Beast of Ballyhoura 2011

Causeway

Just to let you all know it's all systems go for the 2011 Beast of Ballyhoura, CCAR have taken on the running of the event and are working with the good folks in the Ballyhoura Development Ltd. to get more details up onto the web about this years event. The Blitz will also be on this year and we are keen to hear your thoughts on past years (Blitz) events. Is a solo off road run and bike way marked what you would like to see or would you like to see pairs added with a little or a lot of navigation added.

Adventurer10

Hi,
I did the Blitz last year and really enjoyed it . The biking section was interesting and went off the marked trails in lots of places which made it interesting.

Only downside is the distances in both the run and bike were a good bit longer than advertised, I think it is only fair to give accurate description so people can plan for how long they might be in the mountain and bring adequate water/food.

Solo and marked course were grand and probabaly suit the majority of population but it might be nice to add a catagory with little bit of basic navigation or other surprises, as a training ground for the Beast!!

Can't wait for it!!!! Is the date set?

Head The Wall

I'd prefer a solo blitz but it's purely for selfish reasons as I don't like relying on other people

I wouldn't have anyone to partner with either and have no navigation skills

Causeway

Adventurer10 wrote: »

Can't wait for it!!!! Is the date set?

Date for the Beast will be on the weekend 29th July-1st August, have to get down to the area yet and plan the whole lot, looking at it on paper for now I think we'll run the Blitz on the Saturday. Will, keep you all updated as and when we have more details.

Fi H

Hi Ivan
I'm hoping to enter the blitz this year too and like Head the Ball would hope it stays an individual event so that amnt prevented from entering due to not having a partner No reason why you couldnt have both though I think!

Causeway

Been thinking that solo and pairs might be the way to go for the Blitz.

So the last 4 years it's been biking and running only during the Blitz, do we need a short kayak section in it? Whats the max distance for the full race that folk would do, past years have been 10km run and 20km bike.

Fi H

How about a long kayak and even things up for us kayakers who are pretty slow on a bike and on foot
Starting to get sick of token kayak segments!

Irishrm

I'm interested in doing the full event but would not have a team to compete with. Is there a list you can put your name on to join a team that might be short a person?

Causeway

Irishrm wrote: »

I'm interested in doing the full event but would not have a team to compete with. Is there a list you can put your name on to join a team that might be short a person?

No list as such but we'll do what we can to help you find a team.

On here is a good place to start.

Causeway

Fi H wrote: »

How about a long kayak and even things up for us kayakers who are pretty slow on a bike and on foot
Starting to get sick of token kayak segments!

You'll get that in the Beast, not so sure it would be easy to fit into the Blitz but open to ideas at this point as still in the very early planning stages.

Adventurer10

Causeway wrote: »

Whats the max distance for the full race that folk would do, past years have been 10km run and 20km bike.

They were the advertised distances last year but I recall it ended up being much longer on the day. If you look at last years results less than half the competitors finished under 4 hours. So depends on who you are aiming it at. Maybe there is scope for a 'sport' and 'expert' class in the Blitz.

Adventurer10

Causeway wrote: »

So the last 4 years it's been biking and running only during the Blitz, do we need a short kayak section in it?

Yes please would love some kayaking included, lots of kayaking even

Causeway

Adventurer10 wrote: »

Yes please would love some kayaking included, lots of kayaking even

Not an easy task to include lots of kayaking and use the Ballyhoura MTB Trails.

I'll be heading down next weekend, so should hopefully have a better idea on what each of the events will include.

Causeway

Adventurer10 wrote: »

They were the advertised distances last year but I recall it ended up being much longer on the day. If you look at last years results less than half the competitors finished under 4 hours. So depends on who you are aiming it at. Maybe there is scope for a 'sport' and 'expert' class in the Blitz.

So what distance do you reckon it was last year, I've no idea as I was plodding round the Beast route

Causeway

New Beast of Ballyhoura website is now live. Still needing more details added and awaiting online entry details later this week.

Irishrm

If anyone needs an additional team member just pm me and I'll give you my information.

Adventurer10

Quoted from the wesbite about BLITZ "we expect it to cover a distance of approx. 60km consisting of a 12km hill running, 46km of mountain biking on the world class Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails and maybe a short kayak section if we can work it into the route".

