Sean kelly Tour 2017

Atom Ant

Looking forward to the skt this year. Started prepping for the 160. Previously did the 100k and walked half way up Seskin hill. I thought that was bad but tickincor looks a real sod altogether. Curious surely the guys that go up that must have a least a 32t on the back. In some places 13%. Figure borrow a few goats from a farmer to pull me along.

dahat

Tickincor isn't as nasty as one is led to believe, I got up there as a beginner with 11 28 on 50 34 at 108kgs, steady as she goes especially the first bit.

ford2600

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/1483192843/

In fairness to them they have changed up route after a fall in numbers last year. It has a lovely start, out the coast road and a nice enough route across to Portlaw, Clonea Power.

Ticincor with the climb up to bog is a proper 400m lift and will test lads who have gone too hard for first 100km. They'll need alert marshalls around the 105km & 110km mark though.

The route from Ballymacarbry to Bearys Cross is a lovely quite road, and looks like a Barry Meehan addition

Atom Ant

dahat wrote: »

Tickincor isn't as nasty as one is led to believe, I got up there as a beginner with 11 28 on 50 34 at 108kgs, steady as she goes especially the first bit.

You must be from krypton. I am 90kg with compact 30t. Anything above 6% drag is tough going. On a strict diet at the moment and figure get the new ultegra 11-34t. just to have a go. Took one guy on you tube 20 mins to get to the top. Anothet poor fellow keeled over. What are the other hills like?

Atom Ant

ford2600 wrote: »

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/1483192843/

In fairness to them they have changed up route after a fall in numbers last year. It has a lovely start, out the coast road and a nice enough route across to Portlaw, Clonea Power.

Ticincor with the climb up to bog is a proper 400m lift and will test lads who have gone too hard for first 100km. They'll need alert marshalls around the 105km & 110km mark though.

[/quote
thought it was 50k in. Checked out the climb but not where it was enroute. I was thinking of getting the train from Dublin to Clonmel and check it out when I lose a few potato's from the waistline in a month's time. Had a great time one year doing the 100k. Great weather. Love the mass start. I think the weather affects the numbers.

marvin80

dahat wrote: »

Tickincor isn't as nasty as one is led to believe, I got up there as a beginner with 11 28 on 50 34 at 108kgs, steady as she goes especially the first bit.

Good advice - maybe even drop it to your easiest gear for the first bit and also make sure there's plenty of space in front of you (you don't want someone stopping in front of you and stopping your momentum).

After Tickincor it continues up Powers the Pot - there's a few nasty pinches in it but again once you go nice and steady you'll be grand.

dahat

Atom Ant wrote: »

You must be from krypton. I am 90kg with compact 30t. Anything above 6% drag is tough going. On a strict diet at the moment and figure get the new ultegra 11-34t. just to have a go. Took one guy on you tube 20 mins to get to the top. Anothet poor fellow keeled over. What are the other hills like?

Well it isn't easy but don't leave it beat you, steady out and you'll be fine. It takes time to get over it so don't rush it. Not really looked at the route in full but Scrouty is a long old drag as well without massive gradient.

dastardly00

The SKT of Waterford has been on my 'to-do list' for a good few years. I'm thinking of doing it this year.

It's limited to 5,000 participants according to the website. Does it normally sell-out much in advance of the day? I'd rather wait another while before signing up so I can judge what condition I'm in.

Atom Ant

marvin80 wrote: »

maybe even drop it to your easiest gear for the first bit and also make sure there's plenty of space in front of you (you don't want someone stopping in front of you .

Good advice..some poor sod gives up the ghost on the hill akin to putting on the brakes due to gravity/gradient. Your on a push thinking about everything but him. Never really thought about that!

Atom Ant

dastardly00 wrote: »

The SKT of Waterford has been on my 'to-do list' for a good few years. I'm thinking of doing it this year.

It's limited to 5,000 participants according to the website. Does it normally sell-out much in advance of the day? I'd rather wait another while before signing up so I can judge what condition I'm in.

It can do. Tour De Connemara like sold out very quickly. Whereas greedy sods for the ROK still have tickets and only a week away. If you are not that fit do the100k apart from Seskin hill is pretty easy. 8 weeks to go. Loads of training time. I always found ( but that's just me), If I train say 30k.. then to jump to 100k for the big day not such a biggie. Particularly if you can latch onto a group. Man I enjoyed that pint in Dungarvan afterwards in the sun.

marvin80

Atom Ant wrote: »

If you are not that fit do the100k apart from Seskin hill is pretty easy.

