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Gaelforce West 21/8/10

  • 08-04-2010 6:00pm
    #1
    Vitamin C
    Registered Users Posts: 98 ✭✭Vitamin C


    I mapped the 2010 route with the change on stage four on MapMyRide if anyone's interested:

    http://www.mapmyride.com/route/ie/co.%20mayo/965127068504897146

    Its handy because it can show the topography etc, but it can also show a graph of the ascents and descents. So, if like me you're a first timer this year, it'll give you an idea of the hills.

    It's not 100% accurate due to the odd missing road on Google Maps, but I think it's fairly close.

    Just getting properly stuck into training now...can't wait!

    Rate this race based on, Scenery, PB potential, Atmosphere, Value, Organisation 58 votes

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Comments

  • #2
    addictedtoshoes
    Closed Accounts Posts: 129 ✭✭addictedtoshoes


    Vitamin C wrote: »
    I mapped the 2010 route with the change on stage four on MapMyRide if anyone's interested:

    http://www.mapmyride.com/route/ie/co.%20mayo/965127068504897146

    Its handy because it can show the topography etc, but it can also show a graph of the ascents and descents. So, if like me you're a first timer this year, it'll give you an idea of the hills.

    It's not 100% accurate due to the odd missing road on Google Maps, but I think it's fairly close.

    Just getting properly stuck into training now...can't wait!

    Hey, I'm a first timer as well, just signed up yesterday - what kind of training are you doing? Are you following what they recommend on the site?


  • #3
    Vitamin C
    Registered Users Posts: 98 ✭✭Vitamin C


    addictedtoshoes wrote: »
    Hey, I'm a first timer as well, just signed up yesterday - what kind of training are you doing? Are you following what they recommend on the site?


    Hi addictedtoshoes,

    Someone PMd me asking the same thing, so I might as well post my reply, if anyone has the time they should post their training plans too, I found all the other ones up here and on other sites really helpful in making my own so the more the better.



    I made my own programme, a friend of mine is a personal trainer so I got him to give it a look over and he said it was grand. I made the plan from researching other people's advice and plans from different sources on the web, but I plan on adjusting it as I get fitter, it's apparently really important to keep pushing yourself as opposed to getting comfortable in a routine and not upping it. It's fairly straight forward:

    Monday: One hour jog

    I was starting out from nothing so at the very beginning I was just doing short runs til I couldn't go any further, then walked fast til I catch my breath, then run again, and so on, can't believe how quickly stamina builds, I'm up to 6k in three weeks...it's a great motivator to see progress like that. (From next week my Monday training will be circuit training in UCD, it's only €3 for an hour and apparently really good, and you don't have to be a student either).

    Wednesday: Cycle up to The Hell Fire Club car park, then walk up the steep path with the bike, then down the footpath on the bike.

    I live in Rathfarnham so this isn't a long cycle for me, but it's a steep hill and good to get used to getting off the bike and climbing a steep hill, the legs go to jelly the first time. Again, it's stamina building, I've been trying to beat my time each week...

    Friday: One hour jog

    Saturday And Sunday: At the weekends I alternate week to week

    Either a short, hard cycle on both days, (for example up to Three Rock or something really steep). Or else a longer cycle on one day, around 50 or 60 km.

    I'm also doing squats and press ups and all that before each bit of training. Also, I recommend getting a heart rate monitor, I found that they're another good motivator and just a good indicator of progress. I'm being fairly casual about the whole thing, just trying to stick to that and if I can't no biggy.

    I just realised this week how much a massive binge at the weekend can set you back, so I'm knocking the heavy sessions on the head for a month at least, mostly because when I drink I smoke a pile of smokes so I need to cut them down, but also to save some cash.


  • #4
    addictedtoshoes
    Closed Accounts Posts: 129 ✭✭addictedtoshoes


    Vitamin C wrote: »
    Hi addictedtoshoes,

    Someone PMd me asking the same thing, so I might as well post my reply, if anyone has the time they should post their training plans too, I found all the other ones up here and on other sites really helpful in making my own so the more the better.

