Gaelforce Dublin: Gear for raceday etc

event

Gonna enter my first adventure type race next year and looks like the inaugural Gaeforce Dublin will be the one. I've done a few marathons & good bit of cycling so have the running & bike gear but wondering what else would be needed? Do people generally just go straight from to the run to the bike, no padded shorts etc and what else is worn/taken?

Enduro

It varies depending on lots of factors. The most important one is how competitive you want to be or can be (or not). That might determine shoe choices, and whether to change shoes.

Plenty of unknows yet in this race, since they haven't finalised the course yet when I last checked.

Personally I wouldn't be bothering with padded shorts for such a tiny cycle leg as the one on this race.

event

Suppose I wouldn't be too competitive, I'd be just getting around & want to see what they're like

retalivity

Seeing as it is starting in tallaght and involves a reservoir kayak and climb to Kippure, the cycle will be out to bohernabreena and the run up kippure from castlekelly bridge or so. The cycle to the reservoir is uphill but short, that climb/walk from there though is a beast.

Peterx

event wrote: »

Suppose I wouldn't be too competitive, I'd be just getting around & want to see what they're like

As Enduro says your choices boil down to overall race speed versus comfort.

Generally in these races if overall speed is your goal;
You wear the one set of shoes and clothes for the duration of the event. So trail shoes, sprinters /triathlon shorts and a cycling jersey with pockets to hold the mandatory kit. Padded cycling shorts are not necessary.

If getting around and enjoying the experience is important;
Assuming you already use clipped in cycling shoes I would use them and carry runners in a bag as the cycling will have steep sections.
I don't think I would ever bother changing with changing socks, definitely not till after the hillrun either way.

But before the clothing the nutrition is important. These events are relatively short and as a result you are moving fast which burns energy and electrolytes quicker. Carry a few dioralytes in the jersey pocket to help dissipate the onset of cramp. You need less food than you think but staying hydrated and keeping the salt levels up are important.

best of luck.

Shedite27

Sounds like road bikes are out of the question reading the course profile, or is that marketing talk?

Seems to sound like mountain bike tyres will be required
http://gaelforceevents.com/en/gaelforce-dublin-the-course

Enduro

The advantage of a little multi-sport race like this over doing a proper adventure race is that you know the course in advance, so you can go out and ride it advance to figure it out for yourself without needing to guess. Skill levels are likely to play a part in determining what bike will be fastest over the course. At a quick glance it looks like a few km of forest fire roads there. Gotta balance how well you can ride this and how likely a punture is (very much influenced by skill levels again) against the speed lost/gained on the much longer road sections.

But since you can check this out beforehand, you can answer that fairly definitively by trying it out.

Shedite27

Enduro wrote: »

The advantage of a little multi-sport race like this over doing a proper adventure race is that you know the course in advance, so you can go out and ride it advance to figure it out for yourself without needing to guess. Skill levels are likely to play a part in determining what bike will be fastest over the course. At a quick glance it looks like a few km of forest fire roads there. Gotta balance how well you can ride this and how likely a punture is (very much influenced by skill levels again) against the speed lost/gained on the much longer road sections.

But since you can check this out beforehand, you can answer that fairly definitively by trying it out.

Unfortunately not, the main bit I'd be worried about is private land, so I suspect it's fairly shoddy state....

"This hill has a maximum gradient of 11% and when you reach the end of the tarmac it goes onto a dirt road. Note this track is private land and access has been arranged by us for race day and at no other time is their access to it."

Enduro

Shedite27 wrote: »

Unfortunately not, the main bit I'd be worried about is private land, so I suspect it's fairly shoddy state....

"This hill has a maximum gradient of 11% and when you reach the end of the tarmac it goes onto a dirt road. Note this track is private land and access has been arranged by us for race day and at no other time is their access to it."

I suspect that section will be quite short if nothing else. Weather is another potential factor of course. Dry dirttrack and muddy dirttrack are very different propositions.

