Skoda Tour De Boyne Valley 2018

Eamonnator

The Skoda Tour De Boyne Valley takes place this year on Sunday 9th September.
This event is promoted by Drogheda Wheelers C.C.
There are two routes to choose from, 145kms and 95kms.
This is a great event, great routes, great marshals, good planning.
The food at the end is lovely, a particular highlight for me, last year, was the blueberry muffin, although the curry was also pretty good.
Entry is €40 for C.I. members and includes a long sleeve jersey.
There's a fee of a couple of Euro for entry online.

http://tourdeboynevalley.ie/

positron

Thanks for this, I've signed up purely based on the positive comments I read here about this sportive.

This would be my first sportive (unless I do Innishowen 100 while up north in next few weeks, but ..Mamore Gap.. shudder..). And I will be doing it on my own.. is that.. strange?

Eamonnator

positron wrote: »

Thanks for this, I've signed up purely based on the positive comments I read here about this sportive.

This would be my first sportive (unless I do Innishowen 100 while up north in next few weeks, but ..Mamore Gap.. shudder..). And I will be doing it on my own.. is that.. strange?

Fair play. It's a good one for a first one. Tough as you want to make it. No mad climbs, but a good test, if you push yourself.
I've been reading about your exploits on another thread, this'll be a doddle for you.
Mamore Gap... not at all strange. I do my best thinking, while cycling alone.

Really enjoyed it last year was only my second event. Would love to do it again but just don't have the km's in my legs this year and I'm going to be off the bike now for another 2 weeks. Always next year I guess.

Boscoirl

Tempted by this

Have done the other 2 Skoda events this year and would be nice to complete the set

who_ru

Boscoirl wrote: »

Tempted by this

Have done the other 2 Skoda events this year and would be nice to complete the set

I’m in the same boat, would really like to complete the trilogy but need to take time off for this. Seems odd it’s on a Sunday, I thought most sportives were on a Saturday?

Eamonnator

who_ru wrote: »

I’m in the same boat, would really like to complete the trilogy but need to take time off for this. Seems odd it’s on a Sunday, I thought most sportives were on a Saturday?

Lap the Lough.
Tour ofMeath.
Tour of Kildare.
WW200.
Tour of Louth.
Tour de Foothills.
Great Dublin Bike Ride.
3 Peaks Challenge.

All on Sundays.

Even the sign on on the Saturday was quality last year now I think of it.

Actually would they need a spare pair of hands to volunteer seeing as I've no intention of riding this year?

brocbrocach

Eamonnator wrote: »

The Skoda Tour De Boyne Valley takes place this year on Sunday 9th September.
This event is promoted by Drogheda Wheelers C.C.
There are two routes to choose from, 145kms and 95kms.
This is a great event, great routes, great marshals, good planning.
The food at the end is lovely, a particular highlight for me, last year, was the blueberry muffin, although the curry was also pretty good.
Entry is €40 for C.I. members and includes a long sleeve jersey.
There's a fee of a couple of Euro for entry online.

http://tourdeboynevalley.ie/

Yep, did it last year in the breezy squally weather and was impressed by everything. Looking forward to doing it on a fine day. Jersey looks decent.

Eamonnator

Deleted User wrote: »

Even the sign on on the Saturday was quality last year now I think of it.

Actually would they need a spare pair of hands to volunteer seeing as I've no intention of riding this year?

Some contacts from Drogheda Wheelers website.

http://droghedawheelers.ie/wp/?page_id=1182

comanche_cor

Thinking of doing the 95k. Currently commuting ~130km per week (pretty flat). Haven't been doing any training - will this be too much?

Boscoirl

you would have a good base, if you were to pace yourself you shouldnt have too difficult a time, whats the longest distance you have done in a single spin? if you do a 50-60km between now and then, you'll fly it

if you do the 95km park 3 KM away to get the 100Km if you have never done 100KM before, its a great feeling

Wishbone Ash

who_ru wrote: »

... Seems odd it’s on a Sunday, I thought most sportives were on a Saturday?

Audax events are normally on a Saturday but the vast majority of sportives are on a Sunday.

