KARE Tour De Foothills 2012

eamonnquirke

It's time to get a start on the tan for this year so come along to the KARE TDF starting from Naas GAA Car Park on Sunday 15th April at 10am. 20km for new cyclists and families; 55km for those who wish to challenge themselves a bit more and 100km for the seasoned cyclists who like an early season stretch of the legs!! All in aid of KARE who, along with so many charity groups, need vital funds to ensure they can continue to offer the best support to people with an intellectual disability in their communities.
Entry on line for €25 and entry on the day for €30.
For family cycle €10 per adult up to a maximum of €20 per family to participate in this fun cycle.
We look forward to seeing as many people out on the day. Thanks to all who supported us over the past three years and we look forward to seeing you all on the day.

johnk123

I'm doing it this year for the first time and really looking forward to it.

Surveyor11

Me too, it's a great day out. Did it last yearand it was superbly organised.

3102derek

waiting on info about a sponsorship card, the longer im without one the less money i can raise!!!!

RobFowl

I've done all these so far and it's a super event.
Well organised, marshalled and athmosphere on a good course.
Ideal for this time of year.

funkyjebus

I popped my sportive cherry to this last year, loved it. Cant wait to do this again.

Mycroft H

I'll be manning the ambulance hopefully this time again. Looks like a well run operation.

eamonnquirke

Sponsorship cards can be got by e-mailing eamonn.quirke@kare.ie with your address and we will get them out to you by return!!! Get the money in...great.

eamonnquirke

One change this year in that the 50km cycle has increased to a 60km cycle. We have changed the way it comes back so it dose not go back the way it came out and this change makes it a 60km leisure cycle.All changes on the website www.karetourdefoothills.com

Inquitus

eamonnquirke wrote: »

One change this year in that the 50km cycle has increased to a 60km cycle. We have changed the way it comes back so it dose not go back the way it came out and this change makes it a 60km leisure cycle.All changes on the website www.karetourdefoothills.com

Great cycle, did it last year, though I would say pls signpost it all the way back to the GAA club, presuming I knew my way back once I hit Naas was presuming too much

furiousox

Inquitus wrote: »

Great cycle, did it last year, though I would say pls signpost it all the way back to the GAA club, presuming I knew my way back once I hit Naas was presuming too much

+1

eamonnquirke

Yes guys we are looking at this. Signage last year in some cases was too small in some areas and will be addressed this year. Thanks for that. Lokk forward to seeing you on the day.

midlands1

eamonnquirke wrote: »

It's time to get a start on the tan for this year so come along to the KARE TDF starting from Naas GAA Car Park on Sunday 15th April at 10am. 20km for new cyclists and families; 55km for those who wish to challenge themselves a bit more and 100km for the seasoned cyclists who like an early season stretch of the legs!! All in aid of KARE who, along with so many charity groups, need vital funds to ensure they can continue to offer the best support to people with an intellectual disability in their communities.
Entry on line for €25 and entry on the day for €30.
For family cycle €10 per adult up to a maximum of €20 per family to participate in this fun cycle.
We look forward to seeing as many people out on the day. Thanks to all who supported us over the past three years and we look forward to seeing you all on the day.

Hopefully the pace for the 100k be controlled, and not allowed turn into a race .
Have done a couple of charity / leisure cycles lately but they seem to get dominated by clubs turning them into a race.

Franco_1

midlands1 wrote: »

Hopefully the pace for the 100k be controlled, and not allowed turn into a race .
Have done a couple of charity / leisure cycles lately but they seem to get dominated by clubs turning them into a race.

Thinking of doing the 50k (60k) I’m a commute cyclist and also cycle about 50k on average on a Sunday Morning for pleasure, assume this is not a race and the pace will allow folk like me to enjoy the event?

cdaly_

midlands1 wrote: »

Hopefully the pace for the 100k be controlled, and not allowed turn into a race .
Have done a couple of charity / leisure cycles lately but they seem to get dominated by clubs turning them into a race.

