Tour de Burren 2015

kerry4sam

Anyone else going to Clare this week-end for the Tour de Burren 2015 ?

My first year participating and looking forward.
Sign-on on Friday up until 9:30->10pm I found out today. With work & current after-work commitments I won't be there until just after 9pm I'd say but I was assured the location in Ballyvaughan will be easy to locate.

Jerseys also on sale, but you can phone and reserve and then pay & collect when you sign-on.

Similar to the Sean Kelly Tour in Waterford, it will be a staggered start-time for each distance.

Routes can be found here. The only other cycle I done in Clare was the Loop the Loop (Loop-Head Cycle the year I done it), but this looks to be tougher.

Anyone else travelling? Any tips on the route?
Thanks,
kerry4sam

Mycroft H

I'm going to be there. Doing the 160 route. Not sure if I've the fitness; going to be tough I'd say. I've been swimming 4-5 days a week after work as I've not got the time to get big cycles in as I'm working nights but it should be interesting.

tacklemore

Doing it myself, 3rd time now. It's a great cycle, great routes. Enjoy the scenery, that's my big tip!!!!

roosterman71

Going myself. Baled on the 160 after the other 2 I was training with pulled out (one altogether, the other dropped to the 96)

Can you sign-on on the morning?
And will there be any craic in the town after it? Staying there on the Saturday night

FirstinLastout

Get up the Corkscrew early if you can because I WILL DESTROY IT!!!

Mycroft H

FirstinLastout wrote: »

Get up the Corkscrew early if you can because I WILL DESTROY IT!!!

I'm going to die on it. I know the car struggles getting up it so it's going to be an awful challenge.

tacklemore

It's the drag before the Corkscrew that's the worst, the hill itself is fine.
It'll take a lot to destroy it!!!!! 😊

dastardly00

I did the 96km route last year, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I have signed up for the 160km. It will be the longest cycle I have ever done. I'm doing it on my own, so I'm hoping to join in with a few groups along the way or I could be suffering a lot!

roosterman71 wrote: »

Can you sign-on on the morning?

Registration re-opens at 7am on Saturday.

Orion

I'm doing the 96Km one. First time going down for this one. I know Corkscrew Hill well - in the car - it's a beast.

wuzziwig

I'm doing 96k this year. I did 52k last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. The scenery is stunning if the day is good.

The drag from Ballyvaughan to the bottom of Corkscrew is worse than Corkscrew itself. On the 96k there's also another hill called Corker, followed by the pull up into Carran. Corkscrew is a pussycat compared to that IMO.

We cycled the Corker/Carran part on Sunday (but in reverse) and the road was newly tarred and gravelled. It was so dangerous on the descent. I hope they have it sorted for Saturday.

derealbadger

Corkscrew is not that bad but there is a small climb at a mental percentage that is tough think its called tower hill

Bloggsie

Hope you have a great weekend.

enjoy it!

Bloggsie

sorry that should have been, I hope you all have a good weekend, enjoy it!

dastardly00

derealbadger wrote: »

Corkscrew is not that bad but there is a small climb at a mental percentage that is tough think its called tower hill

You are probably thinking of one of these: Belharbour Hill which is approx. 0.5km at 8%. And Corker Hill at approx. 0.6km long at 9%.

kerry4sam

tacklemore wrote: »

Doing it myself, 3rd time now. It's a great cycle, great routes. Enjoy the scenery, that's my big tip!!!!

I'll certainly be taking in the scenery. Going by the posts above about the climbs, then yup, certainly all the scenery around me will be taken in. Sounds like I might even need to stop, to you know, see the view from behind me also

Thanks for the replies,
kerry4sam

dastardly00

kerry4sam wrote: »

I'll certainly be taking in the scenery. Going by the posts above about the climbs, then yup, certainly all the scenery around me will be taken in. Sounds like I might even need to stop, to you know, see the view from behind me also

Thanks for the replies,
kerry4sam

What distance are you doing?
I hope you like cheesecake btw!

iwillhtfu

I'm heading down. Looking forward to this. It'll only be a day trip so I hope you can sign on the morning. Doing the 96km hoping to drag along a mate.

FirstinLastout

I can't recall there been any real killer climbs from the few times I've done the 100k.
The Corkscrew is fine but is a lot of fun when descending.
The cheesecake makes it all worth it!!:):)

kerry4sam

dastardly00 wrote: »

What distance are you doing?
I hope you like cheesecake btw!

