Road to the Raid

ROK ON

Recovering from chest infection, but managed 285km including 3 spins of avg 80km. All flattish and reasonable pace.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/44101
http://ridewithgps.com/trips/44100
http://ridewithgps.com/trips/44099

Next week is a big week for me.

Plan 150km on Wednesday in Wicklow. Hoping for Shay Elliott * 2 and maybe Slieve Maan.
Tour de Munster training weekend this weekend. 2 *125km cycles. I wont make both of them due to other committments, so the aim is to do 1 * 200km. Cycle from Macroom to Cork to meet with the TdM guys and from there cycle 125km back to Kenmare. Will be important, as it has been a long while since I have cycled in a largish group.

I am doing a lot of 80km back to back cycles. Havent done a lot of 150kms this year, so two in one week will be fascinating to see where actually I am.

Heres hoping.

ROK ON

145km today with almost 1700m of ascent.
Three Rock/Cruagh Kilakee/Sally Gap/Wicklow Gap.
Avg. 23km.

Climbed as well as I am able today (say averaging 11-12kmph). New record on Three Rock at under 21kmph.
However descendding was hampered. On the alu bike and it is not a great descender relative to the carbon bikes. (vibration and uncomfortable bar position).
Passing Glenmacnass I had to stop due to road works. Annoyed as I often hit 70-80 at this part.
On Wicklow Gap descent I got some excruciating cramp in bothe thighs. Had to slow to a crawl.
I have never been over the Wicklow Gap without cramp. I was hydrated d and had nuun. But always get cramp on the gap. I hate it as a climb. No idea why as many other climbs are tougher but for me more manageable. Something to do with stopping in Laragh I think.

Limped home with a lot of twinges in left thigh.

Have at least 150km to do on Sunday with the TdM Gang.

Tired. Full of pizza and coke.
I hate the Wicklow Gap.

ROK ON

157km (I think today). Garmin didnt record forst 21?km for some reason. It was turned on and given me feedback, but turned off on a descent and wiped things. At the bottom I turned it on again. I missed the start of the Tour de Miunster training day from Lauragh, which meant that I had to chase hard to catch onto the group. Got them after 21km in Kenmare. Happy, as I was told by B&B lady that they had a 15min start on me.

Fantatsic day despite very poor weather (rain all day). 30 or so cyclists from the 100 odd that will do the TourdeMunster. Lauragh - Kenmare - Top of Coom - Mullaghanish - Millstreet - Butter Road. I split here and headed towrd Ballyvourney to be picked up by missus, whereas TdM crew headed back to Cork. Well organised and a challenging but enjoyable route.

Dangerous puncture at 64km/h on descent of Butter Road - thanks to the bloke who waited with me. Appreciated.

It was great to cycle with a group, but will have some work to do on signals/calls - different from what I am used to. But easy enough to get the hang of. Time flys and one can push a bit harder in a group.

1 small climb and three medium climbs. I have to say that I felt better on the climbs than I have in a long while. I usually finished in the middle on the climbs - I am used to being last up hills, so it was nice not to be for once. There will plenty of time for me to be last again, I'm hardly a grimpeur.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/46928 records 137, as opposed to circa 158km?

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/46022 (Wicklow cycle on Wednesday)

Some great bikes today. Fantatsic BMC Roadmster, plus a Focus Izalco with a beautiful paint job (green and white). Finally a black PX with Pink trimmings and fork (very Rapahaesque but looked sweet).

All told a 360km week and I feel reasonable.


Next TDM training day for me is a 200km cycle called the Vicious Cycle. This may contain some climbs that I do not like. Will have to HTFU.

lescol

All looks to be going well, did you have a stop at the highest pub in Ireland?

Already looking forward to the report on the Vicious Cycle, sounds intriguing.

ROK ON

I spent some time this morning analyzing some training logs.

Two long hilly rides in the past week that were similar enough apart from conditions. One dry and one very very wet.

Avg HR on y'day ride was 156bpm versus 147bpm for the Wicklow ride on Wed. Furthermore, spent 45mins in HR zone 5 as opposed to 6min on Wed.
Climbed better yesterday, and felt no more tired yday evening than I did on Wed.

Lesson learnt. I have been sitting in a fat lazy comfort zone for too long on the climbs. A bit more effort gets a lot more reward and one doesnt feel anymore tired.

godihatedehills

ROK_ON, have you read 'The Rider' yet?

