Cycle Ataxia 2016

Mr T.

This just came up on my facebook feed. Search on google for cycleataxia dot Ie. (sorry, I´m a new member, can´t post links.)

4 routes - 18/06/2016

Spread the word, folks.

clickerquicklic

I've noticed this 110km cycle and it fits in perfectly with my Ring of Kerry distant plan for this week. The website says "This is for experienced cyclists only and is an exceptionally difficult course" . Couple of questions please , I've never ridden at a cycling event before so no idea how I'd get on , obviously I'm not there trying to win but don't want to make a fool of myself either miles behind holding the marshals up etc.
What standard do these type of events usually attract ? I can't find results for last year but they are expecting 800 riders , generally what kind of average pace would the slower riders be doing ?
I am waiting on my road bike (bike to work scheme it's ordered should have it soon) currently cycling a heavy old hybrid , do commuting 15k distance times range from 36-42 depending on weather .
Have done a 60km going over and back over howth hill averaging 24km/HR and a few flat 40km rides averaging 23-27km/HR . I'd expect to be quicker when I get a road bike , but am I fooling myself entering this 110km cycle ? Will I be holding the show up ?
Thanks in advance

sullivlo

clickerquicklic wrote: »

I've noticed this 110km cycle and it fits in perfectly with my Ring of Kerry distant plan for this week. The website says "This is for experienced cyclists only and is an exceptionally difficult course" . Couple of questions please , I've never ridden at a cycling event before so no idea how I'd get on , obviously I'm not there trying to win but don't want to make a fool of myself either miles behind holding the marshals up etc.
What standard do these type of events usually attract ? I can't find results for last year but they are expecting 800 riders , generally what kind of average pace would the slower riders be doing ?
I am waiting on my road bike (bike to work scheme it's ordered should have it soon) currently cycling a heavy old hybrid , do commuting 15k distance times range from 36-42 depending on weather .
Have done a 60km going over and back over howth hill averaging 24km/HR and a few flat 40km rides averaging 23-27km/HR . I'd expect to be quicker when I get a road bike , but am I fooling myself entering this 110km cycle ? Will I be holding the show up ?
Thanks in advance

I did cycle ataxia last year. Decent spin and will register for this year also.

One thing to note - the organisers have said that no hybrids are allowed on the 100km route.

In terms of speed. Yes, there are cut off points, but if you're averaging 24kph up and down Howth, you should be fine. As its a sportive rather than an organised/club spin, you just cycle alone and tag onto a group that suits your pace. Most groups will be welcoming.

I cycled this last year and covered maybe 50% of it alone. I was slow on climbs! But I averaged 22 over the 100 and was by no means the last one home. There was a steady stream of people arriving back.

The one downside I had last year was the food stop was quite late on - 60km I think - but if you bring food there's nothing stopping you from pulling in to eat and have a rest!

clickerquicklic

Thanks that's encouraging , yes I will have road bike by next week so will be using that , my current bike is in bits gears don't work properly ( always clicking in and out which is annoying if you press hard on peddles) and the tyres are big so expecting I'll be faster on road bike.
I wasn't anticipating a stop for food that's another added bonus , I'll definitely enter now , looking forward to it.
Thanks

shamrock2004

It was a fantastic event, extremely well organised and had a great day out on the bike. Many thanks to organisers / volunteers / marshalls for everything, and a big congratulations to all involved.

golfer555

Anyone doing this on Saturday? I'm thinking of the 110k route.

How would the 110km compare to the Wicklow 100, much of a muchness?

strmin

I registered for 110k. Hope to find 30+km/h group to work together.

triggermortis

I might do this pending approval of SWMBO...

golfer555

Weather looks good for it too.

On their website their saying the 110km is extremely tough however would it even be on the same scale as the Wicklow 100?

sullivlo

golfer555 wrote: »

Weather looks good for it too.

On their website their saying the 110km is extremely tough however would it even be on the same scale as the Wicklow 100?

A few little lumps in it. I completed it and I'm useless on hills. Nice route.

triggermortis

I'll be there Saturday. Leave pass granted!

Wishbone Ash

Mr T. wrote: »

......4 routes - 18/06/2016.....