Keeks

Doing a quick google and using street view took me here.... assuming I have the right place it looks like a Coillte forestry track.
Looks like about a 4Km trek through forestry roads

https://www.google.com/maps/@53.2386393,-6.4095001,3a,53.2y,134.44h,80.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-YH0Oc0d38rToHn5fs9kmA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en-US

The Noble Nudge

Thinking about doing this now.......
The hills are stiff enough on Horans lane and Cunard...
Might go up and look at the private lands section and Ballinascorney wood to decide on wheels and tyres I dont fancy the additional cost to the entry fee to be honest as ill be walking the running parts so just taking part plus dont want to ruin my good bike...
Cyclocross bike would be ideal i would imagine..

Hatcho

Don't suppose anyone who's scouted the route has determined if a road bike would make it? Don't fancy pedalling a full-sus around all those roads just for the sake of a bit of fire road! :eek:

Heisenberg1

Would the section you are taking about be any worse than the section to the Reek in Gaelforce West?

The Noble Nudge

Hatcho wrote: »

Don't suppose anyone who's scouted the route has determined if a road bike would make it? Don't fancy pedalling a full-sus around all those roads just for the sake of a bit of fire road! :eek:

I didnt get over this weekend...Ballinscorney wood is a trail road but the "private" section is an old road that was closed down some time ago so not sure the surface on it yet...chipped tarmacadam with loose chippings from what I have seen from the barrier...Not sure how long that section is even...
As I cycle the road sections on a regular basis I wouldn't be using a mountain bike but depends if you are looking for a place or just taking part I suppose.

Homesick Alien

Check out the facebook page - they just put a q&a up Re the cycle. Sounds like some gravel bits and some steep tarmac climbs. Was planning to do it on my hybrid but I'd be a bit worried about getting a puncture now.

Bladeserver

Hi Gents, just had a quick look through your posts and was wondering as I have a road bike. Would I get different wheels for it or should I get the lend of a different style bike> Hybrid, Mountain etc?

sconhome

Bladeserver wrote: »

Hi Gents, just had a quick look through your posts and was wondering as I have a road bike. Would I get different wheels for it or should I get the lend of a different style bike> Hybrid, Mountain etc?

Change the tyres.

Even going from a 23 to 28mm tyre will make a huge difference. I've gone the other way with my MTB and put slicks on it for AR and can happily power along at similar to my road bike speeds in more comfort.

The Noble Nudge

Bladeserver wrote: »

Hi Gents, just had a quick look through your posts and was wondering as I have a road bike. Would I get different wheels for it or should I get the lend of a different style bike> Hybrid, Mountain etc?

Agreed on tyre choice.
I'm looking at schwable marathons at present http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/schwalbe-marathon-plus-road-tyre-smart-guard/rp-prod24544
....a lot cheaper than continental gatorskins but still an option

fletch

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

Agreed on tyre choice.
I looking at schwable marathons at present http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/schwalbe-marathon-plus-road-tyre-smart-guard/rp-prod24544
....a lot cheaper than continental gatorskins but still an option

Fantastic tyre....I had 5 years of commuting ~140kms-160kms a week and not one puncture. They are heavy and difficult to mount on the rim but well worth it for the puncture resistance.

Bladeserver

Fantastic folks. Will pass this on to some of the guys in work. Should I go for the 28's?

sconhome

Bladeserver wrote: »

Fantastic folks. Will pass this on to some of the guys in work. Should I go for the 28's?

See what your bike will take. If you have space go for 32 which you could run at a slightly lower pressure to give better grip on track or trail type stuff. Also a lot more comfortable on unsealed roads.

sconhome

Read a blog post last night and the recommendation for this course is a CX bike or MTB as there are a few tough sections of steep 15% road as well as the trail.