He has some great lines in it which I think can give anyone a bit of motivation when the going gets tough (particularly on the hills)

Here's one I loved.....

"....gradually I find a cadence. Climbing is a rhythm, a trance, you have to rock your organs' protests back to sleep"

ROK ON

godihatedehills wrote: »

ROK_ON, have you read 'The Rider' yet?

He has some great lines in it which I think can give anyone a bit of motivation when the going gets tough (particularly on the hills)

Here's one I loved.....

"....gradually I find a cadence. Climbing is a rhythm, a trance, you have to rock your organs' protests back to sleep"

Thanks for the sentiments. Have read it (have RAAMs copy on my desk next to me).
But yeah if I get into a slow lazy rhythm I tend to stay there on the climbs, but once I up the rhythm and get used to it it is not materially tougher than going easier. I luke climbs (regardless of gradient) where the gradient is steady. That rhythm is so much easier to sustain than climbs that are all over the place.
Love ThreeRock and hate Wicklow Gap for that reason despite there former having a significantly tougher avg gradient.

LeoD

Do you lack confidence in your cycling ability? because you could do that Tour de Munster (or even the Raid) tomorrow if you had to. That's some savage mileage you're doing so I don't understand the anxiety or maybe I'm just picking things up wrong from your posts. You'll piss that tour. Great reading all the same.

godihatedehills

ROK ON wrote: »

Thanks for the sentiments. Have read it (have RAAMs copy on my desk next to me).
But yeah if I get into a slow lazy rhythm I tend to stay there on the climbs, but once I up the rhythm and get used to it it is not materially tougher than going easier. I luke climbs (regardless of gradient) where the gradient is steady. That rhythm is so much easier to sustain than climbs that are all over the place.
Love ThreeRock and hate Wicklow Gap for that reason despite there former having a significantly tougher avg gradient.

Hmmmmm.....I hate em all, but I think I'd have to disagree and say I prefer uppy downy ones. the thought of a less steep bit coming up tends to tide me over the steeper bit.....if you get me.

Interestingly when we were in Majorca one of the guides took to taking someone under his wing on each climb and coaching them up it. Invariably they would get up it a whole load quicker than usual. It's the first time I ever realised that there's a technique to it rather than just HingTFU and slogging it.

ROK ON

LeoD wrote: »

Do you lack confidence in your cycling ability? because you could do that Tour de Munster (or even the Raid) tomorrow if you had to. That's some savage mileage you're doing so I don't understand the anxiety or maybe I'm just picking things up wrong from your posts. You'll piss that tour. Great reading all the same.

Thanks.
I wouldn't be underconfident but a few things.
1 never done a multi day thing until earlier this year. The second day is more difficult.
2 I have been guilty of not pushing it a small bit more while climbing.
3 about 6hours on the bike is plenty for me. I get really really bored after that. A hard 3hour spin is optimal for me.
4 I am slow on the climbs. Fact. But I'm a bit faster than a lot of folk descending.
5 I have done as much milage as my family/work/life allows. I know several people who have done more milage or more intensity. I have neither mega milage or intensity.

Thanks for the words of encouragement but as the TDM is new to me I wont be underestimating what it will be like.
I expect to be knackered at the end of each day - but sure that's part of it.

ROK ON

300km in past week.

Spin today in glorious sun, but got very tired toward the end. Simply ran out of water and nowhere near a shop, so just plowed on. Suffered on last climb. 6 short climbs for total of 1500m of climbing. 3 of the climbs were particularly steep (Ballaghbeama and Ballaghisheen from both sides).
Nearly lost it on Ballaghisheen descent. Going almost 70km/h and took a tight corner very badly, so stupidly braked in the corner. Lucky not to go over the side. Managed to regain composure.

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/54399

Has been a long while since I have taken that route. Apart from the Ballaghbeama climb and descent which would be better undertaken on a cross/mtb, the route is a spectacular one and I would highly recommend it to folk who visit Kerry.

Plan was to do Wicklow 200 next week, but that wont be possible as I wont get to Dublin next weekend. Disappointed, but will find a nice challenging 150km route down here instead.

ROK ON

Update. Spent some productive time on the bike in tha past week.
Cycled Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed and Sat.
Last weekend, three two hour cycles (57km, 65KM and 47km) all in Kerry.
Tried to maintain a pretty decent effort throuout.
Monday 50km - easy to Maynooth and back from Phoenix Pk.
Tuesday - 130km (IFSC, Leixlip, Kill, Punchestown, Ballymore Eustace, Blessington, Lakes, Park)
Wednesday - legs sluggish. Recovery spin took me to Old Long Hill. Note to self - old long hill is not a recovery spin. At least the desent back to the base of the Poggio was fun. 70km.