17/06/2017

For any of you that can't make it Saturday, there's the McNally Swords CC challenge on Sunday.

http://swordscc.com/two-county-challenge-2017/

Cyclewizard

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

17/06/2017

For any of you that can't make it Saturday, there's the McNally Swords CC challenge on Sunday.

http://swordscc.com/two-county-challenge-2017/

I was looking at the swords spin too. Can't decide which one to do and after paying 64euro for the w200 can't really afford both!

golfer555

strmin wrote: »

I registered for 110k. Hope to find 30+km/h group to work together.

None of my club mates are doing it so hoping to jump in with a group or two and go at a slightly slower pace and get round in under 4 hours. All depends how much the hills take out of my legs, could go quicker.

Foxmoves

Few rolling hills but nothing really bad, as far as I can remember.

Ended up in a good group last year and we had an enjoyable quick spin... as we were pushing to get back from the ireland euro kick off!

triggermortis

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

17/06/2017

For any of you that can't make it Saturday, there's the McNally Swords CC challenge on Sunday.

http://swordscc.com/two-county-challenge-2017/

I saw that on the CI calendar but the link didn't work so I didn't search further.
As an aside, I was driving in Skerries last night and the road out to Rush is currently closed for repairs and I see that is on the 150km route (didn't look at the others). Do the organizers know this?

triggermortis

Edit to my last post: the road to Rush is open again.

golfer555

Get on the suncream for tomorrow it's getting up to 25 degrees. Hopefully we'll be in by the peak temperature!

golfer555

I'm reading there's a compulsory stop on the 110k route, is that common? Pain in the hole as I need to get back.

iwillhtfu

golfer555 wrote: »

I'm reading there's a compulsory stop on the 110k route, is that common? Pain in the hole as I need to get back.

Where did you read that? I doubt there's a compulsory stop considering they have a cut off for mech support.

triggermortis

I didn't see that. Must read the site again. Not heard of this before on any other event..

iwillhtfu

Weepsie wrote: »

That, the food stop and their cut off times suggest they don't really want people to come along nearly.

I'd have done it but I need to be elsewhere at 1 so I'm heading out early

That couldn't be further from the truth.

The lad behind it all is a decent skin and would happily chat away to all and anyone.

It's a terrible affliction and the thoughts of your body degenerating in front of your eyes must be frightening.

Well worth the trip and as per the usual not all cyclists are at the same level what is a challenge to some is an average spin to another. Just try not to assume you're better than anyone else.

Eamonnator

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Where did you read that? I doubt there's a compulsory stop considering they have a cut off for mech support.

there is a compulsory stop(it's on the Facebook page). I'd say it's so that all riders will have the lead car in front of them, for the complete spin. It might not suit everybody, but I understand the reasoning.

golfer555

Taken from their Facebook page

 The 2 longer routes will be paced at 25kph for the first 25 kilometers, (until Ballyboughal village) at which point the lead car will pull away and cyclists can increase their speed.

 The 110k route will have optional water stops at 35k & 90k and a compulsory food stop at 68k in Senechalstown GAA club. The 50k route will have a compulsory food stop at 25k in Ballyboughal village. All cyclists are asked to stop at the Food Stops and not leave before the Lead Car.

 Out of respect to our course volunteers, the event will finish at 3pm. Any cyclists still on the road at that time will be offered transportation back to the venue. You may decline and finish the course if you wish, however, be advised that you do so without any form of event support and at your own risk. This should only be relevant to cyclists on the 110k route who average a speed of less than 20 km/ph. Thank you for your understanding in this measure.

_______________________________

The first 25k at 25kph is a joke, that will ruin people's enjoyment of the event. With a large scale event like this strong cyclists will bypass the car and go on ahead.

The compulsory stop after only 68k is completely unnecessary, this is not needed. You'll get people unwilling to stop and cycle on. I suppose you can't physically make them stop and get off their bikes.

