Sean Kelly 160km, tips?

dahat

Anyone care to part with any bits of advice or lessons learned from previous years?

I'm quite an active cyclist with plenty of hard kms in the legs so i plan to do a 30-40km spin handy Tuesday and maybe 20km Friday to finish off.It is my first time doing this Sportive and I'm nit exactly an efficent climber so i will pace myself accordingly.

Is carb loading something to look into for Friday and Saturday?

Muckers

Efficient climber or not, whatever you do don't attack Tickincor or you will regret doing so. It's 3.2km long and is the most difficult climb around these parts. I've seen dozens of SK entrants in the ditch after belting up it from the start.

The Noble Nudge

Plenty of pasta and hydrate well...
Its a tough cycle with 4 long climbs in it mama road being the last which goes on forever and ever....
Mahon falls will be slow but very doable and smile for the camera they usually always have a photographer there,
Descending can be tricky in parts so take your time loose gravel and cattle grids but they will have plenty of marshals enroute to warn you....
Hopefully we get the weather to enjoy the day,

dahat

Muckers wrote: »

Efficient climber or not, whatever you do don't attack Tickincor or you will regret doing so. It's 3.2km long and is the most difficult climb around these parts. I've seen dozens of SK entrants in the ditch after belting up it from the start.

Well aware of Tickincor, been up it twice, i live in Clonmel. Definitely one for pacing and spinning.

dahat

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

Plenty of pasta and hydrate well...
Its a tough cycle with 4 long climbs in it mama road being the last which goes on forever and ever....
Mahon falls will be slow but very doable and smile for the camera they usually always have a photographer there,
Descending can be tricky in parts so take your time loose gravel and cattle grids but they will have plenty of marshals enroute to warn you....
Hopefully we get the weather to enjoy the day,

I have crashed off Mahon already this year! Hoping to avoid a repeat but hopefully it is marshalled alot better than The Comeragh Challenge, one marshall to warn folk.

bazermc

Pray to the weather gods.

dahat

Sunday doesn't look so hot at this point

ford2600

dahat wrote: »

I have crashed off Mahon already this year! Hoping to avoid a repeat but hopefully it is marshalled alot better than The Comeragh Challenge, one marshall to warn folk.

A man on a red bike and dynamo warned you very close to the top...

It's just a bit longer than your normal spin, go a little easier for first half than normal and you'll be grand. Don't change anything with food, bike, clothing etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ocWVgmkUSk

The Noble Nudge

Well I'm switching to 100km if its to be bad....albeit it was to be bad last year and we didn't see a drop of rain all day,
Did it in 2104 wet after the first lunch spot and it put me off cycling for a few months.........

dahat

ford2600 wrote: »

A man on a red bike and dynamo warned you very close to the top...

It's just a bit longer than your normal spin, go a little easier for first half than normal and you'll be grand. Don't change anything with food, bike, clothing etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ocWVgmkUSk

That he did but i was in full distress mode at that point! Lesson learned really.

That video is so true, funny lads those. Knocking it back a good bit this weekend, a day out rather than a race. Least that's the plan anyway. The Mauma will be a tougher test than the other climbs i reckon.

Mercian Pro

dahat wrote: »

Anyone care to part with any bits of advice or lessons learned from previous years

Do not think of it as a race, either against others or yourself.

Ditch your Garmin or at least disable the speed and average displays.

Don't expect other cyclists to be experienced in group riding unless you are with club mates.

Be ready to drop into the small ring at short notice (@55k).

If you are feeling good, go for it after Máma Road.

Enjoy the ride

dahat

Forecastbis pretty poor for Sunday, may switch to the 100k possibly.

terrydel

Muckers wrote: »

Efficient climber or not, whatever you do don't attack Tickincor or you will regret doing so. It's 3.2km long and is the most difficult climb around these parts. I've seen dozens of SK entrants in the ditch after belting up it from the start.

I'm going to attack it!
This is the first time I've ever gone into a sportive with a time in mind (<6 hrs) so the plan is to get up near the front at the start and use the group to get to Tickincor at a good clip, then I'm gonna have a right good go at that climb and any others that follow.
I'm going hard or going home!

terrydel

dahat wrote: »

Anyone care to part with any bits of advice or lessons learned from previous years?

