Tour de Kilkenny 2011

Toblerone1978

Hi all

On behalf of Marble City Cyclers, I’m delighted to announce that we will be hosting our 3rd annual Tour de Kilkenny on 30th July, which is the Saturday of the August Bank Holiday weekend. Over the last two years, you have helped us to raise over €13,000 for the worthy cause that is Barretstown Children Camp, a charity that rebuilds the lives of children affected by childhood cancer and their families. This year, all fund raised will also be contributed to Barretstown Children Camp.

This year, there have been a few minor changes:
· Online entry fee is now €22, on the day registration is €25.
· An additional €5 surcharged for a one day licence i.e. for participants without a Cycling Ireland licence.
· There is also an additional 70km route, which will leave at the same time as the 40km participant i.e. 11am.
· The 40km route has also changed.

As with previous years, participants who sign online will also be guaranteed a goody bag.

More info can be found here. I would ask you to encourage your club members, friends and work colleagues to participate in this event – we believe we have a route to suit all abilities.

Any questions, just asked - I’m sure my fellow club members, Captain Havoc, Docman and Sr Assumpta, will be delighted to answer in my absent!


Regards
Toblerone 1978, for and on behalf of Marble City Cyclers
Kilkenny.

tawfeeredux

The best sportive i did last year. Great route for the 160km. The dodgy weather couldn't take away from the enjoyment. Sambos were lovely too!

xz

Definitely doing this one again, Really enjoyed last years............and I thought Kilkenny was FLAT:eek:

daragh_

Only managed the 100k last year. Great organisation. The Craic was had. Plan on doing the full 160k this year.

What's the name of that nasty climb in the middle? The one that comes just after you go through a village whose name I forget?

Sr. Assumpta

daragh_ wrote: »

Only managed the 100k last year. Great organisation. The Craic was had. Plan on doing the full 160k this year.

What's the name of that nasty climb in the middle? The one that comes just after you go through a village whose name I forget?

Woodstock Hill, up out of Inistioge village...... nice.

daragh_

Sr. Assumpta wrote: »

Woodstock Hill, up out of Inistioge village...... nice.

Forgot the name, remember the pain

kennyb3

Definitely going to do this again if not else for the cake- i ate half my body weight in cake last year.

Remember that hill well - i thought it was short and steep. Steep it was short it wasnt. There were a good few climbs after and having attacked that too fast i can safely say i was cooked.

corkchef

did it last year and loved it. will be there again! the volunteers were amazing and the craic superb!

aquanaut

Just signed up for 160km - first time ive done over 100km - now seen the route :eek: - it looks fun!

xz

daragh_ wrote: »

Only managed the 100k last year. Great organisation. The Craic was had. Plan on doing the full 160k this year.

What's the name of that nasty climb in the middle? The one that comes just after you go through a village whose name I forget?

well watch out for the last climb of the day then, not long, but steep enough and just when you think you have crested it, it ramps up again, when you turn the corner to approach it, it looks like a wall, but then it's a lovely run in to the finish from there

Hail 2 Da Thief

I guess I'll give the 160km route a lash!

I assume that there isn't a limited number of places given that one can register on the day?

Sr. Assumpta

Hail 2 Da Thief wrote: »

I assume that there isn't a limited number of places given that one can register on the day?

No limit to numbers, more the merrier etc.

'Goodie bags' only guaranteed to those who register on-line, and then remainder on first-come-first-served basis until they run out on the day.

aquanaut

After reading last years thread im knackered! Could be wishing I swallowed the blue pill by the top of Woodstock! Whats in the goody bags?

Sr. Assumpta

aquanaut wrote: »

.....the blue pill....

Viagra????!!!! You may want to save that til later in weekend!!!!

Sr. Assumpta

aquanaut wrote: »

Whats in the goody bags?

Goodie Bag contents TBC, but don't worry, they invariably always include a banana

aquanaut

Sr. Assumpta wrote: »

Viagra????!!!! You may want to save that til later in weekend!!!!

Sorry, Matrix reference. I'd say i'll end up doing the 100km route - tough looking day, looking forward to it!

xz

My water bottle (from goodie bag) from last years event is with my certs and medals from other events..........it's like a trophy, to prove I did it.lol and I do recall after one of the foodstops at the split point, I think it was, in a school, if you are doing the 160km route, DON'T spend too long there or eat too much, cos theres a short sharp hill just after you leave the foodstop,organisers are sadists!!!!
For a relatively new event, this ranks highly IMO on the calender, great route (some really great scenery,as it seems to go UP all day), great organisation and backup, great food at the stops, last year my group were even cheered on by Sean Kelly and Co. at one point, but it turned out we were on the same road as a race being held on the same day. At a crossroads, the race went left, and we went right, we had gone maybe 10km up the road when we noticed a rider coming behind us FAST, he was part of the race and had been directed the wrong way at the crossroads.

aquanaut

the gradients look punishing all right, but as it says on the tin - great training for the SK!

