Did anybody do the Ring of Kerry cycle?

quxuik · 09-05-2013 2:09pm #1

Hi!
I would like to take part in this charity cycle but not sure if its not too late for me in terms of training...I found a 12 weeks training program on their website so it meand I am already 4 weeks behind...
I have a fairly goo dlevel of fitness, but didnt really train properly to do this kind of cycle...what do u think?

07Lapierre · 09-05-2013 2:22pm

Go for it!

quxuik · 09-05-2013 2:32pm

Did you do this cycle or a similar yourself?:) oh yes...and I have a mountain bike not a road bike

Darkstrike · 09-05-2013 2:35pm

Sounds like a short time to prepare for a 100+ mle trip to me, unless you're fairly fit.

What would your goals be in it? Just finishing, or are you planning on doing it in under a certain amount of hours?

merc230ce · 09-05-2013 2:37pm

Yep, from what I can gather all shapes / sizes / ages / fitness levels do this cycle every year. You won't be the least-fit out of the 8 thousand-odd people doing it on the day!

I did a 140k cycle last year with 2 weeks notice and never having cycled further than about 15 - 20k. I won't lie to you - my rear end was in bits (even though I wore 2 pairs of cycle shorts, had a gel cover on my saddle, and popped a Nurofen at 70k and 110k!), but fitnesswise it was grand.

Go for it.

Darkstrike · 09-05-2013 2:51pm

I didn't mean to sound off-putting, if I did, I apologise. I meant to come from a more curious point of view(from an absolute beginner).

I'd imagine you'd have trouble finding another cycling route to match the beauty of the Ring at least, truly incredible place, would love to try it in a year or two.

07Lapierre · 09-05-2013 2:58pm

Darkstrike wrote: »

I didn't mean to sound off-putting, if I did, I apologise. I meant to come from a more curious point of view(from an absolute beginner).

I'd imagine you'd have trouble finding another cycling route to match the beauty of the Ring at least, truly incredible place, would love to try it in a year or two.

Why wait till next year? pleanty of people do the ROK every year having never cycled before ( just takes them all day :0 )

quxuik · 09-05-2013 2:59pm

I would only want to finish it in one day and not be the last one, thats all;) No time pressure there;) Thank you for getting involved;)

Chips Lovell · 09-05-2013 3:09pm

It's 8 weeks away. What kind of cycle are you capable of today, i.e. what kind of distance are you doing?

Darkstrike · 09-05-2013 3:11pm

07Lapierre wrote: »

Why wait till next year? pleanty of people do the ROK every year having never cycled before ( just takes them all day :0 )

Health issues, mainly. I'm aiming to manage 2 miles tomorrow. :pac:

quxuik wrote: »

I would only want to finish it in one day and not be the last one, thats all;) No time pressure there;) Thank you for getting involved;)

Sounds good, as the wiser heads have said, go for it!

detones · 09-05-2013 5:00pm

I have read a few threads on this on here. I am doing it this year. I think the general consenus is that it is managable for even somebody with a moderate fitness level. I have heard of lads doing it with only having picked up their bikes 2 weeks before. I think compared to other Sportives its much more laid back.

I intend to have a fair few miles in my legs before I try it. My thinking is I want to go down and enjoy the day and not suffer all the way around. Take in the scenary and surrounding, stuff my face with cakes en-route and hopefully finish with a respectable time 6.5 hrs ish (moving time). I am up to now doing 90-100k spins and would hope to do a 160k before i do the ROK. So it's really all about how you want to do it not a matter of if you can do it. Best of luck with it anyway.

kala85 · 09-05-2013 5:31pm

Just do it. start training now. it is one of the best experiences ever!! If you do it this year, I ll guarantee youll want to train properly for it next year. Approx 7000 people will do this and you can do it at your own pace. Try and get some proper cycling shorts beforehand and also if possible a proper bike and cycling shoes.

You can take your time doing it and as long as you like on the day. The ring of kerry cycle is so big that you will meet loads of different cyclist of different abilities so you will fall in somewhere. When you get to Molls gap and its nearly all down hill to killarney its class.Do it - you wont regret it. Get on you bike three times a week if possible from now till july and you will be fine!!

Oh and dont forget to bring some sun cream and water bottles.

Take a look at some of the videos on youtube. Great atmosphere

Did anybody do the Ring of Kerry cycle?

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