Tour de Conamara 2014

mountclare4 · 01-01-2014 5:13pm #1

Registration is now open for the 2014 Tour de Conamara taking place on Saturday 24th May, starting and finishing in Clifden, Co. Galway.

www.tourdeconamara.com for all details

The Tour de Conamara is part of the 2014 Celtic Series of International Sportives including new events in Scotland and Wales and a return to the Isle of Man and Brittany. www.celticseries.ie for more information.

cavan4sam · 19-01-2014 9:09pm

is the 80km ride tough ? is there many grade 4 hills etc?

michael196 · 19-01-2014 11:10pm

signed up......

on_the_nickel · 19-01-2014 11:11pm

cavan4sam wrote: »

is the 80km ride tough ? is there many grade 4 hills etc?

There are only 2 "climbs" in the 140, both very doable, so you should have no worries on that front.

mountclare4 · 21-01-2014 8:30pm

The 80km is not hilly. Rolling and jumps up a couple of times towards the end.

If you register before jan 31 you can win a weekend in Clifden Station House Hotel and train on the route before hand. Register before April 31 to get a training jacket.

cavan4sam · 21-01-2014 9:03pm

thanks i think i'll give it a shot then so

tacklemore · 21-01-2014 9:24pm

cavan4sam wrote: »

thanks i think i'll give it a shot then so

Myself and a friend did the 80k last year. Really enjoyed it. Nice little kicker of a hill at the end, but the rest of the route was grand. Had a bit of craic on the climb at the end with 2 lads who were walking/running their bikes up the hill. I was cycling and we kept overtaking each other. We're planning to return again this year!

Amprodude · 21-01-2014 10:32pm

Signed up for it. Bring it on.

yop · 22-01-2014 12:33am

80km is sound if you have a bit of training done, 140km is more a challenge as there is a dirty drag from Maam cross and a nice little hill in the last segment. But both v achievable. 2 years ago the heat was cronic on the 140k, zapped the legs badly and burnt the heck out of people.
enjoy it though

Grassey · 22-01-2014 8:43am

yop wrote: »

. 2 years ago the heat was cronic on the 140k, zapped the legs badly and burnt the heck out of people.
enjoy it though

And last year were like drowned rats...

So this year should be perfect conditions... Right?

mountclare4 · 22-01-2014 6:16pm

Grassy hope you are right.

Paddigol · 03-02-2014 3:28pm

What are the training jackets like? - based on previous years obviously.

G1032 · 12-02-2014 8:00am

Signed up for the 140km. Never cycled anything close to that distance before so I'd better get training.....

G1032 · 18-03-2014 1:29pm

Does anyone know any of the organisers for this event or have a contact number I can ring them on?

ugsparky · 18-03-2014 4:07pm

Will Monsieur Hinault be making an appearance this year ?

at1withmyself · 18-03-2014 5:50pm

G1032 wrote: »

Does anyone know any of the organisers for this event or have a contact number I can ring them on?

PM the thread starter as I'm sure they are involved or will help to point you in the right direction.

Also you could try the website for contact details:

http://www.tourdeconamara.com/

I've emailed them before and they were quick and helpful in responding.

G1032 · 18-03-2014 8:00pm

at1withmyself wrote: »

PM the thread starter as I'm sure they are involved or will help to point you in the right direction.

Also you could try the website for contact details:

http://www.tourdeconamara.com/

I've emailed them before and they were quick and helpful in responding.

Got a number after replying to the mail I got after registering. Cheers.

mountclare4 · 02-04-2014 5:05pm

Just a reminder that if you register for the SKODA Tour de Conamara before the 30th April you will get a free event training jacket. There is also a draw for a signed BMC pro team jersey for all those who register on or before 30th April. Registration is already up 25% on this time last year so once they are gone, they are gone.

If you have a classic bike at home or some 70's or 80's clothing you can be part of the lead out of the event plus Velotec are giving best dressed vintage cyclists prizes from their new heritage cycling range. Dust off that merino jersey and old raleigh bike.

Registration and full details of the 140km and 80km routes available on www.tourdeconamara.com

Starts and finishes in Clifden on Saturday May 24th.

2014 event video on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_C-bgVT9XM

G1032 · 02-04-2014 6:18pm

Also there is an offer at the moment with Alimay sports

http://www.tourdeconamara.com/alimaysports-com-offer-for-cyclists/

Buy a pair of Polaris Omnium bib shorts and get 2 free Continental Ultra Race Tyres

Strangely though I can find them bib shorts on the website

mountclare4 · 02-04-2014 7:19pm

alimaysports were in touch to say the offer will now be live tomorrow

silver campaign · 02-04-2014 8:40pm

Is there a team time trial this year?

mountclare4 · 03-04-2014 8:14pm

no team time trial this year.

