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Gaelforce West - Discussion & Afters

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,122 ✭✭✭c montgomery


    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.


    Excellent photos,ill definatly be using my trail runners after seeing the terraine involved.

    Cheers


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


    Excellent photos,ill definatly be using my trail runners after seeing the terraine involved.

    Cheers

    I think I will use a quad bike! :D

    Great pics, really proves that I am potentially the biggest muppet to be attempting this, but hey probably best to collapse doing this as smoking 40 a day :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 38 GForcer1


    Hi all,

    Just looking for some quick advice if possible, was planning renting a hybrid bike for htis but have been training on oldish MTB. It's a denentish one so people have been telling me i'd be better to use the one been training on for the last few months..

    Anyway i have fairly crap tyres on it but was thinking of maybe putting some slicks on it as i think this is the general consensus for the race, would someon think these ones as a good choice, slick MTB tyres, puncture resistant..and also will it make a big diff to me on the day having these ones?

    PS - Great photos from Keith above,should be fun!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,122 ✭✭✭c montgomery


    GForcer1 wrote: »
    Hi all,

    Just looking for some quick advice if possible, was planning renting a hybrid bike for htis but have been training on oldish MTB. It's a denentish one so people have been telling me i'd be better to use the one been training on for the last few months..

    Anyway i have fairly crap tyres on it but was thinking of maybe putting some slicks on it as i think this is the general consensus for the race, would someon think these ones as a good choice, slick MTB tyres, puncture resistant..and also will it make a big diff to me on the day having these ones?

    PS - Great photos from Keith above,should be fun!


    Im also using a hardtail MTB for gf6 and i was planning on using those exact tyres that you mentioned:)
    They got pretty good reviews on wiggle and are not that expensive so look like a good investment. When compared to renting a hybrid for 50 euro that could be a piece of crap and that you will not be used its a no brainer for me. Unless u plan on being extremely competitive that is.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 38 GForcer1


    Im also using a hardtail MTB for gf6 and i was planning on using those exact tyres that you mentioned:)
    They got pretty good reviews on wiggle and are not that expensive so look like a good investment. When compared to renting a hybrid for 50 euro that could be a piece of crap and that you will not be used its a no brainer for me. Unless u plan on being extremely competitive that is.

    tks for the reply, also put same comment on cycling forum and got more ir less same replies so that's my mind made up, will get hold of those tyres anyway and put them on. Other problem i have is i have no quick change nuts, so in the event of a puncture, will be spanners to get wheel off but suppose it's a chance will have to take..

    those tyres seem to be recommended anyway and as you say are not too expensive aswell so for someone at my level, should do the job and maybe give me a bit more speed over the road.

    not planning on being extemely competivie, a finish will suffice!!..

    cheers


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,726 ✭✭✭Enduro


    Yes, that sounds like a better option than an unknown hybrid. They will make quite a big difference on the road. The tyres look grand. Most MTB slicks are much of a muchness really. Make sure to pump up the tyres really really really hard. That will make them both faster and more puncture resistant (at the expense of grip, but you've already sarcificed that by putting on slicks).


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 959 ✭✭✭kwalshe


    this might seem like a dumb question so apologies in advance. Thank you to all for great advice, my question is , when I buy a tyre i.e. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Schwalbe_Land_Crusier_ATB_Tyre/5360042609/ is that for one tyre or a set?
    Never bought tyres before so just unsure.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 919 ✭✭✭ChickenBalls


    Ra1ph wrote: »
    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.

    Here you go http://connect.garmin.com/activity/10525300


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,120 ✭✭✭Peterx


    didn't actually check your link - most tyres are sold singly, as with most things you can get a bundle deal but usually sold by the one.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 230 ✭✭richiemack


    has anyone bought, or tried out any bags yet?


  • Registered Users Posts: 33 Stary


    richiemack wrote: »
    has anyone bought, or tried out any bags yet?