AxleAddict

I took part in the inaugral event in 2016 (when it was known as the Stephen Roche Boyne Valley Classic) - weather wasn't great - nothing the organisers can do about that - but a number of things which were within the organisers control let the event down - large queues at the first foodstop due to a small number of individuals (doing their best) to serve the massive influx of soggy cyclists through a hatch and some questionable road surfaces later in the route (not helped by the copious amoung of standing water hiding some pretty nasty potholes) - some photos of the event were posted on their Facebook page (some from the podium and some along the route) but after the less than positive feedback they seemed to give up shortly afterwards. Which was a shame, because I'd taken part in the two previous sportives in the SKODA Celtic Series (Tour de Conamara & Gran Fondo Hibernia - which subsequently became the Ring of Clare) and they had gone so smoothly, with some great photos too! As a result, I reluctantly gave the TdBV a miss last year - but willing to give it another chance - just curious to hear from anyone who took part last year to see if some/all of those issues had been ironed out?

positron

Very positive comments from last years event here: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057755261&page=3

brocbrocach

AxleAddict wrote: »

I took part in the inaugral event in 2016 (when it was known as the Stephen Roche Boyne Valley Classic) - weather wasn't great - nothing the organisers can do about that - but a number of things which were within the organisers control let the event down - large queues at the first foodstop due to a small number of individuals (doing their best) to serve the massive influx of soggy cyclists through a hatch and some questionable road surfaces later in the route (not helped by the copious amoung of standing water hiding some pretty nasty potholes) - some photos of the event were posted on their Facebook page (some from the podium and some along the route) but after the less than positive feedback they seemed to give up shortly afterwards. Which was a shame, because I'd taken part in the two previous sportives in the SKODA Celtic Series (Tour de Conamara & Gran Fondo Hibernia - which subsequently became the Ring of Clare) and they had gone so smoothly, with some great photos too! As a result, I reluctantly gave the TdBV a miss last year - but willing to give it another chance - just curious to hear from anyone who took part last year to see if some/all of those issues had been ironed out?

Yep organisation last year was top notch. Different team behind it I think.

AxleAddict

positron wrote: »

Very positive comments from last years event here: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057755261&page=3

Cheers - the discussion in that post pretty accurately aligns with my experience in 2016 and it seems they did sort a lot of things out last year, so I think I will have another crack at it after all!

mountclare4

Last year Drogheda Wheelers tookover the running of the event and it was great day out and run brillantly.

Boscoirl

Signed up for this on a whim last night. THe shorter route as I have to drive up and down on the same day.

mountclare4

Registration for the www.tourdeboynevalley.ie closes today - Sunday, Drogheda with choice of 145km and 95km routes

positron

I haven't cycled in weeks but I am looking forward to doing the 95 km route. Weather forecast looks good, if a tiny bit windy.

https://www.windy.com/?2018-09-09-09,53.684,-6.713,7,i:pressure

FAQ says no earphones. I am just not used to riding in groups, and usually keeps the head busy with podcasts etc. Will I get kicked out if I wear earphone in one ear?

AxleAddict

positron wrote: »

I haven't cycled in weeks but I am looking forward to doing the 95 km route. Weather forecast looks good, if a tiny bit windy.

https://www.windy.com/?2018-09-09-09,53.684,-6.713,7,i:pressure

FAQ says no earphones. I am just not used to riding in groups, and usually keeps the head busy with podcasts etc. Will I get kicked out if I wear earphone in one ear?

Although I've seen many sportives state that things like headphones and tri-bars should not be used, I've never seen it being actively enforced. That said, if you're not used to riding in groups and haven't cycled in weeks then I wouldn't suggest you wear headphones either - you may not hear hazards or slowing/braking being called out from the front, or hear vehicles approaching from behind - you will likely also be cycling with people with a very wide range of abilities - personally speaking, I like to have all my senses working at 100% :)

jethrothe2nd

AxleAddict wrote: »

I took part in the inaugral event in 2016 (when it was known as the Stephen Roche Boyne Valley Classic) - weather wasn't great - nothing the organisers can do about that - but a number of things which were within the organisers control let the event down - large queues at the first foodstop due to a small number of individuals (doing their best) to serve the massive influx of soggy cyclists through a hatch and some questionable road surfaces later in the route (not helped by the copious amoung of standing water hiding some pretty nasty potholes) - some photos of the event were posted on their Facebook page (some from the podium and some along the route) but after the less than positive feedback they seemed to give up shortly afterwards. Which was a shame, because I'd taken part in the two previous sportives in the SKODA Celtic Series (Tour de Conamara & Gran Fondo Hibernia - which subsequently became the Ring of Clare) and they had gone so smoothly, with some great photos too! As a result, I reluctantly gave the TdBV a miss last year - but willing to give it another chance - just curious to hear from anyone who took part last year to see if some/all of those issues had been ironed out?

