An post rebel tour.

funnights74

Registration was supposed to open for this on the 4Th of June but nothing on the site yet, anyone got any info or a link to a registration page that works?

http://www.corksports.ie/index.cfm/page/2012anpostrebeltour

kerry4sam

Boom! That is me registered for the Rebel Rider 85km Cycle for my 2nd year

Wish Everyone well in their training preparations!

BailMeOut

Just got the email from the organizers saying that registration is live today and there is a €5 discount if you do this before 31st Aug 2013

see An Post Rebel Tour 2013 - Sat, 14th September

Sikpupi

Hope they keep with tradition and include a Jersey this year!!

You never can have enough Jerseys!!!

Soarer

Was gonna start a new thread for this, but did a search first!

Gonna register for this, but unsure as to whether to go for the 85km or the 160km. I did the 85km last year and even though I found it tough (bloody Healy Pass!), I got through it. I'd only been cycling around 2 months at that stage though, and probably had 250km tops done.
As things stand now, I've near on 2k kms done (including hibernation), do at least 1x70km cycle per week, and did the ROK last weekend. Looking to do the Chernobyl 100k cycle at the end of the month too.
So I guess I'm asking would I be able for the 160k? Is it more serious than the ROK? Would it be frowned upon to stop unofficially to rest the legs?

ford2600

Soarer wrote: »

Was gonna start a new thread for this, but did a search first!

Gonna register for this, but unsure as to whether to go for the 85km or the 160km. I did the 85km last year and even though I found it tough (bloody Healy Pass!), I got through it. I'd only been cycling around 2 months at that stage though, and probably had 250km tops done.
As things stand now, I've near on 2k kms done (including hibernation), do at least 1x70km cycle per week, and did the ROK last weekend. Looking to do the Chernobyl 100k cycle at the end of the month too.
So I guess I'm asking would I be able for the 160k? Is it more serious than the ROK? Would it be frowned upon to stop unofficially to rest the legs?

It's two months away. Ride your bike more and do long one.

Up there with day 3 of Kingdom alliance cycle as nicest route on sportive calendar. ROk doesn't come near it for scenery

ROK ON

It is the best route in the country in my view. However the organisation was average in my view.

Is it more difficult than the ROK - yep.
Caha Pass at the start - nice handy climb over 8k but you are not yet warmed up.
Healy pass - twice. Tough. First four km are fine but last km kicks up a but.

The road from Castletownbere to Uhran is spectacular but it is very tough. One long drag followed by four short but very severe climbs.

It is however a very rewarding route.

nilhg

Soarer wrote: »

Was gonna start a new thread for this, but did a search first!

Gonna register for this, but unsure as to whether to go for the 85km or the 160km. I did the 85km last year and even though I found it tough (bloody Healy Pass!), I got through it. I'd only been cycling around 2 months at that stage though, and probably had 250km tops done.
As things stand now, I've near on 2k kms done (including hibernation), do at least 1x70km cycle per week, and did the ROK last weekend. Looking to do the Chernobyl 100k cycle at the end of the month too.
So I guess I'm asking would I be able for the 160k? Is it more serious than the ROK? Would it be frowned upon to stop unofficially to rest the legs?

I was in the same position as you last year and got through the 160 km Rebel Tour, get some decent long spins in before hand, concentrate on learning to pace yourself and you'll be fine. The Healy pass second time round wasn't something I was looking forward to but after getting over some of the ramps out around Allihies it didn't seem too bad in the finish, and there is no problem with taking a breather where you need it, again pacing yourself is the key to your first few extra long spins.

Masala

However the organisation was average in my view.

Started off well in the Glengariff hotel.
But then NO water stops til well into ride - way outside Kenmare somewhere.
It was a long distance to the Food Stop and that was just too small for the crowd.

Probably would be good advice to put water on top of both Caha and Healy.

BUT.. still looking forward to it this year again!

dogsears

Soarer wrote: »

So I guess I'm asking would I be able for the 160k?