    Bought this one. Went for a 10k run and 30k cycle with it at the wend. Wouldn't know it was there other than the sound of liquid sloshing around behind you! Excellent bag, very comfortable.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,225 ✭✭✭Ciaran500


    Stary wrote: »
    Wouldn't know it was there other than the sound of liquid sloshing around behind you!

    After you fill the bladder turn it upside down and suck all the air out of it, will be silent then.


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


    This maybe a question for Enduro or PeterX...
    I'll also be taking part in GFW and after totting up all the constituent sectors I've set a priority 1 target of 5hrs and a priority 2 target of 4.5 hrs.

    So...planning on a normal small backpack for snacks, waterproof jacket and whistle. Will be completing the course in pair of Solomon x2s, using a good light racer. I will have two bottles of water on the bike and this should be enough to see me through, therefore no water in my bag.
    Never kayaked before but it seems this is relatively straightforward.
    Have completed a few 25km+ cycles, 2 of which were from Santry over to Howth and up over the summit before returning to Santry so I have practiced with hills (This 33km route with a major hill(!) took 1.5hrs).
    I've done 11 IMRA races, so know what's to be expected with CP. Was planning to go straight up & down to/from the shoulder as opposed to using the out of way zig-zag (Do you think this is foolish?).
    Plan to carry my bike over the 400m-odd of rough terrain.

    Now please telly me of any areas of folly from above...Better to know now than after the race!! Based on this kind of info do you think 5hrs would be a realistic aim??

    Thanks in advance.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 263 ✭✭seanie500


    try this cycle route from mapmyride.com http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/dublin/429780680 and go anti clockwise (25 to 20 marker etc)

    lots of tough hills on it done this a good few times with a heavy mountainbike its great training for the cycling part of GF in my opinion!:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,726 ✭✭✭Enduro


    belcarra wrote: »
    This maybe a question for Enduro or PeterX...
    I'll also be taking part in GFW and after totting up all the constituent sectors I've set a priority 1 target of 5hrs and a priority 2 target of 4.5 hrs.

    So...planning on a normal small backpack for snacks, waterproof jacket and whistle. Will be completing the course in pair of Solomon x2s, using a good light racer. I will have two bottles of water on the bike and this should be enough to see me through, therefore no water in my bag.
    Never kayaked before but it seems this is relatively straightforward.
    Have completed a few 25km+ cycles, 2 of which were from Santry over to Howth and up over the summit before returning to Santry so I have practiced with hills (This 33km route with a major hill(!) took 1.5hrs).
    I've done 11 IMRA races, so know what's to be expected with CP. Was planning to go straight up & down to/from the shoulder as opposed to using the out of way zig-zag (Do you think this is foolish?).
    Plan to carry my bike over the 400m-odd of rough terrain.

    Now please telly me of any areas of folly from above...Better to know now than after the race!! Based on this kind of info do you think 5hrs would be a realistic aim??

    Thanks in advance.

    Keep the snacks to a minimum (Personally I'd bring one gel for emergencies and not expect to use it, but then that's just me and most people wouldn't manage that).

    It would be a good idea to kayak once before the race, preferably in a sit-on-top, just to be sure of the basics. If there is 2 of you in a boat who've never kayaked before (not unlikely), then you'll waste time figuring out the basics, and possibly waste a lot more time because ye can't steer well in crosswinds.

    You should be able to cycle all the rough uphill. Be you're own judge on the day of when you need to get off going downhill, but aim to get back on ASAP.

    If you're target time is 5 hours I'd hazard a guess that it would be faster for you to change to bike shoes at transitions onto bike, and back to the solomons for the runs. That's presuming you have a proper clipless pedal/shoe combo, and are used to using them properly.

    I don't know your running speed, but so far I see no reason why 5 hours wouldn't be possible.