    Thanks vitamin c, this is really helpful. I started training today with short run - about 5k. It's the first time I've ran in about 6 months and it's scary how quickly you can lose your fitness! I've a long way to go before I'm ready for Gaelforce. I'll post my training log once a week, would be great to see other people's training plans as well. I'm not taking it too seriously either, if I manage to complete I'll be happy!


  • #5
    c montgomery
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,122 ✭✭✭c montgomery


    Im no expert (little more than a beginner in fact) but i did do gael force last year and have done a number of other race's similar to it.
    Heres my 2 cents

    Training will all depend on what your overall goal is. If you want to be competitive obviously you will have to do much more training and your training will have to mimic the course.For GF this will mean lots of hill running.
    From what i saw last year what separates the elites from the rest of the field is Croke Patrick. I died on it last year and getting up and down took me 92 minutes. I think PeterX did it in something like 38 min up and down.

    This year i want to do it in 4h 15min or better. Last year it took me 5h 20min but that was with a slight groin injury which hurt me in the hills.

    To try and achieve my desired time my training will be as follows.

    4 sessions a week

    Session 1 : Trail running in a nearby forest which is on the side of a large hill. 10k

    Session 2: Mountain running (10k) followed by 35k mountain bike (ballyhoura Forest)

    Session 3: Gym work on core with some rowing machine throw in for good measure.

    Sessions4: Road cycle of varying distances but usually between 50-80km on good roads.

    As we get closer to the event (from June) I will be increasing the distances by about 30-40%.

    This training suits me and where i live but might not be ideal for everyone. If i was to concentrate on any one aspect of GF it would be running, do lots of running and try and get in some (preferably lots) hill/mountain running.

    Best of luck to everyone.


  • #6
    WithCheesePlease
    Registered Users Posts: 1,006 ✭✭✭WithCheesePlease


    c montgomery wrote: »
    If i was to concentrate on any one aspect of GF it would be running, do lots of running and try and get in some (preferably lots) hill/mountain running.

    Agreed, I did GF for the first time and the trail running was a shock to me. I was totally unprepared for it. Good to do plenty of running beforehand, but try to do a bit of hill / mountain / trail running too. As for Croagh Patrick... that's a whole other story - that killed me last year. I found the event tough enough up to that, but once I started on CP I just wanted to give up. I was just plain miserable the whole way up and hated everything about Gael Force!


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  • #7
    nerraw1111
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,818 ✭✭✭nerraw1111


    I thought the cycling was harder. If you can run 10/15km then the running won't be any bother to you. If I was to do it again, I'd concentrate harder on the cycling.


  • #8
    WithCheesePlease
    Registered Users Posts: 1,006 ✭✭✭WithCheesePlease


    nerraw1111 wrote: »
    If you can run 10/15km then the running won't be any bother to you

    I can run 10/15km but really struggled with the grassy hills and trails. I guess it's different for everyone.

    I never expected too much from my cycling as I didn't cycle much at that stage so was just happy to stay on the bike throughout and not have to walk. That said I wasn't moving at any great pace (and had road bikes whizzing past me all day) but wasn't bothered to be honest. For some reason my slow pace during the run bothered me more, I guess because I actually run pretty often but was taken aback by the off road parts and how I struggled with them.

    Again, it'll be different for everyone I guess.


  • #9
    Peterx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,118 ✭✭✭Peterx


    if you only do one thing for GF6 (apart from the sunscreen) - do hillrunning. Hillrunners have a ridiculous advantage in GF6 as neither the cycling or the kayaking is technical whilst running down CP is as technical as it gets on this island.

    Croagh Patrick is the heart, soul and guts of this event, everything before Croagh Patrick merely gets to it and the cycle after just gets you home.

    Taking Croagh Patrick out of the race (looking at the splits) the winner is always a different person - however, you can't take CP out:D

    My race strategy for the last 3 years has been to get to CP within touching distance of the leaders whilst keeping a bit in reserve and then bury myself on CP as if it was just a stand alone hillrun and then hope to have enough left in the tank for the last cycle.