As you can see from here, I've been looking forward to my cheesecake with quite some time now

nyum nyum

dastardly00

iwillhtfu wrote: »

I'm heading down. Looking forward to this. It'll only be a day trip so I hope you can sign on the morning. Doing the 96km hoping to drag along a mate.

Sign-on is open at 7am on Saturday.

gary29428

Just registered today....taught 55 euro was a bit steep, I know it was 45 a few weeks ago. Have done a few of the hills down there and it's not to bad.....doing the 160.

martyc5674

gary29428 wrote: »

Just registered today....taught 55 euro was a bit steep, I know it was 45 a few weeks ago. Have done a few of the hills down there and it's not to bad.....doing the 160.

Yeah I concur... I'm sure it's well run etc etc but I couldn't justify spending that.
Where does the money go? Food stops/t shirts/goodie bags... Honestly do people really want all that sh^te!!

Zzippy

Can you register on the day? Considering doing the 96k route...

dastardly00

Zzippy wrote: »

Can you register on the day? Considering doing the 96k route...

According to the website:

There will be no registration on the day, except for the Family Loop.

Online registration has been extended to 23:59 on Wednesday according to their Facebook page.

mamax

A few weeks ago cycling Ireland members could have registered for €40.50, always pays to get in early
A great day out indeed and looks like the weather will be good, it was a scorcher last year

And the cheesecake is so good it deserves a thread of its own

H.E. Pennypacker

kerry4sam wrote: »

As you can see from here, I've been looking forward to my cheesecake with quite some time now

nyum nyum

I don't know who supplies the cheesecake for the event but seeing as you're in the area you should try the cheesecake here as well (just to compare them like ) :

http://tearoomsballyvaughan.com/

Its really very good

wuzziwig

The ice cream cone I was handed at the finish line last year was the nicest thing I've ever eaten. It was like manna from heaven!!

kerry4sam

H.E. Pennypacker wrote: »

I don't know who supplies the cheesecake for the event but seeing as you're in the area you should try the cheesecake here as well (just to compare them like ) :

http://tearoomsballyvaughan.com/

Its really very good

Thank You.
Going taking the scenic route along the coast home on Fathers Day to the ferry back to Kerry so plenty of time for more cheesecake Sunday before I leave, just to you know, compare, like you said

kerry4sam

You all get the e-mail with the updated info?

Don't forget your bike & helmet folks!

roosterman71

kerry4sam wrote: »

You all get the e-mail with the updated info?

Don't forget your bike & helmet folks!

Yep. And a free bag or something too. Nice surprise
Do many people hang around the town that night? Where's a good spot(s) to go for a few pints?

dastardly00

martyc5674 wrote: »

Where does the money go? Food stops/t shirts/goodie bags... Honestly do people really want all that sh^te!!

I was wondering myself where all the money from the entry fees go as I couldn't see anything on the website.
But the following info was in the email we received today:

There are no associated charities with the event, and there never has been. However, we know of several charities that use the even in order to fudraise for their cause. We also make a sizeable donation to the Stella Maris Day Care Centre in Lisdoonvarna, as these are the ladies that make and serve the sandwiches at the food stop.
Also, all the marshals that help man the event for the day are from differing sports clubs along the routes. The marshals do not get paid, but we give a donation to the clubs.
Any profits for the event go straight back into sports and physical activity development in Clare. This includes: Supporting a fulltime Physical activity professional dedicated to disability sport, sports for older adults and sport for women and girls. an example of this was in 2014 we set up a ladies cycling initiative called the 0-60km group, for 10 weeks leading up to the event. The idea behind this was to try and get ladies more involved in the sport. As a result of this, there is now a fully functioning ladies club in clare (Clare Ladies Cycling Club) with over 60 members.
On top of this, our 0-60km group and Bike for Life groups will graduate on Saturday morning, along with a similar group from Limerick Sports Partnership. Keep an eye out for them, they will be quite visible in their pink tops. More inititiaves can be seen on Claresportspartnership.ie

Doc07

roosterman71 wrote: »

Yep. And a free bag or something too. Nice surprise
Do many people hang around the town that night? Where's a good spot(s) to go for a few pints?

Loghlen's pub. It's right beside the start line. It will be packed but brilliant.
I'm jealous as I had registered but now have to work all weekend. Enjoy

Mycroft H

kerry4sam wrote: »

You all get the e-mail with the updated info?

Don't forget your bike & helmet folks!

No, I'm slightly worried that I've been missed on registration or something.

EDIT: Found my reg pass email. I'll be rocking up to Ballyvaughan either way.

kerry4sam

Mycroft H wrote: »

No, I'm slightly worried that I've been missed on registration or something.