Yes. Keep training. Get in a few 100+ km rides consistently between now and then.

Is it more serious than the ROK?

Yes. Its a little shorter but definitely more demanding. But you did the ROK - so now you need a target that's more demanding, no?

Would it be frowned upon to stop unofficially to rest the legs?

Absolutely not. Just don't walk along pushing your bike:eek:

Completely agree with the comments about the route - best I did last year by a country 1.6km. For me the hardest part wasn't either of the well known climbs but the short, sharp ramps after Castletownbere.

One big bummer is that it coincides with the Chain Gang Sportive - around the Dingle peninsula (same route as Day 3 of Kingdom Alliance Sportive for those who did that). Another cracking route - between the 2 of them they would have made for some weekend of cycling - but you have to choose between one of the other:(

boege

Don't underestimate this route. A lot of people did not make it around last year. The section from Allihies to Eyeries was the finest scenery I have seen on a bike and the toughest I have ever ridden. I had my 4th SKT behind me and good cycling all year and I still suffered on this tour.

Still, I can't wait for this years event as for me it is level with SKT as the finest event that I have ridden in the Irish calendar. So keep training and go for it.

BailMeOut

I think it is safe to say that the Rebel 160 is way more difficult than say the ROK. I got around the ROK handy enough but I am still not ready to commit to the 160. My plan is to park 7.5 kms outside Glengarrif so I can do 100km that day.

Max_Charger

BailMeOut wrote: »

I think it is safe to say that the Rebel 160 is way more difficult than say the ROK. I got around the ROK handy enough but I am still not ready to commit to the 160. My plan is to park 7.5 kms outside Glengarrif so I can do 100km that day.

You still have about 10 weeks training left, if you did the ring and 10 more weeks worth of training, A long endurance ride at the weekend of 100+kms and 2 sessions during the week, maybe hill repeats and speed intervals and you'll will manage just fine.

This'll be my first sportive and live in the area so no point driving to it, I'll be looking at 200km all in but i'm not worried, i'm putting in the work. You've already done a long event and managed just fine. Pull the trigger and do the 160km and don't look back

ford2600

BailMeOut wrote: »

I think it is safe to say that the Rebel 160 is way more difficult than say the ROK. I got around the ROK handy enough but I am still not ready to commit to the 160. My plan is to park 7.5 kms outside Glengarrif so I can do 100km that day.

Do the 160km. It is not that difficult.

The route is spectacular.

shaka

Soarer wrote: »

Was gonna start a new thread for this, but did a search first!

Gonna register for this, but unsure as to whether to go for the 85km or the 160km. I did the 85km last year and even though I found it tough (bloody Healy Pass!), I got through it. I'd only been cycling around 2 months at that stage though, and probably had 250km tops done.
As things stand now, I've near on 2k kms done (including hibernation), do at least 1x70km cycle per week, and did the ROK last weekend. Looking to do the Chernobyl 100k cycle at the end of the month too.
So I guess I'm asking would I be able for the 160k? Is it more serious than the ROK? Would it be frowned upon to stop unofficially to rest the legs?

Hi Soarer there is no real comparison between the an post 160s and ROK, most include a few harder climbs than what you will find on the Ring.
IMHO Rebel 160 was best route I did anywhere last year and is well worth the pain,
Caha pass is grand nothing steep just keep turning and Healy pass isn't as bad as you think after you have done it once just mind the switchbacks on the desent .
I find the drag from Castletownbere (caher more) to allihies tiring but worst is out by reentrisk (cods head) between allihies and eyeries which is bit of a toblerone road,By far hardest for me. Was surprisingly ok second time up Healy pass but suffered a little from the bottom for 5 km .

You have plenty of time to get a bit more climbing in. You will be grand.

Have been told not to cycle this year but this thread has got me dreaming , maybe .

@masalla don't think water stop needed at top of caha after 8km and no real space at top of Healy pass. At least it's all down hill to next water stop from there

.