Rest Thur and Fri.
Saturday 175km with Tour de Munster training day. 41 cyclists set out for a pretty stunning but challenging route (Kilgarvan - Kenmare - Healy Pass - Glengariff - (Priests Leap or Caha Pass) - Kenmare - Kilgarvan - Borling Valley - Ballingeary - Top of Coom - Kilgarvan. I took the nonPriests Leap option with 6 others. Have been over the leap too many times to know that it is a climb that finishes me off. End of story. 34 brave souls took themselves up and down it without incident. Fair play.
7 climbs. 2200m of ascent. Very enjoyable.
Faded very badly on last climb - very hot, stopped too long at final fuel stop and lost a lot of salt/cramping badly despite consuming lots of elctrolyte and salt sachets.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/37490900

645km for the week including commutes. Longest yet.
I have learned a few things.
(1) I am more than capable of cycling 4-5 days back to back, for an avg of 70km/day. For the tour, that will need to be at least twice that. However easier in a group.
(2) Still need to work a bit more on climbing. Weight creeping back up again, so will endevour to watch this over next few months.
(3) Braking a bit too much on narrow/rough descents. Need to watch TBH, it is easier for me to descend solo than in a group. This is just , their practice and will need to be worked on. In saying that there were some savage decenders yesterday on some very poor roads.
(4) Despite fading badly on last climb, once I finished I felt fine. Had a bit of energy left on last flat strech to strech my legs a bit, and strangely I dont feel very tired or stiff today.

Yesterday we met at 3 other groups of cyclists (about 30 going up Healy Pass as we came down). Very large group of Lakeside Wheelers and Tralee Earl of Desmond in Glengariff. Cork?kerry was full of bikes yesterday.



Plan for week is Climbing and descending practice on Tuesday plus a fast flat spin on Wed. Up until yesterday I had actually done very little climbing in past three weeks - and that hurt me. Brisk spins in Kildare and Meath have become too tempting. Need to get back to Three Rock and Dublin/Wicklow hills.
Following week is a week of work with 4 long cycles planned in addition to the Ring of Kerry.

Lumen

ROK ON wrote: »

7 climbs. 2200m of ascent.

Nice, that's almost a WW200.

I've noticed recently that my Garmin 705 reports about 10% less climbing at the end of the ride than when I upload to Garmin Training Centre, e.g. if I do about 1650m on the Garmin, TC will report about 1800 overall.

Do you see the same effect?

I guess it doesn't really matter, but odd nonetheless.

mloc123

Lumen wrote: »

I've noticed recently that my Garmin 705 reports about 10% less climbing at the end of the ride than when I upload to Garmin Training Centre, e.g. if I do about 1650m on the Garmin, TC will report about 1800 overall.

Is that with the new elevation correction in the TC?

Lumen

mloc123 wrote: »

Is that with the new elevation correction in the TC?

Dunno. I seem to be running the latest version. I googled a bit and decided I can live with the ignorance!

ROK ON

I find that Garmin 500 thru Garmin connect has the most accurate reading when it comes to elevation and calories.
That ride at w/e was reported at c.2200m and c.4500 cals.
The same trip when mapped on ridewithgps reported 3800m and 7500cals.

Also the Garmin 500 reports an average of 700cal/hr versus almost twice that on Garmin 305 for similar trips.

mloc123

ROK ON wrote: »

I find that Garmin 500 thru Garmin connect has the most accurate reading when it comes to elevation and calories.
That ride at w/e was reported at c.2200m and c.4500 cals.
The same trip when mapped on ridewithgps reported 3800m and 7500cals.

Also the Garmin 500 reports an average of 700cal/hr versus almost twice that on Garmin 305 for similar trips.

I think the 500 uses the same calorie algorithm as the 310xt etc..? I have found it quite accurate alright.

cantalach

Lumen wrote: »

Nice, that's almost a WW200.

Having done the W200 the weekend before last and then this spin with ROK_ON last weekend, I can assure you it was a lot tougher than the W200 I really think the total vertical metres only tells half the story. It's the shape of those metres that really counts when it comes to how beaten up you feel. My Garmin 500 seems to agree because it estimated a higher calorie burn than it did for the W200 despite being 13km shorter.

cantalach

ROK ON wrote: »

645km for the week including commutes. Longest yet.

