Beginner in Laois taking on the Maracycle

Tony Leonard

Hi Guys I see a few guys on here discussing runs around laois and at the moment im going out on my own trying to prep for the Maracycle in June. I am a beginner but did a comfortable 52km after work yesterday in 1hr 45-50 minutes so im on my way. any advice on how to improve or even if there are any group rides i could join that would be great.

trek climber

Tony Leonard wrote: »

Hi Guys I see a few guys on here discussing runs around laois and at the moment im going out on my own trying to prep for the Maracycle in June. I am a beginner but did a comfortable 52km after work yesterday in 1hr 45-50 minutes so im on my way. any advice on how to improve or even if there are any group rides i could join that would be great.

Dont know about cycling groups in Laois but it would be worth checking out the maracycle webiste www.cooperationireland.org where they have devised a training guide for this event. It may not be the definitive guide to taining but it would give you an indication of the mileage you need to be doing.

macnab

The most common advice is: do as much mileage as you can, dont worry about speed as that will come in its own time (although it seems that you are averaging about 18mph already which is fast) Add about 10 miles onto your spin every week or so.

Esroh

CI
list of clubs in Laois

http://http://www.cyclingireland.ie/getdoc/4558313d-75c7-41cb-b1e4-fdfa0452347e/default.aspx

Maybe the best way to find a group

Tony Leonard

Hi Guys thanks for the help. I have seen the training guide on the official site and to me it seems to leave you very short on actual miles covered before they expect you to do 220 in two days. I have seen that echoed elsewhere.
But again im the newbie I probably shouldn't question the wisdom ha
ill look through the lists of clubs for sure thanks again

thegilpen

Hi Tony
A group goes from Castlecomer on Saturdays and Sunday Mornings
This may suit you there are some cyclists from Laiose with this group

jeffwode

I'm also doing the Maracycle in June and I'm not much more than a beginner. I need to get a lot more miles on my legs first, although the long evenings are making it a bit easier to get out. I want to have a good few 100km plus spins under my belt before the end of June. Keep us posted on how you're getting on?

granda

i'm doing it too and my training goes like this
rest-25-30 miles hills(ish)-rest-30 miles-rest-rest-50+miles.
the last run will gradually get longer but the other day will stay the same but hopefully faster

LCD

Best advise I ever heard, but probably the hardset, was from pro cyclist Christian VDV (long dutch name that I will spell wrong, he rode for Postal, CSC & now Garmin, 4th in TDF). In an interview was asked "How do you get faster on a bike", his deadpan reply..."Ride more eat less"

Selfheal

Hello all
Here's an update on the Co-operation Ireland site which might encourage you to give it a go.



Co-operation Ireland has agreed with all relevant authorities, changes to its annual Maracycle route between Dublin and Belfast and back to take place on Saturday 25 June and return on Sunday 26 June respectively.
Gone from last year’s difficult route is the now infamous ‘haul over the Naul’ and also the busy Drogheda town centre. The new route will see cyclists leave DCU through Finglas and onto McKee’s Avenue crossing the M50 and the back of the airport and then onto rural country roads after St Margarets. The rural route continues through north County Dublin and Meath taking in Garriston, Ardcath and Duleek before descending to the Boyne and bypassing Drogheda through Oldbridge.
After Drogheda, the Maracycle will bring cyclists through Dunleer and Dundalk crossing the border at Carrickastricken into south Armagh. The northern section of the route remains virtually unchanged with a small alteration in Banbridge. Once again Lislea, Camlough lake and along the towpath to Scarva will feature before skirting around Banbridge, through Moira and Lisburn and into Belfast through Lambeg and the Malone Road, finishing at Queens PE Centre Stranmillis on the banks of the river Lagan.
The 110 mile route between our two largest cities will simply be reversed for Sunday 26 June, a considerable challenge for experienced cyclists and first timers alike.

doedoe

im with laois cc pm me and i will give u a few numbers

mac3

Hi tony, did you complete maracycle 2011 and how did you get on. I am in the same predicament now for 2012, any advice?

mac3

Tony Leonard wrote: »

Hi Guys I see a few guys on here discussing runs around laois and at the moment im going out on my own trying to prep for the Maracycle in June. I am a beginner but did a comfortable 52km after work yesterday in 1hr 45-50 minutes so im on my way. any advice on how to improve or even if there are any group rides i could join that would be great.

Re: above

Super Freak

Laois cycling and touring club.

http://laoiscycling.com/

Spins every Sunday morning, details including distances, speeds etc. are on the site. Details of forthcoming spins are usually updated by Daithi on Thursday.

I joined them during the year. They(we) are a very friendly lot. There are a couple of guys who race at A2 level but most of the gang are happy to stick together and do 60 to 80 km together.

A midweek spin is also organised during the summer, but for the moment it's just Sunday mornings.

@Tony and Mac, pop along any Sunday morning for a spin. Any questions just ask here or send me a PM if you like.

Super Freak

Holy blast from the past Batman!!! Just seen the April 2011 date.