EDIT: Found my reg pass email. I'll be rocking up to Ballyvaughan either way.

The most important part of the e-mail

Aprés Cycle

We have some very special guests lined up for our Aprés Cycle this year...Frankie Lane (Fleadh Cowboys), Paul Kelly (Fleadh Cowboys) and Brian Flemming (Tig Linn). What a treat!!! They will also be entertaining us at registration, on the start line, and you never know, if you meet them on the road you might just get them to sing a bar or two!

Limited Edition Jersey info: All proceeds from the jerseys go directly to the provision of our disability sport programme. Available to buy for 25euro

Merchandise: We are delighetd to inform you that this year we have reverted back to the the popular rucksack as a our giveaway. You will receive this at the end of your cycle, just before the Ice Cream!!

Nature Valley: We are delighted to have received 3,000 Nature Valley
bars for this years event. You will receive one each when you sign on...only one now...;) Nature Valley Crunchy Bar can be enjoyed anywhere but we think they taste best outside in the fresh air whilst you take a break from the hustle of everyday life. Whether it’s in your local park, while taking part in a cycle or run or even if it’s in your own back garden there is nothing better than taking in nature while eating tasty bar! Packed with natural wholegrain oats and pure honey, our Oats & Honey variety is a favourite in the NATURE Valley Range. The crunchy texture and pure honey make for a tasty, satisfying eat!

Oh yes & the following as you may need to know this too

Nearly There!

The big day is approaching fast, and we nearly have all the systems in place in Ballyvaughan. There are just a few tweaks here and there to make!

To make your day more enjoyable, here are a few tips for your arrival:

1) Give yourself plenty of time getting into the village on the morning, we suggest at least 45 mins before your start times - see below.This will help you get parked and signed on. If you are travelling from the direction of Galway, there will be road disruptions on the N67 West of Kinvara. Please see below for further information.

2) Make sure to bring your Bike (we did have someone last year who forgot theirs), helmet (No Helmet, No Spin), spare tubes etc. Also, bring your confirmation email. Smart phone confirmations are fine. Ballyvaughan is a small village, so don't worry about finding parking etc. Follow the instructions of the marshals and signage. We would ask you to please park in the designated areas as to not block up the village.

3) Diy Pursuits are our event mechanical partners. They will be at the registration tent to offer some mechanical assistance prior to the event, and also on the road. They will also have a small shop set up on site for the small things that you may forget - water bottles etc. Please make sure your bike is in in good working order and that you are able to do the basics like change a puncture! Bring spare tubes with you. Maintenance on the road may incur a cost, so please bring with you money to cover such an event. If you require any specific piece of mechanical advice prior to the event, why not give Mike a call 091-638587.

4) Registration will begin on Friday evening from 4.00pm to 10.00pm and will re-open on Saturday Morning at 7.00am. Here you will get your event number. Please register at least 45 minutes before your event starts.(See Road Disruption Section for travel information)

START TIMES:

c. 160km - 9.00am

c. 96KM -10.30am

c. 52KM - 10.45am

c. 10km -11.15am

^^ Road Disruptions info here

Hope that helps,
kerry4sam

wuzziwig

Ballyvaughan is small so you'll find the crack easily afterwards. There was a great buzz on the street last year after the event. Hopefully the weather will be good. I'm really looking forward to it!

kerry4sam

Right well my bike is in my car ; bag is packed ; hitting the road after work tomorrow before I register. Might even be there before 9pm if I can get outta work early. A positive to my new job is flexitime

See you all on Saturday. Thanks to the organisers for, well, the organisation and info being released. All info possibly needed was provided - Thanks!

Safe Journey to Ballyvaughan Everyone,
Safe & Happy Peddling on Saturday.
kerry4sam

Zzippy

Working out of the office this week so wasn't able to print out the confirmation email, will we be able to sign on and show the email on the phone?

Doing the 96k, will be wearing a LS blue jersey and dying on hills, say hi if you're passing and I'm doubled over with cramp!

iwillhtfu

There can't be that many hills of max elevation is 271m or have I lulled myself into a false sense of security

I'll be Johnny Cash (man in black) I'd be willing to bet the only one on a Kuota aswell

tacklemore

Damp start to the day but hopefully it'll clear up. Enjoy it all. I'll probably pull out the boards jersey. Feel free to say hi!!!!

mamax

@zippy, Reg email on the phone will do

@johnny cash, theres a nice bit of climbing

stampydmonkey

Registered earlier which was a piece of cake...speaking of which..they said they've a serious spread at the food stops! Doing the 96k, then heading in for the Longest Day Swim after. Hopefully be in some shape to bob down the river. I'll be the pudgy red faced sweaty melon!!

