An Post Tour de Burren

sundaycottage

Anyone doing the Tour de Burren this year? Was meant to do it last year but got flu! Heard it was good..:D

Captain Havoc

sundaycottage wrote: »

Anyone doing the Tour de Burren this year? Was meant to do it last year but got flu! Heard it was good..:D

Can't do it this year but it was brilliant

damoz

will be doing it - if i get my bike sorted (broken shifter) by then

thebouldwhacker

I'm supposed to do this and the west cork 200 the next day. I was going to skip it and just do the WC200 but after spending a few days in north Clare and spinning on a bit of the circuit I gotta say I'm looking forward to it. Great reviews from last years event and its very well publicised around the area so looks like its on the must do list.... looking forward to the 'corkscrew' its gonna be a peloton splitter.

Bikerbhoy

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

looking forward to the 'corkscrew' its gonna be a peloton splitter.

Corkscrew is actually a very easy climb and doesnt do much damage at all .......strangely enough

thebouldwhacker

Bikerbhoy wrote: »

Corkscrew is actually a very easy climb

You aint seen me cycling!:o

So are many people thinking of doing this?

CheGuedara

I'm in - will be up with the Chain Gang mob

Esroh

CheGuedara wrote: »

I'm in - will be up with the Chain Gang mob

Dont tell Che I said this but if you are needing a pull on the dead roads after Lisdoon to Liscannor there is no better train to Tag on to. They are well organised and don't really notice you

thebouldwhacker

I'm typing small so he cant read this, sounds like a good idea to me, you know I've never seen one of those jerseys up close... [EMAIL="Ba@?"£ds"]Ba@?"£ds[/EMAIL] are always going too fast, I'll bring a rope and hook:D

WakeyTyke

Bikerbhoy wrote: »

Corkscrew is actually a very easy climb and doesnt do much damage at all .......strangely enough

Mind if I get on your back wheel on the way up:D

CheGuedara

Esroh wrote: »

Dont tell Che I said this but if you are needing a pull on the dead roads after Lisdoon to Liscannor there is no better train to Tag on to. They are well organised and don't really notice you

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

I'm typing small so he cant read this, sounds like a good idea to me, you know I've never seen one of those jerseys up close... Ba@?"£ds are always going too fast, I'll bring a rope and hook:D

LOL - sure if you see us tag on, we might be pushing ourselves but we don't mind people joining in once they take a turn at the front when it comes around!

We're expecting a good bunch to travel up to it but I'm not sure we'll get our latest signing in time for the ride though- Garmin-Transitions own Svein Tuft (R)



... the pace would definitely be up if he was around, sadly I think he's stuck into preparing for something in France...

hynesie

CheGuedara wrote: »

We're expecting a good bunch to travel up to it but I'm not sure we'll get our latest signing in time for the ride though- Garmin-Transitions own Svein Tuft (R)

Cool.
The story of how Svein started racing is great: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/sports/othersports/08cycling.html

murf85

Many from Cork travelling up for this?Im thinking of travelling but think I might have to head on my own and dont particularly fancy the 2 and a half hour spin on my own at that hour haha!!!

Bikerbhoy

WakeyTyke wrote: »

Mind if I get on your back wheel on the way up:D

No worrries..... all aboard

murf85

thebouldwhacker wrote: »

I'm supposed to do this and the west cork 200 the next day. I was going to skip it and just do the WC200 but after spending a few days in north Clare and spinning on a bit of the circuit I gotta say I'm looking forward to it.

Just signed up for it, looking forward to it...Will be a nice warm up for the ring of kerry!
Thinking of doing the wc200 too depending on how the legs are!

DirkVoodoo

A friend of mine is doing this, might decide to pop along. Always nice to cycle somewhere new and after today, I'm getting a strange urge to wear my uber-fred uniform again.

Is it flat or hilly?

CheGuedara

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

A friend of mine is doing this, might decide to pop along. Always nice to cycle somewhere new and after today, I'm getting a strange urge to wear my uber-fred uniform again.

Is it flat or hilly?

Kinda both actually (not meaning to give a smart answer) - it's got its named climbs,

• Corker Hill (short, 400mtrs maybe and steep),
• Corkscrew (longer but nothing mad, not severe in term of gradient and easier than many would make out) and
• the Cliffs of Moher climb (long continuous drag but you're nearly home when you meet it so meh).