That's a savage total. Comfortably more than any other TdMer I reckon.

ROK ON

Two productive weeks.

550 approx last week.
2 110k cycles from Kenmare to Dingle
Slea Head loop twice
Conor pass twice
Ring of Kerry.

By the friday before the Ring I was toast. Less dead.
Cold bath and a deep heat rub got some of the aches away. I was dreading the ROK. I just wanted to get around.
Thanks to Astra Monti for dragging me around the part into headwind. I am wheelsucker exttaordinaire.

This week I decided to cut back.
250k all on the flat at casual pace. Three 70km trips plus some commutes.

Tuesday and last night memorable.
Tuesday - first 30k into a southerly wind. But it felt very refreshing. Hit the drops and just kept going.

Last night a lovely spin with Tiny Explosions. Rained but still felt good.
Tiny still has the swagger on the bike and it was great to see pinky back on the roads.
Good to have you back sir. Role on Flanders.


There will be no cycling until Tues. Wed I aim for Three Rock/Cruagh.
Next Saturday hopefully the Iveragh200. Unlike the RoK I really want to be fresh for this ne. Tough parcours.

Happy with what I have put down. Still poor climbing, but apart from Conor Pass the Climbs on Tour de Munster aint that tough.
The challenge will be to get back on the bike on day 2 after 190k on day 1 etc etc. Feel that I am getting to situation whereby that is possible.

ROK ON

I decided that this needs updating due to Beastys far more interesting log catching up in terms of views.

Anyway 330k in four cycles in past week. All flattish apart from one.

To be honest I am getting really pissed off of back to back training. I tend to do 65-70km Mon Tues and Wed and then do 100k at weekend.
Its all at tempo pace and just aims to get the legs and head used to being on the bike for back to back days.
The Tour de Munster is now 2.5 weeks away but I really wish it was this week.

The only reason I am cycling now is to stay limber before the event. But cycling 3nights a week aftet work leaves no time for anything else.
Anyway I am have 4 cycles this week and two next week and that's it. In order to stay mentally fresh I am going to di new routes thia week. So tonite I aim fir Howth Malahide North Dublin Dunboyne.

Beasty

Take a few day off ROK ON. I had 8 days off the bike due to holidays a couple of weeks ago, and with hindsight was probably overdue a break, and have probably come back a bit stronger (after blowing away a few cobwebs). You'll probably appreciate it all the more when you do the Tour de Munster.

Lumen

If you're bored, do a few days of crash training then have a couple of weeks off.

papac

Lumen wrote: »

do a few days of crash training

You practise crashing.?? Chapeau to your dedication Sir. Chapeau.

ROK ON

425km done in the past week.
Training for the TdM now complete thanks to the Mick Dineen Cycle today hosted by http://valleywheelerscc.com/mickDineenCycle2010.php.

Valley Wheelers is a small club based along the Lee Valley in West Cork. They organised a fantastic cycle today (100k and 140k routes) in honour of former member Mick Dineen. An avid cyclist who tragically passed away last year. This was a cycle to commerate this man by his club. It was largely club members and other Tour de Munster folks who turned out (I guess about 150 people in total).

Stunning route, incredibly well organised with regular signage etc. An absolutely savage spread laid on in Kenmare (cakes sandwiches scones etc). I couldnt stay and chat as I had promised I would be home early to mind the terrible twins (now in bed thankfully).
So I left the peleton in Kenmare enjoying lunch and continued the 100km on my own. There was a chocolate stop at the top of Caha Pass climb and another one in Ballylickey - great. Just great.
This really was a great event and a fitting tribute to the man in question.

Managed to jump onto a group of guys from Catletownbere and Killorglin CC out training. They set a savage pace and dragged me to the foot of the final climb, where they continued at a savage pace and I dropped back to my climbing pace.

This event was free and there was showers and a swim at the end if one had time (I unfortunately didnt). This club could show many larger organisations how to run an event. Well done folks. I hope this is an annual event as it is a brilliant route with three nice climbs and some beautiful rolling countryside in between. It would be great to see an organised sportive on these roads as it is one of my favourite routes and I think the area is crying out for one. Hopefully the turnout today was encouragement for the club and indicative as to how many cyclists there are everywhere in the country now.

