Stephen Roche Tour de Cure

rachelmcg

Had a look through and couldn't find a thread about this.


It's my first event so I'm super nervous! I've only gone on two long distance cycles (long to me)(25K and then 38K) on my fairly new-ish bike so I'm really hoping I won't get left behind and lost.


I've decided I'm going to do the 50K. Anyone else doing this as their first event? Would anyone advise against it? Is it too soon for me?

Craig06

My first event was a 50k in clonard road club last year and it was fine. Only cycling about a month at the time. Never did anymore than 35km

funnights74

I'll be doing the 100 but you'll be fine, just cycle along with a few others it makes it so much easier than cycling solo, the 50 Km is a very managable route so just enjoy the day.

rachelmcg

Thanks funnights, I'm just convinced I'll be way behind everyone because I'm not that strong yet and I'll get disheartened pretty easily if I'm at the back.

I suppose we all have to start somewhere!

Mugser

Doing the 100k too, really looking forward to it too. Hopefully we'll get a nice day for it.

For those who haven't yet registered and are considering doing the cycle, registration closes at 11pm on Monday: http://www.stephenrochetourdecure.com/
Oh! And we all get a free jersey too:cool:

Roger Hassenforder

rachelmcg wrote: »

Had a look through and couldn't find a thread about this.


It's my first event so I'm super nervous! I've only gone on two long distance cycles (long to me)(25K and then 38K) on my fairly new-ish bike so I'm really hoping I won't get left behind and lost.


I've decided I'm going to do the 50K. Anyone else doing this as their first event? Would anyone advise against it? Is it too soon for me?

you'd be fine on the 100, not to mind the 50, tis flat except for a bit near the end. there'll be plenty of others in the same proverbial boat.

thesimpsons

that hill at the end of the 100km (well its at the 70km mark) looks nasty, hope I'm not right. only started cycling during winter and I've a few 80km cycles done but this is my first planned 100km

Roger Hassenforder

rachelmcg wrote: »

Thanks funnights, I'm just convinced I'll be way behind everyone because I'm not that strong yet and I'll get disheartened pretty easily if I'm at the back.

I suppose we all have to start somewhere!

try and start off near the front of the group, but ignore the hares, and you'll be pulled along by various groups and be home before you know it wishing you did the 100km!

funnights74

thesimpsons wrote: »

that hill at the end of the 100km (well its at the 70km mark) looks nasty, hope I'm not right. only started cycling during winter and I've a few 80km cycles done but this is my first planned 100km

You'll be fine, have a good feed in lismore, the last 30 Km are lumpy but nothing savage just remember starting out to save the legs for the end and you'll be back in Midleton before you know it.

Cloverer

Hi Rachel ,

I'm in the same boat as yourself , I only took up cycling a month ago and the longest cycle I've done so far is 30 kms . I've been thinking about doing this as my first event but I'm worried that I'll be too slow and feel like an idiot at the back ! I don't have any cycling buddies and feel intimidated about joining a club for the same reasons , too slow etc . Also seems to be a pretty male dominated hobby , I wonder if some clubs more women friendly than others ??

Any other cork cyclists out there with some advice from going to lone female slow cyclist to being in a club and keeping up ???

rachelmcg

Cloverer wrote: »

Hi Rachel ,

I'm in the same boat as yourself , I only took up cycling a month ago and the longest cycle I've done so far is 30 kms . I've been thinking about doing this as my first event but I'm worried that I'll be too slow and feel like an idiot at the back ! I don't have any cycling buddies and feel intimidated about joining a club for the same reasons , too slow etc . Also seems to be a pretty male dominated hobby , I wonder if some clubs more women friendly than others ??

Any other cork cyclists out there with some advice from going to lone female slow cyclist to being in a club and keeping up ???

Where are you located Cloverer?

I wouldn't mind meeting up for a few cycles with you if you'd like? I don't want to join a club either for the same reason. I've only just joined on this site so im not sure If i can do the private message thing, but message me if you'd like and we can organise a cycle for next week if you'd like.

I'm also a girl btw.. incase ya hadn't guessed from the username. LOL

rachelmcg

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

you'd be fine on the 100, not to mind the 50, tis flat except for a bit near the end. there'll be plenty of others in the same proverbial boat.

It's not really my legs I'm worried about.. its my ass....


I did the 38K on Thursday, and another 15K lastnight and it just hurts too much!!

How long does it take before you get used to the saddle? I have padded shorts too.. they don't seem to be helping!

Roger Hassenforder

rachelmcg wrote: »

It's not really my legs I'm worried about.. its my ass....