Traffic will be mental on the way out from Galway side as the routes are going that way so give yourselves plenty of time.

iwillhtfu

Well it certainly isn't dusty down here

A grand soft day.

Cork screw hill was actually grand and actually enjoyable.

The drag around 20km in wasn't so much fun mind.

Cheese cake time and apparently it's all down hill from here

jamesd

Loved it , great day out.

Mycroft H

Had to call the 160 early, bit annoyed. Got 130 in and had to call it quits. Knee pain returns...

Arequipa

Great day today.. Weather was horrible for 2-3 hours in the middle but it brightened up nicely for the coastal route home.. The coast looked beautiful..
I thought the organisation was very good... The road surfaces were really poor in parts...





But quite sad too.. Was belting along and went by an ambulance.. 2 cyclists on ground.. One guy was unrespinsive and paramedics were trying cpr etc to revive him & using defib machine..

Seemed as if he collapsed & the 2nd person crashed into him..
It didnt look good at all...
Was quite upsetting.. I really hope he survived...

vektarman

Did the 96k, great marshalling yet again, nice spread at the food stop, nice weather for the Coast run to the finish, just as well as I needed to dry out, all that's left to do now is to try to remove the sun-baked flyer left on my windscreen , half it is still stuck on.

iwillhtfu

Arequipa wrote: »

But quite sad too.. Was belting along and went by an ambulance.. 2 cyclists on ground.. One guy was unrespinsive and paramedics were trying cpr etc to revive him & using defib machine..

Seemed as if he collapsed & the 2nd person crashed into him..
It didnt look good at all...
Was quite upsetting.. I really hope he survived...

I saw a jeep ambulance flying up the road at one point alright they must've been headed there. As you say hopefully he's ok.

I didn't hear of any other accidents saw one woman getting her knee banded up at the food stop an old knee injury apparently and another go wide on the bend coming down after that castle she was very close to going head first over the wall.

I'd be surprised if there weren't a number of slips given the slippery surface.

zymar

was on the 96k route, very cold with rain around 50k made for a tough day on the bike for me, not bringing any wet gear wasn't very wise either
was only second time out on the bike this year, had to stop legs couldn't take any more, pulled out at lisdoonvarna food stop. grateful thanks to Burren cycling club member for lift back to Ballyvaughan

ricardospeedo

Arequipa wrote: »

Great day today.. Weather was horrible for 2-3 hours in the middle but it brightened up nicely for the coastal route home.. The coast looked beautiful..
I thought the organisation was very good... The road surfaces were really poor in parts...





But quite sad too.. Was belting along and went by an ambulance.. 2 cyclists on ground.. One guy was unrespinsive and paramedics were trying cpr etc to revive him & using defib machine..

Seemed as if he collapsed & the 2nd person crashed into him..
It didnt look good at all...
Was quite upsetting.. I really hope he survived...

If it was the same guy unfortunately he didn't make it.I knew him well a very experienced cyclist and a great man RIP John .

ricardospeedo

Arequipa wrote: »

Great day today.. Weather was horrible for 2-3 hours in the middle but it brightened up nicely for the coastal route home.. The coast looked beautiful..
I thought the organisation was very good... The road surfaces were really poor in parts...





But quite sad too.. Was belting along and went by an ambulance.. 2 cyclists on ground.. One guy was unrespinsive and paramedics were trying cpr etc to revive him & using defib machine..

Seemed as if he collapsed & the 2nd person crashed into him..
It didnt look good at all...
Was quite upsetting.. I really hope he survived...

If it was the same guy unfortunately he didn't make it.I knew him well a very experienced cyclist and a great man RIP John .

ricardospeedo

Arequipa wrote: »

Great day today.. Weather was horrible for 2-3 hours in the middle but it brightened up nicely for the coastal route home.. The coast looked beautiful..
I thought the organisation was very good... The road surfaces were really poor in parts...





But quite sad too.. Was belting along and went by an ambulance.. 2 cyclists on ground.. One guy was unrespinsive and paramedics were trying cpr etc to revive him & using defib machine..

Seemed as if he collapsed & the 2nd person crashed into him..
It didnt look good at all...
Was quite upsetting.. I really hope he survived...

If it was the same guy unfortunately he didn't make it.I knew him well a very experienced cyclist and a great man RIP John .