This event has been very misleading, why didn't they advertise these things in advance. I've a feeling they'll have a lot of pissed off people on their hands tomorrow. Yes - It's for a good cause and that's why I'm taking part (im sure the organiser is a great guy) however I signed up to do a proper cycle not be enforced by these unnecessary rules.

triggermortis

I didn't see the Facebook page as I'm not a big social media fan, I only saw the separate site in the initial link. I'll just be happy to be out on my bike and supporting a good cause. I'm sure it will be a grand day out as the weather looks like being kind for a change

triggermortis

Bike cleaned and checked and carried put on the car.
Just noticed a lot of play in my rear wheel, looks like new bearings needed then ☹️

benneca1

golfer555 wrote: »

Taken from their Facebook page

 The 2 longer routes will be paced at 25kph for the first 25 kilometers, (until Ballyboughal village) at which point the lead car will pull away and cyclists can increase their speed.

 The 110k route will have optional water stops at 35k & 90k and a compulsory food stop at 68k in Senechalstown GAA club. The 50k route will have a compulsory food stop at 25k in Ballyboughal village. All cyclists are asked to stop at the Food Stops and not leave before the Lead Car.

 Out of respect to our course volunteers, the event will finish at 3pm. Any cyclists still on the road at that time will be offered transportation back to the venue. You may decline and finish the course if you wish, however, be advised that you do so without any form of event support and at your own risk. This should only be relevant to cyclists on the 110k route who average a speed of less than 20 km/ph. Thank you for your understanding in this measure.

_______________________________

The first 25k at 25kph is a joke, that will ruin people's enjoyment of the event. With a large scale event like this strong cyclists will bypass the car and go on ahead.

The compulsory stop after only 68k is completely unnecessary, this is not needed. You'll get people unwilling to stop and cycle on. I suppose you can't physically make them stop and get off their bikes.

This event has been very misleading, why didn't they advertise these things in advance. I've a feeling they'll have a lot of pissed off people on their hands tomorrow. Yes - It's for a good cause and that's why I'm taking part (im sure the organiser is a great guy) however I signed up to do a proper cycle not be enforced by these unnecessary rules.

It's a charity cycle not the bloody Giro and BTW even it has controlled bits for safety reasons. The controlled pace gives normal folk who don't usually cycle in a big group a chance to experience it.

So you can only hammer on for 85 KM instead of 100 why don't you take a second spin up to Naul when your done. Sure it would be no bother to you by the sounds. Hit it at 40 KMH plus to make it a challenge then do reps with one leg

brianomc

Last year the 25kmph seemed closer to 30. It was 35 for me anyway as I missed the start and played catchup for the first 10km.

I cleaned the bike thoroughly this week, it now makes a lot of noise, feck it. I've tightened everything again tonight so apologies in advance to anyone around me if I haven't fixed it.

You probably could skip the food stop if you really want but I'm sure they time the post-cycle food/massage/welcome around the pace car. Plus something will be said about being "off course" and no longer insured etc. I only average 26kmph normally so it wont affect me.

Hope everyone enjoys it anyway.

golfer555

benneca1 wrote: »

It's a charity cycle not the bloody Giro and BTW even it has controlled bits for safety reasons. The controlled pace gives normal folk who don't usually cycle in a big group a chance to experience it.

So you can only hammer on for 85 KM instead of 100 why don't you take a second spin up to Naul when your done. Sure it would be no bother to you by the sounds. Hit it at 40 KMH plus to make it a challenge then do reps with one leg

Very defensive post, you must be part of the organising committee.

As a paying customer why have the organisers not been clear from the start with nearly a quarter of the whole race controlled with an enforced stop taken a lot of the good out of the day for many. Spoke to another person who signed up on Thursday but isn't doing it now as it's not a proper 110k cycle.

Race directors should be upfront about stuff like this.

sullivlo

golfer555 wrote: »

Very defensive post, you must be part of the organising committee.

As a paying customer why have the organisers not been clear from the start with nearly a quarter of the whole race controlled with an enforced stop taken a lot of the good out of the day for many. Spoke to another person who signed up on Thursday but isn't doing it now as it's not a proper 110k cycle.

Race directors should be upfront about stuff like this.

:rolleyes: a race? Really?

I have done this cycle a few times and it's a nice leisurely day out. Perhaps an actual race might be better for you?

benneca1

Absolutely nothing to do with me although I will be popping over to do it all right as its a nice day and seems to be a good cause. I stand by my comments its a charity cycle aimed at everybody so controlling the pace for 25 Km shouldn't inconvenience you too much. I guess no one is going to pull you off at the foodstop if you want to plough on.

