Tour de Kilkenny 2010

MarbleCityCycle

Tour de Kilkenny 2010 will be on Saturday, 31 July 2010. There are three scenic routes of Kilkenny on offer: 160km, 100km and 40km. Both the 160km and 100km route will be leaving Kilkenny Rugby Club at 9am and the 40km will start at 11am. All three routes will finish back at the Kilkenny Rugby Club.

Entrant fee is €20 and you can enter online by clicking here. There will also be a further €10 charge on the day if a one-day Cycling Ireland licence is required. All funds raised is for the Barretstown Children’s Camp, a charity that is about rebuilding lives affected by childhood cancer. Last year we raised over €5,500 for this excellent charity and this year we are hoping to raise even more with your help!!

We will be posting further detail on our website, www.marblecitycyclers.com, in due course and of course I'll let boards.ie know any update .

unionman

I did this last year (the, erm, 109km route as I recall) and thoroughly enjoyed it, one of the best events of the year. Beautiful roads, some great climbs, and a terrific atmosphere on the day. Marble City did a very fine job in what I think was the first year of the event (?).

Word of mouth has been so strong since, I expect a lot more people will turn up for it this year.

Looking forward to it!

daragh_

Been convinced by 'someone' to do the 100k this year. Is the route decided yet?

AstraMonti

Excellent event, highly recommend it. Did last year the 160 and I plan to do it again this year.

penexpers

Would plan to do this. Probably 100 but maybe 160.

AstraMonti

Just signed up and noticed that the registration is 2 euro cheaper this year, fair play to ye guys

billyhead

How tough is the 100Km does anyone know.

unionman

billyhead wrote: »

How tough is the 100Km does anyone know.

My memory of the first 40/50 kms was that it was fairly handy, we had good weather too which helped. Fast group pace was set for the first half too. Well, fast for me anyway.

After that I remember a log-ish drag before Inistioge, and the climb up by Woodstock is short-ish but very steep. Very steep.

After Inistioge I just remember a nice descent, followed by lots of up and down cyling. Climb/descent, climb/descent, none of it impossible.

Then when my trip computer indicated 100km I realised I was only in Bennetsbridge. It was another 9km to the finish, which had rolling road, headwind, but it was fine. Until I spoke to a local cyclist I still had no idea how much further I had to go.

In short, if you've done Wicklow (?) this is very doable. ROK would be decent prep too. My memory of it was that was challenging but not beyond the scope of anyone who has done that distance a few times.

I really enjoyed it and can't recommend it enough. Hope that helps.

poolboy

unionman wrote: »

My memory of the first 40/50 kms was that it was fairly handy, we had good weather too which helped. Fast group pace was set for the first half too. Well, fast for me anyway.

After that I remember a log-ish drag before Inistioge, and the climb up by Woodstock is short-ish but very steep. Very steep.

After Inistioge I just remember a nice descent, followed by lots of up and down cyling. Climb/descent, climb/descent, none of it impossible.

Then when my trip computer indicated 100km I realised I was only in Bennetsbridge. It was another 9km to the finish, which had rolling road, headwind, but it was fine. Until I spoke to a local cyclist I still had no idea how much further I had to go.

In short, if you've done Wicklow (?) this is very doable. ROK would be decent prep too. My memory of it was that was challenging but not beyond the scope of anyone who has done that distance a few times.

I really enjoyed it and can't recommend it enough. Hope that helps.

The 180k of rok would be decent prep for this 100k? It must be one tough SOB

Captain Havoc

What's that MarbleCityCycle? You've banned the wearing of yellow jerseys at this event. Oh, I was so looking forward to wearing it :rolleyes:

unionman

poolboy wrote: »

The 180k of rok would be decent prep for this 100k? It must be one tough SOB

Well, at the risk of upsetting people, even this fred found the ROK relatively easy going.

TheDocMan

Just completed the 160 km route today with the Boss today as good training.To answer a few questions; Daragh the routes are the same for 100 & 160km as last year. Check out the club website marblecitycyclers.com for route maps and profiles. As 100km routes go it has a challenging middle third but advice is to take the climbs nice and steady. They don`t reward attacking!
Online entry is now open.
We`re planning to make this years experience that bit better by adding and building on last year, so anybody who`s coming back for more should even have a better experience.
Keep the queries coming!

Beasty

Captain Havoc wrote: »

What's that MarbleCityCycle? You've banned the wearing of yellow jerseys at this event. Oh, I was so looking forward to wearing it :rolleyes:

Everyone else is banned - you, however, will be required to wear yours ....

Toblerone1978

Beasty wrote: »

Everyone else is banned - you, however, will be required to wear yours ....