I'll find the link later. If this is the case I'd be going MTB with the Continental SpeedKing tyres that we used in 2016. Have a good range of gears as you are straight off the run into a climb. No recovery there on the bike.

The Noble Nudge

sconhome wrote: »

Read a blog post last night and the recommendation for this course is a CX bike or MTB as there are a few tough sections of steep 15% road as well as the trail.

I'll find the link later. If this is the case I'd be going MTB with the Continental SpeedKing tyres that we used in 2016. Have a good range of gears as you are straight off the run into a climb. No recovery there on the bike.

I went over it yesterday on a full sus.....
The closed section is best described as an old bombed road leading into a field.
You then have to cross the field which was very damp in patches...
Forgot my phone but will bring it next week to throw up a few pictures.
Still no clearer on what bike to choose in my mind.
Plenty of gears will be needed as the hills are very steep....

The trade off between extra weight of the mtb against a racer with CX tyres maybe...i would prefer to be on a racer for the good road sections..

sconhome

sconhome wrote: »

Read a blog post last night and the recommendation for this course is a CX bike or MTB as there are a few tough sections of steep 15% road as well as the trail.

I'll find the link later. If this is the case I'd be going MTB with the Continental SpeedKing tyres that we used in 2016. Have a good range of gears as you are straight off the run into a climb. No recovery there on the bike.

Here's the article:

[url]Http://gaelforceevents.com/en/q-a-on-the-gaelforce-dublin-cycle-route-with-the-cycle-superstore[/url]

Carra23

This will be my first adventure race. Just wondering what an average time is for finishing a race like this, is 4 hours about right ?

fletch

Anybody recce the run route for this? Have a gpx to share?

Whyner

Everyone set?

People running with a bag? Might just wear light rain jacket

fletch

Whyner wrote: »

People running with a bag?

No real need, just leave your drinks/nutrition on the bike. Carry what you need in the back pocket of a cycle jersey

Whyner

fletch wrote: »

No real need, just leave your drinks/nutrition on the bike. Carry what you need in the back pocket of a cycle jersey

Nice idea but my cycling jerseys are pretty tight fitting, you don't want to see that - especially without bibbed tights or you'd get a belly button in the eye. Weather is 6-7 degrees, warm enough

What are you bringing for the run? I think I should be ok without water. I'm expecting the run to be no longer than 90mins

Will probably grab a bottle for the kayak, no idea how long I'll be out there

fletch

Whyner wrote: »

Nice idea but my cycling jerseys are pretty tight fitting, you don't want to see that - especially without bibbed tights or you'd get a belly button in the eye. Weather is 6-7 degrees, warm enough

What are you bringing for the run? I think I should be ok without water. I'm expecting the run to be no longer than 90mins

Will probably grab a bottle for the kayak, no idea how long I'll be out there

I'll probably just bring one gel for the run...loads of time to be hydrated on the bike...kayak should take around 15mins. You might even be able to grab a quick drink from a bottle on your bike after the kayak (before the run) to save you carrying water while running.
I'm making sure I'm well hydrated in the days before the race (drinking lots of water and one High5 Zero per day) as I think that's more important.

Everyone is different though so do what works for you.

Whyner

fletch wrote: »

I'll probably just bring one gel for the run...loads of time to be hydrated on the bike...kayak should take around 15mins. You might even be able to grab a quick drink from a bottle on your bike after the kayak (before the run) to save you carrying water while running.
I'm making sure I'm well hydrated in the days before the race (drinking lots of water and one High5 Zero per day) as I think that's more important.

Everyone is different though so do what works for you.

Perfect, I'll rob that plan, ta

Bladeserver

I was getting new tires for my bike yesterday off the gents in CS and I spoke with Mick. He rode the course previously and mentioned not to go out hard on the first cycle as there is a big climb (10-12 minutes) literally just as you go off. His advice was to keep your cool and save your juice for the second cycle as it's tough.

Just said I would give a heads up to anybody mentally planning the race!!