I did it last year. Weather was bad , but it was extremely well organised. Well marked, good marshalling and well worth doing

Eamonnator

positron wrote: »

I haven't cycled in weeks but I am looking forward to doing the 95 km route. Weather forecast looks good, if a tiny bit windy.

https://www.windy.com/?2018-09-09-09,53.684,-6.713,7,i:pressure

FAQ says no earphones. I am just not used to riding in groups, and usually keeps the head busy with podcasts etc. Will I get kicked out if I wear earphone in one ear?

There will be a big number of cyclists doing this event.
You will constantly be overtaking slower cyclists or be overtaken by faster cyclists. Purely from a social point of view, you will enjoy it more without your earphone. I think other cyclists will be more likely to have a chat, if they don't see you wearing earphones.
Anyway enjoy. Give me a shout, if you see me, I'll be the old fat f***er with a grey goatee on a black Canyon(red bar tape).

wav1

All taking shape..circa 1200 entered now..

positron

Eamonnator wrote: »

Anyway enjoy. Give me a shout, if you see me, I'll be the old fat f***er with a grey goatee on a black Canyon(red bar tape).

Okay, I will go with the general consensus and ditch the earphones!

I doubt I would see you though, I'd say you would be finished before I roll out of Clogherhead. Foreign guy riding silver Boardman CX bike with fat wheels.

Best of luck on the day!

Eamonnator

I signed on this evening for the 145km spin.

Everything seems to be running smoothly at registration.
There's pasta available, looked lovely.

Bounty bag is one of the best, I've ever got at a sportive.
Long sleeve jersey is a quality piece of kit, Velotec make.
And mine is a lovely fit.
There's also a mini pump in the bag.

Forecast doesn't look too bad, might be a drain of rain, nothing off-putting.
Looking forward to a good spin.

Boscoirl

Heading up in the morning, 6am start. Actually forgot I signed up

Only doing the 95km. Haven’t been out on the road in 5 weeks eek!

theunforgiven

Doing this tomorrow, haven't been able to get out that much in the past few months with niggly injuries and family stuff. Am giving the 95km a lash, hopefully I'll make it around.
Anyone know what the sizing on the jersey is like?
Hopefully the weather isn't too bad. Looking forward to it.

Eamonnator

theunforgiven wrote: »

Doing this tomorrow, haven't been able to get out that much in the past few months with niggly injuries and family stuff. Am giving the 95km a lash, hopefully I'll make it around.
Anyone know what the sizing on the jersey is like?
Hopefully the weather isn't too bad. Looking forward to it.

I'm 185cms and about 86kgs. XL is perfect for me.

theunforgiven

Cheers, I ordered 2xl. Am same weight, but shorter 😉. I'll see can I change, if not, no matter, I'll layer up for winter . ðŸ‘
Thanks,

Boscoirl

At the Ring of Clare and Tour of Connemara I got XL and they both fit me, so went for XL again here, but I am 100kg, collecting it in the morning, but if it’s snug I can swap with you.

theunforgiven

No prob, I'll try it on and see. If it's hanging off me. I'll message you. ðŸ‘

positron

Lol, I must have been thinking of regular / Underarmour type sizing - I am 5'11 / 88kgs and I got a M - it's so small it might suit a 10 year old. I guess this is the normal cycling jersey sizing - kinda like aliexpress (asian) fit?

Apart from that, looking forward to the spin tomorrow. Looks slightly windy.. should be fun.

Boscoirl

The XL fits me ok. Not loose but fine with a base layer. So will hang onto it.

Damp morning here so far

plodder

Did the 95km just there. It's a fantastic event - incredibly fast and efficient checking in, though I was too late registering to get the top, which looked pretty decent. The route/scenery is lovely and great marshaling on the course. Loads of food at the mid way stop and at the end. Couldn't fault it. The weather stayed fine as well with only one short shower.

positron

Enjoyed that. It was harder than I imagined, not sure why. I have done couple of 200k runs in the past but mostly flat, and the hills on the second half was hard enough. Some rain along there too, got a good soaking. But otherwise weather was good.

Event was extremely well organised. Well signposted and marshaled. Nice food stop, and water stop was just at the right spot as well. The finish area was well setup too - nice chicken curry and rice + more options, cakes etc. Plenty of food.

On the road first 10k was fairly congested and gaps started appearing past Termonfeckin. And once past feed station I was all on my own for good 10k and I started wondering if took a wrong turn somewhere, but I hadn't and all was fine. I did most of the route on my own - I couldn't figure out the technique of staying with any of the groups I saw - most of them were quicker than my uphill but I would end up shooting past them on the downhill (without even trying). Must be the a weight / kinetic energy thing.