Looks like they've changed the route and Seskin isn't included -

http://www.visitwaterford.com/whats-on/event-subpage/TheRoutes.php

Atom Ant

marvin80 wrote: »

Looks like they've changed the route and Seskin isn't included -

http://www.visitwaterford.com/whats-on/event-subpage/TheRoutes.php

That"s takes the fun out of it. I was looking forward to round two with that hill. I think I read somewhere it was included in a what sportive to do post. Hard to check it out on a phone.

greenspurs

Atom Ant wrote: »

It can do. Tour De Connemara like sold out very quickly. Whereas greedy sods for the ROK still have tickets and only a week away. If you are not that fit do the100k apart from Seskin hill is pretty easy. 8 weeks to go. Loads of training time. I always found ( but that's just me), If I train say 30k.. then to jump to 100k for the big day not such a biggie. Particularly if you can latch onto a group. Man I enjoyed that pint in Dungarvan afterwards in the sun.

Seskin hill is not on the 160 route....

dahat

I did this last year with Mahon taken out which was disappointing but weather was at fault.

After doing the W200 this looks far easier and I may do this but will be weather dependent as no point doing these local spins in crap weather.

seaviewphotos

I signed up for the 100km back in January, total newbie starting off, I'm up to 70km now so I think I'll be okay on the day. For a beginner there's still a couple of tough climbs on the route.

Andalucia

I did this new SK 160 few weeks ago, little over 2000m climbing, route is grand, you have 1000m done before you reach Tickincor at around 95k mark, all about taking it steady really as plenty of climbing left in last 60k

Atom Ant

dahat wrote: »

I did this last year with Mahon taken out which was disappointing but weather was at fault.

After doing the W200 this looks far easier and I may do this but will be weather dependent as no point doing these local spins in crap weather.

Weather wise get a few crap years go to figure this year will be cool. I started training 8 weeks in. First two weeks was finding my feet. I think slow and easy is the way to go. Amazing how strong your body becomes through cycling. Rest days are hugely important. I would do the SKT for the craic in the pubs afterwards.

Atom Ant

Andalucia wrote: »

I did this new SK 160 few weeks ago, little over 2000m climbing, route is grand, you have 1000m done before you reach Tickincor at around 95k mark, all about taking it steady really as plenty of climbing left in last 60k

No one ever mentions gearing what did you use, you weight and experience. As a newbie to the 160 I want all the help I can get. I did a big climb today at cherrywood said 6% jeez it was tough 8% got to be a real b****. Hey cost me nothing to walk it but it makes a challenge

The Noble Nudge

Should be no bother going around on a compact just pace yourself have always done it on a 50/34 with 28 on the back from 96kg to 106kg over the past 4 years....

Just fitted a 53/39 and 28 on the back for this years version albeit im slightly lighter but have twice the distance in my legs...
So will report back.
I cant say with a very early start from the big smoke and drive back that I look forward to the event but sure what else would be doing of a Sunday

Think its the first year it didnt sell out??

CantGetNoSleep

Anyone recommend a bike shop in Waterford that would do something before this? Need a front derailleur checked and just can't get it sorted myself

the town bike

Weather forecast for Sunday a little more encouraging now. Hope it's reasonably accurate. Makes life a lot easier.

The Noble Nudge

Im afraid to look after what I seen last Monday!!
Memories of 2014 came flooding back...

longshanks

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

Anyone recommend a bike shop in Waterford that would do something before this? Need a front derailleur checked and just can't get it sorted myself

They're usually fairly busy servicing rothars the week before this. Ring the various shops and ask would be my advice.

andy69

so Sean Kelly is commenting on the Vuelta today... wonder why he didn't turn up for the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford this year? I remember in previous years you'd hear Kirkby mentioning that Sean was back home for the weekend for his tour and will be back on Monday.

Was there any talk in Dungarvan of why he wasn't home?
(I missed the tour this year for the first time, couldn't get down for it)

Exiled1

Did the 160. Very rough roads for considerable sections. The full Tickincor delivered its usual salutary lesson.
However the rain was something else. It kept us cool/cold and very miserable for almost all of the trip. Descending and cornering were treacherous. Nonetheless a great buzz around and generally excellent stewarding.
Hope to thaw out by Tuesday.

Gerry

andy69 wrote: »

so Sean Kelly is commenting on the Vuelta today... wonder why he didn't turn up for the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford this year? I remember in previous years you'd hear Kirkby mentioning that Sean was back home for the weekend for his tour and will be back on Monday.

Was there any talk in Dungarvan of why he wasn't home?
(I missed the tour this year for the first time, couldn't get down for it)

Would be interested also to hear about this. I think just having his name on it is a bit of a joke. If I had to guess I would say its related to an post pulling out.

