The Leinster Loop 2015 with Stephen Roche

BGT

Hi all

The 2015 Leinster Loop with Version 1 will take place on 16th August in Narraghmore, Co. Kildare, with three routes, 130 km, 90 km & 50 km. All funds raised are for Breast Cancer Research and St Laurence's Community Centre. Great day out, ride with a true cycling legend, nominated Cycling Ireland's best leisure event for the past three years. Register on Facebook and leinsterloop.com. Family fun 12 km and all new 25 km (aimed at tomorrow's stars) cycles take place on Saturday evening, 15th August. Your support as always is much appreciated.

Euro Fred

I'm booked and was wondering will there be water refills along the way , if yes where will they be?

omri

Anyone knows how tough the 90km course is ?

BGT

Euro Fred wrote: »

I'm booked and was wondering will there be water refills along the way , if yes where will they be?

Hi Euro Fred, waterstop on the 130 km route is at the 50 km mark, and the foodstop is at 78 km (CycleTrax, Carlow). Foodstop for the 90 km route is at the same venue, at the 40 km mark.

Koobcam

omri wrote: »

Anyone knows how tough the 90km course is ?

I think the 90 km route is basically the 130 without the hills. So not super-hard, and mostly flat with a few drags, though that also depends on how fast you ride and what sort of group you end up with.

siochain

130 km booked and looking forward to it ðŸ‘

BGT

Hi all

Just an update on this year's event. The special edition Leinster Loop 2015 jersey is now available to purchase on the website. Top quality Spin 11 kit, with concealed full zip and grippers, and available in 6 sizes. Small size already sold out, and others sizes heading the same way, so check the sizing chart and buy soon to avoid disappointment.

Road marking will be done this weekend, weather forecast is promising (sunshine at last) and plans are going very well.

Goodie bags will only be available for cyclists registering on-line. We will be confirming main content item soon, but we think you will be impressed! On-line entrants will also be in a draw to win an awesome prize -a week for two riders in Stephen Roche's cycling camp in sunny Mallorca. Booking on-line makes our logistics work much easier, always appreciated as we are all volunteers.

Event is entirely charitable, with funds going to Breast Cancer Research and St Laurence's Community Complex. Nominated Cycling Ireland's best leisure event for the past three years and your support is always appreciated. Please spread the word, and bring a friend or two and enjoy a great day out, and a chance to meet and share the road with cycling legend - Stephen Roche. For more details and to register, log on to http://www.leinsterloop.com.

bazermc

I'm in

Big fan of this event

Allez Cat

Hi, how does the 130k route size up against Ring of Kerry 180 or Tour de Kilkenny 160?
In reference to climbs - number of them, length, etc.

Thanks.

Euro Fred

Scroll down and veloviewer profile is there

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leinster-Loop/214351458585077

coach22

Just signed up there. Fingers crossed for some good weather for a change!

3102derek

The weather has been good the last few years. Hopefully this year is the same.
Accuweather is showing overcast all day.

easygoing39

Can I sign up and pay on the day or is online in advance only??
Im trying to get the day off work,but I wont know till much later in the week.

BGT

Easygoing39

In-person registration can be done on Saturday evening from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm, and on Sunday morning from 8.00 am. Please allow some extra time to get it sorted. As you can appreciate we are encouraging riders to register on-line as it makes planning and logistics so much easier (we all have day jobs!) and in this regard goodie bags will only be available for on-line registrations (the pretty cool main item of the goodie bag will be revealed very soon), as will entry to the draw to win an amazing week for two riders in Stephen Roche's cycling camp in Mallorca (see previous post).

So bottom line, you will be very welcome to register on the day, cheque or cash only.

Dcully

Cant wait, done it last year,the headwind for last 50k was torture so hoping its not as windy this year.
Done TOK 110k yesterday in preperation for the Loop and Sean Kelly tour of Waterford.

Allez Cat

All registered, this will be my first time around.
Looking forward to some climbs. Any tips from those who've been around before??

bazermc

Allez Cat wrote: »

All registered, this will be my first time around.
Looking forward to some climbs. Any tips from those who've been around before??

130K route I presume?

Allez Cat

bazermc wrote: »

130K route I presume?

