocks them?

Cushioning is light. You can feel the individual rubber grips on the sole when you strike the ground. Going up CP this wend for a recce and am interested to see how they preform on the loose rubble, especially on any sharp ones!

belcarra

I used them on Sugar Bowl last night in the Leinster League and there were loads of rocks on that course at the top. Felt most of them coming through the soles:mad:
Having said that I've not had any issues on other less rocky routes. Also, I've done a few 5 milers on tarmac with them and they were fine.

To summarise: I'll be wearing mine for the full course in Gaelforce.

Stary

Stary wrote: »

Cushioning is light. You can feel the individual rubber grips on the sole when you strike the ground. Going up CP this wend for a recce and am interested to see how they preform on the loose rubble, especially on any sharp ones!

Cycled from wport and did CP, finished coming back through stage 6. Wow it's a tough section!! Shoes felt great, just be careful on the descent, nearly twisted my ankle once or twice. Also, tie them tight as I (briefly) lost one in sticky ground on the run through the bog at the bottom of the descent! The cycle back was a great rush as it's fast and pretty dangerous!! Really enjoyed it. The weather was mostly wet mist/light rain and I discovered that I need a proper waterproof/breathable jacket for the event, can anyone recommend one? I'm presuming something gore-tex. I had a waterproof jacket on but the inside was wetter at the end, thus I was wet through and felt cold on the bike, which is not good. But yeah, great shoes, looking forward GF...

yop

Drove the cycle last nite before I get back in training and get to cycle it.

Some nice corners up around Sheefry so once you hit the peak of the big long stretch of a climb watch yourselves coming down the far side as at the very bottom is a sharp right, miss it and you hit the barrier and land on your arse.

Also about another 1/4 mile further on is a sharp left, that again if hit at speed could be a dangerous one.

Nice climb from the turn off the main Westport - Leeaun road to the bottom of CP, never done the back of the reek yet, but I would say that it will kill the spirit once you see that in front of you!

Oh ya meant to say, on ALL routes beware of the sheep!!

cickimc

The day after the challenge there is a 5k run on in westport in the town
So if anyone wants to get rid of some of the lactics

stuffstuffstuff

Hi,

Have been reading all the posts on this thread, great stuff from everyone great way to pick up bits of info.

Have a question for those who have done GF6 before, what's the story with the list of required kit on the website? Is this a mandatory list or a suggestion? Does anyone actually check that you are carrying all that stuff?

Trying to figure out how big or small a bag I can get away with.

Also does anyone know if it's possible to leave bike shoes clipped onto the bike when it's taken to transition so that they don't need to be carried.

Thanks to everyone in advance and best of luck to all with the last few weeks of training. Heading to try the reek for the first time tomorrow should be interesting...

GoHardOrGoHome

stuffstuffstuff wrote: »

Have a question for those who have done GF6 before, what's the story with the list of required kit on the website? Is this a mandatory list or a suggestion? Does anyone actually check that you are carrying all that stuff?

Yup it's mandatory. It's for your safety as well. I know that there's no way I would have brought a jacket if I didn't have to but it was freezing going up Croagh Patrick last year. I wore the jacket the whole way up and down. Pretty sure I kept it on for the cycle into Westport as well. Also, things like the waterproof trousers I didn't need in the end but if I had twisted my ankle and needed to wait an hour or more for help I would have got seriously cold.

They didn't check my bag last year but they do do spot-checks.

stuffstuffstuff wrote: »

Trying to figure out how big or small a bag I can get away with.

My bag is tiny. It's one of those camelbak hydration bags. I could still fit everything in though. I just don't fill the hydration bladder itself with 2 litres of water. I'd say I put maybe 500ml in the bladder and had two bottles on the bike. One with water and the other with Lucozade sport. (well, Lucozade sport was the plan, went into two supermarkets and they didn't have Lucozade so I went with Redbull. A bit mingin' and sickly sweet with a hint of cough syrup to it.

stuffstuffstuff wrote: »

Also does anyone know if it's possible to leave bike shoes clipped onto the bike when it's taken to transition so that they don't need to be carried.

Yup, no problem there. Put plastic bags around the shoes so that they're not soaked overnight (I presume you mean the Delphi transition where you leave the bikes on the Friday).

You can also leave your bike shoes clipped in when you climb Croagh Patrick.

stuffstuffstuff wrote: »

Thanks to everyone in advance and best of luck to all with the last few weeks of training. Heading to try the reek for the first time tomorrow should be interesting...

