Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2015 - entry transfers closed - do not request entries

funnights74

It's hard to believe it's only 6 months to this years RoK. It's already on many peoples calendars whether they be newbies or old hands.Last years cycle raised the phenomenal amount of €1,569,000 for local charities in Kerry. This years nominated charities should be announced in the near future.
This years cycle takes place on Saturday July the 4th. Registration usually opens around mid-March. From what i'm hearing Hotels and accommodation is pretty heavily booked even at this early stage.
Route map and other general info are in the links below.

http://www.ringofkerrycycle.ie
http://ridewithgps.com/trips/300052

Mod edit:


No entry requests - entry transfers are now closed

Rua_ri

Any idea when registration for this opens this year?

kerry4sam

Does anyone know if it will be possible to take out a 1-day CI licence for this in July?

Out of principle and the mandatory ICE to re-register with CI this year I am not renewing my cycling licence with CI this year so will be looking for a 1-day CI licence for the Ring of Kerry in July.

Would that be possible does anyone know?
Many Thanks,
kerry4sam

BadCharlie

When i had to register for the SK last year. It asked me to input my UCI number. When i did i got a reduced price. My Friend who is not UCI registered had to pay more "think it was only €5" when registering online.

Eamonnator

kerry4sam wrote: »

Does anyone know if it will be possible to take out a 1-day CI licence for this in July?

Out of principle and the mandatory ICE to re-register with CI this year I am not renewing my cycling licence with CI this year so will be looking for a 1-day CI licence for the Ring of Kerry in July.

Would that be possible does anyone know?
Many Thanks,
kerry4sam

I think, insurance is included in the registration fee.

http://www.ringofkerrycycle.ie/the-cycle/insurance/

But reading this, I'm not so sure.

michael196

I interpret that CI membership provides the rider insurance, which is standard for all sportives. Hence riders should be already CI members . Not sure on one day licences.

If one day is available, then would need to be in place for you on the day.

I don't think CI membership ( hence CI cover) or licences are included in the rin go Kerry regiostration

ZiabR

Cant see myself doing this again this year. To many cyclists last year (9500) and I can only see them accepting more this year. The atmosphere in Killarney was great as always but I just didn't get the vibe while doing the cycle compared to previous years.

Kerry County Council are also after announcing that they are putting a cycling lane the entire length of the Ring of Kerry so I will tip down in August and do it again myself when the roads are quieter.

Limestone1

logik wrote: »

Kerry County Council are also after announcing that they are putting a cycling lane the entire length of the Ring of Kerry so I will tip down in August and do it again myself when the roads are quieter.

Jeez, there's barely room for one bus on some sections - are they planning to build it above the road ??

Buzwaldo

logik wrote: »

Cant see myself doing this again this year. To many cyclists last year (9500) and I can only see them accepting more this year. The atmosphere in Killarney was great as always but I just didn't get the vibe while doing the cycle compared to previous years.

Kerry County Council are also after announcing that they are putting a cycling lane the entire length of the Ring of Kerry so I will tip down in August and do it again myself when the roads are quieter.

If planning to do it on a regular day, I believe it's advised to go the opposite direction to avoid having buses waiting to overtake you all day. But I reclon it would be a boring route. Better quieter roads inside the ring.

bazzer86

Buzwaldo wrote: »

If planning to do it on a regular day, I believe it's advised to go the opposite direction to avoid having buses waiting to overtake you all day. But I reclon it would be a boring route. Better quieter roads inside the ring.

That is true. Though the gap of Dunloe, around Caragh lake and over Ballaghbeama Gap & Ballaghasheen before heading through Waterville and onto the Skellig ring is a great cycle, possibly better suited for the touring cyclist not taking part in the charity cycle in my view

ZiabR

Limestone1 wrote: »

Jeez, there's barely room for one bus on some sections - are they planning to build it above the road ??