Waaaay longer than previous blitz's, I'd say the longer distance might turn off a few people. ...... something for us beginnery types would be nice

Adventurer10

Causeway wrote: »

So what distance do you reckon it was last year, I've no idea as I was plodding round the Beast route

Reckon it ended up being 15km hill run and 25km mtb, bet somebody has a GPS of it someplace

Fi H

Thats me out I'm afraid. Was hoping to try this event this year to get more into the actual adventure disciplines but theres no way I'm up for 46km mountain biking at this stage...sure thats longer than the road cycle in Gaelforce. Sorry to see the format change so much, I would have thought the blitz was a good jump off point for people transitioning from multisport road based racing into adventure racing disciplines

MREGAN

Thats me out I'm afraid. Was hoping to try this event this year to get more into the actual adventure disciplines but theres no way I'm up for 46km mountain biking at this stage...sure thats longer than the road cycle in Gaelforce. Sorry to see the format change so much, I would have thought the blitz was a good jump off point for people transitioning from multisport road based racing into adventure racing disciplines

The race distance hasnt been decided yet. The route hasnt even been choosen. Wait untill you hear the official distances before deciding. I think the organisers are just trying to get an idea of what people want. Keep an eye on here though for confirmation on the official distances.


I am hoping to do the Full Beast. Anyone done one in the past?

Causeway

Adventurer10 wrote: »

Quoted from the wesbite about BLITZ "we expect it to cover a distance of approx. 60km consisting of a 12km hill running, 46km of mountain biking on the world class Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails and maybe a short kayak section if we can work it into the route".

Waaaay longer than previous blitz's, I'd say the longer distance might turn off a few people. ...... something for us beginnery types would be nice

Like everything else if you only quote a little bit of something then you can take the wrong meaning from it.

We still need to get down to the area and plan the race route but we expect it to cover a distance of approx. 60km consisting of a 12km hill running, 46km of mountain biking on the world class Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails and maybe a short kayak section if we can work it into the route.

The run distance is much the same as last year going by what you've already said it was longer than the 10km advertised, the longer bike which I put up will not all be off road, if you take a quick look at a map you'll see we don't have many options for a kayak section without adding a little bit of distance to the bike.

Fi H I wouldn't let that distance put you off, we've been planning adventure races since 2006 until now and some 30 odd events later I think we'll be sure to put something on that everyone can finish. It'll be a few weeks yet before anything is set in stone and I did ask in this forum what the max distance is that folks would do. (question still stands feel free to answer)

CCAR winter events are aimed at the novice racer and they average 10km running, 35km biking and 2-3km kayak, I don't recall anyone saying that they were to long, were not out to kill anyone just give them a good challenge. If you can get round any of the other events, WAR, Roar or GF events you'll make it round the Blitz.

Anyway stay tuned as we'll know more by mid June, I'll be down there late next week and should have a better picture after that trip.

Fi H

I'll wait and see so...be prepared though I am the slowest person on the planet so while I will definitely finish if i enter....you might be waiting for a while (at least the beast is 36hours so you will be around anyway!)

It was the 46km of mountain biking on the world class Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails that scared me! if theres road involved in that distance you might want to mention that!

Causeway

Fi H wrote: »

I'll wait and see so...be prepared though I am the slowest person on the planet so while I will definitely finish if i enter....you might be waiting for a while (at least the beast is 36hours so you will be around anyway!)

Yep we'll be around for a few hours lol.

I think you'll find that the CCAR crew will always encourage everyone from the first to the last. We're here to help the sport grow as much as we can and the last thing we want to do is put racers off.

Causeway

If you're interested in doing battle with the Beast or even trying the Blitz then please let us know by taking a minute to fill in our expression of interest form.

Causeway

Online entry via the website which is here now open for both the Beast and Blitz events.

Dunebuggy

MREGAN wrote: »

I am hoping to do the Full Beast. Anyone done one in the past?

Done it twice now!! Brilliant Race !!! Nice 36hr spin :-) alot of people looking forward to see what route Ivan provides. No pressure !!

Fi H

Just entered the Blitz...lets hope it doesnt take 36 hours

rubberducky1888

I'd say I'm a bit late to make any suggestions for this years Blitz however I'd love to see something completely new from this event. To make it a run, cycle and kayak event makes it almost identical to other events in my opinion, I know the argument can be made that the mountain bike trails make it worth while on there own but where is the unique selling point?
I would love to see something completely off the wall like running through an obstacle course whilst taking pot shots at targets with paintball guns. I know that's completely nuts and would never happen but I would love just one event throughout the year where you would know that it's going to be absolutely bonkers and that my friends would be the one event that I would be counting down the days to.

Maybe I'm on my own on this one

Fi H

that would definitely be crazy
Maybe you should try the craic assault

Causeway

Dunebuggy wrote: »

Done it twice now!! Brilliant Race !!! Nice 36hr spin :-) alot of people looking forward to see what route Ivan provides. No pressure !!

Pressure!! What's that then??

