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Sportives 2022

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,925 ✭✭✭✭dahat


    100% correct. All CI approved events are pre entry only these days.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,014 ✭✭✭Large bottle small glass


    Brilliant part of country to ride a bike, but really really lumpy.

    Would ye ever consider a gravel event? Between lovely boreens, forestry and wind farms over a pretty big area it looks like an area with massive potential.

    From Clonmel I only managed a few jaunts up and back but was struck by its potential; and usually finished spin in a heap of course



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 335 ✭✭AxleAddict


    Agreed. I did the Grass Routes Gran Fondo last year (I think you might have done it too?) - one of the most interesting sportive's I've ever done (and I've done quite a few) - it's such a shame they weren't able to keep it going (the announcement seemed to come totally out of the blue) - for a free it event it was great, but I'd have happily paid to take part in future editions. Still, it gives me some inspiration for potential routes the next time I'm down in that neck of the woods.

    Post edited by AxleAddict on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,610 ✭✭✭Macy0161


    Grass Routes Gran Fondo was a brilliant event, including the locals who from what I saw were supportive of the event (rather than the usual giving out). Promised myself I'd go back either cycling or walking, but hasn't happened yet!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,014 ✭✭✭Large bottle small glass


    The area here is just north of GR country, but it's all great.

    I was going to ride it but couldn't face putting bike in car so ride this instead

    https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36808937

    So lovely little roads on it


    Although Keeper's hill was a little bit ambitious for a rim brake road bike 😃



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 335 ✭✭AxleAddict


    Indeed - had some encouragement from both individuals and groups of people at various times during the route.




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 288 ✭✭Tipperarymike


    I am on this route not that far from Keeper Hill and I really had to zoom in on the gps to see if you actually did take the road i thought you took! Fair play Axle



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 212 ✭✭Bot1


    With the Tour De Beara - does anyone know if you can register for the 160km but on the day if suffering you can do the 120km?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,539 ✭✭✭hesker


    I can’t imagine anyone would say a word to you. But you’ll have to make your mind up before you start as the routes both start in Glengarrif but go in different directions.

    The 160 goes north over the Caha pass while the 120 goes straight west.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 705 ✭✭✭Morris Garren


    Tour of Kildare was a great success yesterday; sold out early in the week and with the heat involved it was just as well. Scramble for water at the 2 stops but there was enough for everyone. New route, lots of marshals including top class Garda lead moto, beautiful roads through rural parts of the county... but most of all the final 25km through wooded hills was super hard, overall a great sportive back on the calendar. And cost just 20 euro- great value as it included free pizza in the pub afterwards. 😀



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭loyatemu


    yes, very enjoyable day and very well organised and marshalled by Naas CC.

    We got into a big group in the first section, must have been nearly 100 riders who all rolled into the food stop together. In the next section we got in with some riders from Reservoir Cogs who pushed hard on the mainly flat roads through west Kildare; possibly a bit too hard for me as I then struggled on the final, lumpier third of the course, particularly with temperature rising into the upper 20s.

    At one point we came around a corner to find a crowd of people clapping & cheering - only after giving them a wave did I realise they were there for a vintage tractor rally that was going in the opposite direction. We then got to ride through about 4km of diesel fumes as the old tractors just kept coming.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 552 ✭✭✭lissard


    Just posting an update for a sportive being run by my own club on Sun 11th Sept 2022.

    • Sign-on from 8am, start at 9am at Bray Wheelers Clubhouse, Schools Road, Boghall, Bray, Co Wickow, A98 C890
    • Distances 120km / 90km / 70km
    • Enjoy beautiful scenic routes with the 120km and 90km distances taking in the iconic Shay Elliott climb
    • Home-baked refreshments at Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Base in Laragh, for all routes
    • Entry fee €20, and proceeds to local charity Bray Lakers, https://lakers.ie




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    Anyone know did Gravel Grind West sell out last year or is it likely to?


    Would like to do it but not sure I will be able to commit until closer to the time



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 478 ✭✭gmacww


    Last o da wrappin paper!

    Reservoir dog sportive is this Sunday September 4th. Many of you have already signed up, thank you your support is greatly appreciated and we have great numbers this year. If you've been waiting to see how the legs are now is the time. We are closing registration today at 5 so get in there before the gates get locked.

    https://www.reservoircogs.ie/reservoir-dog-sportive/



  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 41,963 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle
    Brundlefly


    Looking forwards to it. The burger was a sportive highlight last year!



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,278 ✭✭✭kenmc


    Any chance you could fix the weather forecast for Sunday it's broken :(



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,018 ✭✭✭fat bloke



    The aul dog doesn't have the best luck when it comes to weather on the day :(



  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 41,963 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle
    Brundlefly


    I looked at the forecast for Blessington this evening and about 10mm of rain was forecast coupled with winds tipping 40km/h. Now Met Eireann are saying less than 3mm with less wind.