Gerry

Exiled1 wrote: »

Did the 160. Very rough roads for considerable sections. The full Tickincor delivered its usual salutary lesson.
However the rain was something else. It kept us cool/cold and very miserable for almost all of the trip. Descending and cornering were treacherous. Nonetheless a great buzz around and generally excellent stewarding.
Hope to thaw out by Tuesday.

Agreed. Quite a bit of good surface but lots of really rough stuff. Along with the weather being miserable and obscuring all the scenery that took a lot of the good out of it. The climbs were the highlights. Also got chatting/ in groups with plenty of sound folks. Very tough day on the bike overall.

run_Forrest_run

I did the 100km yesterday and the only thing I can consider myself lucky about was not doing the 160km :eek: Hats off to the 160 cyclists, animals!

I was familiar with the route having done it before but sweet lord I've never cycled in conditions as bad as yesterday. Of course being a fair weather sportive cyclist I didn't have a good light rain proof jacket so I was like a cold drowned rat after 10k.

I have to say though the support from the stewards was top notch, they kept things in high spirits all day, credit to them for standing out in that miserable weather for hours.

The top we received is nice, the sizing seems on the large side so I was lucky to pick the right size.

If I see another Flapjack I'll puke

benneca1

Gerry wrote: »

andy69 wrote: »

so Sean Kelly is commenting on the Vuelta today... wonder why he didn't turn up for the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford this year? I remember in previous years you'd hear Kirkby mentioning that Sean was back home for the weekend for his tour and will be back on Monday.

Was there any talk in Dungarvan of why he wasn't home?
(I missed the tour this year for the first time, couldn't get down for it)

Would be interested also to hear about this. I think just having his name on it is a bit of a joke. If I had to guess I would say its related to an post pulling out.

Yes it is a bit like  Croke Park I was there yesterday and Archbishop Croke didn't even turn up. Seriously I cant believe you are upset about this I don't think the cycle would have been more enjoyable if he had been there.

The Noble Nudge

Poxy weather but happy to get around the 160km safe and sound with no mechanicals,
Good bunch to finish the last 50km,
I actually thought it was a little easier than the old route if I'm allowed to say that,
Thanks to the volunteers for giving up their time and the great Cead mile failte provided to all.
Not sure about next year.....yet:D

terrydel

What were the numbers like?
I think dropping Mahon falls was a big mistake (tho given the weather yesterday I'd assume it would have been closed off anyway). Thats the iconic climb and I think all sportives of significant distance need one.
I'd also say kelly should be turning up to these especially if hes making money from it (not sure if he is?)

The Noble Nudge

terrydel wrote: »

What were the numbers like?
I think dropping Mahon falls was a big mistake (tho given the weather yesterday I'd assume it would have been closed off anyway). Thats the iconic climb and I think all sportives of significant distance need one.
I'd also say kelly should be turning up to these especially if hes making money from it (not sure if he is?)

Was talking to someone said it was down 1000 people....
Wasnt a whole lot of people/bikes at the finish line but i would imagine everyone just went straight home.
Say the half iron man possibly took some of the crowd..
The weather forecast might have done some damage too.
Entries were for sale still on Friday.

marvin80

Did the 100k - atrocious weather, nice rolling roads though and got talking to some friendly cyclists along the route.

Very well organised cycle and grateful to all the volunteers for given up their time.

Wanderer78

Well done to all that took part

El Vino

Hats off to anyone who did the 160km ride yesterday it was filthy weather, they have been really unlucky the last couple of years. 
Didn't ride this year but went out and did all the climbs on last years route including Mahon falls on Saturday. The descent off Mahon Falls gets worse and worse every year, they have done nothing to the road so it is a pretty loose surface. I was on the winter bike with 30 mm tyres and disc brakes. I took a slight wrong turn off Powers the Pot so did a couple of "wasted" ks but the whole ride is 80km if I hadn't gone wrong, most if not all the time you are following the brown signs for the Comeragh Drive . Ride is here if anyone is interested. 
SK without flat bits

marvin80

El Vino wrote: »

The descent off Mahon Falls gets worse and worse every year, they have done nothing to the road so it is a pretty loose surface.[/url]

Worth a shot sending Waterford County Council a message about the condition of the road.
Considering it's a popular tourist spot you'd think they'd keep the surface in decent nick.