I'm suprised Beasty that you got hold off such confidental information but I can confirm that this is the position.

You may also be interested to note that the rider wearing the yellow jersey must attack on the climb coming out of Inistioge. Otherwise he will be required to do again. In the big ring.

Captain Havoc

Toblerone1978 wrote: »

I'm suprised Beasty that you got hold off such confidental information but I can confirm that this is the position.

You may also be interested to note that the rider wearing the yellow jersey must attack on the climb coming out of Inistioge. Otherwise he will be required to do again. In the big ring.

Actually, Beasty is the one forcing me against my will to wear the yellow jersey.

Beasty

Captain Havoc wrote: »

Actually, Beasty is the one forcing me against my will to wear the yellow jersey.

Against your will indeed:rolleyes:. You need absolutely no prompting to don your maillot jaune:D

Captain Havoc

Beasty wrote: »

Against your will indeed:rolleyes:. You need absolutely no prompting to don your maillot jaune:D

Shhhhhhhhhhhh Beasty, they can't find out I'm a complete fred or they'll stop talking to me.

MarbleCityCycle

Below is the poster for this event. Please feel free to use it on your club's website etc.

penexpers

Is there anyone heading down from Dublin or Kildare who could offer me a lift to this from Newbridge? I would obviously share petrol costs and whatever else.

blorg

This was new event of the year for me last year and many others were of the same opinion. Excellent, challenging, scenic route and great organisation from MCC. Reasonable entry fee AND it is for charity.

@poolboy- the ROK is very very flat, this one is a lot hillier.

thebouldwhacker

I did the 160 last year, 'pha', I thought, 'its Kilkenny, its flat, this'll be easy'

Fail

It started really well, tearing along for the first 1/4 then things started getting bumpy (I'll just say since that day I when I hear of Woodstock I dont think of hippies and music) After a break everything seemed fine, plain sailing, but more rough and tumble lay ahead.
At the start I was happy to be there, by now I was looking for a way out, one more vertical climb and into kilkenny, happy to be finished, delighted to have done it, back tracking on all the curses I had laid on the route planner and looking forward to the next time. great day out, nice crowd, good roads and the happiest food stop people you'll ever meet on a cycle.

I'd recomend it to anyone looking to test themselves and have a laugh!!

Captain Havoc

Just want to add there, if anyone does have any last minute emergencies or needs somewhere secure to leave the bike overnight don't hesitate to contact me. I've a secure concrete shed with tools for 99% of bicycle repairs.

amgelec

What's the difference between the 160km and the 100km route (apart from the obvious 60km extra)???

Do they throw in a couple of extra hills just to wear you down even more and work off your cake from the foodstop or what?

Did the ROK and from what I see it's tougher than that!! So basically i dunno whether to go for the 100km or the 160km option

jwshooter

Captain Havoc wrote: »

Just want to add there, if anyone does have any last minute emergencies or needs somewhere secure to leave the bike overnight don't hesitate to contact me. I've a secure concrete shed with tools for 99% of bicycle repairs.

just dont sak him for a pump

Beasty

amgelec wrote: »

What's the difference between the 160km and the 100km route (apart from the obvious 60km extra)???

Do they throw in a couple of extra hills just to wear you down even more and work off your cake from the foodstop or what?

Did the ROK and from what I see it's tougher than that!! So basically i dunno whether to go for the 100km or the 160km option

I thought I was doing the 160k last year, but changed my mind at the food stop - the hills towards the end of the first part (Woodstock in particular) persuaded me that discretion was the better part of valour. Hence I suggest you sign up for the 160k, but leave it until the food stop to make a final decision (and if you are in doubt now, I am sure you will end up doing the 100k (actually about 109k!))

Toblerone1978

amgelec wrote: »

What's the difference between the 160km and the 100km route (apart from the obvious 60km extra)???

Do they throw in a couple of extra hills just to wear you down even more and work off your cake from the foodstop or what?

Did the ROK and from what I see it's tougher than that!! So basically i dunno whether to go for the 100km or the 160km option

As Beasty rightly pointed out, you could sign-on for the 160km and opt to do the 100km at the foodstop, there is no different in the entrant fee.

But IMO, the toughest climb on the 160km is Woodstock, which is also in the 100km route. In saying that, there are a few more hills on the remaining part of the 160km, were there is just one left on the 100km (after the foodstop).

From talking to a few lads, it is tougher than the ROK but if you're looking to make the next step up....

amgelec

TY Beasty and Toblerone....sounds like a good idea alright

jwshooter....don't worry I have a pump

The tax man

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I've a secure concrete shed with tools for 99% of bicycle repairs.