Franco_1 wrote: »

Thinking of doing the 50k (60k) I’m a commute cyclist and also cycle about 50k on average on a Sunday Morning for pleasure, assume this is not a race and the pace will allow folk like me to enjoy the event?

There will always be those who will be racing each other but plenty of others will be doing it for fun.

Lambretta

Hi Eamonn,

It would be great if you could please let us know where the more challenging hills are located. Will be very useful for all newbies to this event.


Thank you for your time and hope plenty is raised for charity.
Lambretta

Kevin dublin

Thinking of doing this myself, it will be my first sportive:D

Been doing 35-40k on Sat & Sun + about another 40k during the week. Most of this is on the flat + some very small hills.

What's the 60k route like? Is it mainly flat, any sneaky Naas mountains on the route I'm not aware of :D

My sense of direction is rubbish:rolleyes: so plenty of signs would be great:D

How long do you guys think an average fitness person will do the 60k route?

I found this: http://www.mapmyride.com/s/routes/view/road-cycling-map/naas/28570496

It's the 100km route anybody have one for the 60km?

Bulmers on Ice

The bridge at Lacken is not finished. The signage said bridge closed 20th-30th March. I was on the route on Saturday 31st and it is far from been completed. I had to cross a building site/Field and then walk on a plank over the river. It would have suited a mountain bike
I wonder is there a plan B for the route if the bridge is not complete on time.

Bulmers on Ice

Kevin dublin wrote: »

Thinking of doing this myself, it will be my first sportive:D

What's the 60k route like? Is it mainly flat, any sneaky Naas mountains on the route I'm not aware of :D

How long do you guys think an average fitness person will do the 60k route?

Will be my first one also. I'm a noob
I wouldn't exactly say it is mainly flat, well not in my eyes anyway. Eadstown has a 5% hill, then it is 2 or 3% almost all the way to Blessington. Then a few small 3 or 4 % hills around Lacken to Ballyknockin. Ballyknockin has a 11% hill then it is really the odd 3 or 4% back to Naas.
My Fitness is that of a fat, overweight old guy and I did it in around 2hrs 45mins. I did have to cross the bridge that was out so I wasted time there and I stopped in Ballyknockin. I took it very handy and I'm not very fit, It will be a leisure cycle for sure to me and if I have to take it easy or stop on a hill for a breather then so be it. I'll be happy to finish it because the end of last year I couldn't cycle 10km. I don't mind if I am at the back with the broom wagon over my shoulder.

Franco_1

Bulmers on Ice wrote: »

Will be my first one also. I don't mind if I am at the back with the broom wagon over my shoulder.

Do not worry my friend, safety in numbers, whatever noob means I'm pretty sure I'll be in that area. Broom wagon's are not to be feared, we can always plan a little sabotage and let the tyres down just before start up, slow it down a tad!!

Kevin dublin

Hi Lads,

Any more room in that broom wagon:D

Bulmers on Ice, thanks for all the detailed info. on the route.

Must admit I'm not skinny:rolleyes: I'm just big boned:D:):D

Bikerbhoy

Lambretta wrote: »

Hi Eamonn,

It would be great if you could please let us know where the more challenging hills are located. Will be very useful for all newbies to this event.

There are none !!!

Bulmers on Ice

Bikerbhoy wrote: »

There are none !!!