Andalucia

the numbers were way down again, from a high of 5000 two years go to 3000 this year across the 3 routes, that's a serious drop

need to change it to a Saturday I think, and this years route for 160k was crap to be honest, just a spin to make up the distance really

benneca1

Andalucia wrote: »

the numbers were way down again, from a high of 5000 two years go to 3000 this year across the 3 routes, that's a serious drop

need to change it to a Saturday I think, and this years route for 160k was crap to be honest, just a spin to make up the distance really

Did it a few times and always thought there were too many entrants. Lots of sunday wannabe racers who wanted to cycle beside the great man. Flying up outside and cutting in sending a ripple back. Like that for50 Km till the first hill spat tjem off the back. Better event witn less IMO.

CantGetNoSleep

Andalucia wrote: »

the numbers were way down again, from a high of 5000 two years go to 3000 this year across the 3 routes, that's a serious drop

need to change it to a Saturday I think, and this years route for 160k was crap to be honest, just a spin to make up the distance really

Surely weather played a part in that though? I would have got a registration late last week if it was going to be a nice day, I'm a bit of a little bitch so glad I didn't in the end to be honest

Mercian Pro

Third time doing the 160 and, weather-wise, it certainly was the worst. Coming out of the first food stop into heavy rain and a cold downhill section was the lowpoint of the day. It did however ease off just as I got to the start of Tikincor and I was even able to unzip the rain jacket near the top of Powers the Pot. Thought having the main climbs grouped together was less of a challenge than before and it would be great to see Mahon Falls included again, weather and road surface permitting.
Two of us had started together and we got better as the day progressed at picking club groups to latch on to. Not sure if that makes us Sportif parasites but we both did our turns at the front. In fact the highlight of the day was being complimented by a Kingston Wheelers member after doing a tough uphill stint into the wind. In my many years of cycling, this (the compliment) was a first for me
The number of local volunteers involved was incredible and they are what make this event great rather than the presence or not of a cycling superstar. Well done to them all.

Exiled1

Andalucia wrote: »

the numbers were way down again, from a high of 5000 two years go to 3000 this year across the 3 routes, that's a serious drop

need to change it to a Saturday I think, and this years route for 160k was crap to be honest, just a spin to make up the distance really

Numbers are down in almost every sportive except for Beara in May.
Far too many sportives this year. Every local organisation, usually non cycling, seemed to think they could make a packet in a day. They do not realise the number of helpers needed on a day!
In my view, this years SK route was more difficult than previous. The balance of short ramps, drags and real climbs was ok. However the crap road surfaces take from the event. I was amazed not to see many more punctures/breakdowns. The stewarding was efficient and very friendly except for two junctions near Rathgormack left unattended.
The rain made the day brutal. But that is part of cycling. You takes your chances!!

Andalucia

appreciate the numbers are down across the board, but I feel this event in particular is gone stale, the route could be a lot better and safer than what they threw together this year

Gerry

benneca1 wrote: »

Yes it is a bit like  Croke Park I was there yesterday and Archbishop Croke didn't even turn up. Seriously I cant believe you are upset about this I don't think the cycle would have been more enjoyable if he had been there.

Yeah it just seems he had more involvement in previous years - i was actually more upset about the weather.

Mattie500

Did 100 with Mrs Mattie, thought yesterday was great (weather and all). Ramps on the road out at the beginning probably need a Marshall but overall the marshals were simply brilliant... out in the teaming rain for hours. Great atmosphere on the road all the way round!!!

NeedMoreGears

I preferred the old route. The new route seems easier but the road surface is terrible in a lot of places. Generally a tough day though, due a combination of an early heavy fall and the incessant rain.

Fair play and thanks to the marshals and those at the food stops. Excellent as usual.

niallo76

Did the 160, a bunch of 8 hardy souls,yep,the weather was desperate,and Christ Tickincor is a beast,but must say I enjoyed it.We stayed together,took our time on the hills,refueled,tried to enjoy it as best we could,the sense of achievement was great.Wet weather and headwinds is pretty much a given for Irish cyclists,I thought the route was very good,albeit very tough.Some of the descents were hairy,and made more difficult unless you had disc breaks,but again,bad roads and gravel is pretty much the norm on Irish roads.Would like to do the route without the rain!!Took us almost 6 and a half hours to complete,I never want to see Tickincor again in my life😂😂,but we did it and it's great to be able to say you did the 160K.But the volunteers and support at the food halls and along the way was unbelievable,thanks so much ,ye were brilliant...Rain,Wind,Muck,Bad Roads etc.despite these,we will still pull on our Lycra and face the elements,this is what we do,we are cyclists and we may be a little bit mad,but Jaysus,don't it feel great.....bring on SKT2018...rain or shine....🚵🚴

longshanks

Good healthy attitude you've got Niall.