I'm quite an active cyclist with plenty of hard kms in the legs so i plan to do a 30-40km spin handy Tuesday and maybe 20km Friday to finish off.It is my first time doing this Sportive and I'm nit exactly an efficent climber so i will pace myself accordingly.

Is carb loading something to look into for Friday and Saturday?

I'm gonna do an easy 50k or so tonight,very little climbing, and that will be only cycle this week(did 100k Sunday, suffered with it, first day in weeks I've just not had it in the legs).
Will be steak Friday and pasta Saturday (always have pasta before a long sportive. Plenty of water over next few days.

dahat

terrydel wrote: »

I'm going to attack it!
This is the first time I've ever gone into a sportive with a time in mind (<6 hrs) so the plan is to get up near the front at the start and use the group to get to Tickincor at a good clip, then I'm gonna have a right good go at that climb and any others that follow.
I'm going hard or going home!

Attack Tickincor, good luck with that!!! Starting at the front is proably a good idea but the fear is that they will head off far too quick so not for me.

Aiming for 6.5hrs myself which should be well within my reach given normal luck.

terrydel

dahat wrote: »

Attack Tickincor, good luck with that!!! Starting at the front is proably a good idea but the fear is that they will head off far too quick so not for me.

Aiming for 6.5hrs myself which should be well within my reach given normal luck.

Haha, I'm climbing well at the moment, so feck it, I'm gonna give this a right good go.
See you there!

dahat

terrydel wrote: »

Haha, I'm climbing well at the moment, so feck it, I'm gonna give this a right good go.
See you there!

Good man, confidence is high. If i can drop below my 16.40 pb on it that will do me.

Mercian Pro

dahat wrote: »

Sunday doesn't look so hot at this point

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

Well I'm switching to 100km if its to be bad.

dahat wrote: »

Forecastbis pretty poor for Sunday, may switch to the 100k possibly.

Ask yourself, what would Sean Kelly do?



Hopefully he's not monitoring this thread

Wishbone Ash

Kelly was wheel sucking all day - hence the state of him. Hinault, on the other hand was pristine!

Mercian Pro

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Kelly was wheel sucking all day - hence the state of him. Hinault, on the other hand was pristine!

You really better hope he's not monitoring this thread. Are you heading to the sunny south-east on Sunday?

Being you, that should read "Are you cycling to the south-east early Sunday?"

Wishbone Ash

Mercian Pro wrote: »

You really better hope he's not monitoring this thread. Are you heading to the sunny south-east on Sunday?

Being you, that should read "Are you cycling to the south-east early Sunday?"

No - enjoy. I think there's a few heading down.

Vizzy

dahat wrote: »

Good man, confidence is high. If i can drop below my 16.40 pb on it that will do me.

It cant be too bad, sure didn't Barry Meehan do it 14 times in the one day

Andalucia

was it not 18 or 20 times? must have been in good shape - be tough to do it in a year, never mind a day

defo the toughest part of the day, Powers feels like a speed bump after it, Mahon descent is worse than ascent, all down hill after that sure!

dahat

Andalucia wrote: »

was it not 18 or 20 times? must have been in good shape - be tough to do it in a year, never mind a day

defo the toughest part of the day, Powers feels like a speed bump after it, Mahon descent is worse than ascent, all down hill after that sure!

I do think The Mauma will be a massive test on tired and weary legs, pop out at Bearys cross and away for slates after that.

Vizzy

Andalucia wrote: »

was it not 18 or 20 times? must have been in good shape - be tough to do it in a year, never mind a day

defo the toughest part of the day, Powers feels like a speed bump after it, Mahon descent is worse than ascent, all down hill after that sure!

Cant remember how many times he did it on the day.
Barry was doing serious training with the Carrick wheelers at the time, only difference was that he was doing the training circuit on his own first, then he joined the group for a bit of "speed work" and if I recall correctly he did the circuit again after that.

dahat

Just realised i have no overshoes or a decent light rain mack, gotta spend some unnecessary cash tomorrow due to crap Irish weather.

