Grass Routes Gran Fondo

AxleAddict · 15-07-2021 2:33pm #1

Just stumbled across this fairly new event and thinking of giving it a go - the Grass Routes Gran Fondo - which takes place in and around Tipperary in September - with plenty of boreens and gravely bits thrown in for good measure. I normally partake in more traditional road sportives, but want to try something else without going completely off road.

Has anyone taken part in previous editions, and if so, what did you think of it?

More info:

https://grassroutesgranfondo.ie

Seems its free to enter too, although pre-registration is recommended.

Liam10000 · 21-08-2021 11:34am

Hi @AxleAddict, Great to hear you are going to give the Grass Routes Gran Fondo a go! Can't quite answer your question as I'm one of the organizers but if you need any info or anything give us an email. Hope you enjoy the day :D

AxleAddict · 21-08-2021 12:25pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117784081#Comment_117784081

Looking forward to it. Sportives of any type have been slim pickings over the last two seasons (for obvious reasons) so it's great that a couple are still going ahead (fingers crossed) over the next month or two. Inishowen 100 in Donegal tomorrow for me, the Reservoir Dog in Wicklow in early September and then the Grass Routes a few weeks later. I hope you've spoken with the relevant authorities and booked the good weather for September 19th 😁

Large bottle small glass · 21-08-2021 3:42pm

I signed up and will head up to it.

A group of lads I ride back roads with did it last year and loved it, looking forward to it.

You would hope that attending would inspire lads to discover lanes and back roads in their own locality.

I have a lot of roads covered in South Tipp but this route in West Tipp will be nearly all new.

dastardly00 · 22-08-2021 9:17am

Just stumbled across this thread, and now I have signed up!

a148pro · 22-08-2021 9:51am

I did the first 2/3 of this route as a day cycle last summer, the lads' stencils were on the ground in prep for one of the events that covid cancelled - absolutely beautiful route, one of the nicest I've done in Ireland, massive kudos to those who put the effort in to put this together!

Macy0161 · 23-08-2021 9:51am

Was booked and didn't manage to make it last year as the children made a final which clashed. Back on board for this year, trusting that it really is doable on the road bike/ road tyres!

dahat · 31-08-2021 4:51pm

Really tempted by this but I’d be running clinchers so the fear of multiple punctures is real.

Macy0161 · 31-08-2021 5:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117828981#Comment_117828981

Be grand (I hope!)

dahat · 31-08-2021 5:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117829166#Comment_117829166

I’ve two blistered thumbs from trying to seat a tyre last night so really could do without a flat 😂

fat bloke · 31-08-2021 5:55pm

Is this do-able on a road bike ?

lennymc · 31-08-2021 7:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117829288#Comment_117829288

I would imagine with 28mm tyres and a few tubes just in case, yeah it would. I did a few gravel paths on my systemsix with no problems on 28mm tyres.

Only for the fact i have something on that weekend, i would do this spin. Good luck guys.

dastardly00 · 31-08-2021 11:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117828981#Comment_117828981

I'm planning on doing it with 28 mm clinchers

AxleAddict · 31-08-2021 11:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117830892#Comment_117830892

As am I.

Large bottle small glass · 01-09-2021 9:08am

28mm tyres are fine on really rough roads, easy gravel/forestry roads etc

I'm using 28mm tyres (which effectively measure 31mm or so) for over 6 years without issue; often on surfaces that will be a lot worse than this sportive.

The key thing for comfort is the tyre pressure you run them at. My bike or I are light with a combined weight of circa 95kgs plus and I've over the years reduced rear tyre pressure to about 4 bar (60 of those old British units) and front to about 3.5.

All I ride if sh1te roads and I might get one pinch flat a year; normally when I forget to pump/check tyres and the rear is down around 3 bar and hit a hole

I wouldn't just rock up to Tipp Town without giving things a good test somewhere

https://goo.gl/maps/kX9zMmPjUHLJWvEc9

https://goo.gl/maps/bBtbdghcTv3VEhjR7

3 road bikes went up those two places Sunday without issue

https://goo.gl/maps/npzSZXwYu2eTBChJ7

This road hasn't aged well since the Google car went down and was a good test of 28mm clinchers the few times I rode it.

From the website "People have done the cycle on 23c to 42c; we recommend somewhere in between 25c to 32c depending on style of rider. Bigger tyres will be more comfortable but ultimately slower, the balance between speed and comfort, again riders choice"

Go ride it, step outside your comfort zone and have some fun

Macy0161 · 01-09-2021 10:25am

Well I wasn't planning to change from my 25mm clinchers tbh. I may see what I have in the shed (there may be 28mm in there somewhere) and/or the state of the GP 4 seasons that are in there. Be after the Reservoir Dog though!