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


    Thanks for the response Enduro.
    To gauge my mountain running time i was about 140% of your times for the last few races. On the flat road my 10km pb from Phoenix park is 48mins.
    Don't have the clipless pedal so will be using the wraparound clip thingys for over the toe box.

    I think 5hrs should be achievable...:)

    One final question: Does anyone have a garmin record of the full course? And if I import this onto my Garmin 305, is there still a need to bring a compass? I assume not...??


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


    I think there was a garmin route floating about. But I think you will be ok as the route is pretty identifiable and also there will be a lot of people on the course.

    I see the email arrived with the details of the wave times etc. Hope to get in the runner/jogger or the first separate jogger stage.

    Not sure out side of the mandatory kit what the "survival bag" is.


  • Registered Users Posts: 230 ✭✭richiemack


    belcarra wrote: »
    is there still a need to bring a compass? I assume not...??
    does anyone even know how to use a compass?


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


    I didn't get any email yet...:eek:

    I'll panic if it's still not with me by Monday next I guess!


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


    richiemack wrote: »
    does anyone even know how to use a compass?
    You begin by licking your finger and sticking it in the air, and everyone know the wind always travels in a Northerly direction so point the N of the compass towards your finger! Et voila, North!!


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


    belcarra wrote: »
    I didn't get any email yet...:eek:

    I'll panic if it's still not with me by Monday next I guess!


    Another of the lads didn't either. Wouldn't panic, there are 2500 of us so probably going out in batches.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 112 ✭✭VR46


    ok heres the scéal.. i've never kayaked before and don't own a bike. But I used to run a fair amount back in the day and I reckon I still have a 35min 10k in me..well maybe;)
    Not worried bout the kayaking since its such a small part of the overall race.

    i've set myself an ambitious(ridiculous??) target time of 4h30

    Got a loan of a bike for the last few weeks and have done some nice cycles through the dublin mountains. I'm no Lance Armstrong but happy enough with my cycling ability atm.

    Going bike shopping this weekend. Can anyone recommend any bike shops in Dublin? I presume i'll be needing a decent racer to achieve my target time? Or if I was to hire a bike would that do the job or would it be a rust bucket.

    Sorry if these are stupid questions or have been answered already but how strict are they on the mandatory kit? I plan on bringing as little as possible. (water + rain jacket)

    And is the course well marked or is it just follow the leader and hope you're going the right way!??

    Any advice greatly appreciated. :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 38 GForcer1


    Pick up times for the buses, so would guess start times be 30-40 mins after?

    Wave 1 0530 - RED - Elite/Runner
    Wave 2 0600 -
    BLUE - Elite/Runner & Runner
    Wave 3 0630 -
    GREEN - Runner
    Wave 4 0700 - YELLOW - Runner & Jogger
    Wave 5 0730 - BLACK - Jogger
    Wave 6 0800 - WHITE - Jogger
    Wave 7 0830 -
    PINK - Jogger & Walker
    Wave 8 0900 -
    GREY - Walker

    Anyone any idea what a survival bag is??.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 38 GForcer1


    belcarra wrote: »
    Does anyone have a garmin record of the full course? And if I import this onto my Garmin 305, is there still a need to bring a compass? I assume not...??

    Link from a previous post ( Stary i think ) of the route but i dont think getting lost will be an issue..2.5k people doing it so should be well marked out, and in my case plenty of other peoples tracks to follow anyway..

    http://connect.garmin.com/activity/308309

    from the email they sent out this afternoon, it seems there is some cycling on open roads, i.e. not all the course will be closed road, didn't know that..


  • Registered Users Posts: 230 ✭✭richiemack


    GForcer1 wrote: »
    Pick up times for the buses, so would guess start times be 30-40 mins after?