You know the Gaelforce route starts from the other side (not the normal car park). Doing either though is great practice and very worthwhile.

ronanmac

kwalshe wrote: »

Ronan how much road running have you done , what distance?

Sorry for the slow response, just back from holidays where my training took a real hammering and am trying to remotivate myself to get going again before I lose all my hard-earned fitness!

As for how much road running I have done, I started the year with the Connemara half marathon, did a 10k in Edinburgh, and have started my Dublin marathon training now, did a slow 15 miler the other day.

As I said, I have to get back training again post-holidays, and am struggling mentally! Going up to Sligo this evening to watch Galway v Donegal, and will head out for a run when I get home if Galway win;).

Mr Freeze

HI,
I plan on doing the stage of the GF this weekend, to see what its like, one less surprise on the day.

The start looks easy enough find from the map anyways, but when you are running it, is it easy follow the route? Or is it easy go wrong?

seanie500

few questions there on the CP climb.

actually did it yesterday ( not the GF route the regular route) after a 25 mile cyle. On the way up my lower back was well sore. is this something others have experienced while climbing it? I found i had to stop about 10 times on the way up just for a few seconds to straighten up and stretch the lower back b4 climbing again defintely cost me a few minutes. had a backpack but its a light one 10L plus i dont have a bad back normally maybe it was angle of my body going up the mountain??

also to get an idea how much shorter is the GF route v normal route? I know there are maps but it doenst mean much so if the main route is 770meters approx what is GF route? just want a rough idea to compare times. went up in 50 and down in 30

actually wore the speed cross 2's 4 the first time and they are v good:D

belcarra

seanie500 wrote: »

On the way up my lower back was well sore. is this something others have experienced while climbing it? I found i had to stop about 10 times on the way up just for a few seconds to straighten up and stretch the lower back b4 climbing again defintely cost me a few minutes.

I always had a pain free back but since I started doing long running distances over the past couple of years it's been killing me on and off. I've been to a physio but they gave me exercises that I never stuck with. (Just don't have the discipline for it!)
I did 11 IMRA runs this year also and on a few of them I had to similarly stop and stretch on the ascents.
If you get any better advice let me know!!

seanie500 wrote: »

if the main route is 770meters approx what is GF route? just want a rough idea to compare times. went up in 50 and down in 30

They are good times for the front, but the distance sounds mush too short! The rear is at a higher altitude and begins closer to the mountain so I'd imagine the rear is approx 60% of the front approach, distance wise. Probably still a more intense climb though!

seanie500

Only thing i can think of is working on the lower back in the gym to strengthen it up. in my GF training to date i have being doing tough cycles and then 5-10k runs after with no back soreness. must admit my thigh muscles are still in bits 2 days later!

Peterx

The GF6 Croagh Patrick route joins the main route where it (the main route) flattens out and trends right before the final very steep climb up the scree cone.
You're practised the hardest section of the GF6 route if you've done the pilgrim's route and have an easier descent to look forward to.
The GF route veers off to the right on a shallower angled narrow path with a switchback halfway. The first year there was a control point on this U-turn point but not in subsequent years.
Some competitors cut out this section of the path by running straight down to the transition point once they leave the main path and start heading off the back of the mountain. I like to follow the course as marked on the map as it's advertised as a non-navigation event but everyone IS remaining within the rules as advertised by cutting this corner.
The route up from the kayak to the road towards Delphi is worth a recce, I saw about 4 different lines last year in use and presumably one of those is the best. It looked like sticking close enough to the shore line and heading for the first house you see was quicker then the higher line slightly further inland.
bit of a confused ramble there, hope some of it is useful..

yop

Peterx wrote: »

The GF6 Croagh Patrick route joins the main route where it (the main route) flattens out and trends right before the final very steep climb up the scree cone.
You're practised the hardest section of the GF6 route if you've done the pilgrim's route and have an easier descent to look forward to.
The GF route veers off to the right on a shallower angled narrow path with a switchback halfway. The first year there was a control point on this U-turn point but not in subsequent years.
Some competitors cut out this section of the path by running straight down to the transition point once they leave the main path and start heading off the back of the mountain. I like to follow the course as marked on the map as it's advertised as a non-navigation event but everyone IS remaining within the rules as advertised by cutting this corner.
The route up from the kayak to the road towards Delphi is worth a recce, I saw about 4 different lines last year in use and presumably one of those is the best. It looked like sticking close enough to the shore line and heading for the first house you see was quicker then the higher line slightly further inland.
bit of a confused ramble there, hope some of it is useful..

Thanks for the tips there Peter.