There is..... if you are fairly new and not the fittest they are there. To the more experienced or more fit person it might seem like there are none. It sure didn't appear that way to me and Lambretta did say it would be useful to newbies which I am. Maybe I have a faulty Garmin for registering the hills in Ballyknockin etc

eamonnquirke

Hi guys,
For those new/relatively new to cycling the inclines you will encounter will be slight climb to Eadestown, the worst section is up to the feedstation in Ballyknockan. There are a few sections that climb up gradually over a distance but there are no steep climbs at all on the route. The broom wagons will be out but they are your friend!!! The day does not end until the last cyclist comes home and once they enjoy their cycle and the scenery around Wicklow area that is all we care about.
I was down talking to the guys working on the bridge and they are rolling out of there this Friday. we do have a plan B which will see both cycles turn right at Blessington and then left toward Valleymount. They will split prior to Valleymount 60km route will head on to Hollywood area and back via Ballymore Eustace to Naas and the 100km will head through Valleymount and on to Hollywood, Donard Glen of Imaal and back via Dunlavin. Hopefully we can stick to route around lake as it a good one.
we look forward to seeing you all on the day.

Litespeed 1

eamonnquirke wrote: »

It's time to get a start on the tan for this year so come along to the KARE TDF starting from Naas GAA Car Park on Sunday 15th April at 10am. 20km for new cyclists and families; 55km for those who wish to challenge themselves a bit more and 100km for the seasoned cyclists who like an early season stretch of the legs!! All in aid of KARE who, along with so many charity groups, need vital funds to ensure they can continue to offer the best support to people with an intellectual disability in their communities.
Entry on line for €25 and entry on the day for €30.
For family cycle €10 per adult up to a maximum of €20 per family to participate in this fun cycle.
We look forward to seeing as many people out on the day. Thanks to all who supported us over the past three years and we look forward to seeing you all on the day.

Hi Eamonn. Looking forward to the cycle on Sunday- forecast is good! The website says 10 AM start. Is it a group start or can we start earlier?

velo.2010

Bit quiet on this event. I'm guessing its still on?

Regarding the new bridge, well I think organisers will have to warn folk in advance. Comes up quickly and must be passed with care. Cars and trucks have dragged gravel up the road back towards Lacken. Its a nice route all the same!

funkyjebus

Yep, still going on afaik. I got a email response from eamon on Tuesday saying see u Sunday. Weather look great, cant wait now. See you all there. Might break out the boards jersey.

nilhg

I'm signed up, got my info pack in the post the other day, I'm like a young fella again, can't wait to get going, hope I'm feeling as enthusiastic after 80Km.

It'll be my first experience of cycling in a big group, I'll be concentrating on keeping out other folks way, probably a good time to read up on the newbie guide to sportives thread.

Eamonnator

nilhg wrote: »

I'm signed up, got my info pack in the post the other day, I'm like a young fella again, can't wait to get going, hope I'm feeling as enthusiastic after 80Km.

It'll be my first experience of cycling in a big group, I'll be concentrating on keeping out other folks way, probably a good time to read up on the newbie guide to sportives thread.

I signed up for this online. I haven't received any info pack. Is there anything in it, that I should be aware of?.

nilhg

Eamonnator wrote: »

I signed up for this online. I haven't received any info pack. Is there anything in it, that I should be aware of?.

Not really, just general info and a lunch/dinner voucher, I'm sure they'll be available on the day, give yourself a few minutes extra to have a look over them if you haven't done something like this before.

Lambretta

For the 100km, it appears that there are two food stops, first at Ballyknockan and second at Donard. Can anyone else confirm this?

Thanks a million

3102derek

i'd say if your doing the 100km you'd be better off skipping the first which comes at about 35km and take the second stop.

Inquitus

Lambretta wrote: »

For the 100km, it appears that there are two food stops, first at Ballyknockan and second at Donard. Can anyone else confirm this?

Thanks a million

Last year the first food stop was signposted for the shorter ride only, with the second one for the longer.

loinnsigh

Lambretta wrote: »

For the 100km, it appears that there are two food stops, first at Ballyknockan and second at Donard. Can anyone else confirm this?

Thanks a million

There's definitely a food stop in Donard, saw the signs up today.

Inquitus

Good crowd out, bigger than last year I'd say. Didn't see much boardsie gear though I did say hello to Needmoregears I think! Bit nippy especially when the sun went in, but can't complain as the sun was shining, even if it was several degrees cooler than the avg.

