Donegal Bay CC Spring Sportive Sat April 16

Iwernia

3 NEW ROUTES FOR 2016 ALONG THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY

The “Spring Sportive” will take place on Saturday April 16th this year and once again the World famous Magee of Donegal will be the title sponsor of the event in association with Ted’s Bike Shop Donegal Town


The “Spring Sportive” was first run in 2013 and proved very popular attracting 200 participants. With the option of three routes, there is something for everyone. Taking in the scenic roads of South West Donegal, our Sportive offers stunning scenery, challening routes, good organisation and great hospitality. All routes will meander along the “Wild Atlantic Way” with the 140K route taking in some of Donegal’s famous “The Bluestack Way”


3 Routes are on offer catering for all level of cyclists. Routes are currently provisional and subject to change.

140K Generous food stop at halfway point and hot food served at the finish ONLY €15.

100K Generous food stop at halfway point and hot food served at the finish ONLY €15.

40K Water & Toilet stop at halfway point with tea and sandwiches served at the finish ONLY €10.



We are delighted to announce special rates for anyone wishing to stay over night for our leisure event in April in conjunction with the Abbey Hotel Donegal Town.

Weekend Rates for 1 B&B for 2 people €139

Weekend Rates for 1 B&B + 1 Dinner for 2 people €179

Weekend Rates for 2 B&B for €104 PPS

Weekend Rates for 2 B&B + 1 Dinner €124 PPS

ADD A THIRD NIGHT B&B FOR ONLY €45 PPS






http://www.abbeyhoteldonegal.com


Now, when we say hot food served at the finish we mean quality food from the renowned award winning "Harbour Restaurant" in Donegal Town. We are delighted that Jo and her team are on board again this year to make this the best value sportive in the country.


http://www.theharbour.ie

Domane

Compared to the ROK, that's an absolute bargain. Verrrry interested.

Unknown Soldier

I'm tempted just by the food at the end... you make it sound lovely!

Iwernia

Domane wrote: »

Compared to the ROK, that's an absolute bargain. Verrrry interested.

I think we can all agree that the price of Sportives have gone silly. This is a sensible price which offers quiet roads, great scenery, bucket loads of climbing and a hot meal at the end in a friendly town which has a lot to offer anyone planning on staying over for a night or longer.

at1withmyself

This will be my third year making the trip up from Galway and having done sportiffs all around the country this is one of the best for value. Super route which has some nice climbs and great support. Last year there was major improvements from my first spin with no price increase which makes me wonder how some of the others can justify charging over 50 Euro.

The route can be tough along the coast with the wind but you get to see some spectacular parts of the Donegal. If anyone has yet to cycle in Donegal this one should be high on the list!

Wishbone Ash

Iwernia wrote: »

I think we can all agree that the price of Sportives have gone silly....

at1withmyself wrote: »

makes me wonder how some of the others can justify charging over 50 Euro....

It's simple economics - supply and demand. The ROK can charge want they do because demand outstrips supply. If 1,000 people turn up in Donegal Town on the 16th of April, you can be assured that the price would rise significantly next year.

Domane

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

It's simple economics - supply and demand. The ROK can charge want they do because demand outstrips supply. If 1,000 people turn up in Donegal Town on the 16th of April, you can be assured that the price would rise significantly next year.

And that is why I dispair in this country. See a golden goose, and instead of nurturing it, they bloody well kill it with price rises. What is it about this country that the screw is turned to get the last cent out of you? Why aren't people just happy to make a nice little profit, instead of ripping your wallet out of your pocket? Don't say it's capitalism because real capitalism knows there are limits where you get diminishing returns for your price rises. In this country, it's grab all! Ok, rant over. It's late and I'm tired. Hope the Donegal organisers keep things sensible and I'll get up there in April for a spin.

Iwernia

at1withmyself wrote: »

The route can be tough along the coast with the wind but you get to see some spectacular parts of the Donegal. If anyone has yet to cycle in Donegal this one should be high on the list!

The coastal route remains again this year and you are right it is spectacular, and tough even without any wind, a couple of great climbs have been added near the finish to give you more bang for your buck. No such thing as a free lunch, ha ha.

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

It's simple economics - supply and demand. The ROK can charge want they do because demand outstrips supply. If 1,000 people turn up in Donegal Town on the 16th of April, you can be assured that the price would rise significantly next year.