Best of luck to everybody doing it.

Whyner

Yeah I did it and it's pretty steep.....I can see lots of people getting off their bikes there....hopefully doesn't turn into a bottleneck

Whyner

In between bikes

I’ve got a Giant TCR (34/50) with 25mm Conti 4 Seasons and got a loan of a Giant TCX SLR 2 (36/46) with 33mm Mud Wrestlers

Was going to go with the CX but now I’m thinking of just putting flat pedals on my TCR

Any thoughts?

Bh13

I'm planning on using CX bike with clip in shoes and carry runners in small bag while on the bike, bit of a pain but hey.

Bladeserver

Whyner wrote: »

In between bikes

I’ve got a Giant TCR (34/50) with 25mm Conti 4 Seasons and got a loan of a Giant TCX SLR 2 (36/46) with 33mm Mud Wrestlers

Was going to go with the CX but now I’m thinking of just putting flat pedals on my TCR

Any thoughts?

I took off my clip ons and am using the orginal pedals on the bike. I'm a size 13 so carrying those in a back pack isn't viable. :pac:

fletch

Whyner wrote: »

Perfect, I'll rob that plan, ta

eek...Hope my plan didn't feck up your race. I had presumed we could grab a quick drink after the kayak. I was gasping for a drink after the kayak...luckily I had a few gels with me.

First cycle was tough...had difficulty getting grip even on the roads. It was so steep that I had to stand out of the saddle but when I'd do that, the back wheel would start spinning. Can't say I enjoyed the "cycle" through the muddy fields. Was glad I used my 10year old hybrid commuter bike.

Some fast descents after that but in the back of my mind was the lack of grip experienced earlier on the ascent so I was relatively cautious.

Kayak went well...run up Kippure was disappointingly flat as hill running would be my strongest discipline of the race. Final climb on bike up to the R115 was proper tough.

A bit messy with traffic around Kiltipper. I stopped at a red light at a left turn as there was a Garda car waiting and allowed the guy behind me to make up some ground. Frustrating.

Also the marshals at the end weren't sure where the dismount line was. I watched at the end as some dismounted at the entrance and others cycled on to the bike racks.

My best result in any adventure race, finishing in the top 5 so I'm delighted. (Although there was a notable absence of the big names)

I was also told I'd gone the wrong way by a marshal as I was running back to the bike beside Bohernabreena...seemingly we were meant to return on the opposite shore but I didn't see anybody else coming back that way.

Really enjoyable race.. .lovely food and fleece after it.

Whyner

Super stuff fletch, that' a great achievement

I won't go into too much details as it pains me to think about it. I got 4 punctures and had to get collected 6k from the finish line. There was almost tears

Onwards and upwards...

fletch

Whyner wrote: »

I won't go into too much details as it pains me to think about it. I got 4 punctures and had to get collected 6k from the finish line. There was almost tears

:eek: Sounds awful! Which bike and tyres did you go for in the end?

Maybe when you get over the trauma, you might share the details?

Homesick Alien

fletch wrote: »

eek...Hope my plan didn't feck up your race. I had presumed we could grab a quick drink after the kayak. I was gasping for a drink after the kayak...luckily I had a few gels with me.

First cycle was tough...had difficulty getting grip even on the roads. It was so steep that I had to stand out of the saddle but when I'd do that, the back wheel would start spinning. Can't say I enjoyed the "cycle" through the muddy fields. Was glad I used my 10year old hybrid commuter bike.

Some fast descents after that but in the back of my mind was the lack of grip experienced earlier on the ascent so I was relatively cautious.

Kayak went well...run up Kippure was disappointingly flat as hill running would be my strongest discipline of the race. Final climb on bike up to the R115 was proper tough.

A bit messy with traffic around Kiltipper. I stopped at a red light at a left turn as there was a Garda car waiting and allowed the guy behind me to make up some ground. Frustrating.