Only downsite for me was that the Garmin watch ran out of charge just after the water stop. But great event, will consider it again next year. Couldn't spot Eamonnator among what appeared like a sea of cyclists... a lot of great bikes were on display though!!

Boscoirl

Enjoyed and hated that at the same time

First Spin in 5 weeks and boy did I feel it. Florence for the first 40km. Was averaging 29-30kmph( the tail wind was probably helping for a bit if this) Then blew up. Limped to the food stop hoeing that would give me a boost, but the headwind sapped everything out of me. Then got lost, missed a turn and ended up in Slane(along with about 15other cyclist). Eventually got back on he route, then got stuck in the small ring at the front(which probably didn’t make a huge difference the way I was going. ) then trundled back to the start. Did 92km at an avg of 23.something. My worst in over 3yrs

Overall it’s a good spin, nice route and the food stop was fantastic, very well run and the volunteer/marshals were great. The only thing I didn’t fully like was using the retail park as the start/finish, was a bit ropey coming in at the end. Could have done with a marshal or two there, had a few cars pull out in front of me.

Glad I did it, but it’s a bit of trek for me so probably won’t get up to it again.

mcdonrob

Great sponsor, great Marshall’s, great Club, great route, great weather.

mcdonrob

mcdonrob wrote: »

Great sponsor, great Marshall’s, great Club, great route, great weather.

nice jersey too!

motley

I thought it could do with some more signage. There were no signs for two different distances, just marshals. Could do with distance markers 10km to go etc as the official distance is never the actual distance in these things.

Would agree that the retail park is not the ideal location for start/finish with the amount of traffic.

The sponsor has their place their though so while not ideal for riders maybe it makes sense.

shamrocka330

Did the 145KM today (which turned out to be 153KM so I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere!), it was my first time doing this cycle and overall found it very good. Checking in and the contents of the goodie bag were great and having the car near to the start line was an added bonus! I think more gents toilets are needed next year as the queue was mental!!

I’ve done many long cycles and found this one fairly tough! There was no big hills to contend with but I think the wind and the long, monotonous route was energy sapping. The organisation throughout was very good with marshals (and the guards) doing a good job.

My only gripe was the food, I didn’t think it was great compared to previous events I’ve done. At the first stop (think around 45KM) there was only water which meant the first bit of food available would be 92KM into the cycle at the proper food stop which is fair distance into the cycle. This meant a lot of cyclists stopped off at a shop as they were starving! Maybe next year have the food stop at around the 75KM mark?

Agree with the other posters about the finish area, it was a bit tricky with the traffic but the location, proximity to the motorway and the benefits I mentioned at the beginning outweigh this small negative. Overall a good day out and would definitely consider doing it next year.

Nanoc

Long shot, has anyone who did this already done Ironman Barcelona? I used it as a training day yesterday but if Barcelona is like that I'm goosed. There's not much in the elevation difference but I just found yesterday tough, I was zapped of energy after about 60k.

Did anyone else consider it to be a "tough" cycle?

Eamonnator

I did the "145" yesterday.
I started with the first group, and stayed with them until Collon. I got dropped there and continued on my Todd until the feed station. I got into a lovely group after the feed, and we stayed together until the end.
I averaged 30.6kph. I thought it was a tough spin. The wind was not kind and those drags were energy sapping.
My Garmin gave me a total of 150kms. not the advertised 145kms.

I thought, it was very well organised. Marshals, Lead cars and motos were plentiful and efficient. Gardai were at the places, where they were most needed.
Food was good. Again a special word about the muffins, lovely and I understand they were supplied by McCluskey's Bakery.
In an ideal world, the food stop on the long route would be better, if it were at about 70-75kms, but I'm not sure, if that would be logistically possible.

From Skoda's point of view, I would imagine, that they were delighted to be able to highlight the lovely premises that Western Motors have in Drogheda. I think Drogheda Wheelers did a great job, organising the Start/Finish, all things considered.

All in all, That was one of my favourite sportives of the year.
Well done to Drogheda Wheelers, Skoda, An Garda Siochana, and all involved.

@Nanoc. Yeah, it was tough, but hopefully, I'll be back for more next year.

Kop Idol

Boscoirl wrote: »

Enjoyed and hated that at the same time

First Spin in 5 weeks and boy did I feel it. Florence for the first 40km. Was averaging 29-30kmph( the tail wind was probably helping for a bit if this) Then blew up. Limped to the food stop hoeing that would give me a boost, but the headwind sapped everything out of me. Then got lost, missed a turn and ended up in Slane(along with about 15other cyclist). Eventually got back on he route, then got stuck in the small ring at the front(which probably didn’t make a huge difference the way I was going. ) then trundled back to the start. Did 92km at an avg of 23.something. My worst in over 3yrs

Overall it’s a good spin, nice route and the food stop was fantastic, very well run and the volunteer/marshals were great. The only thing I didn’t fully like was using the retail park as the start/finish, was a bit ropey coming in at the end. Could have done with a marshal or two there, had a few cars pull out in front of me.  