The cycle was the 4th this week and brought to a conclusion my training for the Tour de Munster. Looking forward to it, particularly not having to rush home in the eveing to mind the kids:). I am confident that I can now cycle back to back.
Will do one cycle in Kilkenny next week after a wedding (hopefully with the good Capt Havoc - maybe some of the 100km Tour de Kilkenny route), and then thats it until the Tour de Munster.

Once that is complete I will actually have to go on a pretty serious diet. Cycling 4 nights a week means that I can pretty much eat whatever I like and not put on weight. Once I cut back to weekend cycles with a cycle on the odd night (and hopefully a race out in Swords), means that I will need to begin watching what I eat.

cantalach

ROK ON wrote: »

Managed to jump onto a group of guys from Catletownbere and Killorglin CC out training. They set a savage pace and dragged me to the foot of the final climb, where they continued at a savage pace and I dropped back to my climbing pace.

'Twas a shame you had to press on. A few of us detached ourselves from the main group temporarily to head over the hills via the Priest's Leap instead of the Caha Pass (my first time from the Kerry side - ouch!). After regrouping in Ballylickey, the pace was handy for a while until the Cousane Gap sparked everything into life. An excess of adrenaline and a shortage of oxygen meant that we missed the turn off for Dunmanway and ended up coming into the town from the other side, adding a fair few km in so doing. Then, after the final refreshment stop there, it was more-or-less a continuous 40km hammer fest all the way home. Fantastic stuff!

ROK ON

TdeM begins Thursday morning. almost 400km in first two days followed by 270km in final 2days.
Giddy with excitement.

6780km done this year. Spent a lot of time in the saddle. My average ride is 75/80km back to back. I have focused in back to back rides over distance.
The first two days of about 190km followed by almost 200km could be a bit of a shock as I have not trained for long distance due to time pressure. I know I can do an avg of 80-100km per day repeatedly. I am hoping that cycling in the peleton will help the transition to double that.
Here's hoping for good weather and a safe enjoyable trip.

Lumen

Good luck!

cantalach

ROK ON wrote: »

TdeM begins Thursday morning. almost 400km in first two days followed by 270km in final 2days.

Day 1: 172km
Day 2: 189km
Day 3: 147km
Day 4: 133km

I'm trying to finalise the itinerary document at the moment but the elevation profile feature on MapMyRide stopped working on Friday. Great bloody timing!

ROK ON

cantalach wrote: »

Day 1: 172km
Day 2: 189km
Day 3: 147km
Day 4: 133km

I'm trying to finalise the itinerary document at the moment but the elevation profile feature on MapMyRide stopped working on Friday. Great bloody timing!

I thought that was just my PC. Ridewithgps is so much easier and has a nicer interface, but the elevation gain is about twice actualy reality. Also gradient reporting leaves a lot to be desired. I did Woodstock climb out if Inistoige at weekend. About 3km at 8%. Ridewithgps have it as a 3.4% climb.

cantalach

ROK ON wrote: »

Also gradient reporting leaves a lot to be desired.

Interestingly, the new version of MapMyRide (in beta at the moment) has monochrome elevation profiles like RideWithGPS instead of the nice colour-coded ones that the current version of the site has. Shame.

Kaisr Sose

Best of luck. Been following your exploits on your logs. You should have no problem with the distance.

Beasty

Good luck with this ROK ON. You've worked hard all year and should be well prepared for it. If there are any times when you feel as if you are struggling, just think about the hits this log will get after reporting back here once you complete it

Weather forecast looks encouraging, with little rain forecast for the area over the next week or so, and relatively light winds.

lafors

Good luck ROK ON, been keeping up with your posts, Tdm should be an enjoyable one for you by the looks of it!

AstraMonti

Best of luck Rok On!

sy

As they say in this part of the country "No bother"

lescol

Enjoy the tour, am looking forward to your daily report!

lescol

Was heading towards the cinema in Killarney just before 5.00 saw a group of cyclists heading for the Muckross Road, tried to run to get a view, so if you noticed me dragging a six year old, it was to wave and wish you well. Good luck on the last stage.

ROK ON

Thanks folks.

Stage 1: 170k. Lismore and Vee stunning. Contested sprint into Killaloe. Beaten into about 30th :-)
Stage 2: 190k. Great flat stage. Good to be back in Limerick. Was lead into Tralee on Kellys wheel. Priceless.
Stage 3: 145k. Disaster. Stomach upset, the runs. Died on thid stage. Limped over Conor Pass. Descended at 60-70km to get to Chemist in Dingle. Rest of day just suffered. Couldn't eat really.
Today: great nights sleep. Feel fantastic. Sun shining. Time for breakfast. Can't wait. Leave Kenmare and head to Cork for finish on Patricks Hill.