  • #10
    WithCheesePlease
    Registered Users Posts: 1,006 ✭✭✭WithCheesePlease


    ^^ And for those of you not in the know this is coming from a former winner of Gael Force and the runner up in the Wicklow Adventure Race over the weekend!


  • #11
    nerraw1111
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,818 ✭✭✭nerraw1111


    WithCheesePlease wrote: »
    I can run 10/15km but really struggled with the grassy hills and trails. I guess it's different for everyone.

    I never expected too much from my cycling as I didn't cycle much at that stage so was just happy to stay on the bike throughout and not have to walk. That said I wasn't moving at any great pace (and had road bikes whizzing past me all day) but wasn't bothered to be honest. For some reason my slow pace during the run bothered me more, I guess because I actually run pretty often but was taken aback by the off road parts and how I struggled with them.

    Again, it'll be different for everyone I guess.

    True, it'll be different for everyone. I lost so much time on the bike and had to walk at several points. Very frustrating


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  • #12
    Romor
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6 ✭Romor


    Hi all - good informative thread. I too am a first timer this year at GFW. Just looking to complete it in a reasonable time (up to 6.5 hrs possibly?). I'm an out of action (due to shoulder injury) rugby player (forward I may ad!) and have been running approx 6-8k for the last year or so 4/5 times weekly. I have recently started to push that to up around the 10k mark. Also completing sit up/push up/squat reps daily. Waiting on delivery of a new bike (went for good quality hybrid with both mountain and slick tyres). I have not cycled in over 10 years so looking forward to getting bike fit again. I am just wondering what kind of bicycle preparation I should be doing? Is the bike course at GFW very hilly? Should I hit the mountains or will average road biking suffice? Really enjoying training in the recent great weather lets hope it continues!


  • #13
    addictedtoshoes
    Closed Accounts Posts: 129 ✭✭addictedtoshoes


    WithCheesePlease wrote: »
    As for Croagh Patrick... that's a whole other story - that killed me last year. I found the event tough enough up to that, but once I started on CP I just wanted to give up. I was just plain miserable the whole way up and hated everything about Gael Force!

    Aaaaah!! Petrified now...What have I let myself in for!


  • #14
    c montgomery
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,122 ✭✭✭c montgomery


    addictedtoshoes wrote: »
    Aaaaah!! Petrified now...What have I let myself in for!


    One of the best experiences of your life:)

    No pain no gain!


  • #15
    addictedtoshoes
    Closed Accounts Posts: 129 ✭✭addictedtoshoes


    c montgomery wrote: »
    One of the best experiences of your life:)

    No pain no gain!

    Very true! Ah no really looking forward to it....17 weeks of training left so should be okay, week 1 nearly down. Just wished I'd signed up earlier, lot of catching up to do judging by these posts. :)


  • #16
    addictedtoshoes
    Closed Accounts Posts: 129 ✭✭addictedtoshoes


    If any of you are iPhone users - I downloaded a great app called Runmeter. It uses GPS to track your run / cycle and gives you your distance, average pace, fastest pace, climb, cals burned etc and emails you a summary after each session. Does lots of other pointless stuff as well but good for tracking progress!


  • #17
    Proven_John
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭Proven_John


    c montgomery wrote: »
    One of the best experiences of your life:)

    No pain no gain!

    True!!! hoping to beat last years time but I dont think I have done enough :(


  • #18
    c montgomery
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,122 ✭✭✭c montgomery


    Proven_John wrote: »
    True!!! hoping to beat last years time but I dont think I have done enough :(


    Theres loads of time to get the training in before the race. I know plenty of people who are doing it who havent even started training yet.