But the 'flat' county of Clare is actually very undulating so can take a bit more out of the legs than you might think over what would otherwise be inoccuous kms under the wheels so def feed yourself up at the food stops and bring spare gels etc just in case.

It's a very do able 160km and I'd def recommend it, one of the few unfaultable events I've been to

8kvscdpglqnyr4

CheGuedara wrote: »

Kinda both actually (not meaning to give a smart answer) - it's got its named climbs,

• Corker Hill (short, 400mtrs maybe and steep),
• Corkscrew (longer but nothing mad, not severe in term of gradient and easier than many would make out) and
• the Cliffs of Moher climb (long continuous drag but you're nearly home when you meet it so meh).

But the 'flat' county of Clare is actually very undulating so can take a bit more out of the legs than you might think over what would otherwise be inoccuous kms under the wheels so def feed yourself up at the food stops and bring spare gels etc just in case.

It's a very do able 160km and I'd def recommend it, one of the few unfaultable events I've been to

I agree with CheGuedara - the flat country has some nice rolling hills that can be tough enough.

"The Corker" isn't bad at all ... it's a very short climb with a steep 100m at the end.

The climb into Carran village is tough enough - steady gradient all the way.

The Cork-screw isn't as bad as it sounds or looks. There are 5 or 6 switchbacks that make you feel like you're on a mini Alpine stage:D:D

If the wind is from the North, then the Cliffs of Mother climb is a killer! It's a very open road and that can make it very tough. If the wind is from the south, then all you have to worry about is a small steep bit of of the hill close to Liscannor.

As you can see from the image below, the total ascent is 1780m ... so it is fairly hilly!

NickDrake

Weather looks good. Might head up to do it. Did many do it last year?

Limestone1

So its actually 150K rather than 160Km . I notice from the anpost.ie site that all of the anpost series are down as 160Km (sligo, seankelly, rebel tour,meath heritage) - is there some sort of Euro standardisation thing going on here ?

By the way has anyone mapped the route on mapmyride or another site that can be downloaded as a crs file ?

Tinder

How does this event match up to the Croi cycle, is there as many water stops, or is a straight cycle?

Moflojo

Limestone1 wrote: »

So its actually 150K rather than 160Km . I notice from the anpost.ie site that all of the anpost series are down as 160Km (sligo, seankelly, rebel tour,meath heritage) - is there some sort of Euro standardisation thing going on here ?

Something to do with 160km equaling 100 miles perhaps? Was 100 miles a standard distance for this type of race back in the day?

anoble66

for the 160km route:-

There will be a water/ fruit stop afer 48 km. There will be a food station at the North Clare Sports and Amenity Park in Lisdoonvarna (72 km). Further water stops will be available in Lahinch on the Cliffs of Moher road (105km) and outside O’Donoghues Pub Fanore. There will also be a second food station at the Miko Russell Centre Doolin (130 km) and refreshments at the Sea Front in Ballyvaughan on return.

Tinder wrote: »

How does this event match up to the Croi cycle, is there as many water stops, or is a straight cycle?

AstraMonti

I ll probably suffer to death, but I ll might pop and do it.

redmenace1

Nasir Fit Obesity wrote: »

As you can see from the image below, the total ascent is 1780m ... so it is fairly hilly

I note the total ascent is 1780m rather than 2200 odd that the organisers had it down for. I'll settle for the lesser amount so:)

DirkVoodoo

Is this a scenic cycle? I've been to Clare for surfing before, that's it.

Looks like I'm 100% for this now, should be able to stay in Galway and drive down on the morning.

Keep an eye out for me, I no longer have a boards jersey but I'll be on my blue bike!

jwshooter

3.5 hour drive for me sat morning

alanucc

Signed up for this too, my first sportive Hopefully we get a good day for it!

Peterx

Limestone1 wrote: »

So its actually 150K rather than 160Km . I notice from the anpost.ie site that all of the anpost series are down as 160Km (sligo, seankelly, rebel tour,meath heritage) - is there some sort of Euro standardisation thing going on here ?

By the way has anyone mapped the route on mapmyride or another site that can be downloaded as a crs file ?

Here's a slightly messy garmin version of it;

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/7728024

AstraMonti

Peterx wrote: »

Here's a slightly messy garmin version of it;

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/7728024

Thanks..