Great event. Some savagr cyclists. Raising lots of funds for DSI.

cantalach

ROK ON wrote: »

Today: great nights sleep. Feel fantastic. Sun shining. Time for breakfast. Can't wait. Leave Kenmare and head to Cork for finish on Patricks Hill.

Being allowed to race up Patrick's Hill on closed roads starting from the bridge was an unforgettable experience. What an atmosphere! It was an absolutely inspired move on the part of the organisers to introduce that little sting in the tail...it had the whole lot of us out of our heads on adrenaline afterwards.

Btw, I don't know if you know this or not but Sean Kelly actually rode the hill twice this afternoon. My dad said he just turned around straight away after the first ascent and bounced back down the stepped footpath (on his carbon rims) before riding up again. He stopped next to where I was standing after the second ascent and feigned collapse. Not realising it was his second crack at it, I asked him how long it had been since he last did Patrick's Hill. "About two minutes," came the reply. Legend.

ROK ON

I saw Kelly take off the first time. He was making his way down as I struggled at the wall. Saw him finish.
Giant.


Will do proper write up later in week.
Phenomenal event. Best I have ever done. all sorts of cyclists. Huge effort.
Recommend it.
Want to do it again, just not this week.
Thanks to all for encouragement, advice and sponsorship.

ROK ON

Wed 11 Aug. Drive to Silver Springs Hotel in Cork where the Tour will start the following morning. Upgraded to a suite upon arrival. Very tasty. Bath, toasted sandwich, pot of tea and bed. Slept well.

Thur 12 Aug. Breakfast arrived 30mins late. Annoyed. Ate quickly headed downstairs. Registered, Picked up 2 Tour jerseys (one Red, on blue - really like the red one). Mingled. Assembled bike and ready for the off.
Todays Stage: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/44785039
173km Cork to Killaloe via Lismore, Tiperary and Limk Junction. After speaches from head of Down Syndrom ireland (the chosen charity for the 10th edition of the tour) we were off. Split into 6 groups of 20 in order to maintain an orderly paceline, and safely get everyone thru the stage at roughly the same time. We start and finish together. This is not a race or a sportive in which after the start everyone is on their own. We are a peleton that stays together (or 6 mini peletons so to speak). Good idea in that it allows a huge mix of strengths to ride together.
Went off a bit hard on the first hammerdrop up the Vee. Passed predictably by people that can climb a bike. Fantastic descent in Clougheen. Felt string most of the rest of the way back to Killaloe.
Crazily I contested a sprint into Killaloe. 2nd out of the traps after an early breaker. Caught his wheel, then about 15/20 blokes tore past. Managed to stay on and finish in the bunch. Lovely bit of madness to finish the day.
High Light: Descending the Vee.
Scones in Lismore.
Sprint at the finish.
Low points - can think of none.


Fri 13th: Killaloe Ennis Limerick Tralee
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/44785026
190km. Flat stage. Felt reasonably strong all day. Loved the descent into Castleisland. However backroad from Killaloe to Ennis has some nice cycling. Dropped out of my group (Group 1) for a pee. Managed to hook onto Group 2. Worked up the line for a bit. Saw group 1 in the distance and jumped off to sprint back on. About halfway between the 2 groups the pace picked up and I was hurting. I couldnt let myself be realed back in by Group 2 for sheer embarassment, so put head down to get over and sit back on where I hid for a while.
Stop in Ennis took too long for me. However it is hard for 120 cyclists and entourage to stop feed and restart in a timely fashion.
Road from Limerick to Castleisland passed really quickly in my head. I tried to stay toward fromt of line in that I felt good, but also I found sitting at the back very boring. Being at front with a slight wind in the face keeps one feeling awake on a long day. Met a guy who was riding one of Kellys old bikes a Vitus from when he was at KAS. Beautiful old aluminium frame.
Cruised from castleisland into tralee at sundown. Beautiful day. Last 5km or so I was sitting on Kellys wheel at the head of the paceline. Pure bliss. Cat that got the cream.