How did you find the Kayak part of it? ANy chance of falling out!!!! Scared stiff of water!


So after the kayak you think to stay tight to the shoreline until you reach a house? Then go left is it up the hill? Don't know the exact route so only guessing!!

The terrain is fields? or is it bogs?

thanks

Enduro

Peter and myself co-piloted the kayak last year. The pair of us powered our way accross without a bother, and caught some time on the other boats in the water at the time. The kayaks are as easy to use as you'll get, and you'd have to work quite hard to fall out (but it can be done). You'll be wearing a lifejacket too, so there is nothing to be afraid of, even if by some chance you did fall out. I too would not be a fan of being dumped out of a kayak into the water, but its very unlikely to happen here.

There is no exact route for getting around to the road. Peter's description is as good as you'll get really. There is a very vague track which needs to be hunted out on the ground, and even that pretty much disappears towards the end. It just a matter of using common sense to find the best path for yourself. The terraine there is bogs followed by boggy fields, then road.

dare2be

Just a quick question on bikes for the event.

Is it better to take your own bike, and more importantly, will it be safe until you reach it at the transition point or would it be better to avail of the hire facility which is of couse extra expense!!

I'm contemplating taking my own bike, mainly because i know it and i'm comfortable using it. Who knows what kind of wreckage you could be handed on registration.

Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?

yop

Enduro wrote: »

Peter and myself co-piloted the kayak last year. The pair of us powered our way accross without a bother, and caught some time on the other boats in the water at the time. The kayaks are as easy to use as you'll get, and you'd have to work quite hard to fall out (but it can be done). You'll be wearing a lifejacket too, so there is nothing to be afraid of, even if by some chance you did fall out. I too would not be a fan of being dumped out of a kayak into the water, but its very unlikely to happen here.

There is no exact route for getting around to the road. Peter's description is as good as you'll get really. There is a very vague track which needs to be hunted out on the ground, and even that pretty much disappears towards the end. It just a matter of using common sense to find the best path for yourself. The terraine there is bogs followed by boggy fields, then road.

Thanks Enduro. A few of us were on about going to Achill for a few hours to hire a kayak, but thanks though for the heads up all going well it will be nice!

Thats sound out about the track, intended to look at the route out there but something else came up.

Dare2be - It seems most of us are using our own bikes. The roads are okish so you would want to be comfortable with your bike.

Stary

Ok, I took a spin over to Killary with the family yesterday and did the Cruise along the Fjord. Great trip, we all enjoyed it. I also got to take in the area were we do the kayak section. All I say is I hope it won't be as windy as it was yesterday!! We drove back from Delphi along the scenic drive, aka the cycle stage. What struck me most was the road surface quality, not great to say the least. I am now seriously considering changing the tyres on the bike. What I would like to put on are some tyres with puncture protection and good to great grip. I am thinking of something like these (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=24544). My tyre size is 700x25. I am new to cycling and a GF 'virgin', so can anyone tell me if they are as good as they sound or would there be a better choice out there? Much appreciated....S

TheBandit

I haven't used the Schwalbe but they look like they could roll through razed glasshouse with no difficulty. I can reccomend Continental Ultra Gator skins. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18800
I've done nearly 2000k on my pair by this stage and i haven't a a puncture yet. You might want to check out the i thread for more info
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055612767

Stary

TheBandit wrote: »

I haven't used the Schwalbe but they look like they could roll through razed glasshouse with no difficulty. I can reccomend Continental Ultra Gator skins. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18800
I've done nearly 2000k on my pair by this stage and i haven't a a puncture yet. You might want to check out the i thread for more info
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055612767

Thanks TheBandit, Did you use these in GF? How are they going fast downhill on slippery roads? I would hate to fall off!!:eek:

ChickenBalls

Went down last week to see what the route was like and I did Run 1 - took my time doing it and here are the resulting pics I took to give you all an idea of whats ahead - thats if the route wont change this year.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41055232@N07/sets/72157621937266356/

If you view the slideshow and hit 'show info' I've comments for each photo.
I'll add in the Garmin course in the next day or so if anybody wants it.

Ra1ph

keith123 wrote: »

Went down last week to see what the route was like and I did Run 1 - took my time doing it and here are the resulting pics I took to give you all an idea of whats ahead - thats if the route wont change this year.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41055232@N07/sets/72157621937266356/

If you view the slideshow and hit 'show info' I've comments for each photo.
I'll add in the Garmin course in the next day or so if anybody wants it.

Super Photo's. Didn't realise how scenic the route was. I'd be interested in that Garmin course when you get it done. Thanks.