Indeed

3102derek

Insure you are covered food wise, it is 86k before the food stop. Which can be a pain after 20odd k in the "hills".

It's handy after the food stop.

And watch the downhill into old loughlin, its straight but very fast. usually hit approx 80/90kmph there

Koobcam

Allez Cat wrote: »

All registered, this will be my first time around.
Looking forward to some climbs. Any tips from those who've been around before??

This is a good event, well organised. First bit from Narraghmore GAA to Athy is 'neutralised', ie the people who like to go fast are kept in check and the whole bunch rides together at a nice pace. I think Stephen Roche usually rides at the front for this bit. He normally peels off before the hills and then the pace will go up. First climb is a drag on the main road, then a left turn and more hills. Most people will end up in a group at this point and ride together to the food stop in carlow town. From there back to Narraghmore is handy enough, a few small drags on the way back, but nothing very difficult. This event is pretty popular, so one of the benefits is a large number of people, meaning you will probably be able to find a group to suit your pace somewhere along the road. The descent into Old Leighlin is very fast alright, but dead straight and the fast bit is only about 2km and normally no crossroads or sheep to worry about, so should be grand.

bazermc

Allez Cat wrote: »

Indeed

If I recall the mountains are after about 20k and a short and steep, so head down, low gear and pace yourself - i.e. dont go the first few kms like a luncatic as will suffer.

I also recall the last few kms have a few killer steep but short ramps, so need to keep something in the tank for that

Celtickiller

I ordered a Jersey online, will it come in the post or do I need to collect on the day ?

BGT

Hi Celtickiller
Yes, Jersey can be collected at sign on on Saturday evening from 4.30 to 6.30, or on Sunday morning when you're signing on from 8am.

Jerseys look great, have grippers too, and for a photo opp we are planning to have Loop Jersey wearers up the front of the bunch for the start.

Please note some sizes sold out or close to already, so buy on-line to avoid disappointment.

Also check Facebook page for details of awesome goodie bag (including cool Ass Saver for 90 & 130 riders), only available to on-line registrations.

Celtickiller

BGT wrote: »

Hi Celtickiller
Yes, Jersey can be collected at sign on on Saturday evening from 4.30 to 6.30, or on Sunday morning when you're signing on from 8am.

Jerseys look great, have grippers too, and for a photo opp we are planning to have Loop Jersey wearers up the front of the bunch for the start.

Please note some sizes sold out or close to already, so buy on-line to avoid disappointment.

Also check Facebook page for details of awesome goodie bag (including cool Ass Saver for 90 & 130 riders), only available to on-line registrations.

Great I live around the corner, see you Saturday

Einstein?

Signed up earlier today, looking forward to Sunday :cool:

BGT

Just to update you all.

Saturday
The new 25 km local loop will leave St Laurence's at 5.15 pm this evening, with Stephen Roche leading the way. Entry fee is €10 and bookings will be taken from 4.30. The family fun 12 km will be led by John Doyle, and leaves at 5.30. Family entry is €20 and individual €10. There will be a BBQ for all afterwards. We are deligthed with the on-line bookings for both routes, so there will be a great atmosphere.

Sunday
Those who have registered on-line can sign on Saturday evening from 4.30 to 6.30, and Sunday morning from 8.00. We will accept registrations on Sunday morning from 8.00. Please allow 15 minutes extra to sort this.

On-line registration has been extended to 2.00 pm today, Saturday to cope with huge demand. All on-line registered riders will receive a goodie bag (trust us it is v impressive, retail value over €60) and a chnace to win a week for 2 in S Roche's Cycling Camp in Mallorca. On-line entries will be above last year's huge numbers, and with weather looking good, we hope to exceed last year's 1,550+ rider numbers, so come along and have a great ride.

The special edition LL jersey can be purchased through the website, http://www.leinsterloop.com, and can be collected from 4.30 today and on Sunday morning (terrific value at €40).

The Leinster Loop, Ireland's premier charity cycle sportive with Version 1, is grateful for your continued support - it's going to be a great weekend of cycling!