I should have mentioned that Kerry County Council are buying land off the farmers etc to increase the size of the road. A cycle lane would not work with the current size of the roads

mossym

logik wrote: »

I should have mentioned that Kerry County Council are buying land off the farmers etc to increase the size of the road. A cycle lane would not work with the current size of the roads

cycle lane by 2032 so in that case:)

i'm in the same boat as you, done the last few years, but last year convinced me i wouldn't be back this year. doesn't have the same buzz while going round. will likely do the ring at some other stage though to keep up doing it once a year

ford2600

I cycled most of the ring twice last year in opposite direction. It is an ok route only.

If looking for route for solo spin/small group have a look at
Inner Ring 200
Iveragh 200(just do the 140km section if your not looking for extreme)
Ring of beara(or cross it at healy pass and/or castletown bere)
Base yourself in Kenmare and try and find a bad route; Borlin, Caha, Molls Gap, Ballaghbeama, Healy pass, priests leap etc etc on your door

Split Link

Did the regular R.O.K. route a few weeks after the official date last year. Departed Killarney a little after 10:00 a.m and found that at that time most of the buses were ahead of us on the road! Had a lovely relaxed spin and got back to Killarney before 17:30 in time for a lovely steak at the Dromhall Hotel.

aidanki

hi all, one of the things i intend to do this year is the ring of kerry cycle 2015.

Im relatively fit and have just bought a bike through bike to work.

Question- has anyone got a training plan that I should follow for something like this ?

27cyrix

AnPost website has a 'ready steady cycle' training plan might worth to have a look.
that is for 100k

ZiabR

Taken from the RoK website...

http://www.ringofkerrycycle.ie/training-tips/

JIdontknow

http://www.theseankellytour.com/trainforit/ heres a link for training for the sean kelly tour charity cycles.

Mad Benny

Anybody know when registration will open?

Wishbone Ash

Mad Benny wrote: »

Anybody know when registration will open?

Last year it opened on 24th March so probably something similar this year.

funnights74

Announced today that online registration will be Tuesday April 7th at the earliest. Keep an eye on the Official Website or the RoK facebook page for further details.

creamcracker30

Hi all, i haven't cycled since I was a kid and I've stupidly agreed to do the ring of kerry cycle this year with a few friends!!! I need advice on buying a bike to get started on training as soon as possible. I'm thinking of either a hybrid or a racer. Basically, I don't want to spend alot of money on one (more than €500) as I'm not sure if I'll keep it up once the cycle is over I'm thinking of buying a hybrid, so that at least I'll have a bike for general leisurely cycling on holidays etc afterwards. I would like people's advice on what would be the best bike to buy. Ultimately I'd like a reasonably priced bike that would be suitable for the ROK cycle but also a decent bike to have afterwards for leisurely cycling. Thanks.

27cyrix

@creamcracker30
ROK is about 160km. I would suggest you buy a drop bar road bike with relax geometry.
I have both hybird and dropbar, both are slope geometry.
i can barely feel the differences bewteen these two bikes if i put my hand on the top, but road bike makes me faster than on hybird.

just my own view, i am not a pro cyclist, not even close.
if you have friend who has few bikes, try to ride few miles.

Wishbone Ash

creamcracker30 wrote: »

... I'm thinking of buying a hybrid...

Lots of hybrids on the ROK but their main disadvantage is lack of variety on hand positions. A road bike will give at least 3 if not 4 positions and will be more effective in a headwind. Good luck with it regardless of what you choose.

27cyrix wrote: »

.....ROK is about 160km...

It's about 170kms although it's always advertised as 180k.

creamcracker30

Thanks for that advice. Ive since been looking at bikes on the halfords website. I saw one called "carrera zelos road bike 2015". It's a good price for me (€379) and has pretty decent reviews. As im new to cycling im not sure what the parts are like though. The people who posted reviews considered it a good beginners bike. I'd appreciate it if you'd take a look at it and give me your opinion on it as one to buy for the ring of kerry. I can't post the url on here, sorry. Thanks a mill

Mec-a-nic

€379 may be a good price, but you may pay that again for accommodation down there! I was advised to get a B&B or hotel room booked before I even consider signing up for the event as it is very popular. (If you can stay with family/friends there then that's a bonus)