Farloo · 02-09-2021 12:03pm

Did it last year on 28s, great event, would really recommend, so well organised, much better than events you pay 60e for!!!

fat bloke · 02-09-2021 6:19pm

I just entered this with me newly acquired Boards-issue Focus CX Mares! -Looking forward to it now.

Tyres on it are new Durano 25's. I'm sure they'll do the job grand. I have a selection of knobbly CX tyres but they're probably overkill, and can be a bit wandery on corners anyway in my experience.

Liam10000 · 08-09-2021 5:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117784262#Comment_117784262

We'll see what we can do but if it rains it'll be even more epic 😁

Thanks All! Not on this much but we really are look forward to seeing everyone on the 19th of September in Tipperary, if anyone has any question etc. give us an email grassroutes.granfondo@gmail.com (Preferably questions related to the Grass Routes 😂)

fat bloke · 14-09-2021 9:32am

Question about the "navigation" and "self-guided" aspect to it.

Do we need to download garmin traces or bring our sextants and telescopes, or is it signposted? -Can a numpty like myself follow the route handy enough like.

dastardly00 · 14-09-2021 12:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117888367#Comment_117888367

There is a message on their FB page (from a few days ago) saying that they will be sending out an email with details and a GPX link early this week.

EDIT: I received an email from the organisers a few minutes ago with details of the route, GPX file etc.

Macy0161 · 14-09-2021 12:55pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117889241#Comment_117889241

I got an email at 12.01 today, with the link the route.

Liam10000 · 14-09-2021 1:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117888367#Comment_117888367

Thanks all, .GPX is sent out now. Its pretty well marked and sign posted along the way but still the .GPX is a good back up or a telescope, which ever is easier 😀😂

See ye on the 19th !

Macy0161 · 16-09-2021 9:09am

Looking at some of the sectors posted last night, I'm back tempted to go Gravel Bike!

I don't think I'll be chancing GP5000's anyway, so my options are (worn) GP 4 Seasons, or going all in with Marathon Plus!

Liam10000 · 16-09-2021 3:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117898121#Comment_117898121

Hi Macy0161, those pics are a little bit of a Red Herring, they exist, but not for long at all (>1km)😁 . There are only two 5star sectors; previous participants will be familiar with the limestone one, its similar to a cobbled berg to get over. Vast majority is the rural roads and classic boreens with grass in middle, all with pretty good surface considering 😀 everything is passable with the road bike (just about).

Tyre wise I'm currently using Vittoria Rubino Pro Graphine 25mm, I think my other bike has GP5000's and I have been out on the route with them.

Hope this helps ☺️

Large bottle small glass · 16-09-2021 9:43pm

A bit of last minute training for Sunday 🙂

Macy0161 · 17-09-2021 11:05am

What I have on, an extra tube, and tyre boots it is!

fat bloke · 19-09-2021 7:11pm

What a super, super event. Definitely be back next year. Mad of bikes from fat to mountain to gravel to cross to road, with each showing its capabilities and failings at various sections.

My heart goes out to the lads on their s-works etap bikes and this evenings clean up!!!

Absolutely chuffed with how my bargain focus mares bought last week coped with everything that was thrown at it. Definitely the best compromise imo.

Hard hard day on the bike though, particularly the last 40 k where things got weary and dirty and wet.

Congrats to the organisers though. As intriguing and enjoyable and hard a day as Flanders for sure.

Macy0161 · 19-09-2021 11:20pm

The penny drops fat bloke. I think you and another guy caught me and Robbie from St Teirnans on that last 40km, and I nearly managed to cling on to home (I was struggling by that stage)

Anyway, absolutely top day, even if it was brutal in parts on the road bike. Probably the calipers the biggest issue, but disc brakes and something wider that 25's probably a decent compromise.

Jersey just gone in for its second wash after the stains didn't come out first time. I think it's the cowsh!t from that sector...

AxleAddict · 19-09-2021 11:54pm

Will try to muster up the strength tomorrow to post a few thoughts on my experience today - but right now I'm wrecked, and half of Tipperary is still stuck to the frame of my bike! 😂

fat bloke · 20-09-2021 10:27am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117913362#Comment_117913362

Aha. Nice one. Yeah, cripes I was delighted to catch ye and book a ticket on the train home. Sorry, it took a while for me to recover and give a turn at the front. That other lad that joined us on the canyon inflite was very strong, I had latched on to his wheel earlier and blew up trying to stay with him on one of the climbs. He punctured then, which was why he came upon us again. Ye were motoring along the two of ye as well. Was delighted to reach the finish, I fairly had enough of it at that stage!