Also the marshals at the end weren't sure where the dismount line was. I watched at the end as some dismounted at the entrance and others cycled on to the bike racks.

My best result in any adventure race, finishing in the top 5 so I'm delighted. (Although there was a notable absence of the big names)

I was also told I'd gone the wrong way by a marshal as I was running back to the bike beside Bohernabreena...seemingly we were meant to return on the opposite shore but I didn't see anybody else coming back that way.

Really enjoyable race.. .lovely food and fleece after it.

I had exactly the same experience of the first climb. Out of the saddle and getting wheel spin due to a combination of slick roads and the steepness of the climb. Also was on a ten year old hybrid bike. The off road bit was very tricky. Few times I got stuck and had to dismount and run to a relatively flat bit to try get going again.

Homesick Alien

I enjoyed the race and had my best result in an adventure race but I have to say some of the organisation was shocking. I was doing the 29km distance and I was near the front of wave 1 and half the race marshals didn't seem to be expecting me. When I asked what way I should go for the sprint distance I was sent the wrong way for 2km before I doubled back. There was no sign posting when there was a split in the two courses which led to a lot of confusion. On the kayak stage I ended up sharing with someone doing the longer distance which shouldnt be allowed to happen! When I crossed the line in a photo finish with another guy there was no one there. Had to grab a medal from a box on the ground and the MC was obviously taking a tea break. It was all a bit anticlimactic.

What made it disappointing was that this is Gaelforce not some shower of cowboys. Hopefully they've ironed out these issues foe next year.

fletch

It also wasn't very clear where to mount/dismount at Tallaght Stadium.

fletch

Pictures -> http://www.clearskiesahead.com/f276323538

MojoMaker

Homesick Alien wrote: »

What made it disappointing was that this is Gaelforce not some shower of cowboys.

You're giving them far too much credit.

The Noble Nudge

Ended up got an entry....took the winter bike with a change of ratios..which killed me!
Route changes, no water....seemed to be lacking atmosphere at the finish but hopefully it will be better next year.

Homesick Alien

MojoMaker wrote: »

You're giving them far too much credit.

Perhaps. It was my first Gaelforce event so I just expected it to be well run.

Bladeserver

Homesick Alien wrote: »

I enjoyed the race and had my best result in an adventure race but I have to say some of the organisation was shocking. I was doing the 29km distance and I was near the front of wave 1 and half the race marshals didn't seem to be expecting me. When I asked what way I should go for the sprint distance I was sent the wrong way for 2km before I doubled back. There was no sign posting when there was a split in the two courses which led to a lot of confusion. On the kayak stage I ended up sharing with someone doing the longer distance which shouldnt be allowed to happen! When I crossed the line in a photo finish with another guy there was no one there. Had to grab a medal from a box on the ground and the MC was obviously taking a tea break. It was all a bit anticlimactic.

What made it disappointing was that this is Gaelforce not some shower of cowboys. Hopefully they've ironed out these issues foe next year.

I thought it was really well organized for my first adventure race. Maybe it was different on the shorter distance. I do agree on the atmosphere though!!Very anti-climatic. I think because there was no spectators allowed on the course people who had families etc might have just told them to stay back. Usually spectators would make the day out of it but for this event I finished, grabbed food and bailed.

I really enjoyed it though all the same.

fletch

Bladeserver wrote: »

I thought it was really well organized for my first adventure race. Maybe it was different on the shorter distance. I do agree on the atmosphere though!!Very anti-climatic. I think because there was no spectators allowed on the course people who had families etc might have just told them to stay back. Usually spectators would make the day out of it but for this event I finished, grabbed food and bailed.

I don't think the time of the year helped from a spectator perspective. While spectators weren't allowed on the course, a lot of it was on open public roads so would have been easy for spectators to follow a competitor.

I felt it was well organised, save for a lack of clarity around the bike mounting line and the return run to the bike being on the opposite side of the reservoir compared to the map.