Soarer

shaka wrote: »

@masalla don't think water stop needed at top of caha after 8km and no real space at top of Healy pass. At least it's all down hill to next water stop from there

.

Think they had one up there last year.

shaka

Soarer wrote: »

Think they had one up there last year.

Stopped at top of Healy second time around last year for wine gum break (very important) and can't remember water stop , I can remember one at national school at the bottom.
If I don't cycle it i might follow club with camera , how I miss these days out on bike....

kerry4sam

Soarer wrote: »

Think they had one up there last year.

I didn't see one there last year and actually needed one :eek: I'll be better prepared this time round! The shop at the top opened up just minutes previous and he was as sound as a pound in there! Lovely guy to give business to

BailMeOut

Max_Charger wrote: »

You still have about 10 weeks training left, if you did the ring and 10 more weeks worth of training, A long endurance ride at the weekend of 100+kms and 2 sessions during the week, maybe hill repeats and speed intervals and you'll will manage just fine.

This'll be my first sportive and live in the area so no point driving to it, I'll be looking at 200km all in but i'm not worried, i'm putting in the work. You've already done a long event and managed just fine. Pull the trigger and do the 160km and don't look back

I did the 85km last year and really enjoyed and the Beara Pennincula is my favourite part of Ireland so I may well do the 160. I just worry that most folks doing it are very serious so will end up at back cycling for nine hours by myself!

Soarer

BailMeOut wrote: »

I did the 85km last year and really enjoyed and the Beara Pennincula is my favourite part of Ireland so I may well do the 160. I just worry that most folks doing it are very serious so will end up at back cycling for nine hours by myself!

I'm exactly the same.

I've no doubt that I'd make it around eventually. I just don't want to be coming home when it's dark and everyone's in bed!

shaka

Soarer wrote: »

I'm exactly the same.

I've no doubt that I'd make it around eventually. I just don't want to be coming home when it's dark and everyone's in bed!

Soarer and bail me out do the 160 you won't regret it, the best of the cycling is out between Castletownbere allihies and urhan. It would take your breath away even if the hills don't

I left hour early last year and I'm allergic to hills (100kg ) but made it around and was far from last home . This all after having disrupted summers cycling due to fupping wedding and honeymoon

kerry4sam

shaka wrote: »

Soarer and bail me out do the 160 you won't regret it, the best of the cycling is out between Castletownbere allihies and urhan. It would take your breath away even if the hills don't

I left hour early last year and I'm allergic to hills (100kg ) but made it around and was far from last home . This all after having disrupted summers cycling due to fupping wedding and honeymoon

This is where I done most of my cycling this year and almost had the roads to myself throughout - simply stunning!

michael196

just signed up for the rebel

PandyAndy

Cool, I think I might sign up for this. The 80km one looks like a nice old spin.

michael196

PandyAndy wrote: »

Cool, I think I might sign up for this. The 80km one looks like a nice old spin.

its a classic route, Scenary, difficulty, challenge. the beara peninsula Has it all.

RAS terrain also.

PandyAndy

michael196 wrote: »

its a classic route, Scenary, difficulty, challenge. the beara peninsula Has it all.

RAS terrain also.

Yea, was looking at the route and their mapmyride link. Does look amazing.

Soarer

Training started in earnest this evening for this.

Down to Cobh, two clockwise laps of the place, then back up to Glanmire to finish at the top of Church Hill.
Near on 60k non-stop, an elevation gain of 4,081 feet, and a max elevation (twice) of 318 feet...all according to Strava.
It was my first time doing the loop that direction and I can't tell if it's harder than the other way 'round. That hill with the chicane through the houses is a balls of a climb going the other way!

knipper

Careful going through that chicane in the wet.
Took some hopper there last year. Bike skidded out from under me on one of the manhole covers.
Ripped open my jacket shirt and chest, bike was fine tho.
A bit more careful on the downhills since.

shaka

Due to serious injury I haven't cycled since last October, got sick of being off bike so jumped on bike and did 40 k this evening with club and three other clubs for a local gathering event.