Skrynesaver

If you're in a position to take a trip up to Belfast Decathalon's B'twin triban range are bloody good value.

creamcracker30

Mec-a-nic wrote: »

€379 may be a good price, but you may pay that again for accommodation down there! I was advised to get a B&B or hotel room booked before I even consider signing up for the event as it is very popular. (If you can stay with family/friends there then that's a bonus)

Already have my accommodation sorted ☺

funnights74

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Last year it opened on 24th March so probably something similar this year.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057354413
It's on this thread. Registration will not open before April 7th.

Swinefluproof

Charities limited to 400 cyclists each this year so looking to collect a minimum €200 each, bit steep in my estimation

funnights74

Swinefluproof wrote: »

Charities limited to 400 cyclists each this year so looking to collect a minimum €200 each, bit steep in my estimation

Definitely a bit pricey, so the whole debate on registration prices kicks off. I wonder what the organising committee will come up with this year?

StevieGriff

Where abouts did you read about the minimum for raising funds was €200? Seem's a little mental.

Masala

Wow....can't see myself giving that kind of money. €100 is what I gave for past 5 yrs. if they won't take €100... That grand by me. I take wife off for slap- up meal instead.

thesimpsons

Swinefluproof wrote: »

Charities limited to 400 cyclists each this year so looking to collect a minimum €200 each, bit steep in my estimation

link or source ?

Swinefluproof

One of the guys in the club had entry forms from a charity (Down Syndrome Kerry I think he said) and that's what he had been told was the requirement. Can't really blame the charities for trying something like this because they have had their number of entries halved so they're trying to take in the same amount of money. Usually just give the charity €100 out of my own pocket but can't see me dipping that deep. Don't believe in collecting money for doing something I enjoy. €25-30 is the standard for 130k+ charity sportives around here so could do 6/7 of those for the same money

CB19Kevo

There has been a lot of comments about the cost of this event over the last number of years but it takes a lot of planning,finance and resources to run such an event. Be it the advertising,customer service,route setup/signage,support services,food and water stops,ambulance,emergency control and entertainment along with the road closures.

A lot of effort,So only right that the charities get many thousands for the work.

That being said i hope there is not much of a increase in cost this year as it should be open to as many people as possible to enjoy.

cw girl

logik wrote: »

Taken from the RoK website...

http://www.ringofkerrycycle.ie/training-tips/

I assume that a spin class could be substituted for some of the shorter cycles during the week...at least until the evenings get longer?

iwillhtfu

CB19Kevo wrote: »

That being said i hope there is not much of a increase in cost this year as it should be open to as many people as possible to enjoy.

How much was it last year?

2 Wheels Good

cw girl wrote: »

I assume that a spin class could be substituted for some of the shorter cycles during the week...at least until the evenings get longer?

Yes, it will stand to you once the clocks change

funnights74

iwillhtfu wrote: »

How much was it last year?

As far as I remember there were 3 options. 1.. You paid a fixed e70 fee and no sponsorship card was sent out. 2.. You don't pay a fixed fee but received a sponsorship card which obliged you to raise a minimum of e100. 3.. Registration directly with one of the nominated charities and raised as much as you could, this option meant you had no dealings with the Rok committee so you recieved the tags and wristbands you would need on the day prior to the event.

snottybridge

I emailed one of the chosen charity's for this years cycle querying if there was a minimum amount that I would be required to raise,just received a reply that indeed there is,200 euro is the minimum required,reason was that the numbers the charity's are allowed are restricted this year,to be honest I'll have a rethink on doing it again this year,seems a lot to raise.

shaka

This has turned into such a ripp off event it sickens me, loved it but not anymore

PeadarCo

CB19Kevo wrote: »

A lot of effort,So only right that the charities get many thousands for the work.

No offence but the Ring of Kerry isn't the only cycling event where a huge amount of work is put into its organisation. Very few cycling events in Ireland have a surplus after taking out the costs. The ROK and maybe the An Post Series might be the only ones that have significant funds after costs to distribute. The ROK shouldn't take its situation for granted as its relatively unique as things go.