topcat77 · 22-04-2014 1:59pm

Me and my friend cycled the route on Good Friday. We started and finished at Maam (was nice to have a long downhill section to finish on). We added a little to the route by going on the Wild Atlantic Way or WAW through Gowlaun and renvyle instead of going passed Kylemore Abby. The weather was fantastic and the day a great success. We had a lovely seafood chowder and toasted sandwich in O'Dowds in Roundstone but no pint to wash it down. I've done the Tour of Connemara for the last 2 years and unfortunately can't do it this year due to a 1/2 Ironman on the Sunday of the same weekend. The good news to all that have signed on is that the roads have vastly improved since last year. Due to the Wild Atlantic Way money has been invested in the roads. I'm not saying it's perfect and there are some rough areas but generally it's a much better ride. Good luck to all and i hope the weather will be as good for you as it was for me and my friend.

eeeee · 22-04-2014 3:15pm

Might do the 80k. I think the 140k may be a bit too hilly. What's this about old bikes? I'll be doing it on my 36 year old machine. I have no vintage gear though so I suppose that counts me out!

quinlivan · 24-04-2014 8:07am

I'm signed up for this! This will be my 1st cycle ever!

Really looking forward to it

Hotpants10 · 24-04-2014 8:57pm

Hi,

Is this a sponsored cycle, leisure cycle or race can anyone tell me? Not interested in a race

mountclare4 · 25-04-2014 7:53am

The Tour de Conamara is a leisure event that attracts all cycling abilities. It is not a race and is to be completed at each cyclists own pace. There is a 140km route and 80km

if you are doing the event and register befor next Wednesday you will also get a training jacket. This year all finishers will get a specially designed medal. see it on the website - www.tourdeconamara.com

theKillerBite · 27-04-2014 6:18pm

I've signed up. Couple of questions:

Is it a mass start? The good thing about the ROK is the long start time window. With mass starts you might have a problem early on and get shelled out the back on your own for the whole day.

What are the rain jackets like?

mountclare4 · 27-04-2014 8:42pm

the 140km starts at 9.30am as a mass start as does the 80km which starts at 9.45am

the jackets are shower proof light cycling jackets that you can shove into your back pocket if needs be.

dastardly00 · 27-04-2014 9:24pm

I've just signed up for the 140km.

Now I'm off to mass to start praying for good weather :pac:

eeeee · 01-05-2014 8:41am

Anyone know of somewhere cheap to stay for this? I mean really cheap. Are there hostels in Clifden and which are good?

mountclare4 · 01-05-2014 8:50am

there is a Failte Ireland office in Clifden that can give you information and visitconnemara.com

they have plenty of accommodation but I know that some places were booked out since mid march

eeeee · 01-05-2014 9:03am

mountclare4 wrote: »

there is a Failte Ireland office in Clifden that can give you information and visitconnemara.com

they have plenty of accommodation but I know that some places were booked out since mid march

Since mid march? Nooo

I'll get on it soon so

mountclare4 · 09-05-2014 7:44pm

Don't forget vintage competition this year and this years all finishers will receive the Silver Cog finishers medal. Over a week left to register www.tourdeconamara.com

happytramp · 13-05-2014 10:37pm

mountclare4 wrote: »

Don't forget vintage competition this year and this years all finishers will receive the Silver Cog finishers medal. Over a week left to register www.tourdeconamara.com

Just wondering about the Vintage thing? Do you just turn up or do you need to make yourself known to the judges/organisers. How does it work on the day?

dastardly00 · 21-05-2014 12:42pm

I got an email this morning from the organisers with more info about the event:

What you need to know

Sign On- you have the following options to sign on
Friday – Monaghan’s SKODA Garage, Tuam Road, Galway City . (SKODA Pasta Party) – 5.00pm to 8.00 pm

Friday - Clifden Station House Hotel – 7.00pm -9.00 pm

Saturday - Clifden Station House Hotel from 7.30am to 9.15am

Event ID – All cyclists will receive a wristband at sign on. If you do not have a wristband you will not gain access to the feed stations or receive a medal at the finish.

The event starts and finishes at the Clifden Station House Hotel.
140km starts at 9.30am and the 80km starts at 8.00am

If you registered on time (on or before April 30th) to receive an event jacket they will be distributed at sign on along with PowerBar goodies. All participants will receive complementary PowerBar products.

www.alimaysports.com are doing a great offer for a sportive energy pack that can be posted to you or collected at the event.

All event information on feed stations etc. is on the www.tourdeconamara.com website in the FAQ section

It seems a bit odd that the 80km starts at 8am, but the 140km doesn't start until 9.30am

saidinmilamber · 21-05-2014 12:45pm

dastardly00 wrote: »

I got an email this morning from the organisers with more info about the event:

It seems a bit odd that the 80km starts at 8am, but the 140km doesn't start until 9.30am

There was a subsequent email from them.

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Screenshot 2014-05-21 13.44.05.png

dastardly00 · 21-05-2014 2:54pm

saidinmilamber wrote: »

There was a subsequent email from them.