97.9km 3hrs26 non stop avg 28.5kph

http://app.strava.com/activities/6785187

Went straight past the donard food stop and the rest of the group I was with stopped, ended up doing 20km up hill and down dale into a vicious headwind on my own, which really sapped the morale a bit. A big group went past on long draggy climb but I couldnt latch on, fortunately a smaller group caught me at the top and I managed to latch on to them and work with them to bridge to the bigger group on the descent and following flat, nice tow home the last 30 or so km to Naas which is mostly downhill.

Spag Bol washed down with a beer was nice, home well in time to watch super spurs make it to the FA Cup final...I hope.

Kevin dublin

Hi Lads,

Just like to say a big thanks to everybody who organised the KARE Tour De Foothills 2012.

It was really well organised, plenty of food, great weather, good company, great craic!

This was my first sportif, I'd classify myself as a middle aged, overweight individual with average fitness levels.

All I can say to anybody who says there are no hills or very few is you need to go to specsavers!!

For me this was a challenge, more than I had realised. Some of the 'minor' inclines, for me, were major.

Overall I really enjoyed myself and thanks to Baz for doing the cycle with me, it was great to have somebody to share the 'pain'

Did the 60K in just over 3 hours.

Kevin

alexanderomahon

Good challenge today and I managed to nick under 4 hours which is good for me. The road surfaces on parts of the route were as bumpy as hell and I have the sores to prove it!!!!

Good turnout of bikers to control most of the junctions and signposting on the roads was good. Food was also excellent and people running the show did a great job given the large turnout.

I would have one point to raise though.

A warning was given at the start about the state of a bridge about 30 k into the route. It was mentioned where it was, but for people who did not know the area it didn't help greatly. The bridge was around a bend at the bottom of a descent and nobody was present to warn people to slow down. As a result some people near me took it quickly and got a real scare due to large amount of gravel. I'd be surprised if nobody came off.

Surely it could have been possible to have somebody near the bridge to warn people given how it had already been highlighted as a very dangerous spot.

this is not to take away from a great event, but it was a dangerous spot, especially those not familiar with the route, and just having somebody there would have helped

wanderer 22

Really enjoyed this today - my first sportive. Did it in 3:38 rolling, with a 10 minute stop, happy with that as I'd targeted 4 hours. Big thanks to everyone, particularly the motorbike guys who did a great job closing off the junctions and to the lady who gave me curry and chips at the end

http://app.strava.com/rides/6783880

velo.2010

Did the full route this year.;) A bit cold but perfect weather really. Well orgainised and nice spagball at the end. Took an odd step when I got off the bike at the end and my left leg (not the pinned one) suddenly cramped. Stood for about a minute in a static pose trying not to let on what was wrong. Must have looked odd!:D

There was one early crash as the front of the group sped up the first drag. I think the guy was OK, just pissed. Good to see Paul McGrath looking well though he only spoke very briefly - he is a naturally quiet guy.

colm_gti

First timer here too, done the 100k route and really enjoyed it, rolled with the big group for the first 20 or so kilometers, then went off on my own til the 50km stop. Was rolling on my own for another 20 or so km after the big hill separated the group out (that was a rude awakening after the rest stop) until a bit of a group formed behind a naascc dude with a hi-vis jacket and we powered on together at a pretty decent pace, until it separated out again and 2 of us headed off ahead of the group til the finish. Managed to scrape in the sub 3:30 rolling time..

http://app.strava.com/rides/6785348

The feast of spag bol at the end was much enjoyed

Crankyarse

Just want to add my congrats to the organisers and support staff a really good day, didn't do great myself, will put it down to an off day, was with a good group till the 50km foodstop then was isolated for the next 40k, a lonley place until a small group dragged me to the finish. did the 100 in 3hr 48mins.:eek:

sheepfield

A well-supported event on a very good route: other than a very gravelly bridge, well done Naas CC.