I did the 38K on Thursday, and another 15K lastnight and it just hurts too much!!

How long does it take before you get used to the saddle? I have padded shorts too.. they don't seem to be helping!

If u did 38, you'll manage 50 no problem, it will be easier with a crowd, stops etc.
There will be cyclists of all abilities, so no matter how bad you think you are, there will be someone with more hurt to deal with.
Takes a while for your derrier to toughen up, but if your shorts are crap, might be worthwhile investing in decent ones..chamois cream might help.

dvntie

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

you'd be fine on the 100, not to mind the 50, tis flat except for a bit near the end. there'll be plenty of others in the same proverbial boat.

Ill second that
You'll be fine for the 100 there'll be plenty of people out there with the same ability. find a group roll along and take your time. enjoy the scenery it's well worth it

Roger Hassenforder

to whet your appetite for Sunday:

although forecast looks better than those folk had to endure (one specimen not needing to HTFU rolling through at 2.33)

elnino23

My first 100km also! most ive done is 70km and I'm struck down with the flu right now! not the best prep. anyone any methods of getting over the flu sharpish?

Roger Hassenforder

rest!

elnino23

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

rest!

Ha ha I wish! 18month old running rings round me and the late shift at work this week! Uh oh!

Cork24

I missed Closing date, didnt think i be around.. But i think i will be. Can you Sign on. On the Day ?

funnights74

If you go to the Tour de Cure facebook page there is a link there to mycharity.ie and make a donation they should have no problem letting you take part. Because you missed the sign up deadline you might miss out on the jersey/goodybag but at least you've supported an excellent cause.

Cloverer

Hi Rachel

I sent you a PM

Brewski78

@Cork24 - you've missed the online deadline but you can register at Midleton GAA Hall on Sat 2pm - 7pm and Sunday from 7am per the website http://www.stephenrochetourdecure.com/ - you may not be guaranteed a jersey at this stage.

Roger Hassenforder

from their facebook:
INFORMATION FOR EVENT:

New Registrations: You can still register for the event on the day from Sunday morning after 7am > and also from Saturday 2pm-7pm whereby event jerseys in a small quantity are still available but will be given out on a first new registered, first served basis. (this is the best we can do if you did not register before our advertised closing date last Mon. Entry on the day i...s now 40euro for 50km and 50e for the 100km and 160km routes.)

Pre-Registered Entrants: Please sign in, on Saturday from 2pm-7pm or from Sunday after 7am > and collect your event jersey (in the size you ordered) and other goodies. We have put the size you wanted away and it will be waiting for you. Registration areas will be by first letter in your Surname and route selected. (A-E 50km etc)

cantalach

rachelmcg wrote: »

It's not really my legs I'm worried about.. its my ass....


I did the 38K on Thursday, and another 15K lastnight and it just hurts too much!!

How long does it take before you get used to the saddle? I have padded shorts too.. they don't seem to be helping!

This will probably sound a bit weird but seeing as you've said you're very new to cycling...

A very common mistake that newbies make is wearing underwear under their cycling shorts. This doesn't work! Strictly commando I'm afraid. Get some chamois cream too and apply liberally.

Good luck in your first event!

Cork24

I'm cycling for the last number of years and my a** still kills me. Pain and Gain, Pain and Gain..

It's best to save for a some good cycling shorts with extra padding and maybe a good saddle,

crashoveroid

Planning a bit of an epic one that day going to cycle from the city to Middleton and then cycle home afterwards should be a nice 220k in the legs.

rachelmcg

cantalach wrote: »

This will probably sound a bit weird but seeing as you've said you're very new to cycling...

A very common mistake that newbies make is wearing underwear under their cycling shorts. This doesn't work! Strictly commando I'm afraid. Get some chamois cream too and apply liberally.

Good luck in your first event!

Thanks a mill for the advice.

Is that just to prevent rubbing though? Because i dont get chafing. Its literally the whole 75kgs of me (minus the legs) is all pressed down onto a tiny rock hard saddle and goin over bumps really frickin hurts!

Ill go into the edge tomorrow and see if theu have shorts with thicker padding.

elnino23

Just home from signing in. Did I forget to pick up my number or are there no numbers??

dvntie

elnino23 wrote: »

Just home from signing in. Did I forget to pick up my number or are there no numbers??

I had the same thought as I left the hall and went back to ask.
There are no numbers given out this year.

elnino23

Phew! thanks

djemba djemba

Just picked up my jersey and signed in. Cant wait till the morning

Roger Hassenforder

djemba djemba wrote: »

Just picked up my jersey and signed in. Cant wait till the morning

are there two jerseys in circulation, one red and one with a picture of Roche on it?

djemba djemba

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

are there two jerseys in circulation, one red and one with a picture of Roche on it?