A centre of excellence should be able to cater for 100% of bicycle repairs.

Can't make it this year due to it clashing with work.:mad:

AstraMonti

Toblerone1978 wrote: »

From talking to a few lads, it is tougher than the ROK but if you're looking to make the next step up....

It's much tougher than the ROK, some of my stats:

Elevation: + 1967 / - 1959 m
Max Grade: 14.5 %
Avg. Grade: 0.7 %

Captain Havoc

amgelec wrote: »

jwshooter....don't worry I have a pump

Bit of an in-joke there between JW and myself.

The tax man wrote: »

A centre of excellence should be able to cater for 100% of bicycle repairs.

Can't make it this year due to it clashing with work.:mad:

Well Menchov does lack that 1%
Sorry you can't make it though.

DirkVoodoo

Looks like fun!

Captain Havoc

Hi guys, I plan on cycling the 100km route tomorrow and the 160 on Thursday to create a big to do list* for Toblerone if anyone is interested in joining me? There will be a bit of start stopping if there's points I need to make notes on. Woodstock three times in two weeks, amn't I the lucky one :rolleyes:

*Only joking Toblerone, I will of course be giving you hand.

thebouldwhacker

Captain Havoc wrote: »

Toblerone, I will of course be giving you hand

Please rephrase;)

Beasty

These are the routes from last year:

100km (actually 108km!]

160km

Captain Havoc, which one are you doing? (not sure I'll be able to keep the yellow jersey in sight on those hills)

Captain Havoc

Beasty wrote: »

These are the routes from last year:

100km (actually 108km!]

160km

Captain Havoc, which one are you doing? (not sure I'll be able to keep the yellow jersey in sight on those hills)

I'll be going 160km, nothing like a bit of pain and suffering. I don't think you'll have much problems keeping up with me, Captain don't climb so well.

kennyb3

I'm hoping to make this, gf working all weekend so have my pass!

Esroh

Beasty wrote: »

These are the routes from last year:

100km (actually 108km!]

160km

Captain Havoc, which one are you doing? (not sure I'll be able to keep the yellow jersey in sight on those hills)

@Beasty not looking good for me getting down so I will need photographic evidence of this. The proof of wearing of MJ should include the follwing
1) Start
2) Acent of Woodstock prefered/ Though Thomastown Water stop will suffice
3) Finish

Beasty

Esroh wrote: »

@Beasty not looking good for me getting down so I will need photographic evidence of this. The proof of wearing of MJ should include the follwing
1) Start
2) Acent of Woodstock prefered/ Though Thomastown Water stop will suffice
3) Finish

Does that mean I need to get to the top of Woodstock before him to take his bleedin' picture?

I guess it also means I've got to do the full 160 (having chickened out at the foodstop last year):eek:

Captain Havoc

Beasty wrote: »

Does that mean I need to get to the top of Woodstock before him to take his bleedin' picture?

I guess it also means I've got to do the full 160 (having chickened out at the foodstop last year):eek:

Seriously, just give up cycling if you can't beat Captain No Power up Woodstock.

Esroh

Beasty wrote: »

Does that mean I need to get to the top of Woodstock before him to take his bleedin' picture?

I guess it also means I've got to do the full 160 (having chickened out at the foodstop last year):eek:

I'd did offer you the waterstop in Thomastown which is before Woodstock.:D and you could sneak away after the full feedstop then.

Toblerone1978

Hi all, just a quick update. You may be aware the Cycling Ireland has revised their policy/fee in relation to one day licence.

Therefore we are revising entrant fee for non-CI licencse holders from €30 to €25 . Entrant fee for CI licence holders remains at €20, on production of same on the day.

Ryaner

Toblerone1978 wrote: »

Hi all, just a quick update. You may be aware the Cycling Ireland has revised their policy/fee in relation to one day licence.

Therefore we are revising entrant fee for non-CI licencse holders from €30 to €25 . Entrant fee for CI licence holders remains at €20, on production of same on the day.

Does that mean one day licences are now €5 for races too?

Toblerone1978

Ryaner wrote: »

Does that mean one day licences are now €5 for races too?

As far as I'm aware, the new policy only applies to "leisure" events.

penexpers

penexpers wrote: »

Is there anyone heading down from Dublin or Kildare who could offer me a lift to this from Newbridge? I would obviously share petrol costs and whatever else.

Still looking for a lift

Ryaner

I should be driving down, realised that cycling to all these events is a little nuts, W200 being case in point.
Will know Monday when I confirm the bike rack fits on the car

adrianshanahan

Hey,

Can I ask a bit of a stupid question?