  • #19
    wli
    Registered Users Posts: 21 ✭wli


    hey,
    this will be my first GF, I was thinking of using a mountain bike but I can get the lone of a racer for training and for the event.
    Any ideas on which one I should use,
    Thanks Guys


  • #20
    yop
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    wli wrote: »
    hey,
    this will be my first GF, I was thinking of using a mountain bike but I can get the lone of a racer for training and for the event.
    Any ideas on which one I should use,
    Thanks Guys

    Without a doubt a roadbike, there will be 2 sections which will be akward with the roadbike but based on last year you will be better suited with the road bike


  • #21
    wli
    Registered Users Posts: 21 ✭wli


    Thanks Yop,
    Cant wait ta get started on training this week, will use the road bike then..........:)


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  • #22
    BuyingorSelling
    Closed Accounts Posts: 98 ✭✭BuyingorSelling


    Is it the exact same course as last year?


  • #23
    yop
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    BuyingorSelling wrote: »
    Is it the exact same course as last year?

    No, the bike section to Croagh Patrick has changed.

    Also a mention that will be a change to the first run section.

    Check out the GaelforceWest website for the details


  • #24
    Wonkagirl
    Registered Users Posts: 828 ✭✭✭Wonkagirl


    i was chatting to the organiser yesterday in killary, and he said that it's pretty much the same, apart from the bikes being in a different place for the transition and that it's finishing in westport town instead of westport house, to get more participation from the locals?? there was no mention of a different cycle route to CP

    as for bikes- dont dream of doin it on a moutain bike- it'd slow you down too much- racer or a hybrid with slick tyres..


  • #25
    yop
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    Wonkagirl wrote: »
    i was chatting to the organiser yesterday in killary, and he said that it's pretty much the same, apart from the bikes being in a different place for the transition and that it's finishing in westport town instead of westport house, to get more participation from the locals?? there was no mention of a different cycle route to CP

    as for bikes- dont dream of doin it on a moutain bike- it'd slow you down too much- racer or a hybrid with slick tyres..

    http://www.gaelforceevents.com/en/news/gaelforce_west_bike_route.html


  • #26
    Wonkagirl
    Registered Users Posts: 828 ✭✭✭Wonkagirl


    that's pretty clear and simple right enough yop!

    i need to up my cycling training big style. the cycling really let me down last yr. i couldnt WAIT to get off that goddamn bike, my body was in bits and then we had to climb CP straight after???? come to think of it, cant believe i've paid good money to do it all again this yr:D

    ah, bring it on


  • #27
    yop
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    You will be sound out, get good long spins in once or twice a week and that will help.

    The road conditions out around Sheffry from what I hear are not great, the "new trail" for the bike is also in a bad way so it looks like you will need new tires.


  • #28
    Wonkagirl
    Registered Users Posts: 828 ✭✭✭Wonkagirl


    yeah i'm gonna invest in a new bike, my hybrid was knicked a few weeks back- was chatting to brian keogh from total experience down in connemara this weekend and he's going to line me up with a bike that'll be perfect for GF- he knows his stuff so i'll trust him.. will use it then for achill etc as well, and just use the dublin bikes for city biking- too many knackers around knicking bikes, not chancing it anymore, mine was knicked while locked with a 3d lock in stephens green- tinkers!:mad:


  • #29
    yop
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    Wonkagirl wrote: »
    yeah i'm gonna invest in a new bike, my hybrid was knicked a few weeks back- was chatting to brian keogh from total experience down in connemara this weekend and he's going to line me up with a bike that'll be perfect for GF- he knows his stuff so i'll trust him.. will use it then for achill etc as well, and just use the dublin bikes for city biking- too many knackers around knicking bikes, not chancing it anymore, mine was knicked while locked with a 3d lock in stephens green- tinkers!:mad:


    Sorry to hear about that.

    Keep an eye on the cycling forums here, there are always bikes for sale there. Bought a Giant (bike that is ;) ) myself and find it great. Got it through the bike2work scheme also so look into that.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1205

    The folks on the cycling forum will point you in the right direction.