I was given the stephen roche, most of the boxes behind the tables seemed to only have the stephen roche ones

elnino23

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

are there two jerseys in circulation, one red and one with a picture of Roche on it?

The red one is limited edition charity one, I think they are handing them out randomly.

cantalach

Yeah, myself and herself just got home from signing on and realised we hadn't numbers. Strange that they're not needed, if only to stop freeloaders getting fed. We'll both be in our club jerseys so there'll be nothing to indicate we've paid.

djemba djemba

Just in from this cycle. I thought it was a great event. Many thanks to all the volunteers especially at the food stop. Looking forward to next year already

elnino23

Note to self if your sick the night before these events don't turn up! apologies to the guy passing me who got a shock as I puked under my left arm! luckily he was passing on the right. thanks to Roger Hassenforder and the Ronde gang for getting me as far as they did. sorry for slowing you down.

Roger Hassenforder

elnino23 wrote: »

Note to self if your sick the night before these events don't turn up! apologies to the guy passing me who got a shock as I puked under my left arm! luckily he was passing on the right. thanks to Roger Hassenforder and the Ronde gang for getting me as far as they did.Hope sorry for slowing you down.

hope you got home ok R, the cold sweat abd white face coming out of Lismore signaled the end of it?

funnights74

Just home, did the 100 Km . Terrific event, good craic all around, well marshalled/signed. Food stop was savage. Tallow to midleton was cruel, that wind was relentless. Thanks to everyone involved.
(hats off to the guy cycling back to cork, he was in one of the red limited edition jerseys, you're a beast)

Mugser

Just home now too, did the 100k in 3 hrs 45 mins. Very nearly missed the turn off where the 100k and the 160k went their seperate ways though. Thoroughly enjoyable day though.

cantalach

elnino23 wrote: »

Note to self if your sick the night before these events don't turn up! apologies to the guy passing me who got a shock as I puked under my left arm! luckily he was passing on the right. thanks to Roger Hassenforder and the Ronde gang for getting me as far as they did. sorry for slowing you down.

Ah...you must be the guy who did the 100km with my wife (Ger) and a few other Rondians? She said you were in bits alright. I hope you get over it soon. Well done for getting that far.

funnights74

Mugser wrote: »

Just home now too, did the 100k in 3 hrs 45 mins. Very nearly missed the turn off where the 100k and the 160k went their seperate ways though. Thoroughly enjoyable day though.

Ya there was no steward there like there was in previous years, just 2 of the big red pointers on a telegraph pole.

elnino23

cantalach wrote: »

Ah...you must be the guy who did the 100km with my wife (Ger) and a few other Rondians? She said you were in bits alright. I hope you get over it soon. Well done for getting that far.

That embarrassingly was me I got to the top of the last climb then got in a car and was sped to the comfort of my ensuite!

thesimpsons

home and dry and feet up - did the 100km. found it tough on that long drag but did enjoy the day. I was expecting the red jersey though - I thought the black and white was the one being given out randomly. the B&W one only has tiny logo of tour de Cure on front - the red would have shown my epic first 100km cycle better

Roger Hassenforder

hat tip to the chap from Kilgrews bikes, two punctures before Castlemartyr, like a knight in shining armour he was. 2nd one changed and on the bike in about 40sec. He looked a bit disappointed I was no damsel though.

jinkypolly

Very well organised event. Thanks to all the stewards,helpers and biker dudes. How cool were those Harleys growling around the course?

cantalach

jinkypolly wrote: »

How cool were those Harleys growling around the course?

Very! I didn't know you were a boardsie, S!?

jinkypolly

cantalach wrote: »

Very! I didn't know you were a boardsie, S!?

Yeah, don't post much though.

kencoo

i second what others have said. well organised, good food stops and plenty of food tea/ energy drinks/. Its reasonably flat course apart from "the V". The road on the way down was as rough as a hedgehog's ar*se though.
There were a good few drags but nothing serious - perfect for the early season. Nice finish too - downhill for the last 5k or so.

Stuck with a big group from Midleton CC who bombed along for the first 3 hrs or so (32k average) which was pretty cool. There was a crash and the large part of the group split up so spent approx 20k on my own.

We were blessed with the weather, just a bit damp.

Good day out - good value, professional and one for the list again for 2014.

funnights74

Any pics yet? could only find previous years snaps on facebook.

jinkypolly

funnights74 wrote: »

Any pics yet? could only find previous years snaps on facebook.

This years pics are up on the facebook page.