Peterx · 20-09-2021 11:41am

Super event, really well thought out and organised. The markings were perfect, those mini bags of salty crispy bits at the food stop were amazing.

There's lots of good land down there, the farm section was class and up around the 2 wind turbines was mighty also.

Thanks again.

2 Wheels Good · 20-09-2021 12:25pm

Great event, nice mix of every surface possible I think. Would definitely do it again. Have to give the bike a good scrub tonight!

Macy0161 · 20-09-2021 1:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117914135#Comment_117914135

I think I more than made up for it on the run in, as was really hanging on once the rotation started. In fairness yer man on the inflite offered to wait before the sector where ye ran into the horse box, but I was goosed by then and I told him to go on.

NamelessPhil · 20-09-2021 5:08pm

Well the Audax lads are singing the organiser's praises on the club WhatsApp. I'm sorry I couldn't do it this year but it'll be in the diary for next year.

AxleAddict · 21-09-2021 2:55pm

Here's a few framegrabs from my GoPro as I was navigating the course - hopefully gives a little bit of a flavour of the route and the various surfaces we encountered throughout the day...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/1xHbC8R5Rs3sB7HDA

Macy0161 · 21-09-2021 4:06pm

I'm still amazed I got around on the 25mm GP5000/ GP4000 combo - actually the mud on the limestone bit was probably the closest I got to a foot down/ coming off (but just about made it!)

AxleAddict · 21-09-2021 4:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117920239#Comment_117920239

Yeah - some people were taking that section very cautiously but then getting the front wheel stuck in a rut, losing all momentum and falling over, and others were trying their best to power through it, back wheels spinning with lack of traction. I had 25c tyres on myself, so this bit was hard going alright, if I'm back next year (which I very much hope I will be) then I think I'll give the 28c's a go to see how they fare...

Macy0161 · 21-09-2021 4:45pm

Yeah, I was in the company of a lad who was on 30mm road tyres on his gravel bike, which seemed a good compromise*. Actually it was the pressure in road tyres/ tubes that was part of the issue on that section. I kinda didn't carry enough momentum as I got boxed in behind someone going into it.

*Even for the gear ratios - if it was wet some of the climbs out of the saddle would be dodgy (the concrete climb springs to mind!)

fat bloke · 21-09-2021 5:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117920239#Comment_117920239

You were a great advert for the all conquering abilities of the Giant TCR! :)

I had 25ml Duranos on and pressures lowish. A bit stodgy on the road but a bit more comfy on the rutted bits. The only dodgy bits were the deeper mud bits and that first very rocky gnarly section where I was afraid I'd get caught out clipped-in and come down on an elbow or something.

Not sure I'd change anything though, equipment wise, if I had to do it all again.

Liam10000 · 22-09-2021 4:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117919941#Comment_117919941

These are fantastic, hope you don't mind if we use them!

Glad everyone enjoyed, roll on 2022 😀

AxleAddict · 22-09-2021 5:06pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117924786#Comment_117924786

No problem at all - use them as you see fit.

a148pro · 22-09-2021 8:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117924987#Comment_117924987

Gorgeous part of the world to cycle.

How did you get the go pro to do that, you hardly had the battery to film the whole thing? Just set it up to take stills every now and then or?

AxleAddict · 23-09-2021 1:33am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117925801#Comment_117925801

It's possible to run the GoPro in 'timelapse' mode whereby it takes still images at set intervals, however I simply turned the front and rear GoPro's on and off at various points throughout the day when I thought we were going over some interesting terrain - and then manually extracted some 'still' frames from the resulting footage - it's not something I normally do, but I thought others might want to see parts of the route without me needing to upload gigabytes worth of video footage to YouTube or Vimeo or whatever. I had a couple of spare batteries with me as well.

kao123 · 26-09-2021 12:15pm

It was a great day out in fairness, the organisation was top notch. had no idea what to expect and was not disappointed at all, some of those climbs.. oh man.. back wheel slipping and sliding all over the shop, I left it to chance and had 25mm GatorSkins on (no punctures thankfully) with 100psi in both.

The "sectors" just kept on coming :-)

Will hopefully do it again next year, as an event it certainly stands out, for all the right reasons :-)

Big thanks to the organisers and the volunteers. And thanks to the landowners for letting the loonies loose on their land too !

Grass Routes Gran Fondo

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