Take racing for example most clubs lose money on them and have to put in alot of work to organise the, even with racers paying multiple of what and ordinary leisure membership costs. Thats not talking about the smaller leisure events run around the country that attract very small crowds and rely completely on club volunteers to run with no significant sponsorship and have far more complex routes than the main road around the Ring. Many which when comparison is made with numbers entering require far more manpower in proportion to the ROK.

Nothing against the ROK, it generates huge funds for Charities and the Killareny area as while and is a great event. It just shouldn't take its numbers for granted.

Then again with numbers booking out in record time last year they can get away with it and I can understand their decision from that point of view.

mamax

200 euro !!!
What a piss take lol

Why not cycle the best sportive in Ireland http://tourdeburren.com/news/

Did this last year and it got my vote ! Top Class event

iwillhtfu

Am I missing something here? Why all the interest in charity entries as opposed to just buying an ordinary entry I'm not opposed to charity entries btw.

Mamax what's the TDB like? I just had a look at the website http://tourdeburren.com/ seems to be a fair bit of climbing on the 160km route. Reasonably priced though I'm considering it.

ford2600

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Am I missing something here? Why all the interest in charity entries as opposed to just buying an ordinary entry I'm not opposed to charity entries btw.

Mamax what's the TDB like? I just had a look at the website http://tourdeburren.com/ seems to be a fair bit of climbing on the 160km route. Reasonably priced though I'm considering it.

Everone should cycle in the Burren at least once

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/548819/301685.jpg

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/548819/301684.jpg

iwillhtfu

ford2600 wrote: »

Everone should cycle in the Burren at least once

It does look amazing I just don't want my first time to be my last time if ya get me What's the turn out like? The thoughts of cycling in a mob at the ROK is putting me off anyway. Sorry for dragging thread off topic.

ford2600

iwillhtfu wrote: »

It does look amazing I just don't want my first time to be my last time if ya get me What's the turn out like? The thoughts of cycling in a mob at the ROK is putting me off anyway. Sorry for dragging thread off topic.

Haven't done it for 2/3 years,used to go up every year. Route is lovely generally, limestone ledges meets the Wild Atlantic. Unique landscape really.

The crew is fine, usually experienced cyclists on longer route, very different from ROK. Route is nicer to, ROK as peninsula cycling in Ireland goes is only average(still some stunning sections but a lot of forgettable road).

Burren in lumpy continously without any major climb. Think I did it 3 times maybe 4, one of the better sportives.

It'll get you in shape for a nice quality sportive like Waterville 200...;)

Edit:photos above were taken on coastal road about 20km south west of Ballyvaughan last April. Once of nicest stretches of road in country to cycle that I have travelled

Eamonnator

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Am I missing something here? Why all the interest in charity entries as opposed to just buying an ordinary entry I'm not opposed to charity entries btw.

Mamax what's the TDB like? I just had a look at the website http://tourdeburren.com/ seems to be a fair bit of climbing on the 160km route. Reasonably priced though I'm considering it.

Yes, Im afraid, you are missing something.
Whether you register with a charity or sign up with R.O.K. organisation, you have to pay a minimum amount. Last year the minimum was 70 Euro.
The talk is that this year the minimum will be 200 Euro.

iwillhtfu

Eamonnator wrote: »

Yes, Im afraid, you are missing something.
Whether you register with a charity or sign up with R.O.K. organisation, you have to pay a minimum amount. Last year the minimum was 70 Euro.
The talk is that this year the minimum will be 200 Euro.

:eek: that's a bit ridiculous. I'm headed to The Burren now so I'm looking forward to that. I'll cycle the ring another day

Eamonnator

Yeah, seems to me, they're killing the goose, that lays the golden egg.
I've been happy enough to pay for the past 4 years, and I even have my B+B booked for this year, but I won't pay 200Euro.
I'll do the Tour de Conamara, instead.