I do a bit of XC MTB all trails and mountains kinda stuff, I have never taken part in a road race or even of any sort before. I'm from Kilkenny originally and will be around next weekend, I think I might be able to score a road bike for the weekend, is the 40km a trek for someone who normally hacks about the mountains on a full suspension bike.

And what kinda time would you expect the 40km to take?

Adrian

blorg

You would be well up to this sort of ride, it is not a race. I would recommend it. As to the time that really depends, at the end of the day you are challenging yourself.

Lumen

adrianshanahan wrote: »

And what kinda time would you expect the 40km to take?

Under 2hrs.

adrianshanahan

Cheers Guys...

I might just give it a go, I have spent many years playing rugby out in Club in Kilkenny, it will be quiet a sight to see me on a road bike in Lycra there.

Adrian

MarbleCityCycle

Please note that online registration for Tour de Kilkenny closes this Thursday at midday.

You can register for Tour de Kilkenny here.

A reminder that entrant fee for this sportive is €20 for Cycling Ireland members and €25 for non-Cycling Ireland members.

Captain Havoc

We're looking forward to welcoming ye down to Kilkenny this weekend. I just said I'd give you preview of the route as I did last year. On that note I'd like to say that there has been no changes to last years route so if you did it last year, you'll know what it's like.

100 & 160 kms routes.
The 100 & 160 km routes start off together from Kilkenny Rugby Club situated on the Waterford Rd, if you're using GPS type in Foulkstown. From the rugby club we take a left onto the Waterford Rd heading toward the ring road where at the first roundabout we take a right followed by a right at the second roundabout to head towards Bennettsbridge. In Bennettsbridge we leave the main road and go left/straight towards Gowran, right after Gowran to Goresbridge, right in Goresbridge to go to Graiguenamanagh. For the most part this 35km section is mostly flat with a little up and down and last year was done at a high pace.

Once we get to Graiguenamanagh (doo, doo, do, doo, doo) we take a right turn at the roundabout to our first climb of the day: Coppenagh. It's a 6km x 225m meter climb, which is a constant drag all the way to the top. The descent into Thomastown is fast, with a couple of corners that needs attention paid to. We don't actually go into Thomastown itself but have a water stop and head towards Inistioge. This road is well surfaced, my advice would be to take this as an opportunity to take it easy before Inistioge. You'll have done about 60kms at this stage.

The way into Inistioge is beautiful, the best scenery Kilkenny has to offer but on the way out you'll be in too much pain to notice or care. Woodstock hill is the main cliimb of the day. It's sharp, 10%+ 160m in 3kms initially. For all you freaks who love hard climbing there's more hard up and downs for the next 10kms or so until you get to your well deserved tae, caca milis agus hang sangers at Listerlin. At this stage you'll have done about 75kms.

100kms have a nice steady descent to Thomastown on a road that you'll be able to get up to good speeds on. From Thomastown you'll head to Bennettsbridge which has one wee bump on it and a fast road into Bennettsbridge. Out of Bennettsbridge there is a short but sharp climb towards the Danesfort. At Danesfort you take a right to head back to the start. This road is flat and well surfaced.

160kms head on towards Mullinavat. This road is a bit lumpy and with a plateau type thing also. Unfortunately this plateau type thing is high up and you'll more than likely be heading directly into the wind, so best of luck with that one. There's a nice drop into Mullinavat, be careful of the two roundabouts for the motorway, take a left and then the next right. Here it gets a bit up and down for 10kms or so followed by a steady climb up the hairpins of the Passo dello Templeorum. This is the longest drag of the day and the highest point, about 250m over that 10kms . It's not steep at any point on the climb. It was here that I fell apart last year, tired and sore. At this stage you'll have done about 100kms.

The next 10kms are very well surfaced and down hill which will be a good opportunity to get up a good speed, there is one junction where you'll need to slow down. After you take this junction start to look out for the road markings which show a left turn. I know a few cyclists went on straight there last year but this year we've well marked it with a marking after to say you've gone too far.

It's fairly flat to Kilmoganny where there'll be another water stop. The climb out of Kilmoganny is a steady drag. After this you descend and again need to be careful as there's a T-junction at the bottom where'll you'll take a right to Callan. There's a nice climb up to Windgap and a pacey descent after it followed by long flat to Callan. At the Callan by-pass you take a right and while still on it a left towards Kilmanagh. This section is also flat but extra caution is required as you cross a road of more importance with a bend leading to the junction.

The final climb of the day is short but with your legs in a world of pain it may seem to go on a bit (as it did for me last year). Nice scenery when you get to the top and pacey descent. From here it's pretty flat all the way home but keep your eyes open for direction markings.

Maps are here: 160km 100km There's a total of about 1,800m of climbing

Best of luck.