I can assure you the price will remain the same next year regardless of how many turn up, we are only looking to promote cycling around Donegal Town and it is not a money making exercise. As long as we cover our costs along with the help of a few local businesses, this event is all about promoting both cycling & the local area.

As a club we also have the same philosophy, to give back as much as the club can afford. e.g.

FREE access to rollers for all youths racing.
After cycle get-together Free soup & sandwiches on occasion throughout the year.
FREE turbo training classes over the Winter.
Subsidised Christmas party night.
Subsidised Club jerseys

Domane

Iwernia wrote: »

I can assure you the price will remain the same next year regardless of how many turn up, we are only looking to promote cycling around Donegal Town and it is not a money making exercise. As long as we cover our costs along with the help of a few local businesses, this event is all about promoting both cycling & the local area.

As a club we also have the same philosophy, to give back as much as the club can afford. e.g.

FREE access to rollers for all youths racing.
After cycle get-together Free soup & sandwiches on occasion throughout the year.
FREE turbo training classes over the Winter.
Subsidised Christmas party night.
Subsidised Club jerseys

And for these reasons, your event should do very well as its about cycling and the promotion of the sport/past time. No charity angle tacked on to justify insane entry fees. I'd much rather support an honest event like yours than to have a gun put to my head and fork out a couple of hundred euro to ride the ROK. I'm trying to sort out childcare so I can take part. Hope to se you inApril.

Leroy42

I did this last year, great event and the scenery is amazing. Not exactly over the moon about the extra climbs towards the end!

Iwernia

We are delighted to announce a special rate of €12 per person for anyone wishing to stay overnight in The Bluestack Centre Hostel for the "Magee Donegal Bay Spring Sportive" on The 16th April which will be passing by our Hostel.
To avail of this special offer contact us direct on 074 9735564 or email us at info@donegalbluestacks.com

As seen recently on " At Your Service"

ednwireland

we have shop window ! thanks to magees for officially launching the sportive

Iwernia

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/530929/380513.jpg


The hardest working committee in the NorthWest.

Which one is the Chairman?????????????????

Lets hope the sky is as blue on the 16th April.

ted1

If I'm in the country I hope to get up to do this

68 lost souls

I hope to make it too pending a few Calander clashes

Mercian Pro

Iwernia wrote: »

I can assure you the price will remain the same next year regardless of how many turn up, we are only looking to promote cycling around Donegal Town and it is not a money making exercise. As long as we cover our costs along with the help of a few local businesses, this event is all about promoting both cycling & the local area.

Excellent philosophy and the key to this is that it's being organised by a cycling club and not by a hotel group.

Domane wrote: »

No charity angle tacked on to justify insane entry fees.

Just because a charity benefits from a sportif doesn't mean that the entry fee needs to be excessive. The Mick Byrne organised by Sorrento CC has raised over €3000 for the Wicklow Hospice for each of the last few years and they also only charge €15.

I had been looking at going down to the Cliffs of Moher Challenge the same weekend but this is looking like more of a test. Hope to make it on the 16th.

For those interested, details are at http://www.donegalbaycyclingclub.com/leisure/

Mercian Pro

Looking back over previous editions of this sportif, I came across http://www.donegalbaycyclingclub.com/two-day-workshop-on-how-to-avoid-donegal-sheep/
Can a crash-course (!) be organised for the Friday night?

Iwernia

This video makes it all look so easy.

Iwernia

Just announced by our kind sponsor.......

A "MAGEE" T-Shirt FREE to the first 200 entrants to sign on next Saturday April 16.

Wishbone Ash

Is the St John Bosco Centre easy to find in Donegal Town and is there parking available? (I'll be arriving via the N15).

Thanks.

(There should be at least 2 of us from McNally Swords CC doing it. )

Wishbone Ash

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Is the St John Bosco Centre easy to find in Donegal Town and is there parking available? (I'll be arriving via the N15).

Thanks.

(There should be at least 2 of us from McNally Swords CC doing it. )

I just found it using Google Earth (on Railway Park?). Parking looks very limited! :eek:

gambeta_fc

Here's a link for Google Maps:
St John Bosco Centre

If you drag the street view icon (little yellow man) over the red marker you should be looking straight at it. Should be plenty of parking around the centre, can't remember any diffculties last year anyway.

ednwireland

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I just found it using Google Earth (on Railway Park?). Parking looks very limited! :eek:

It's not that bad and there is a plan b . The bosco holds about a two hundred cars or so.
But if your worried get there early

sorry for the delay just back from a committee meeting

heartofwhite

Heading up with a friend, cant wait for it!