Got through ok and kept up so thinking ill do short rebel trip this year after all. Wife says no but will work on getting back on bike properly over next while without doing any damage to back

BailMeOut

Anyone know how many people did the 85km and 160km routes on last years Rebel Tour (2012)?

Split Link

michael196 wrote: »

its a classic route, Scenary, difficulty, challenge. the beara peninsula Has it all.

RAS terrain also.

Nah, the Dingle Peninsula is where its' at! Check out www.thechaingangsportives.com A very well organised event with great logistical back-up over 3 spectacular routes. Pity the Rebel Tour has trampled willy nilly on the date of the established Chain Gang event, 'tho rumour on the road is that the Rebels are changing their date again next year!
Can't wait to feast on Corca Dhuibhne again this year:D

joehayes999

I have just registered for the 55k (yeah i know, i'm a wimp!). I have taken up cycling in the past year purely to get fit as middle age spread is taking its toll. I have done 50k recently, but I have never cycled in a group and feel I am too slow at climbing to join a club. I would like to join others in Cork/Coachford/Macroom who want to do 30 - 50 km spins at 20 kph or thereabouts.

shaka

joehayes999 wrote: »

I have just registered for the 55k (yeah i know, i'm a wimp!). I have taken up cycling in the past year purely to get fit as middle age spread is taking its toll. I have done 50k recently, but I have never cycled in a group and feel I am too slow at climbing to join a club. I would like to join others in Cork/Coachford/Macroom who want to do 30 - 50 km spins at 20 kph or thereabouts.

A lot of clubs have beginner/improver groups, don't be afraid to join club. Of top of my head there is coachford cc and valley Whelers cc . If memory searches me right valley wheelers are well spread out club and might suit you.

Muckers

Just entered for the 160k:D

andy69

BailMeOut wrote: »

Anyone know how many people did the 85km and 160km routes on last years Rebel Tour (2012)?

Just registered this evening for the 85k (and the wife is doing it also, and her friend) - making the weekend out of it. tis a great venue and the whole town got behind it last year with music sessions on the street and in the pubs. got to play a few tunes the evening after the spin with some local musicians, and just really enjoyed the whole weekend.

anyways...regarding numbers....wasn't near the amount you might see at Meath and Waterford, but I think there were a few hundred on the 85k event (at the start line, I was up at the front, so my view was blocked by the hedges back down to where the main space in the car park was, and to be honest I belted up the hill so there was only like 6 of us together at the front over the top so I couldn't be sure of the actual numbers behind). Was a lovely atmosphere though, and can't wait to get back down again now.

happy_73

joehayes999 wrote: »

I have just registered for the 55k (yeah i know, i'm a wimp!). I have taken up cycling in the past year purely to get fit as middle age spread is taking its toll. I have done 50k recently, but I have never cycled in a group and feel I am too slow at climbing to join a club. I would like to join others in Cork/Coachford/Macroom who want to do 30 - 50 km spins at 20 kph or thereabouts.

Take a look at Ballincollig crusaders on Facebook, they have beginners and intermediate spins that might suit you.

Tzarkahn

Just signed up for the 85k, should be fun.

Shedite27

Signed up for the 160k version. First official sportif (have done up to 120k solo). How do these things work? Do people generally get off their bikes and take a break at the food/drink stops? Presume there's all shapes and sizes yeah? Hoping to get the 160km done in sub 7hrs.

derealbadger

Shedite27 wrote: »

Signed up for the 160k version. First official sportif (have done up to 120k solo). How do these things work? Do people generally get off their bikes and take a break at the food/drink stops? Presume there's all shapes and sizes yeah? Hoping to get the 160km done in sub 7hrs.

There is to be no stopping it is a bit misleading calling them food stops what happens in reality is some old ones from the locality hold up ham sangwiges and you grab them as you go past if you are seen getting of your bike you will be disqualified. Hope this helps

Masala

Have signed up for this a while ago.... but just back from a a few weeks holidays and therefore off the bike for the past 2-3 weeks!!!