1bryan

dahat wrote: »

Just realised i have no overshoes or a decent light rain mack, gotta spend some unnecessary cash tomorrow due to crap Irish weather.

unnecessary cash on essential items if you cycle in Ireland, so they cancel each other out.

dahat

1bryan wrote: »

unnecessary cash on essential items if you cycle in Ireland, so they cancel each other out.

True but being so late in the week i will have to use LBS rather than online, ah well.

Mercian Pro

dahat wrote: »

Just realised i have no overshoes or a decent light rain mack, gotta spend some unnecessary cash tomorrow due to crap Irish weather.

Can't understand how you have gotten as fit as you obviously are without being out in "normal" Irish weather. Had both of them with me on a spin this morning though the jacket wasn't called into use. For regular winter cycling you will also need heavier neoprene overshoes but hopefully no rush on those yet.

dahat

Mercian Pro wrote: »

Can't understand how you have gotten as fit as you obviously are without being out in "normal" Irish weather. Had both of them with me on a spin this morning though the jacket wasn't called into use. For regular winter cycling you will also need heavier neoprene overshoes but hopefully no rush on those yet.

Have stuff go tied me over in mist n that but never been out for 6.5hrs of wet weather really. I'm not soft so just need something light and easily packed up if needs be.

A nice jacket looks to be in the 50-100 bracket which tbh is very expensive but for last minute shopping it's what I'll have to pay.

Mercian Pro

dahat wrote: »

I'm not soft ...

Don't think I am either but there are times, especially in the hills, when it pays to have the right gear. It can even be a safety issue especially in winter or early spring.

Wishbone Ash

dahat wrote: »

.. but never been out for 6.5hrs of wet weather really..

Don't confuse wet and cold. It's unlikely to be cold on Sunday so don't overdress (a common sight on summer sportives - loads of cyclists on this year's WW200 hauling around winter jackets).

A light gilet (if you have one) is better than a rain cape. No need for overshoes as your feet will eventually get wet anyway if there is continuous rain but they won't get cold. (I wore them this morning but that was because I couldn't be arsed cleaning my shoes afterwards).

dahat

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Don't confuse wet and cold. It's unlikely to be cold on Sunday so don't overdress (a common sight on summer sportives - loads of cyclists on this year's WW200 hauling around winter jackets).

A light gilet (if you have one) is better than a rain cape. No need for overshoes as your feet will eventually get wet anyway if there is continuous rain but they won't get cold. (I wore them this morning but that was because I couldn't be arsed cleaning my shoes afterwards).

Good advice from someone who spends most of their week on a bike!

I have the club gillet with a cheapy Aldi one as well which is pretty waterproof for €5, wear one and pack the other?

terrydel

Andalucia wrote: »

was it not 18 or 20 times? must have been in good shape - be tough to do it in a year, never mind a day

defo the toughest part of the day, Powers feels like a speed bump after it, Mahon descent is worse than ascent, all down hill after that sure!

The last few hundred metres of Mahon Falls is very tough, but the rest is handy enough.
Agree that Tickincor is the toughest part. I'm still going all out on it mind you!

dahat

Mercian Pro wrote: »

Don't think I am either but there are times, especially in the hills, when it pays to have the right gear. It can even be a safety issue especially in winter or early spring.

A cheap Aldi gillet is what I'd normally use for descending off hills in mist/damp windy weather.

Probably have the balls scared out of myself at this stage so maybe best just bring what i have or normally use and go from there..

terrydel

dahat wrote: »

Have stuff go tied me over in mist n that but never been out for 6.5hrs of wet weather really. I'm not soft so just need something light and easily packed up if needs be.

A nice jacket looks to be in the 50-100 bracket which tbh is very expensive but for last minute shopping it's what I'll have to pay.

I've a Giant one that cost me 90, used only a few times, yours for 40 if you want it.
Will check size later but guess is its medium.

terrydel

Yr.no is saying almost no rain in Waterford on Sunday.
Less of the scaremongering!

dahat

terrydel wrote: »

I've a Giant one that cost me 90, used only a few times, yours for 40 if you want it.
Will check size later but guess is its medium.

Medoum, no chance in hell.... Appreciate the offer though.

terrydel

dahat wrote: »

Medoum, no chance in hell.... Appreciate the offer though.