Dcully

Hi BGT, im heading over this evening to collect my goodie bag and to sign in, just wondering what sort of fit is the jersey?
I find jersey sizing to be so inconsistent,for example i have a large, a XXXL and an XL all exactly the same size, fit me the exact same but as you can see varying sizes according to manufacturer.
I also have another 4th jersey thats meant to be large but is swimming on me, only 3 weeks ago i bought a lovely jersey online went with XXXXL and it turned out to be smaller than even my sons medium jersey :eek:
For this reason i rarely buy jerseys now without trying them on first, would be keen to try on before a purchase if at all possible.

BGT

Hi dcully

Jersey is race fit, size chart on website. You can try on this evening, and subject to availability buy what you need.

V nice Jersey, excellent spin 11 quality and this years has grippers.

Einstein?

Hi guys, would you recommend wearing 2 pairs of socks when cycling? I'm doing the 130k and messed up the back of my heel with some bad shoes yesterday evening & also have a soar toe on left foot from astro injury.

iwillhtfu

BGT Does the 130km route go clockwise toward Tullow-Carlow or anti cw toward Athy-Comer-Carlow? The non interactive map is no help.

07Lapierre

iwillhtfu wrote: »

BGT Does the 130km route go clockwise toward Tullow-Carlow or anti cw toward Athy-Comer-Carlow? The non interactive map is no help.

Last year it was Anti clockwise ... I assume it's the same this year.

Einstein?

iwillhtfu wrote: »

BGT Does the 130km route go clockwise toward Tullow-Carlow or anti cw toward Athy-Comer-Carlow? The non interactive map is no help.

http://www.strava.com/activities/19143281

This might help!

Dcully

Einstein? wrote: »

Hi guys, would you recommend wearing 2 pairs of socks when cycling? I'm doing the 130k and messed up the back of my heel with some bad shoes yesterday evening & also have a soar toe on left foot from astro injury.

My left toe is amputated, ankle/foot area has 37 screws and 3 plates all over the shop, foot reconstructed basically, i suffer with pain on a daily basis mainly because the screw and plates are in very innocuous places not normally intended to be but was that or lose the leg, metal will stay there forever because i have feck all circulation which is needed for healing the holes left behind from said metal, i have feck all muscles in this leg as 95% of my power comes from the right leg

[almost a one legged cyclist ]

I wear one pair of socks, rode tour of kildare 110k last week plus over and back from home,im cycling through the pain roughly two years now, if i can manage that you should be fine mate

If thats your cycle you linked above, your a mean cyclist and a bit of pain should be no issue to you, great going there.

iwillhtfu

Thanks just spotted they have it listed on the home page as Narraghmore-Athy-Comer-Carlow-Tullow-Narraghmore. You can't get more simpple than that.

I'm in although I'll be bailing at Carlow as family plans are clashing and with the late start (which I would normally prefer) I'll start in Carlow so will be doing a Carlow-Kilkea-Narraghmore-Athy-Comer-Carlow

Sounds like a great event and I won't mention the weather but possibly the first dry sportive I've done this year .

any thoughts on the jersey looks to be good quality and a worthy cause.

ashleey

It was my ride form a couple of years ago and thanks for the compliment

Here is last years

http://www.strava.com/activities/181487604

It's a great event and I'm gutted that I can't make tomorrow.

The organisers and volunteers deserve congratulations for running such a great event every year.

Do be careful at old loughlin as the road surface is not smooth!

siochain

Weather looking good, looking forward to tomorrow ðŸ˜႒

Einstein?

Hey ashleey I was looking at that strava ride, some serious going there. I was just wondering does everyone stagger after a while or does the peloton stay together for a good bit?

One more thing, were you guys at the front pushing yourself to the max - as in 'race mode' - or was this just casual for you?:P

Dcully

Einstein? wrote: »

Hey ashleey I was looking at that strava ride, some serious going there. I was just wondering does everyone stagger after a while or does the peloton stay together for a good bit?

One more thing, were you guys at the front pushing yourself to the max - as in 'race mode' - or was this just casual for you?:P

There was plenty of peletons last year on the 90k atleast,i recall it well last year, i stayed with the lead group until the food stop @ 41k my average was 35.5kmph which is way beyond my level.
My head was telling me to slow down and pace myself but the buzz was amazing :P
The net result was torture for the last 50k into a head wind and feck all left in the tank.
That might give you an idea of pace if you want it, you will easily find a group of your level mate.