Now regretting this decision.... looks like I'll be walking up the last 100 metres of Healy Pass! Can't see how the ticker will keep going if I put it thru that last climb!! Better remember to bring my cleat covers for the walk!

kerry4sam

Shedite27 wrote: »

Signed up for the 160k version. First official sportif (have done up to 120k solo). How do these things work? Do people generally get off their bikes and take a break at the food/drink stops? Presume there's all shapes and sizes yeah? Hoping to get the 160km done in sub 7hrs.

Ah fantastic! You'll hopefully have a magic day! As for how these things work - all I do is turn up and just go with the flow. Whether you start with friends or not, it won't be long before you've made new friends and I like that. Seriously Enjoy Sportives for the friendliest people I always seem to encounter, whether words of encouragement on passing; or chats for some km; or even had one guy lastyear on my 100km in Waterford talking bout a 'Dear Diary' moment walking on a climb

As for Nourishment: I always bring what I need on my cycles, but stop the odd time too just for the banter and stretch the auld legs. Always a massive array of food & water at the stops. My most iconic was top of Healy Pass lastyear with bikes and people just strewn everywhere after the climb, still brings a smile to my face for some reason.

Ah their is just something special about sportives that I love. Everyone is just in massive form; Everyone encourages Everyone else; No-one leaves anyone struggling with any element be it a climb or a puncture - people are always assisting everyone around them.

Best of Luck with your Preparations & Just go with the flow on the day if that's easier for you.

I do hope you Enjoy your Day & your 1st Sportive,
kerry4sam

michael196

kerry4sam wrote: »

Ah their is just something special about sportives that I love. Everyone is just in massive form; Everyone encourages Everyone else; No-one leaves anyone struggling with any element be it a climb or a puncture - people are always assisting everyone around them.


I do hope you Enjoy your Day & your 1st Sportive,
kerry4sam

Absolutely correct Kerry4 sam. Sportives have a place in all clubs, whether serious racing clubs, touring club etc. Sportives serve many purposes, as training, as group riding training, as distance / endrance training, and a way to bring the whole club together for an event.


there are no rules, do as u like and as u see fit on the day. It is meant to be a fun day provided by the clubs.


Recently, and increasingly, there is a trend where see racing members participate in sportives. This was not always the case.

Sportives encourage the beginners, make the middle experienced, the leaders for the day, as the fastest groups take off into a separate group to match their desired pace.

SO truly something for everyone.

nilhg

Cork Sports partnership on Facebook are saying that they expect this years event to be booked out in the next few days, time to make up your mind if you are thinking of doing the Rebel Tour this year.

bellinter

How does this compare to the Sean Kelly 160?

derealbadger

bellinter wrote: »

How does this compare to the Sean Kelly 160?

Distance wise they are very similar
I tried to stop myself but was unable sorry

bellinter

well I did invite that response I suppose!

derealbadger

bellinter wrote: »

well I did invite that response I suppose!

On A serious note i have done the An Post ToSligo the Burren and Sean Kelly the SKT was the toughest but not by much so I would say the rebel will be not quite as bad but not a lot softer eaither

ford2600

bellinter wrote: »

well I did invite that response I suppose!

Have done skt every year and rebel last year. It's as tough.
As a Waterford man, while skt goes through some pretty country, this route in Beara is unrelentingly stunning. Best seen on a bike.
The section around tip of peninsula is my favourite part of Ireland.

bellinter

Thanks lads. Will more than likely give it a crack, will sign up once I can sort out getting there.

dogsears

bellinter wrote: »

Thanks lads. Will more than likely give it a crack, will sign up once I can sort out getting there.

Never mind with that more than likely business! Sign up as soon as you can. You won't regret it. Its tough alright but a fantastic course.

Sort out getting there when you know you have to get there.

Roger Hassenforder

bellinter wrote: »

Thanks lads. Will more than likely give it a crack, will sign up once I can sort out getting there.

Its god’s country; a privilege to cycle there!