  • #30
    Wonkagirl
    Registered Users Posts: 828 ✭✭✭Wonkagirl


    great, tks yop.. no biggie that the aul bike was knicked, it owed me nothing, got me around GFW09 and achill and a few others- all for 200 yos, and twas as slow as a wet week.. still tho, bike thievery is RAMPANT around dublin these days, nothign is safe, so i wont be using it for city/work biking if i invest a good 1k in a nice new one, was thinking of a giant or a trek, will go into that cycling forum now and check it out


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  • #31
    Mr Freeze
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,618 ✭✭✭Mr Freeze


    Ending in the town is a good idea....Glad I will be running in this, and not trying to get parking or drive through town that day, it will be at a standstill.

    Am going to check out that new cycle route this weekend or next, do a bit of recon, see how bad it is. I used to cycle that a good bit up till last year, used to do it on the mountain bike with knobbly tyres, used to cycle down that way, not up it, and it was pretty damn rough, doubt it has improved.

    Will post back what its like, maybe with pics, who knows.


  • #32
    Trotter
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,362 ✭✭✭Trotter


    Just signed up! Never did a race like this before. 10 miles is the furthest I've run.

    Myself and a mate are just in it to finish the thing in one piece, before it gets dark!


  • #33
    Orion
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,807 ✭✭✭✭Orion


    I got around Connemara on a Trek 7.5fx. With the tyres pumped up hard it got me through the trail section and was great on the road too (my crap times were down to me not the bike :D ). I bought it with GFW in mind. Might get climbing bars for that race though - I believe the hills are not easy.


  • #34
    kwalshe
    Closed Accounts Posts: 959 ✭✭✭kwalshe


    Wonkagirl wrote: »
    and that it's finishing in westport town instead of westport house, to get more participation from the locals??

    I did it last year, stayed with a friend who cramped from the start of the bike transition 'till the end. It was so hard and long and after 7.5 when we went over the finish line , we did'nt get even a cup of water or well done from anyone. For me it was a tainted end to a great but challenging day.
    I've ran 5k races and the goody bag would feed you for the day with a nice shiny medal.
    Maybe in town might be better criac with the local instead of the clique at Westport house.
    I don't sound a bit bitter do I?:rolleyes:


  • #35
    Vitamin C
    Registered Users Posts: 98 ✭✭Vitamin C


    CKWPORT Let us know the verdict on what the road is like will ya?

    Does anyone know how climbing the Sugar Loaf compares to the Croagh Patrick section of Gael Force?

    I know CP is a lot higher, but I'm gonna add a cycle to the Sugar Loaf into my training and wouldn't mind knowing how much easier it is...just so I'm prepared...mentally if nothing else!

    Cheers


  • #36
    Vitamin C
    Registered Users Posts: 98 ✭✭Vitamin C


    wli wrote: »
    hey,
    this will be my first GF, I was thinking of using a mountain bike but I can get the lone of a racer for training and for the event.
    Any ideas on which one I should use,
    Thanks Guys


    This is the bike I'll be using:

    http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/road/2299/32184/

    But I've never done Gael force so I can't tell you if it's right or not. But what I do know is that it's fairly quick on the road and can be taken on a not too bumpy trail without any bother.

    Luckily I a good while ago when I had the funds! No chance I'd be able to pick it up now..


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  • #37
    Wonkagirl
    Registered Users Posts: 828 ✭✭✭Wonkagirl


    Vitamin C wrote: »
    CKWPORT Let us know the verdict on what the road is like will ya?

    Does anyone know how climbing the Sugar Loaf compares to the Croagh Patrick section of Gael Force?

    Cheers

    yeaaaaaaah, the sugar loaf is OK training- but you'd get to the top of SL in 20 minutes.. you'd need to get a few higher mountains in. we did CP twice last yr in prep, and also slieve donard up north a few times. You need the persistant climb experience on the legs. SL is similar to CP in that it's rocky and that, but it's just too short a climb. you coudl do it twice though, that would help- then get on your bike and do a bit of a cycle.. try and get down west beforehand though and climb CP if you can.

    be careful with your car around the SL too btw- mate of mine had her car broken into there and her laptop and bike taken- and a few other cars nearby had their windows smashed in too- apparently it happens all the time around there