Sat 14 Aug: Tralee Conor pass Killarney Molls Gap Kenmare.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/44785005
Today was to be my day. The descent from Molls Gap to Kenmare passes my home. I was going to rule the road. My stomach had other plans.
Woke up and felt bad. Dodgy stomach. Got worse, No real breakfast could be faced. Toast, croissant, water. Walk to freshen up, Cycling gear and bike. Hid all the way to Conor Pass. Got up in a very relaxed state - didnt push HR once. Descend at crazy speed in driving rain and poor visibility to get to toilet and chemist. I was first down so had the entire road to myself to go as nuts as I wanted. Felt a bit better after toilet, motilium and an immodium. Packet of chalky mints to take the taste of bile away.
The flat 60 or so km to Killarney felt the hardest I have ever cycled. Dying all the way. Crashed due to a wheel tip (my fault in wet weather), only damage was pride and a torn (favourite) knee warmer. Left group at te stop in Killarney and tried to get home to Kenmare on my own quickly. Toilet stop outside Killarney. Molls Gap I simply cant remember apart from a charity collector at the top. Just descend home. Family had a Go daddy Go banner ready. Never got to put it out. Water, Toilet, Bath, Relaxe, Potato, bed.

Sun 15 August
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/44784969
12 hours sleep. Feel great. Sun shining. Meet the peleton in Kenmare.
Sean Kelly has photo taken with my nephew. Roll out for Caha Pass. Gorgeous. Great descent in Glengariff. Roll on to Pass of Keiminagh. Took it handy for first 2/3rds. Shoot off at end and actually begin passing some tired cyclists (many had been up till 3am drinking the previous night while I was soundly asleep in bed). Lovely lunch in Gougane Barra. Nice pace to Lisarda where we had a 99 ice cream stop for the peleton. Roll into Cork. Garda close Patricks Hill for us to ride up. I took climb too slowly made it up halfway past the walled steep section on the right. Pedals stopped and I toppled. Managed to unclip before completely embarassing myself. I reckon its a climb that you have to go balls out on early to establish momentum during the mid teens gradient before it kicks up to 37%.

St Patricks Hill is hard.
Lovely to finish. Nice shower and reception. Drive home. Worst Chinese takeaway ever in macroom. Just tasted vile so I binned it.


Reflections
Great event in its 10th year.
Very democratic in that their are riders of all levels, all ages and all backgrounds. Start and finish together.
I loved it. I loved the route, the athmosphere, being part of a peleton for 4 days. The fund raising. It is a great event and a big thank you must go to the organisers (particularly Paul Sheridan). He is a classy cyclists. Runs a tight ship. Gets everyone home safely and he shelters the less experienced/weaker cyclists from the elements/gradients/pace. In doing so he could be charging off up the road with his mates, but he doesnt. A gent. Some people give a lot of themselves to society. Paul simply asked in return that we train honestly for the event, and cycle safely while on it.

This is not an event for everybody. If youwant to set a new record on the course or if you want to break free of the chain gang all the time, then this aint for you.
However if you want some good fun over a good route, and be in company all day then this is for you.
For that you pay some small expenses to cover accomodatin and food etc. You will be expected to raise at least €500 for the chosen charity in order to do that.
In return you will have some good fun and a full supported ride in terms of Garda escorts into and out of towns, motor cycle outriders blocking roundabouts/junctions etc and waving you thru. Truck for luggage, Van for day bag and help with repairs or broomwagon if necessary.

Downside for me was the length of time that we were stopped at foodstops. It simply proved difficult to feed 120 plus bodies in a timely fashion and then motivate everyone to leave promptly. As a suggestion I think that their shuld be a joint start and finish, but then the groups should operate with a wider timegap, so that maybe no more than two groups are stopped at once (one eat while one queues). The leave as soon as fed watered and toileted. The stops made the days very long IMO.
I really cant fault the organisers however in that a lot of it was down to numbers verus the time it takes to serve than many people. (anyone who has ever been at a wedding dinner will know exactly what I mean).

I would recommend anyone who want a multi day event in this country and can raise some much needed fundraising for charity to give this a go.
There were a few other boardsies that I know of doing this, Cantalch and Damoz08. I think nearly every cycling club and tri club in Munster had a representative in the peleton. There were people who race, tour have riden everywhere in the world, to peole who took up cycling in the last year. All are catered for. All sorts of bikes.

I would love to do it again.