Fr D Maugire

Looking forward to doing this again, mind I am only doing the 100k this time around due to lack of fitness. Looking at the new route for the 100k, it should be great as it follows the longer route more now which makes it even more scenic plus I get to go down Glengesh again. Really love this event.

DonegalBay

Only 4 days to go folks. Looking at the wather forecasts, it looks like it will be a decent day, Sunny if a bit chilly. Wont take long to get warmed up though. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Hoping for another great edition of the Sportive.

Mercian Pro

Make sure to say hallo in the morning. I will be in Boards tights, a Swords jersey and a Galibier jacket (covering all options). Wishbone Ash should be in full Swords kit.
Hopefully the forecast of wintry showers is overly pessimistic

ednwireland

back from 10 hours signing hope its enough !

DonegalBay

Thanks to everyone who took part today. 300 signed on which is our biggest crowd to date after 4 editions. It managed to stay dry for most of the way but it sure was chilly especially when standing around marshaling. Did spot the lads from Swords on the way around, thanks for making the trip. Hope ye all enjoyed it and maybe we will see some of you back again.

gambeta_fc

Brilliantly run event again and a credit to the Donegal Bay club. Signage, marshalling, food and support all top class which doesn't happen by accident, a huge amount of work must go on behind the scenes and it shows.

Special thanks to the mechanic who rescued me from the broom wagon in Meenaneary, went above and beyond to get me back on the road.

Mercian Pro

That is one tough Sportif. It has about the same amount of climbing as the Rebel Tour and the Mick Byrne 160 but compressed into less distance. The early short sharp climbs took their toll but a very welcome break at Meenaneary fortified me for the second half. Thought the excursion into the Bluestacks wasn't too bad but that was before hitting the real climbs. Glad to make it back to Donegal Town (and Dublin) intact.
Well done to all involved for running a superb event. The route, signage, scenery, marshalling, food, facilities and friendliness were all top class. Special thanks for the super curry at the finish.

Wishbone Ash

Great day out and probably the best organised sportive I've ever done. I couldn't fault it. Thanks to Donegal Bay CC and everyone involved. :cool:

Myself and Mercian Pro underestimated how lumpy it was going to be. I don't think I've even changed up and down from the big ring to the small ring so many times during a single ride. :eek:

Wishbone Ash

Myself taken by Mercian Pro today - haven't a clue where it was!

DonegalBay

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Myself taken by Mercian Pro today - haven't a clue where it was!

That is on the road from Malinmore(the most westerly part of the route) back into Glencolmcille, that is Glen Head in the background. Beautiful part of the world.

ednwireland

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Myself taken by Mercian Pro today - haven't a clue where it was!

thanks nicked your photo for our album on FB
just trying to motivate myself to go out for spin (get away from a car full of junk )

ed

Mercian Pro

ednwireland wrote: »

thanks nicked your photo for our album on FB
just trying to motivate myself to go out for spin (get away from a car full of junk )

ed

Here's the standard post-sportif post:
I saw some photographers out on the route yesterday. Any idea if it will be possible to see some of their photos?

I also have a few more that I took on the way round and can post them on your FB page if you like.

ednwireland

Mercian Pro wrote: »

Here's the standard post-sportif post:
I saw some photographers out on the route yesterday. Any idea if it will be possible to see some of their photos?

I also have a few more that I took on the way round and can post them on your FB page if you like.

Ah yes the photographers were our local community paper mainly ill see what they have . Didnt have any of our own out.

By all means post the photos to our page thanks v much

heartofwhite

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Great day out and probably the best organised sportive I've ever done. I couldn't fault it. Thanks to Donegal Bay CC and everyone involved. :cool:

Myself and Mercian Pro underestimated how lumpy it was going to be. I don't think I've even changed up and down from the big ring to the small ring so many times during a single ride. :eek:

This.

Fr D Maugire

Just wanted to add to the positive compliments re the organisation of this event. Have been at every edition and each year it keeps getting better, I think it is the attention to detail. Even a thing like the guy on the mic at the finish who welcomed everyone home again, it is a minor thing but a nice touch.

Hospitality was second to none, hard to believe we got a free T-shirt(non cycling as well)water bottle, food stop and a nice hot meal at the finish, all for €15.

Just a superb event.

Iwernia

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1027004000719327.1073741917.115988665154203&type=3




A few pics from last Saturday's event. Absolutely overwhelmed by the support and positive comments we received all week and already looking forward to next years edition.