    Keep the fingers crossed!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,523 ✭✭✭✭dastardly00


    It's one of the best sportives in Ireland. I unfortunately won't be taking part as I hurt my back at the start of June and I'm still not properly recovered. I've missed out on the Wicklow 200, Tour de Kilkenny, a Galway gravel sportive which started a few hundred metres from my flippin' house, and now Reservoir Dogs as well ☹️



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,278 ✭✭✭kenmc


    Re Galway : "Ride the classic" in may or the grinder last weekend? Both were great but the grinder was another level altogether, stupidly beautiful scenery and incredibly well organized



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,523 ✭✭✭✭dastardly00


    The Gravel Grinder that started/finished in Moycullen last Saturday... I know the trails around the wind park but I was still gutted to miss it. Great to hear that it was well organised. Hopefully it will be on next year again.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,278 ✭✭✭kenmc


    I hope so too, a super day out, even if it meant driving down from and back to Dublin on the day. Defo doing it again next year



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,412 ✭✭✭Daroxtar


    Jeez, I don't know about that. I've done all them bar 2019 and only got wet once. I wouldn't heed a tiny bit of drizzle, I have photos of me sitting on the grass eating my burger in the sunshine after every one of them



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,018 ✭✭✭fat bloke


    Ah fair enough, I thought the last time anyway that it was poxy. I've threatened to but have never actually done the event. Mainly cos it's an approximation of my every-weekend-spin the last 20 years, bit of a busman's holiday that way.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 478 ✭✭gmacww


    A couple of years ago it wasn't the best day. One of my marshal posts was turn right onto the N81. Will actually be there again this year. But it was ok until about 3 then it rained constant for a couple of hours. Not heavy but enough to annoy you on a bike. The rest of them have been great.

    Now I never look at the weather until the day before. Anything longer than that is subject to change. Forecast has gotten better as the week has gone on mind.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,610 ✭✭✭Macy0161


    I know it wasn't on the route every addition, but last year was the first time I saw the view from the Gap Road! Last year was good weather, at least as long as I was out on the road.

    Unfortunately, I think family commitments on the afternoon look like they may rule me out this year.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46 Wavehopper


    Is it possible to get a ticket for Reservoir Dogs on Sunday from someone who can't go and change the name and details for my own name, cycling ireland license, etc at registration on Monday morning or is this just not allowed? I wasn't meant to be free this Sun but plans just changed and looking to see if I can do it.



  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 41,963 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle
    Brundlefly


    Ticket @ https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058261226/reservoir-dog-125km-entry#latest

    Pretty sure that you can't transfer but you should be ok.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46 Wavehopper


    Thanks Seth for the reply and the link



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,018 ✭✭✭fat bloke


    Are the Gods smiling on us?

    Here's the rain radar at 5am Sunday morning


    And then at 9am!





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  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 41,963 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle
    Brundlefly


    It looks like it will be dry but cool with moderate wind



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 418 ✭✭ofthelord


    I did the Galway Gravel Grinder last weekend. Fingers crossed this event is held again next year - was a great 125km route, loved the mix of road/gravel/bog. Plan is to do the Lakelander Gravel next month also, hoping that route can match the Galway one for a good fun cycle



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,278 ✭✭✭kenmc


    Lakelander was excellent last year, would love to do it again but it's just so far from Dublin - really need to stay over before and after, it's dark in the mornings and early evening in Oct so a horrible drive. And there's nothing in belcoo or black lion.

    I found Galway a fair bit easier than lakelander though for that I was on MTB whereas gravel bike for Galway. Watch out for the photographer on the navar ending climb, he'll be there to catch you at your worst, it's a horrible slog of a climb. And worse still when we got up it, it was foggy so didn't even see the view which is supposed to be lovely.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,805 ✭✭✭✭retalivity


    Of course when I wake up it's blue skies and sun shining, so skipping the dog in case of bad weather was a tremendous idea...everyone else, enjoy it!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,278 ✭✭✭kenmc


    Ah you didn't miss much. Sunny skies, great organisation, tough route, and loads and loads of bloody cyclists wagging their lycra clad arses around as they held up all the traffic on the roads. Oh and a lovely burger, plenty of sandwiches and sweets and a cowbell. You were far better off in bed 😂



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 335 ✭✭AxleAddict


    Ahh jaysus, 'ye missed a good one 😭 Another great day out - thoroughly enjoyed it - they really did strike it lucky with the weather today - a bit windy at higher elevations on the outward leg for sure, but nowhere near the forecasted strength earlier in the week (I think the Donegal Bay Spring Sportive of 2019 still holds the record for the windiest sportive I've ever ridden) - the wind helped keep the usual mist/fog at bay too. Rain was absolutely tipping it down as I left my house in Belfast this morning - I did wonder if I was wise going any further, but as I travelled southwards the roads dried and the clouds parted - I knew I'd be kicking myself if I saw positive reviews here on Boards afterwards (sound familiar? 😛) so luckily my FOMO and pig-headedness won out in the end. Made it around without any issues or mechanicals, which is always a bonus (seemed to be quite a few people getting punctures early on).