    Wave 1 0530 - RED - Elite/Runner
    Wave 2 0600 -
    BLUE - Elite/Runner & Runner
    Wave 3 0630 -
    GREEN - Runner
    Wave 4 0700 - YELLOW - Runner & Jogger
    Wave 5 0730 - BLACK - Jogger
    Wave 6 0800 - WHITE - Jogger
    Wave 7 0830 -
    PINK - Jogger & Walker
    Wave 8 0900 -
    GREY - Walker

    Anyone any idea what a survival bag is??.

    it says to check the website for your wave, theres no info on the website though...hmmm


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,123 ✭✭✭GoHardOrGoHome


    GForcer1 wrote: »
    Pick up times for the buses, so would guess start times be 30-40 mins after?

    Anyone any idea what a survival bag is??.

    Survival bag is one of those foil space blankets but it's a bag as opposed to a sheet. Very tiny folded up.

    Start time is probably more like an hour after the bus time as they have to get several buses there and let off the competitors and there's maybe a 1k or 2k walk to the beach.

    I'd say the later waves will be delayed a bit (or maybe they've divided it up equally?).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,932 ✭✭✭Sniipe


    richiemack wrote: »
    it says to check the website for your wave, theres no info on the website though...hmmm

    Its total BS also that they say you can't change your start time. They are also not going to mind your climbing boots this time. They are getting lax about the whole thing.

    Personally I will be disappointed if don't start the same time as my mates that I've been training with. There should be an option to change your start times... it really isn't that difficult to have an interactive list on their site where you could click beside your name and say you want to switch from group A to group B. Then the next person who wants to do the same but in the opposite direction could take you up on that offer - simple and easy, they must have everything on pen and paper or excel sheets...

    Anyway, no sign of the times yet.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,932 ✭✭✭Sniipe


    Attached link to start times in excel format
    Or
    Googledocs one here:http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tT64MolFIoTX0l8E4dhAv9w&output=html

    [edit]Not disappointed, I got lucky with the waves[/edit]


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


    At least myself and most of my mates are on the same bus, not too bad! :)

    One though is on a later bus, the pink one , the big girl :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 228 ✭✭mattym


    Myself and 3 friends who are doing Gaelforce are not staying in Westport the night before, we have a b&b just up the road from the start. I presume its ok just to arrive at the start, you dont have to get into Westport to get the bus back out?? Are they strict about what wave you start in? Have no idea if we're all going to start together as we havent recieved any e-mails from them yet


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 112 ✭✭VR46


    Holy sh*t didn't realise we were starting this early.
    I'm on the blue bus, 6am :eek:


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


    mattym wrote: »
    Myself and 3 friends who are doing Gaelforce are not staying in Westport the night before, we have a b&b just up the road from the start. I presume its ok just to arrive at the start, you dont have to get into Westport to get the bus back out?? Are they strict about what wave you start in? Have no idea if we're all going to start together as we havent recieved any e-mails from them yet

    You have to inform them that you are not going on the buses, all the details are in the email you were sent there today.

    They say on the site you can't change wave "NB: There are absolutely no changes to waves or categories"


  • Registered Users Posts: 228 ✭✭mattym


    Cheers for that Yop. So i suppose i'll have a lonely run without my training buddies, poor me!!!!!:(:(:(


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


    VR46 wrote: »
    Holy sh*t didn't realise we were starting this early.
    I'm on the blue bus, 6am :eek:

    That gives you a lie-in...I'm on at bloody 5:30! Really regretting choosing the elite group rather than the walker group....!
    What was I thinking!:eek:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 38 GForcer1


    start early, finish early = more time for nice afternoon session in Westport!


  • Registered Users Posts: 59 ✭✭clopd


    Wave information is up on the GF website - it is on the homepage - you just have to scroll down a bit to get it - so easy to miss.


  • Registered Users Posts: 189 ✭✭gizmo73


    Ah there is nothing like stuffing your face with grub at 5.30 in morning, on the blue bus..6.00:eek::eek::eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,726 ✭✭✭Enduro


    VR46 wrote: »
    Going bike shopping this weekend. Can anyone recommend any bike shops in Dublin? I presume i'll be needing a decent racer to achieve my target time? Or if I was to hire a bike would that do the job or would it be a rust bucket.