WUFF

Bad day on the bike last year...3 Punctures...Mini pump worse than useless...Got lost at Inistioge Village, went straight instead of taking the turn up Woodstock Hill, Realisied Mistake 5 miles later. Eventually had to admit defeat and cage a lift from sweepers. All my own fault.

That said, i would rate it the best sportive i have done to date. The course is brilliant...5 star food stops...very well marshalled...everyone very friendly and good crack.

The wife who is not a cyclist completed the 40K spin and is still bragging.
I will be back for the rematch this year!

Daithi BC

Am hoping to be able to do this as it's pretty local to me, but I may well be working that day, so will have to keep my fingers crossed.

Any sportive that gets five stars for its feed stations sounds worth checking out.

Toblerone1978

xz wrote: »

organisers are sadists!!!!

Had I seen this last Friday, I would have strongly objected.

After doing the Wicklow 200 yesterday, completely of my own freewill, I suppose it's a fair enough comment!

Captain Havoc

I don't know what the complaining is about sure isn't Kilkenny flat? :rolleyes:

AstraMonti

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I don't know what the complaining is about sure isn't Kilkenny flat? :rolleyes:

Kilkenny town yes, the rest.. ehm.. no! :pac:

Unfortunately I am going to miss it this year, unless I come down only for 100k, we ll see.

Captain Havoc

I think you need a can opener for those worms, Kilkenny is a city.

AstraMonti

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I think you need a can opener for those worms, Kilkenny is a city.

hahaha, sincere apologies!

RobFowl

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I think you need a can opener for those worms, Kilkenny is a city.

Dublin is a city

Anywhere else is simply beyond the Pale....

DirkVoodoo

The confusion about Kilkenny can be traced all the way back to last November. I commented to Captain Havoc that Kilkenny was "shi*ty" and suitable only for Hen Parties and brightly coloured cyclists.

Unfortunately he misheard me and has since confused Kilkenny for an actual city.

Which it is not.

Captain Havoc

If you look in the photo of the handsome cat below, you'll notice that the sign says Kilkenny City. I would also like to point out that in the grand scheme of things, Dublin isn't a metropolis either.

Beasty

In case anyone needs any more encouragement:

2010 Thread

Inaugural event in 2009

Without comparison in my experience

(certainly last year, when it was the only sportive I did

aquanaut

Beasty thats what made me reconsider the 160! Are ye getting your custom number this year?

Beasty

aquanaut wrote: »

Beasty thats what made me reconsider the 160! Are ye getting your custom number this year?

Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to make it given my racing targets for the year

It is a fantastic event though, and I would encourage boardsies to give it a go. I would point out the 100 is not a "soft" option given the climbing involved (and the distance I recorded last year was nearer 110km than 100km)

Sr. Assumpta

Beasty wrote: »

Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to make it given my racing targets for the year

It is a fantastic event though, and I would encourage boardsies to give it a go. I would point out the 100 is not a "soft" option given the climbing involved (and the distance I recorded last year was nearer 110km than 100km)

We are coming clean about the actual distance this time, there were some grumpy '110km' faces last year......:)

Perhaps we should consider a Number Reservation System for just such occasions, Lucifer forbid anyone else might be mistaken for you! And I believe someone else (guesses on a postcard, no prizes) has dibs on number 69.

Beasty

Sr. Assumpta wrote: »

Lucifer forbid anyone else might be mistaken for you!

Do you know me?

Sr. Assumpta wrote: »

And I believe someone else (guesses on a postcard, no prizes) has dibs on number 69.

Sister, I think we all know who you are referring to;), but please don't start going on about your personal life here

Thanks

Aquos76

Ive done this the last two years, first year 110km and last year 160km and I must say they are up there with my most favourite sportifs of all Ive completed. I'm going to miss this years one as I'm heading off on holidays the day before.

I would recommend anyone that can do this event to do it regardless of which one ye do, you will have a great day out.

Toblerone1978

The Docman was out on the bike yesterday and recorded the 70k route on his Garmin, as followed:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/92660421

Just note that the start and finish, is at the Kilkenny Rugby Club (on Waterford Rd, just outside the City) and not per the Garmin route above.

In case you're wondering, the Woodstock climb is not part of this route!

xz

aquanaut wrote: »

the gradients look punishing all right, but as it says on the tin - great training for the SK!

this one is on a par with the SK, first long drag of the day is on a par with powers pot, Woodstock is your mahon falls, the very last climb is your seskin hill.........so what are you using to train for Kilkenny??? :rolleyes:

aquanaut

Just driving to a customer in the van - anyone recognise this? I was suffering just driving!

*weather and wind subject to change - please see terms and conditions

daragh_

Doesn't look nearly as hard in those pics as it is in real life!

hughmace

Toblerone1978 wrote: »

The Docman was out on the bike yesterday and recorded the 70k route on his Garmin, as followed:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/92660421

Just note that the start and finish, is at the Kilkenny Rugby Club (on Waterford Rd, just outside the City) and not per the Garmin route above.