Glad I did it, but it’s a bit of trek for me so probably won’t get up to it again.

Yup...that likely was my group :ermm:. We had our heads down on the N2, doing changeovers into the headwind and obviously completely missed the turn and ended up in Slane. We were told later there was a sign but thought there might've been marshals given it was a right turn across a busy man road. We re-routed and joined the course back up at Gormanlough so our mileage was nearly the same and elevation similar. Great day out otherwise and the pink iced cake at the food stop in Phillipstown is probably what powered me home. Great organization, great event. Will be back next year (if its in the plan).

positron

Kop Idol wrote: »

We were told later there was a sign but thought there might've been marshals given it was a right turn across a busy man road.

When I got there (doing 95k route, 3:24 pm according to Strava), there were two marshals there waving a red flag and getting folks to turn right off N2 and into a gravel road with no sides, nearly went into the ditches couple of times riding too close to the edge and looking back etc.

And further up, after a very long and hard climb there was a huge fast descent - possibly the into the Boyne river valley (wiggers cross?) - where the road surface was absolutely horrondous - genuinely thought my bike is going to fall apart as I clattered thru it, and that's with me riding a CX bike with nice 32 mm marathon tyres. I can't imagine how folks managed that with their proper / expensive road bikes.

To Nanoc, I thought it was pretty hard too. I was pretty wrecked considering I only did 100k, compared to couple of instances where I have done beyond 100k - 200k even. I feel it was because I was going faster than the pace I would have kept if I was riding on my own, and the wind made things a lot worse. Best of luck with the Ironman!

Kop Idol

positron wrote: »

Kop Idol wrote: »

We were told later there was a sign but thought there might've been marshals given it was a right turn across a busy man road.

And further up, after a very long and hard climb there was a huge fast descent - possibly the into the Boyne river valley (wiggers cross?) - where the road surface was absolutely horrondous - genuinely thought my bike is going to fall apart as I clattered thru it, and that's with me riding a CX bike with nice 32 mm marathon tyres. I can't imagine how folks managed that with their proper / expensive road bikes.

Yup, that's known locally as Sharps Hill, personal favorite of mine :)  Trick is to descend to the Boyne as quick as you dare (gravel, surface and narrow bridge at the bottom) and then hit the climb fast and hard so you kinda 'fly' over the bad surface ;)  I managed 2nd fastest up it on Strava yesterday so was well happy given I got my gears wrong about mid way up. Nice tailwind home from there.

plodder

positron wrote: »

When I got there (doing 95k route, 3:24 pm according to Strava), there were two marshals there waving a red flag and getting folks to turn right off N2 and into a gravel road with no sides, nearly went into the ditches couple of times riding too close to the edge and looking back etc.

And further up, after a very long and hard climb there was a huge fast descent - possibly the into the Boyne river valley (wiggers cross?) - where the road surface was absolutely horrondous - genuinely thought my bike is going to fall apart as I clattered thru it, and that's with me riding a CX bike with nice 32 mm marathon tyres. I can't imagine how folks managed that with their proper / expensive road bikes.

To Nanoc, I thought it was pretty hard too. I was pretty wrecked considering I only did 100k, compared to couple of instances where I have done beyond 100k - 200k even. I feel it was because I was going faster than the pace I would have kept if I was riding on my own, and the wind made things a lot worse. Best of luck with the Ironman!

I was a bit surprised by those two spots as well. I would have missed that right turn off the N2, if there weren't people directly ahead of me. It's a tricky spot to marshal obviously as there's no way they can stop the traffic, but I would have put someone a bit back, warning people that the turn is coming and to stop in the hard shoulder before turning. And that downhill stretch you mention was a shocker. I've never got such a shaking as going over that surface at speed. I also nearly lost it near the end at a patch of gravel just before the little underpass of the M1. Not complaining though. I really enjoyed it all. Was talking to a lad who this was his first sportive, but came off right after the start and bust both his knees. He managed to carry on and finish it though.

terrydel

Much climbing in this?

plodder

terrydel wrote: »

Much climbing in this?

A few nice hills, but nothing too crazy in the 95km. Strava is saying 598m of elevation for me.