  • #38
    thehamo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,048 ✭✭✭thehamo


    so.............. did the Conemara Adventure challenge at the weekend, Loved it, found it tough going, but really enjoyed it. Did it in 4hrs 16 BUT could knock an hour off that cause my bike broke half way through the cycle and had to push it the last 6 miles all uphill!.:mad:

    Anyways, the little mouse is going like 90 in my head wondering if I should do the GFW in August! Do I have enough time to train, considering I found the Conemara pretty taxing too??:confused:


  • #39
    yop
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    Vitamin C wrote: »
    This is the bike I'll be using:

    http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/road/2299/32184/

    But I've never done Gael force so I can't tell you if it's right or not. But what I do know is that it's fairly quick on the road and can be taken on a not too bumpy trail without any bother.

    Luckily I a good while ago when I had the funds! No chance I'd be able to pick it up now..

    That bike will do you no bother. I have the same and it worked fine for GF


  • #40
    yop
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 16,724 Mod ✭✭✭✭yop


    thehamo wrote: »
    so.............. did the Conemara Adventure challenge at the weekend, Loved it, found it tough going, but really enjoyed it. Did it in 4hrs 16 BUT could knock an hour off that cause my bike broke half way through the cycle and had to push it the last 6 miles all uphill!.:mad:

    Anyways, the little mouse is going like 90 in my head wondering if I should do the GFW in August! Do I have enough time to train, considering I found the Conemara pretty taxing too??:confused:

    If you did Connemara you are sound for GF. You have a load of time to train. Get your legs used to 10/12km runs and see if you can get 30/40 km bike spins into the legs.

    Good luck with it.


  • #41
    Vitamin C
    Registered Users Posts: 98 ✭✭Vitamin C


    Cheers Yop, one less thing to be thinking about so. I love that bike. It's the first new bike I've ever owned...she's a beaut. Need to get a smaller saddle than the standard one that comes with it though I think.

    Wonkagirl, that's crap about you friend getting stuff getting piked from the Sugar Loaf car park, f*cking scumbags ruin everything good about this country. Might be a good spot to catch them in the act and punish them vigilante style (I wish I had the balls).

    That's the end of that then, the plan was to cycle there with some of the lads, and another mate comes in his van, we throw the bikes in the van and all run it together. Defo can't afford to buy a new bike so won't be taking the risk...cheers for the heads up!


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  • #42
    Wonkagirl
    Registered Users Posts: 828 ✭✭✭Wonkagirl


    thehamo wrote: »
    so.............. did the Conemara Adventure challenge at the weekend, Loved it, found it tough going, but really enjoyed it. Did it in 4hrs 16 BUT could knock an hour off that cause my bike broke half way through the cycle and had to push it the last 6 miles all uphill!.:mad:

    Anyways, the little mouse is going like 90 in my head wondering if I should do the GFW in August! Do I have enough time to train, considering I found the Conemara pretty taxing too??:confused:

    you have PLENTY of time to train for GFW- sign up!

    in all honesty, while GFW is harder, there's not a huge difference- the longer biking section being the main difference, and obviously CP is about 2-3 times the height of the little mountain we climbed on saturday ('maum turks', is that right?).. so with a little climbing training and some longer cycles, you'd be sorted. I did the race on sat in 3.09- did GF last yr in exactly double that (and i mean exactly- 6.18!) , but aiming to knock an hour off that this yr and do it in 5.15 or so.

    The longer the races the less frenetic they are in a way- you know? you can take your time (within reason), but with training there's no reason why you shouldnt do it between 5-6 hours. NO WORD OF A LIE, i only did 6 weeks training for GF last yr- broke my elbow in may 09, so was completely out of action til early july- then started doing runs 3 times a week and long cycles (2 hours)at the weekend, did a GF training weekend down in killary, climbed CP twice and climbed slieve donard once.. honestly, ul be grand- it's only May! this time last yr i was in plaster!! ur sooo much better equipped than i was and i still did GFW in an acceptable time

    sign up before it's too late- it was sold out last yr dont forget!