In case you're wondering, the Woodstock climb is not part of this route!

70km looks like a nice spin
But watch the pull up out of graignamanagh!!!!:)

aquanaut

daragh_ wrote: »

Doesn't look nearly as hard in those pics as it is in real life!

Thats why I took 3 and they still didnt do it justice!

ROK ON

Injured at present but really hoping to do this.

The climb out of Inistoige is a lovely climb. Steep but nothing extraordinarily difficult about it. Cycling in Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford is amongst the best and most underrated cycling in the country IMHO

jimzy

Looking forward to doing the tour this year, will be my first shot at it. Was out for a 75k spin with a few mates lastnight along some of the route. We went through graiguenamanagh along to inistioge, that hill from graiguenamanagh is a nice drag, must be 20 mins of climbing at least! Managed to avoid the woodstock climb though!

I havn't done over 100k on the bike yet, so think ill stick with the 110k, but feeling really tempted to go for the 160k. I'll see how training goes over the next month, whats the verdict on the 160 route? Is it manageable for a relative newbie to long distances?

aquanaut

jimzy wrote: »

Looking forward to doing the tour this year, will be my first shot at it. Was out for a 75k spin with a few mates lastnight along some of the route. We went through graiguenamanagh along to inistioge, that hill from graiguenamanagh is a nice drag, must be 20 mins of climbing at least! Managed to avoid the woodstock climb though!

I havn't done over 100k on the bike yet, so think ill stick with the 110k, but feeling really tempted to go for the 160k. I'll see how training goes over the next month, whats the verdict on the 160 route? Is it manageable for a relative newbie to long distances?

From what i've read, I would go with the 110k - I've only done 1 sportive of 100km and wanted to do the 160 but think that TdK isn't one to test your distance but more your climbing. Also 'cause I have the SK and don't want to completely f**k myself over 1 month before!

adrianshanahan

I haven't ben on the road bike since October I reckon but being a Kilkenny local I would like to give the 110K a shot.

I've flown up Woodstock hill a bunch of times but Im not sure its as easy after been on the bike for a few hours before hand.


Adrian

aquanaut

adrianshanahan wrote: »

I haven't ben on the road bike since October I reckon but being a Kilkenny local I would like to give the 110K a shot.

I've flown up Woodstock hill a bunch of times but Im not sure its as easy after been on the bike for a few hours before hand.


Adrian

You've also been in the broomwagon that the photo's were taken from !

Toblerone1978

jimzy wrote: »

I havn't done over 100k on the bike yet, so think ill stick with the 110k, but feeling really tempted to go for the 160k. I'll see how training goes over the next month, whats the verdict on the 160 route? Is it manageable for a relative newbie to long distances?

It all depends on how fit you are, but I think it could be too much too soon. What you could do is register online for the 110km. Then when you get to the foodstop in Listerlin and if you’re still feeling fresh, you can consider becoming a professional doing the 160km! Or simply stick to the plan and see out the 110km route.


We actually had RTE Sports personality Evanne Ní Chuilinn down last Friday for the officiall launch of the 2011 Tour de Kilkenny with some reps from Barretstown - click here to see more details.

Captain Havoc

Nice pair of wheels. Also, check out our new jersey in that photo, designed by the man who unfortunately for you lot introduced me to boards: EH.

jimzy

Toblerone1978 wrote: »

It all depends on how fit you are, but I think it could be too much too soon. What you could do is register online for the 110km. Then when you get to the foodstop in Listerlin and if youÂ’re still feeling fresh, you can consider becoming a professional doing the 160km! Or simply stick to the plan and see out the 110km route.


We actually had RTE Sports personality Evanne NÃ* Chuilinn down last Friday for the officiall launch of the 2011 Tour de Kilkenny with some reps from Barretstown - click here to see more details.

Great stuff thanks for the advice Toblerone! Might chance doing that, but yeah probably wisest to start on the 110 and then move the SK 160 if I feel up to it! By any chance do you know of anyone in or around Kilkenny that does bike fitting?

Toblerone1978

jimzy wrote: »

By any chance do you know of anyone in or around Kilkenny that does bike fitting?

The Docman does Jimzy. PM sent with his contact details.

experimenter

I will do the 70Km as I only started training 4 weeks ago in prep for Kelly 90K Tour in August..

aquanaut

Lads - i'm off for a few weeks (to carry on training on a high nelly up the hills of Fuerta Ventura) - but hope to to see a good few heads up in Kilkenny - I'll be wearing my Sportif Waterford jersey on the day so say hi, and if anyone has a spare Large short sleeve Boards jersey they want to get rid of (and they're going to TdK) PM me and ill take it off your hands for cash (or ham sandwiches). Cheers lads - see you there!