    As ever, muchas gracias to the Reservoir Cogs, all the marshals and volunteers, Russburough House and the sponsors who help to make the event what it is. My only complaint is I'll have to wait 12 months for the next one!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 666 ✭✭✭Johnny Jukebox


    First time doing the Dog and very impressed with the venue, route and big thanks for the excellent organisation. Its a tough one despite the relatively short length.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,562 ✭✭✭BoardsMember


    Yes, was class. Brilliant organisation, marshaling, buckets of food and drinks. And the weather was cracking. If only they could flatten the route out, found it very tough!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 313 ✭✭this.lad


    Great day, always well run.

    Got away with the weather too, top class. Got around in 5 hrs too so I'm happy 😊



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro



    There's also gravel grind west out of Westport on the 17th and 18th September


    Drive from Dublin for the Lakelander is grand - think I left at 7 last year? By nothing do you mean accomodation? There is a hotel in Belcoo that does decent carvery and obviously Nevin's place but I presume they book out for the event. There's also a campsite not too far away. That whole area is great and undervisited if people wanted to make a weekend of it. I'm sure you'd get accommodation in Enniskillen, Leitrim or Cavan.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 105 ✭✭PringleDemon


    Same driving distance coming from the likes of Belfast to Belcoo for the Gravel Grinder (over 2 hrs).

    Its worth the drive for this event . Leave early and take a power nap when you arrive , sure its a 10 am start.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,278 ✭✭✭kenmc


    Yeah I mean little in the way of accomodation nor food options nor rehydration establishments. We got a tiny cottage on Airbnb last year, about 3 or 4km out of black lion, found the takeaway (wouldn't be having nevin looking over his shoulder)and had beers at the cottage. If you're going to drive to Leitrim or Cavan might as well keep going to Dublin at that stage IMO


    Now having checked Google maps, in does indeed look like it's doable from Dublin as a day trip, just over 2 hours - in my head last year it was over 3, though that could have been due to Friday night traffic - we definitely arrived up around 10pm after leaving 7ish. I wasn't driving, so maybe the driver had a light right foot 😀



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,685 ✭✭✭triggermortis


    It was lashing when I left Monaghan for the Dog, but bright blue skies in Wicklow. Got away with a few brief showers and some wind, but the weather was grand. Not done a lot on the bike so far this year due to a house renovation and move so should have really done the pup, but slogged on with a club mate for the full dog. Front mech broke at the last water stop, but that didn't slow me down (the climbs did that in spades!).Great marshalling and organsisation as usual, and the food was excellent. Even noticed some tan lines on my arms this morning. Orange weather warning my @rse!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭a148pro


    The main problem with driving is not being able to have pints afterwards, particularly given you get a free craft beer at the finish, and coupled with the fact you're likely driving someone elsewho is able to have a few


    But you're right, I know from experience its tough to get accommodation in that general area



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 786 ✭✭✭lochdara


    I hadn't an ounce more to give after doing the Dog, which was my first time doing that one. Even getting a photo on the podium was an effort. But I didn't stop on any of the hills so I am well pleased. This event never fails in any aspect of its planning, Routes, mapping, marshalls, food and the support of the club was excellent. It will be on my list again next year for sure.

    Next weekend is Tour De Beara, its longer and more elevation so it will be interesting how the difficulty level will be.

    ______________________________________________________

    Currently fundraising for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association

    In Memory of my fab Wife www.sinsin.ie



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,539 ✭✭✭hesker


    You’ll fly the Tour de Beara I reckon as long as weather is not too severe. I did the tough bits of The Dog a few weeks ago but in a different direction. Finished with The Wall and Cunard and man was it tough.

    Did the TDB last year and doing it again next weekend. There’s nothing really as tough on it as that bit of The Dog.



  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Maybe a stupid question but what’s the difference between the Ring of Beara (which I did earlier in the year) and the Tour de Beara? The routes look the same and drink stations in the same place (eg Eyeries). Is it just a repeat or is there a different level of organisation or approach



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 47 spudpicker2022


    For the most part, they go in opposite directions while covering a lot of the same roads. The main difference is the ring of beara doesnt go up the Healy Pass. The TdB goes up it twice! TdB is a more challenging ride IMO. The TdB is 20km longer but has ~600m more elevation gain.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 786 ✭✭✭lochdara


    Will most people start TdB AT 7,30AM or before?

    ______________________________________________________

    Currently fundraising for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association

    In Memory of my fab Wife www.sinsin.ie



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,539 ✭✭✭hesker


    You have allocated times but not sure how much these are adhered to. Expect the weather forecast might be a factor on when people start. I started about 8.30 last year and people were leaving in dribs and drabs. No big groups which I was happy with due to COVID. I found it more enjoyable than the ROB in that regard as that tends to be very crowded for the first half.



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