Tour De Connemara 2013

wisjoc

Hi

I am thinking of doing the Tour De Connemara ths year (25/05/13). Does anyone have any experience of it good or bad. iFor example does it have steep hills or is it flat. Also hoping to do the 140 km. I am only a beginner and in my 50's so am not looking for anything that is too competitive or full of people racing, just bought the bike at Christmas. Have done a few runs and just done a couple of 50kms in the past week, the last of which I managed to average just over 25 kms per hour but was knackered at the end.

Is the 140 Km only for serious cyclists or can someone like myself who would be looking to complete it in around 6 hours be out of place. I know there is an 80K which I would probably do if I haven't considerably improved my times nearer the date.

Any advice or experiences of the event would be appreciated.

at1withmyself

Thread here about this years event:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=82330886

Also if you do a search there is a small thread from last year. If your able to 80 km by yourself then you'd be able for the 140 km as the route is pretty flat. Weather is really your enemy in Connemara!!!!!

wisjoc wrote: »

Hi

I am thinking of doing the Tour De Connemara ths year (25/05/13). Does anyone have any experience of it good or bad. iFor example does it have steep hills or is it flat. Also hoping to do the 140 km. I am only a beginner and in my 50's so am not looking for anything that is too competitive or full of people racing, just bought the bike at Christmas. Have done a few runs and just done a couple of 50kms in the past week, the last of which I managed to average just over 25 kms per hour but was knackered at the end.

Is the 140 Km only for serious cyclists or can someone like myself who would be looking to complete it in around 6 hours be out of place. I know there is an 80K which I would probably do if I haven't considerably improved my times nearer the date.

Any advice or experiences of the event would be appreciated.

nilhg

wisjoc wrote: »

Hi

I am thinking of doing the Tour De Connemara ths year (25/05/13). Does anyone have any experience of it good or bad. iFor example does it have steep hills or is it flat. Also hoping to do the 140 km. I am only a beginner and in my 50's so am not looking for anything that is too competitive or full of people racing, just bought the bike at Christmas. Have done a few runs and just done a couple of 50kms in the past week, the last of which I managed to average just over 25 kms per hour but was knackered at the end.

Is the 140 Km only for serious cyclists or can someone like myself who would be looking to complete it in around 6 hours be out of place. I know there is an 80K which I would probably do if I haven't considerably improved my times nearer the date.

Any advice or experiences of the event would be appreciated.

Build up gradually, do an 80km event in March or April then a 100km after that, the 140km Tour De Connemara won't look as intimidating when you have those under your belt, you'll find that your expected time will fall too when you have some experience of an event.

I'm hoping to take it in myself all going well, great country for a spin if the weather co-operates.

Arthurdaly

I've complete 20/30 sportives over the years and last years your de Connemara was my favourite event. The was weather stunning last year which might have been a factor but the 140 route really is majestic plus a few nights is clifden was great.
Not much in the way of climbing, there's a few hilly bits about 50/60km in but nothing major. Quite an easy route in comparison to the likes of tour de Kilkenny, mount Leinster etc.

Sounds like the 80km might be a little short for you and not much of a challenge. As with all sportives the front group will travel at a decent pace with slower groups also on the road.

mountclare4

4 months to build up to 140km and you will be fine. Route is spectacular and really is a good mix of cyclists so you'll have plenty of company no matter where you are on the road. 3 stops on the 140km route so opportunity to load up again and again. Moves to Saturday this year so people can hang around at their leisure. Hinault rated it as one of the best sportive routes he has cycled and that's why he is back for 2013. His words!!! New event website www.tourdeconamara.com http://www.jurconsult.ru/publications/ethical_dillemas/13_Legal%20control%20of%20surrogacy%20-%20international%20perspectives.pdf

pedro_colnago

it certainly was a great day out last year, well organised bar an issue about where the foodstops where located. I think that some riders were grumbling that one of the food stops was a bit early and the second foodstop was 10km further than it was advertised. I think the weather being so hot might have been a factor and i think that was a factor in the level of giving out about it. all in all a great scenic course and not particularly hard. I would certainly recommend it again this year.

mountclare4

Will Boardsies have a team or two in the Sportive Team Time Trial, the following morning after the Tour de Conamara. Its over loop a 40km from Carna.

The TTT is limited to cyclists who take part in the Saturday event and is a fundraiser for Cancer Care West. Team can be max of 5 and min of 3 with 3 times to count. Ten different prize categories and limited number of teams can take part.