Talk to me about Ballyalban Hill

Shriner

Hello,
Having signed up for the 110km Tour de Burren on 18th June, we are now getting very mixed advice about the course. It sways between "very hilly" to "some drags". Please talk to me about Ballyalban Hill and tell me how bad is it? Is it very long? Any other advice would be most welcome regarding this route as we don't know the area at all. Is the climb to the top of the Cliffs of Moher horrific? I'm sure you can guess that hills wouldn't be our friend! Thanks in advance.

crosstownk

I'm not sure if the route is identical but you can see the gradients in the link.

https://www.strava.com/segments/4490202

Shriner

Thanks very much crosstownk for your reply.

iwillhtfu

I did this spin last year. Excellent cycle although it rained from start to finish and got quite cold once soaked.

I like yourself thought the Burren would be flat. I wouldn't say it's mountainous but it is quite hilly a good few ramps and I recall there being one or two long drags.

There was nothing that would be considered extreme though. I would be a hill dodger at the best of times mind.

Good luck and enjoy. I hope the weather is better than last year's. If it is wet watch out for the switchbacks on some of the descents the road surface is typically Irish.

tacklemore

Hi. Have done this the last few years. Missing it this year due to a wedding. Really enjoyable cycle.
Regarding the hills, I wouldn't get too worried about any particular one.
Corker Hill comes early so be mindful of that. It's sharp but the biggest problem is people being caught unawares and not being in the right gear. Be ready to swerve to avoid people wobbling and clipping out.
The hill before the Cliffs is a dirty one but doable. By dirty, I just mean drawn out.
Corkscrew Hill is grand. The switchbacks make it fun. I've had many laughs with others cycling up it, and gotten given out to for making people lose their breath by making them laugh, all in good fun though. It's the drag before it thats nasty.
Enjoy the day. Hope they've ice cream at the end for you. Also, you'll get the nicest pint of Guinness in the bar on the right overlooking the pier in Ballyvaughan. Can't remember the name of it now.
Bring a light jacket. You just can't trust the weather in the Burren!

sconhome

tacklemore wrote: »

Corkscrew Hill is grand. The switchbacks make it fun. I've had many laughs with others cycling up it, and gotten given out to for making people lose their breath by making them laugh, all in good fun though. It's the drag before it thats nasty.

This is probably the worst bit of the course. You don't realise it cos it is so steady but a long drag!

wuzziwig

No Corkscrew in the TDB this year. Ballyalban has replaced it. I've cycled Ballyalban and it's fine. It goes on for around 5km but you're getting it out of the way with fresh legs at the start. No Corker or drag up to Carran either this year.

Cliffs of Moher is fine too. Bit of a drag. The worst part of it is the hill coming out of Liscannor by St. Bridgid's well. It's steep and you kinda think you are up it when you hit another bit. But that's the worst part of that section IMO. Just mind the tour buses going up by the cliffs.

There's another drag from Doolin up to Ballinalacken castle but then you have the North Clare coast ahead of you and it's stunning.

Shriner

Thank you all so much for your encouraging responses. It's good to know we are not the only hill dodgers out there! Looking forward to the day now.

wuzziwig

Shriner, if you totally dodge hills then you will find this a very tough route. I'd strongly advise you to do a bit of hill training beforehand.

Shriner

Ah we are doing some hill training. We have no choice where we live to be honest but to hill train but that doesn't mean we have to like them! Thanks though I appreciate your comment.

wuzziwig

You'll be grand so. Just remember to lift the head and take in the amazing scenery all along the route. Hopefully that will make the hills more bearable!!

wuzziwig

Meant to say earlier that Ballyalban consists of a few switchbacks, they are longer than the ones on Corkscrew and not as steep so that helps to break the climb up a bit. There's a nice drag up to the first of these. When you get to the top, get off the bike and look back over the direction you came from. Stunning, especially on a clear, fine day.

Shriner

Ah that sounds do-able. Looking forward to seeing a different part of the country too. Thanks again for your advice.

wuzziwig

I cycled up Corkscrew on Sunday with a hangover. Not advisable by any stretch of the imagination!! :eek: