Gaelforce West - Discussion & Afters

on the website home page where it says competitor map front the link is not working for me any ideas ? is the map any use

Just back from registering and dropping out my bike, it is like a mud pit out there, its brutal here in westport too, lashing rain.

Only about 100 registering so far....so tomorrow will be pretty busy out there.

The main pointer on the cycle course for those who have not done it yet is that the main hill is about a mile long and really only starts about 5/6k into the cycle and can be marked with a farmhouse surrounded by trees close to a lake on the right hand side , There his a barrier about 3/4 way up the hill that leads around a left hand turn it gives the impression it is the end of the hill ....it is not...but not too much left on the hill so keep some back .There is a gradual climb before the main hill but its more rolling so you can flat out and climb all within 100m.
After the sharp decent there is a nasty but unimposing left hand bend over a hump back bridge , possible high casualty rate here so be careful . after this flat out to drummin, small hill about 250m about 1 mile after drummin . Some rolling small hills but ability to make time , main road great so opportunity to catch breath at speed, turn off at owenwee kennel sign from main road, stiff and unassuming climb for about 2 mile after the turn for mountain rescue , this could catch you so save some back.
No advice on reek as it seems to be getting bigger.
Dirt track is in bits so no help here unless you have a quad bike, bad pothole on right on downhill just after dirt track on the narrow road, downhill so if wet careful on breaks .Road to westport house flat out once of narrow road.
Any info on the run section ?
Is it worth chaging back to cleats and bike shoes ?

Sheeeeeit i'm not even looking foward to it anymore

Ah thats just cos im afraid of abit of muck, it will be epic once we get goin i'm sure. And cant wait to get filthy drunk after :pac::pac::pac::pac::pac:

Crapola, I wont be reging until after 9pm at the earlest i reckon so its gonna be some pain. Hope they have their act together, its a lota money to run up a hill, not sure it'll be worth it to que in the mud too...

Clare United wrote: »

Anyone know if you have to get the Bus from Westport?.
Staying close to the Killary Adventure Centre so will be making own way to Beach

Had said it a week ago to a Gaelforce contact that I would not be availing of the Bus and they said it was Ok but reading the latest info on the website it seems as if you have to get the bus.

You don't have to go by bus, you have to tell them at registration that you are getting there under your own steam and they will tell you what time you have to be there. For example, I'm in the Green wave, and am travelling by car. I have to be there for 7.30 (busses leaving Westport at 6.30) for an 8am start. Everyone will be dropped off at the top of the road down to Glassilaun and will have to walk the 1.5k down to the beach, no cars allowed.

I registered last night at around 8.30, it was a muddy and wet mess. There was so much water where I left my bike that I saw a frog hop by me! Watch out if your surname is in anyway complicated, I came three different versions of my surname once I entered the registration tent and found my race number with difficulty.

I accept that Saturday should be messy, wet and tough, but registration!?
Definately bring wellies.

this whole thing is turning into a farce.isn`t it amazing where greed gets you. and its one damn expensive t-shirt aint it??

gizmo73 wrote: »

this whole thing is turning into a farce.isn`t it amazing where greed gets you. and its one damn expensive t-shirt aint it??

Do you actually get a t-shirt?! I thought you even had to buy those from the rat race store if you wanted one?

I'm really not looking forward to this anymore, just sounds like a mess.

They had better get their act together or this will be the 2010

'Gael Force: just dont do it'

thread:mad:

I have to work a half day, drive 5 hours and register and then do the race tomorrow. I care not about the weather but if the services and facilities arnt in place there'll be hell to pay. 2500 fit angry ppl aint good...

I am posting this before I register so I am slightly unqualified but I have been in back room staff org tri's etc and on thing, the first thing, is always will the facilities work. In Ireland, the big factor is the weather therefore stress tests are always applied, what if.... so if the event is a farce please note, it will be the organisers fault, not the weather, not the solar flares or the impending zombie invasion (;)) its bad organisation.
I do not care if the mountain is storm struck and we have to battle flash floods during the event, but, in my book, once you hit a control area (ie registration area) all bets are off and the place must be suitable for its purpose.


Have a look at the ring of Kerry cycle, thousands turn up to this charity event to cycle 200km. The logistics must be a nightmare but every thing works, no ques, no hassle and all have a great time.

I hope it goes off well, I really really hope I look back on Sunday and say 'I wanna do it again' cos this is my show piece event this year, everything I have done training, other events etc are all for this. Also this weekend is the Tour of Ireland, Lance Armstrong is cycling past my front door, some of my mates are cycling part of the Kerry stage and I'm missing it all to do this. Soo I REALLY hope they have their act together... I maybe upset...