Wish i'd known about this sooner TBH as it would have suited us to a tee, I knew a few weeks ago but herself has commitments on the morning.

I agree with some though http://swordscc.com/two-county-challenge-2017/ is not nearly specific enough especially for those looking to do 110.

I'm not one for social media either so likely miss out on news of these, are there many events like this run through out the year or where could I check? We're doing the Meath Heritage Cycle Tour in July at 50km

Cyclewizard

golfer555 wrote: »

Very defensive post, you must be part of the organising committee.

As a paying customer why have the organisers not been clear from the start with nearly a quarter of the whole race controlled with an enforced stop taken a lot of the good out of the day for many. Spoke to another person who signed up on Thursday but isn't doing it now as it's not a proper 110k cycle.

Race directors should be upfront about stuff like this.

I couldn't make it but as far as I can see It's a cycle over 110km. How's that not a 'proper cycle'?!

And a 'race director'?! Haha

triggermortis

Just back in the house after this - couldn't stay on as other commitments but have to say it was a great event.
Marshalling was spot on and the atmosphere was great. Apparently the numbers are well up on last year, so that was good to see.
The weather made for a good day and I really enjoyed it. Will be back again next year!

https://www.strava.com/athletes/120831

brianomc

Smashing day at it. Good numbers and atmosphere again, no shortage of food, temptation got the better of me at the food stop to have a choccie muffin.

Suncream and lots of water was the order of the day. I was pretty much solo for the last 40km and felt it a bit by the end. Phoned for a lift home at the finish, having rested for 10 mins i wish i hadnt.

The lead car was doing at least 30kmph for the controlled start, so hope that suited the faster riders than 25.

I'll be back next year

Edit: When you apply suncream, make sure you do your arms fully until you are under the jersey, don't be like me and stop just above the elbow.

morana

shocker for me! feet real numb!
https://twitter.com/moran_anto/status/875977206010445824

golfer555

Firstly, highly enjoyable day for an extremely worthy cause. In that weather how would you not enjoy it.

In regards to my earlier concerns about the late communication we received yesterday...

It was not what I would call a controlled start - at points in the first 25k we were sucking diesel at 40kph and averaged 30kph once we left Ashbourne. This was very much welcomed as the start was flat and we could build up speed nicely. Big groups gradually broke up once we got into the rolling the hills. I spoke so someone who did it last year and the same happened there.

The compulsory stop came at 69k and to be honest I ended up welcoming it as I needed to fill up my water bottle. Loads of food was on offer in the GAA club. Left directly after the support car and was in the first few groups that made it back in. A few people did say they weren't keen on the stop as they got stiff getting back on the bike, besides 110km in one go isn't that much to ask for many.

The 110km course was grand, not too much to worry about really. I found the Wicklow 100 the week before much tougher but the wind could well have played a part there. The course was very well marshalled and hot food back in the clubhouse was great with a fantastic spread put on. Music with some free pints were on offer too but I had to get back home quickly, gutted. All event volunteers were lovely.

I think I've been more than fair throughout my pre and post event posts. It's only fair as a consumer you have the right to call out an event if they provide late/mis-leading communication or use language which may be seen as off putting. I made my point but all in all it was a great event and for the people researching in future I would highly recommend. Oh and the finish line area with music and people clapping was a nice touch.

Cyclewizard wrote: »

I couldn't make it but as far as I can see It's a cycle over 110km. How's that not a 'proper cycle'?!

And a 'race director'?! Haha

Good one, funny, brave too jumping on the bandwagon with a sly dig... The terminology used on the their website was course director rather than race which I used which isn't too far out.

Galego

Great day out yesterday. There was a good turnover I thought. The 110km was challenging (many rags) but the Wicklow 100km was harder. I had to play catch-up after 10km due to a puncture so was a solo ride for me for the remainder of the course. As I had limited time I did not stop and did the whole thing in a bottle of water 750 and few gels. Not ideal but oh well....the puncture really set me back.

Will be back next year. Great event and great cause. :-)