Fi H wrote: »

Just entered the Blitz...lets hope it doesnt take 36 hours

Hope not but if it does we'll get someone to stick around and see you across the finish line.

rubberducky1888 wrote: »

I'd say I'm a bit late to make any suggestions for this years Blitz however I'd love to see something completely new from this event. To make it a run, cycle and kayak event makes it almost identical to other events in my opinion, I know the argument can be made that the mountain bike trails make it worth while on there own but where is the unique selling point?
I would love to see something completely off the wall like running through an obstacle course whilst taking pot shots at targets with paintball guns. I know that's completely nuts and would never happen but I would love just one event throughout the year where you would know that it's going to be absolutely bonkers and that my friends would be the one event that I would be counting down the days to.

Maybe I'm on my own on this one

I'm only going to say one thing about this. Be careful what you wish for :eek:

rubberducky1888

A few zip lines or the like couldn't hurt

Head The Wall

Causeway wrote: »

Pressure!! What's that then??

Pressure is for tyres,

Enduro

I've done this race every year bar one. It is without doubt the best adventure race in Ireland. It has a good tradition of having surprise events in it as well. Clay pidgeon shooting as been in it every year to date (Interesting having an ex army ranger on your team for that one!). The kayaking legs have also been unbelievably entertaining. I've used the phrase "Combat kayaking" to describe it.

I couldn't rate this race highly enough. Causeway is also a great race organiser, who, as he says, is involved for the love of the sport (He's an experienced adventure racer himself). Good luck with it!!

Fi H

Causeway wrote: »

Hope not but if it does we'll get someone to stick around and see you across the finish line.

Thanks Looking forward to it now

claxxix

Hi all,

Im looking for a female adventurer to complete my team for the Beast of Ballyhoura event. If there are any ladies out there up for the challenge please pm me. thanks!


claxxix

Causeway

claxxix wrote: »

Hi all,

Im looking for a female adventurer to complete my team for the Beast of Ballyhoura event. If there are any ladies out there up for the challenge please pm me. thanks!


claxxix

Did you get sorted yet? Might be at least 2 females out there that I can think of that might join you to make up a team.

Causeway

Just back from a full weeks planning of both the Beast and Blitz routes, expect to see a few updates to the website this coming week.

Causeway

Updates made on the Blitz part of the website, let me know if I'm missing some info for you folks and i'll address it ASAP.

Adventurer10

Causeway wrote: »

Updates made on the Blitz part of the website, let me know if I'm missing some info for you folks and i'll address it ASAP.

Looks brilliant, can't wait for it:D was there for a spin on the white route at the weekend and the new stuff is really great fun! And only €40 for all that's included appears like super value:)

This is from the website, looks good :-)
Route Details

• Solo route which will be marked with arrows through out
• 1.5km Run (Short trail run from village to Round Tower and return by same route)
• 8 km Bike (Bike from village to mtb trails, picking up the single track bike trails at the start of the Mountrussell loop)
• 4 km Run (Looped trail run taking in Carron Mountain)
• 20 km Bike (Bike the white loop with 1 new section recently opened another which should be ready by race time)
• During the above bike section the pairs class and only the pairs class will take on a foot orienteering loop which will be an extra 5+km, during this section pairs will have to navigate to the checkpoints with out any route marking. Pairs will be issued with an orienteering mapat this secret location within the route.
• 4 km Run ( Looped Trail/Mountain run up Seefin Mountain)
• 3 km Bike (Bike back to Finish in Ardpatrick)

Head The Wall

Adventurer10 wrote: »

Looks brilliant, can't wait for it:D was there for a spin on the white route at the weekend and the new stuff is really great fun! And only €40 for all that's included appears like super value:)

This is from the website, looks good :-)
Route Details

• Solo route which will be marked with arrows through out
• 1.5km Run (Short trail run from village to Round Tower and return by same route)
• 8 km Bike (Bike from village to mtb trails, picking up the single track bike trails at the start of the Mountrussell loop)
• 4 km Run (Looped trail run taking in Carron Mountain)
• 20 km Bike (Bike the white loop with 1 new section recently opened another which should be ready by race time)
• During the above bike section the pairs class and only the pairs class will take on a foot orienteering loop which will be an extra 5+km, during this section pairs will have to navigate to the checkpoints with out any route marking. Pairs will be issued with an orienteering mapat this secret location within the route.
• 4 km Run ( Looped Trail/Mountain run up Seefin Mountain)
• 3 km Bike (Bike back to Finish in Ardpatrick)

Looking forward to it as well, does anyone have any idea what footwear was used for the blitz last year, were people on clips and straps, flats or clipless and changing in and out of runners?