My training worked in that my legs never really felt tired. Apart from stomach upset, I would say that by the end I was mentally fatigued rather than tired per se, so that is a positive. I think I could have trained less (but concentrated on weight loss), and I would have been stronger on the climbs (hammerdrops meant that anyone who wanted could race the climbs and descents). I can afford toeat a lot less on the bike.
I learned a lot about group riding. I hope that I see a lot of these people in future at sportives (and maybe even races).
I saw some absolutely incredible ascending and descending speeds. Mindblowing. Two guys simply sprinted at pace up Patricks Hill It was jawdropping. I thought I was a reasonable descender, I witnessed some fantastic bike handling and pace on the way down some climbs.
I learned a lot about cycling and a bit more about myself. I still have a helluva a lot to learn.

Photos from the site.
http://picasaweb.google.com/tourdemunster/TdeM2010#

cantalach

ROK ON wrote: »

Downside for me was the length of time that we were stopped at foodstops. It simply proved difficult to feed 120 plus bodies in a timely fashion and then motivate everyone to leave promptly. As a suggestion I think that their shuld be a joint start and finish, but then the groups should operate with a wider timegap, so that maybe no more than two groups are stopped at once (one eat while one queues). The leave as soon as fed watered and toileted. The stops made the days very long IMO.
I really cant fault the organisers however in that a lot of it was down to numbers verus the time it takes to serve than many people. (anyone who has ever been at a wedding dinner will know exactly what I mean).

Great write-up, J! The length of time taken at the food stops seems to have been the main negative for a lot of people. As you point out, catering for a large number of people arriving (hungry!) at the same time always presents a challenge. But also, the tour expanded this year from 75 to 120 riders and this may have exacerbated the problem. It's worth noting too that the larger numbers necessitated a complete change of lunch venues and I guess the new venues weren't as practised at dealing with the tour as the ones who had been doing it for years. No doubt, many of these wrinkles and teething problems will be addressed before the 2011 tour.

ROK ON

The sponsorship raised by mself on the Tour de Munster looks to be around the €2800, which I will bring up to 3k after a donation from the missus.
A very big thank you to all who helped me out. I owe you a pint, or at the very least an opportunity to fix your puncture by roadside.

The Tour de Munster was a great event and well worth the training, however the funds raised by the cyclists are badly required by Down Syndrome Ireland - it is good then that the rumours are that maybe €150k will be raised by all involved.

Since the tour I have been starnagely ambivalent toward the bike. Only two spins for a total of 5 hours plus a few days commuting this week. Physically I feel fine, mentally I coulldnt be arsed getting on the bike for anything more than a commute. Not a surprise given that both my Garmins record almost 8500km of cycling since January, plus about another maybe 2000km from commuting.

Plan on doing a bit during September in order to be in reasonable shape for my final two sportives
Valley Wheelers CC 110km on Sept 12th
Chain Gang Tralee 150km on Sept 18th

I have a vague idea of trying Rottenhats audax in late October, if only because I reckon he will through on a lot of cake.

Going to give a few weeks to think about what I really want to do next year. I have to say I really enjoyed the riding in a group on the Tour de Munster, and I am highly tempted to try racing next year. My pace has increased all year without trying, so I am hoping to improve this, largely because while I can knock out 27km averages on my own on rolling courses, I hav never gone +30km, so was a bit jealous when I read some folks Etape Hibernia reports. Long way from 4hours over a 130km course (30mins or so to be precise).
To that end I have ordered Joe Friels training bible and checked out a few winter training plans. A turbo purchase is close. I hope to join a local club later in the year shortly.
Aim is to do a few races in Swords leaguenext year assuming that I am still in Dublin, and hopefully some open races on the new Sports (MAMILS) license.

Other than that I have several events that I want to do, and can realistically only choose one. So either TDM again, or Raid or Ronde Van Flanders sportif or paris Roubaix sportif or Malin to Mizen with a mate.
This year due to training, work and family I missed certain events that I would have liked to do such as Tou of Kilkenny, Tour de Burren and Wicklow 200. I would like to do these next year. I was supposed to be doin the Raid in 2 weeks, but earlier in the year badly miscalculated holidays and lost 2 days due to ash cloud, so I dont have the days for it, and will also be in London that week with work. So hopefully another time.

By and large this year I have completed some of my goals.
Lose weight
Cycle some Pyrenean mountains.
Do a back to back event.

Case now closed. Thanks for all the advice etc. Best of luck with your own goals.

Beasty

Great log ROK ON, and well done on your achievements this year

Looking forward to the race reports next year;)