That makes more sense alright.

mountclare4 · 21-05-2014 7:57pm

just to confirm the 80km definitely starts at 10.00am - the 140km starts at 9.30am

the vintage competition is - assemble in the courtyard at the Station House Hotel at 9.10am for judging

quinlivan · 22-05-2014 10:30am

I'm really looking forward to this! This will be my first cycle event. Really have no idea what to expect

thekooman · 22-05-2014 10:44am

quinlivan wrote: »

I'm really looking forward to this! This will be my first cycle event. Really have no idea what to expect

enjoy. this was my first ever sportive last year as well and since then i've taken up racing! :-) addicted.

bring good gloves cos i got a right freezing last year and its only promised 10-13 degrees this saturday with a nice cold northerly wind. if its rains on top of that then it'll feel much much colder. bring a cereal bar or 2 for backup and drink even though you think you mightn't need it.

G1032 · 22-05-2014 12:26pm

thekooman wrote: »

enjoy. this was my first ever sportive last year as well and since then i've taken up racing! :-) addicted.

bring good gloves cos i got a right freezing last year and its only promised 10-13 degrees this saturday with a nice cold northerly wind. if its rains on top of that then it'll feel much much colder. bring a cereal bar or 2 for backup and drink even though you think you mightn't need it.

What food and how much of it is available at the feeding stations?

shamcfc · 22-05-2014 12:37pm

I signed up for this but only got an email with my Transaction ID is that all I need for the sign up on saturday morning?

thekooman · 22-05-2014 1:47pm

G1032 wrote: »

What food and how much of it is available at the feeding stations?

the stop at Carna was mental last year... it was so cold i had to get back on the bike and move onto the next stop at Maam X to keep warm or try to get the blood flowing!
it was like a scene from a mart in winter at Maam with steam rising off everyone!

lots of food at Maam like cake, fruit, tea/coffee and sandwiches.... good spread.

always a good idea to bring food anyways incase you get the "bonk"... quick energy like gels or a cereal bar ( i love Clif bars!) are handy to have no matter what day you go out.

quinlivan · 22-05-2014 4:44pm

Do people bring a small backpack or a bike bag or what? Sorry for the naive questions but I've no idea. When I'm running I carry water and bring gels in my pocket but I'm worried I could lose them.

Also, how long do people stay in the food stops? 2 mins or 30 mins?

VanhireBoys · 22-05-2014 6:07pm

happytramp wrote: »

Just wondering about the Vintage thing? Do you just turn up or do you need to make yourself known to the judges/organisers. How does it work on the day?

Yeah Id like to know this as well !

I took my beloved Duralinox 979 Pug last year with all the old team Peugeot gear ! No arm warmers no leg warmers and open crochet gloves - It was damn cold !

tacklemore · 22-05-2014 6:21pm

quinlivan wrote: »

Do people bring a small backpack or a bike bag or what? Sorry for the naive questions but I've no idea. When I'm running I carry water and bring gels in my pocket but I'm worried I could lose them.

Also, how long do people stay in the food stops? 2 mins or 30 mins?

Did the 80k last year, hitting the 140k this year. Last year I brought a cereal bar (nature valley or nutri grain, something that's not too dry or crunchy), jaffa cakes (which I shared with a few lads at Kylemore Abbey stop as there was no food there) and 2 gels in my pockets. Ended up not needing the gels.
Had 2 bottles of water, have 2 cages on the bike. Topped 1 of them up at Kylemore. Reckon a bag could be more of a hindrance than a help.

Be careful that you don't stop too long, you'll get cold and stiff, get something at the stop and git the road again.

You doing the 80k or the 140k?

dastardly00 · 22-05-2014 7:23pm

The 'refuel' stop at Kylemore...... Is this basically just a water stop?

tacklemore · 22-05-2014 7:59pm

dastardly00 wrote: »

The 'refuel' stop at Kylemore...... Is this basically just a water stop?

It was last year anyway

dastardly00 · 22-05-2014 9:16pm

tacklemore wrote: »

It was last year anyway

Grand, it probably is the same this year. It'd be some pain if I stopped thinking there would be food!

saidinmilamber · 22-05-2014 9:18pm

dastardly00 wrote: »

The 'refuel' stop at Kylemore...... Is this basically just a water stop?

It's the food stop as far as I know.

EDIT: Maybe not

From the event FAQ

140km FEED STATIONS:
The feed stations for the 140km route are located at
1. Carna Community Centre (at 50km)
2. Maam Valley Community Centre (at 90km)
3. Refuel station at Kylemore (at 120km)

80km FEED STATIONS:
The feed stations for the 80km route are located at the Cashel Community Centre plus a refuel station at Kylemore (60km). Please note that if you do not avail of the first stop at Cashel Community Centre, it will be 60km before you reach a Refuel station.

Tour de Conamara 2014

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