  • #43
    spurscormac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,523 ✭✭✭spurscormac


    Its selling out pretty fast - all the "nice" start times are now gone, I got one of the last few places on the 6:00am runner wave.
    Only 4 waves now to choose from, Elite @ 5am, Runner @ 5:30, Walker @ 8:30 or 9am.

    I just have to sort out a bike now :-)


  • #44
    thehamo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,048 ✭✭✭thehamo


    Right. Signed up. Thats it im in, walker category 8.30. :o Heres to training solid for the next few months! At least im blessed with July and August off..........


  • #45
    toomuchdetail
    Registered Users Posts: 593 ✭✭✭toomuchdetail


    I'm in , choking at the expence if it -bigger fool to pay it I suppose .:(
    Can 'tbelieve how fast it is selling , could only get the 5:30am start but its only a half our earlier than last year I think .
    Achill Roar was a better event last year and tougher (in my view) and at a fraction of the cost.


  • #46
    Peterx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,118 ✭✭✭Peterx


    but you still paid up for this one...
    maybe Achill ROAR is too cheap so:)


  • #47
    Mr Freeze
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,618 ✭✭✭Mr Freeze


    Peterx wrote: »
    but you still paid up for this one...
    maybe Achill ROAR is too cheap so:)

    Shhhhhhhhhhh!!!


  • #48
    Mr Freeze
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,618 ✭✭✭Mr Freeze


    Vitamin C wrote: »
    CKWPORT Let us know the verdict on what the road is like will ya?

    Cycled the bog road today. Here is the garmin link to the route.
    http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33318003

    Going the bog road adds just over 2km compared to going up the route Gaelforce has gone in previous years. And its rough as hell. We did on MTBs this morning, I had slicks on mine, didn't find it too bad, but it will be a different story on the racers. Could be a lot of punctures on this on the day.

    So here are the pics anyways of the new route. All the images are massive so Dialup will die trying to load them.
    The start of the climb:
    http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/7673/cimg1674.jpg

    Closer look at the surface here:
    http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/990/cimg1673r.jpg

    It continues on for a few kms on this rough surface:
    http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3515/cimg1675n.jpg

    Then there is a few 100 metres of tarmac, that has a few large potholes:
    http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/5356/cimg1677aj.jpg

    It gets rough again, and there is a small bit of downhill, into 2 tight bends, before climbing again towards the woods:
    http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8765/cimg1679g.jpg

    Surface is really rough on this downhill too:
    http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/8185/cimg1680b.jpg

    Couple of gates in the woods, one entering them and one on the climb out, they'll be open on the day anyways.
    http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/9746/cimg1681.jpg

    Surface is fairly bad again in the woods, lots of photoholes but not as much gravel and stones, so bit easier to cycle.
    http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/4216/cimg1682p.jpg

    One last climb out of the woods then, not too long, only a few 100 metres, but its all loose gravel, so there was a bit of skidding on the back wheel going up it.
    http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/1714/cimg1684y.jpg
    http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/8392/cimg1683p.jpg

    We went over Scelp then, the only bit of offroad previously in Gaelforce, and as expected its as bad as ever:
    http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/1282/cimg1686w.jpg


  • #49
    Mountain Rescue
    Registered Users Posts: 84 ✭✭Mountain Rescue


    hav to agree wit ck,done the route today cycle is tough going seriously rough,gonna be a lot off punctures on it,should be intrestin on the day,


  • #50
    Trotter
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,362 ✭✭✭Trotter


    I'm a complete newbie to this.. and I've got a hybrid bike.

    I'm not gonna be able to do that route on a hybrid am I....


  • #51
    toomuchdetail
    Registered Users Posts: 593 ✭✭✭toomuchdetail


    Will be fine Trotter : Slicks with high pressure in the tyres should be order of the day , you could go for rougher tyres but the preceeding 30km on bike would make this a poorer option.
    Nothing stopping you getting off and running with the bike -worst case .. I did this last year on the scelp - paid for it on time but saved the bike.


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