Einstein?

https://www.strava.com/activities/364226606

^ This is me at what I consider a very normal and chatting pace heading out in a group ride. Had a very strong wind against us!

I wonder how I'll be able to maintain 30k+ average

This will be my first charity cycle or sportive as they call it

nilhg

Einstein? wrote: »

Hey ashleey I was looking at that strava ride, some serious going there. I was just wondering does everyone stagger after a while or does the peloton stay together for a good bit?

One more thing, were you guys at the front pushing yourself to the max - as in 'race mode' - or was this just casual for you?:P

Flyby is your friend there, Click this link and press play.

It'll be a controlled pace till the group goes through Athy, when I did it last the splits started to happen on the drag up the Rushes.

iwillhtfu

Einstein? wrote: »

I wonder how I'll be able to maintain 30k+ average

This will be my first charity cycle or sportive as they call it

Judging by the title in your strava link just remember to unclip when they stop and you'll be grand

On the 130k at least it look like all the climbing is in the first half

ashleey

Honestly you'll easily find that it splits into groups of your own pace.

The idea is that you hammer it when you're at the front and then rest a bit as you rotate round.

Only go at your own pace and you'll be fine. It was fast at the front and it was painful for some of it especially up the main road near the end but you can rest at the finish!

You will love it

Zyzz

Entry bought for the 130k, weather looks good enough, no rain and Ill be happy!

By all means say hello as I'll be cycling it by myself, Ill have the POC on..probably the only one with that helmet on the day :pac:



Edit:

How nice does this look!!!!

http://www.strava.com/segments/7494329?filter=overall

Neleven

Signed up for the 90km. Slightly nervous as it's slightly beyond my comfort zone - no cycles above 65km so far this year (though loads of around 60); first proper sportif other than a 34km family thingy; looking forward to it all the same!

nilhg

Went over and signed on this evening, great excitment and atmosphere with the two family cycles finishing and a turn out for those that would put many adult sportives to shame.

Looking forward to it now, still a bit tender on a shoulder after a crash a fortnight ago so I'll be just tipping around, certainly won't be trying to keep up with zyzz on that big drop off the Butts.

Best of luck to all, I'll be on a black Felt F series (one of the other lads has an AR) with Headstrong gear on, give me a shout if you see me.

Zyzz

nilhg wrote: »

Went over and signed on this evening, great excitment and atmosphere with the two family cycles finishing and a turn out for those that would put many adult sportives to shame.

Looking forward to it now, still a bit tender on a shoulder after a crash a fortnight ago so I'll be just tipping around, certainly won't be trying to keep up with zyzz on that big drop off the Butts.

Best of luck to all, I'll be on a black Felt F series (one of the other lads has an AR) with Headstrong gear on, give me a shout if you see me.

Ill wait at the food stop for a while

nilhg

Zyzz wrote: »

Ill wait at the food stop for a while

Could be a bit of a wait.....

kildarecommuter

Great well organized event weather was kind to everyone really enjoyed the 90km
Many thanks and well done to Organiser's

djemba djemba

Just back did the 130km. Great event. Some fast descents. Thanks to all the organisers and volunteers. Excellent signage even from the motorway on the way to the start.

Might pop back to buy that €10,000 bike that was at the food stop.

iwillhtfu

Great event altogether a few drags that were a pita but enjoyable event jumped out just before the food stop.

I lost my saddle bag on one of the descents cycled back up to get it and about 200 out saw a lad that looked to be picking it up. Lost him in a group but hopefully if he did it shows up. It has my CI card so should be easy enough to track me down. Thanks to the lad that gave me the heads up that it fell off.

I'd do it again no bother. Thanks to all involved.

I only saw one crash one of the Army lads took a tumble I think his front wheel was clipped. Back up and motoring shortly after though. I wouldn't mind but his bike looked pricey.

man_no_plan

Great day, did the 130k.

Home and hosed now, leg massage was a nice touch. Super organisation on it well signed and Marshalled.

Food was great too, really good atmosphere all day.

Well done to all involved. I did it solo but no shortage of people to share the pain with.