Here's the kit list. Why do we need waterproof leggings for the blitz, I don't have a pair and I don't plan on spending 40 or 50 yoyos on a pair either

Kit For Pairs & Solos


1 X Map (supplied at or near start)
1 X Indelible felt tip pen
1 X Mobile phone (in drybag)
1 X Space blanket/bag
1 X First aid kit (1crepe bandage, 1 triangle bandage, 2 safety pins, 1 wound dressing & 6 adhesive dressings as a minimum)
1 X Bike repair kit (at least sufficient to repair puncture)
1 X Compass (Recommended not Mandatory)


2 X for Pairs/1 X For Solos

2 X Mountain bike
2 X Cycle helmet
2 X Whistle
2 X Waterproof Coat.
2 X Waterproof Leggings.
2 X Small rucksac (Recommended not Mandatory)
2 X Full change of clothes for after the event (Recommended not Mandatory)
Drink (Recommened to bring enough to last 4.5-8 hours)
Suitable food / energy source (Recommened to bring enough to last 4.5-8 hours)
Unless it is otherwise stated all the above kit is Mandatory. Mandatory means you must come to the race with it and carry it at all times.

Enduro

Head The Wall wrote: »

Looking forward to it as well, does anyone have any idea what footwear was used for the blitz last year, were people on clips and straps, flats or clipless and changing in and out of runners?


Here's the kit list. Why do we need waterproof leggings for the blitz, I don't have a pair and I don't plan on spending 40 or 50 yoyos on a pair either

Causeway asked me to answer this for you (He's travelling down to Ballyhoura for more course planning at the moment).

You don't need to bring waterproof leggings. They were on the mandatory list, as the list is a copy and paste from the CCAR races. Given the nature of the blitz there should be no need for it though. You will defintely still need at minimum a wind-proof jacket though.

On the shoes front, this years race is going to have a lot more switching between running and cycling, so there could be quite a large number of shoe changes for relatively short runs if you opt to bring both cycling and running shoes. As ever, the choice remains your own in the end.

Head The Wall

Enduro wrote: »

Causeway asked me to answer this for you (He's travelling down to Ballyhoura for more course planning at the moment).

You don't need to bring waterproof leggings. They were on the mandatory list, as the list is a copy and paste from the CCAR races. Given the nature of the blitz there should be no need for it though. You will defintely still need at minimum a wind-proof jacket though.

On the shoes front, this years race is going to have a lot more switching between running and cycling, so there could be quite a large number of shoe changes for relatively short runs if you opt to bring both cycling and running shoes. As ever, the choice remains your own in the end.

Cheers for that, decision time so

BTW you may call a 4k run short and that may seem so when when you are able to do 70k but to the rest of us mere mortals it's not short . We'll still be giving it 110% so will be suffering as the fastest out there

Causeway

Thanks for sticking that post up Enduro.

Website has been updated.

Kit list changed for Blitz and Beast details added.

Fi H

Despite the fact I know I am totally inadequately prepared for this I am really looking forward to the Blitz this weekend
Fingers crossed we get some more of that sunshine....its almost like its summer or something!

Fi H

Congrats to team multisport ireland on their win and to all the other teams that finished! fair play..... cant wait to hear the race reports

seahorse12

It was a tough race for me but very well organized and a good test for stamina and stubbornness:mad:. A huge well done to organizers and a massive thank you to all those fab marshal's most whom were there for their love of the sport. Your smiley faces and words of encouragement were priceless.:)

groovyg

Fi H wrote: »

Congrats to team multisport ireland on their win and to all the other teams that finished! fair play..... cant wait to hear the race reports

Seems there have been changes to the results and team multisport have been moved to 2nd ...results are still provisional according to the website

http://www.beastofballyhoura.com/id74.html

Fi H

yeah there seem to have been a lot of problems with the blitz results too

Whatever about the blitz I can only imagine after 36 hours of sweat and pain to be awarded a win and have it taken away is heart breaking!

Congrats to Wolfhounds & MSAI who clearly put up a good fight!

Excuseless

Fi H wrote: »

Whatever about the blitz I can only imagine after 36 hours of sweat and pain to be awarded a win and have it taken away is heart breaking!

Congrats to Wolfhounds & MSAI who clearly put up a good fight!

No hearts broken be assured Fi

At the end of the day a human error in assimilating the quite complex results was the problem and the experienced Wolfhounds team took the spoils.
In retrospect if we did things differently there might have been a different result for us and similarly I am sure for several other teams in various parts of the field but that is the "Fun" in this type of racing :eek:

In general it was a well planned. organised and executed event which Causeway and his team of volunteers deserve credit for

Whilst the long distance and time involved are somewhat daunting it is possible to tackle this type of event with little similar experience.
Our fourth team member who I "found" on Tuesday night last had done the blitz 2 years ago but had no significant AR experience but a good attitiude and team work ethic will take you a long way

Fi H

haha i think i will stick with the shorter events for now would like to catch up with the back of the pack before adventuring further!

Fair play over all!

I have to say it was great seeing the teams out on the course during the day......