    Sorry if these are stupid questions or have been answered already but how strict are they on the mandatory kit? I plan on bringing as little as possible. (water + rain jacket)

    And is the course well marked or is it just follow the leader and hope you're going the right way!??

    Any advice greatly appreciated. :)

    I work in Freewheel cycles in Arnotts in Dublin. I'll be there all day saturday if you want to call in a talk about bikes. A hire bike will be nowhere near as good any road bike you'd buy yourself.

    Follow the leader should work absolutely fine this year, especially considering the numbers taking part. Its also pretty well marked out on the ground (I found the route without problems last year with no-one to follow for most of the time).


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


    got the yellow start time bit of a b#lls been put in with the runners!!!1


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 174 ✭✭padlad


    on the green bus - happy enough with that. I'll just have to get a few early runs in now :eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,932 ✭✭✭Sniipe


    GForcer1 wrote: »
    Link from a previous post ( Stary i think ) of the route but i dont think getting lost will be an issue..2.5k people doing it so should be well marked out, and in my case plenty of other peoples tracks to follow anyway..

    http://connect.garmin.com/activity/308309

    from the email they sent out this afternoon, it seems there is some cycling on open roads, i.e. not all the course will be closed road, didn't know that..

    Thats not GF, thats Achill


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 919 ✭✭✭ChickenBalls


    Sniipe wrote: »
    Thats not GF, thats Achill


    Here is the full course for all the Garmin lovers!

    http://connect.garmin.com/activity/6526676

    As in a previous post I did Run 1 last week and there's pics here of it if your interested.

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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,932 ✭✭✭Sniipe


    heh, thats my garmin [edit]SLOW[/edit] run :)

    Is it possible for me to use that run on my garmin 305 and ghost it? IE see if I'm beating myself from last year?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 919 ✭✭✭ChickenBalls


    yeah just use Virtual Partner


  • Registered Users Posts: 189 ✭✭gizmo73


    Hey guys, anyone any ideas for accommodation in westport for the fri and say night. i have some myself but friends left it too late and now having awful trouble.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,123 ✭✭✭GoHardOrGoHome


    gizmo73 wrote: »
    Hey guys, anyone any ideas for accommodation in westport for the fri and say night. i have some myself but friends left it too late and now having awful trouble.

    Camping at Westport house! Tenner per person. Pretty handy.


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


    keith123 wrote: »
    As in a previous post I did Run 1 last week and there's pics here of it if your interested.

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

    Got chased by that same dog you photographed when we did the run yesterday.


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


    ok folks so we have 12 days left (including today) or approx 276 hours till the big event. What kinda of training are you folks gonna put in between now and then?


  • Registered Users Posts: 189 ✭✭gizmo73


    racso1975 wrote: »
    ok folks so we have 12 days left (including today) or approx 276 hours till the big event. What kinda of training are you folks gonna put in between now and then?

    I`m just heading training now, up into hills on bike, off the bike for a 10km run then back on bike for 15km. I`ll do two more hard days between now and this sunday and that will be more or less it then, next week just do some light work to tick over.


  • Registered Users Posts: 368 ✭✭dare2be


    racso1975 wrote: »
    ok folks so we have 12 days left (including today) or approx 276 hours till the big event. What kinda of training are you folks gonna put in between now and then?

    Out on the bike yesterday for a 30-miler, some of it through the Cooley Mountains which i thought was quite similar to what we shall be doing. I'll do another couple of these with some 10/12k runs in between.

    Competed in a 12k on Tuesday night and even managed to shade 2 mins off my PB.

    One thing i'm disappointed with is my wave allocation. I'm on the bloody pink bus at 8.30am. I would have rathered been off sooner but not much can be done about that i'm afraid. I would say the course shall be pretty cut up by the time i get round.


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