Will check when I get home anyway, and post in this thread.
I never use it, too big for me. Endura fs260 I have is superb and wouldn't be without it.

dahat

terrydel wrote: »

Will check when I get home anyway, and post in this thread.
I never use it, too big for me. Endura fs260 I have is superb and wouldn't be without it.

Check that forecast again and go for Dungarvan, Clonmel, Carrick and rain is forecast but tongwt worse around lunch time with a Westerly breeze.

Mercian Pro

dahat wrote: »

Check that forecast again and go for Dungarvan, Clonmel, Carrick and rain is forecast but tongwt worse around lunch time with a Westerly breeze.

Met Eireann is now showing rain reaching Waterford around midday. Last year all the forecasts were wrong so you never know.

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Don't confuse wet and cold. It's unlikely to be cold on Sunday so don't overdress (a common sight on summer sportives - loads of cyclists on this year's WW200 hauling around winter jackets).

A light gilet (if you have one) is better than a rain cape. No need for overshoes as your feet will eventually get wet anyway if there is continuous rain but they won't get cold. (I wore them this morning but that was because I couldn't be arsed cleaning my shoes afterwards).

Some of your club mates on the W200. Not a rain cape in sight but plenty of rain jackets

dahat

I'll take Midday as that means 4hrs without any, aiming for 6.5 or less.

ADW1

Weather not looking too good so it could be a day to do the SK160 on the Mountain bike, at least I'll have brakes that work in the wet while going down Mahon Falls. Hopefully will get a bit of drafting over the course of the day to make it a bit easier!

terrydel

ADW1 wrote: »

Weather not looking too good so it could be a day to do the SK160 on the Mountain bike, at least I'll have brakes that work in the wet while going down Mahon Falls. Hopefully will get a bit of drafting over the course of the day to make it a bit easier!

Still not showing much rain til after midday.
Sure will be well over half way by then.

dahat

terrydel wrote: »

Still not showing much rain til after midday.
Sure will be well over half way by then.

Looks like that, just need to get off Mahon before it gets messy is my main concern.

terrydel

dahat wrote: »

Looks like that, just need to get off Mahon before it gets messy is my main concern.

That decent is lethal, and I'm not usually too bothered by descents (I was when I started cycling but have really improved on that in the last year).
I've decided that I am just gonna go hard for as long as I can and then if needs be, suffer to the end.

Anyone got a map of the route that I could stick on the toptube? Just the climbs really.
When does Mahon come again?

dahat

terrydel wrote: »

That decent is lethal, and I'm not usually too bothered by descents (I was when I started cycling but have really improved on that in the last year).
I've decided that I am just gonna go hard for as long as I can and then if needs be, suffer to the end.

Anyone got a map of the route that I could stick on the toptube? Just the climbs really.
When does Mahon come again?

Mahon is at 120km, don't know any more exactly.

terrydel

dahat wrote: »

Mahon is at 120km, don't know any more exactly.

Sounds about right, I've done it twice before but never paid attention to the route.
Theres one climb after it I believe, more a drag really. Cant recall the name.
Last 30 or so is super fast and largely downhill iirc.

dahat

terrydel wrote: »

Sounds about right, I've done it twice before but never paid attention to the route.
Theres one climb after it I believe, more a drag really. Cant recall the name.
Last 30 or so is super fast and largely downhill iirc.

Mauma rd is the one,. Long old drag alright and into a headwind most likely. Such fun.

terrydel

dahat wrote: »

Mauma rd is the one,. Long old drag alright and into a headwind most likely. Such fun.

First year I did it I died a thousand deaths on that one! Was literally going backwards.
Was 2013. Last year me and my bro (who was flying that year) absolutely raced up it, overtaking absolutely everyone!
Hopefully more of the latter and less of the former this year.

dahat

terrydel wrote: »

First year I did it I died a thousand deaths on that one! Was literally going backwards.
Was 2013. Last year me and my bro (who was flying that year) absolutely raced up it, overtaking absolutely everyone!
Hopefully more of the latter and less of the former this year.

Bloody hope I'm going well there but I won't be. I'll be the one half dead on a Giant Tcr advanced 1 and sucking on gels to get me home.