On another point, the number of TT/TRI bars/bikes today was, in my opinion, ridiculously dangerous. Nothing against triathletes - Hi Guys! - but there is a reason this set-up is not allowed in regular road racing and we all know why. Sure enough, I don't think there were any crashes but I spent a considerable portion of the day avoiding these dodgy Cancellara impersonators. The best place was well in front of them and definitely not beside them, especially when in the aero position. For feck sake lads, it a sportive mostly in the WICKLOW MOUNTAINS, what do you need these bars for??? One guy in our group decided to drill it at the front just as we hit one of the rougher road surfaces on the way back: one bad bounce and he could have destroyed the rest of our season, never mind himself.

I hope this is sorted for the Tour of Kildare: a real hammerfest on some narrow roads in places. The stronger "racer" type competitors often get lectured/pilloried at these events for " riding too fast/turning it into a race" when in fact dodgy riding and one-day-wobblers with their dangling bars are a greater danger.

Right: where's my skinsuit and aero helmet gone... ??? :rolleyes:

pauldoo

this is my first ever event today, seemed pretty well organised, did the 60km and really enjoyed it. Got a nice few stones across the knuckles on that gravely bridge. Chicken curry didnt last more than 12 seconds when we got back. Obvious question but why are the tri bars dangerous??(i take it they're the bars that stick straight out in front)

LeftBlank

pauldoo wrote: »

this is my first ever event today, seemed pretty well organised, did the 60km and really enjoyed it. Got a nice few stones across the knuckles on that gravely bridge. Chicken curry didnt last more than 12 seconds when we got back. Obvious question but why are the tri bars dangerous??(i take it they're the bars that stick straight out in front)

You generally have less control on the bike when using TT bars. Also, some (most?) people don't have brakes fitted to the their TT bars so when braking is required, they'll need to reach back to their regular bars to brake which might be a disaster if quick braking is required in the middle of a group.

In France, it's against the law to use TT bars in any mass start cycling event.

Surveyor11

as last year, fair play to the organisers and participants.

Started off in a group, then it petered out to the food stop, got a puncture heading up the hill after the food stop, which was thankfully fixed with out too much hassle. Back in the saddle, managed to catch up with a group which took me to the end, nice fast finish with a group of lads from lucan cc and a few others, 3:29 rolling time, so happy with that, great day and the weather stayed with us

Zebrano

Really good event did it in 3.51 which im quiet happy with
Really great group of people and great weather
Enjoying some well deserved beers now SWEET!!!

sheepfield

In France, it's against the law to use TT bars in any mass start cycling event.

My point precisely...
:mad:

Lambretta

Well done to the organisers for this event and for the great cause.

Bulmers on Ice

Thanks to everyone today, Thanks to the Chicken Curry lady - I love you. Thanks to the lovely man behind the bar who gave me the nicest pint ever - I love your barman skills. Thanks to whoever made the comfy chair - My arse loves you.
This was my first event and will not be my last. I did the 60km and enjoyed it. I was sick as a dog the last 3 days but felt ok today and delighted I gave it a go as the event was a target for me to achieve since I started cycling in November last year.

DD Mikasa

My first sportive too. Did the 100km. Had a great day, even if I did break a spoke and had to ride the last 45k or so with a slightly buckled wheel. Serious thanks for the mechanic lads who stopped and sorted it, as not sure I'd have been able to get home without their help.

Did it in 4.03 which I'm happy with considering the mechanical issues.

Thanks to everyone involved with organising the event. It was brilliantly run.

Hatcho

Yep - the whole show was excellently run. Marshalls holding traffic at junctions made life so much easier. Had a nice chat with the chap in Donard just after the food stop - loverly Harley he had - could've done with an engine going up that hill!! :-) Came in a touch over 4hrs which I'm well happy with. Two days ago I didnt think I'd make it along due to a strep throat and a chest infection but delighted to have made it along. Well done to the organisers and all involved - I'll definitely be back again next year!