Leisure spin with 28.5 kms/h avg speed?

damo80

does anybody know how the timing chip system works? will it de/re-activate at the various stops?
signed up for it and got my "pack" today! already looks like one of the better organised tours ive done

Peterx

There were timing mats at the main food stop last year (I think)

The Tour de Burren 2009 was absolutely brilliant, Gardai outriders and marshalls at junctions, an unbelieveable amount of tasty and filling food at the stops, a good bunch of lads working away at the front, sunny shiny day, nice enough T-shirt. They had a king of the mountains thing going on which sated the competitive urges over 5 nominated climbs and that allowed everyone came back together again and rode on to the next climb.

It was everything that the WW200 should be and hasn't been and is the reason I'll never bother with the WW200 again.
The tour de sligo a few weeks ago was very good too.

cormpat

Peterx wrote: »

Here's a slightly messy garmin version of it;

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/7728024

Did you fly back?

NickDrake

Peterx wrote: »

There were timing mats at the main food stop last year (I think)

The Tour de Burren 2009 was absolutely brilliant, Gardai outriders and marshalls at junctions, an unbelieveable amount of tasty and filling food at the stops, a good bunch of lads working away at the front, sunny shiny day, nice enough T-shirt. They had a king of the mountains thing going on which sated the competitive urges over 5 nominated climbs and that allowed everyone came back together again and rode on to the next climb.

It was everything that the WW200 should be and hasn't been and is the reason I'll never bother with the WW200 again.
The tour de sligo a few weeks ago was very good too.

How many do it? Does everyone stay in a group? i.e are they all good riders? I would be hoping it is more along the lines of the ROK where there are plenty of people and groups etc

sundaycottage

Looks like the weather will be good for Saturday. I see that they have over 800 signed up for the 60 and 160!!

anoble66

yeah, myself and mellon and a few others have signed up for the 160k - will be the longest spin I have ever done so not sure how I will fair! Also hoping for plenty of group riding

DirkVoodoo

Officially signed up now. Just saw the "KOM" details, what a great idea! Not much chance of winning it, but it might be something to spice up the ride a bit more. Awesome!

Peterx

NickDrake wrote: »

How many do it? Does everyone stay in a group? i.e are they all good riders? I would be hoping it is more along the lines of the ROK where there are plenty of people and groups etc

plenty of groups to go round with, I had had fun futilely chasing KOM points and once we got over the Cliffs of Moher some fast boys who had taken it easy to that point let rip and I was shelled out the back of not one, not two but three groups who came through me. All good fun.

AstraMonti

Still thinking about it, bit worried of the pace

WakeyTyke

AstraMonti wrote: »

Still thinking about it, bit worried of the pace

Shouldn't worry about the pace. Of course there will be lads driving on at the front but there will be other groups who will be at a steadier pace.

There is a mixed ability group, including some junior riders, from West Clare CC and we will riding together at a steady pace and anyone is welcome to tag along.

CheGuedara

AstraMonti wrote: »

Still thinking about it, bit worried of the pace

You'll be grand - there'll be racers out gunning around the route challenging the KOM competition, people doing the distance for the first time and everything in between.

Just ride your own pace, work with groups you meet going the same kinda speed, feed yourself up at the food stops (esp if the cheesecake is on again this year!) and enjoy the scenery (it pains me as a county proud Kerryman to say it but it is a really nice part of the world)

AstraMonti

I am only worried, because it seems to be more racing oriented, and I am nowhere near that kind of fitness

anoble66

wouldnt worry about it, yes their will be plenty of clubs taking part setting a high pace, but you dont have to be joining them. I am sure there will be plenty of slower groups.

I wont be racing around myself. A few of us will be doing 160k for the first time so will be pacing ourselves, and your welcome to join our group.

AstraMonti

Right.. ok I ll be coming down then

Now to find a b&b..!

DirkVoodoo

CheGuedara wrote: »

You'll be grand - there'll be racers out gunning around the route challenging the KOM competition, people doing the distance for the first time and everything in between.

Ah so it's a very serious thing? I'm not sure I'd be able to race 160km, I might try the first one and see how it goes.

Mr Velo

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Ah so it's a very serious thing? I'm not sure I'd be able to race 160km, I might try the first one and see how it goes.

Don't worry DirkVoodoo, it's not a serious thing. TBH - unless you get tucked in behind the lead car at the front towards the start of the cycle it's not likely that you'll be racing for KOM or any of that baloney.

My experience last year was that clubs stuck together and went at a speed which they would whilst out training etc, then you had individuals going faster/slower than that etc... basically all sorts.

It really is a fantastically organised event and one which i've been very much looking forward to. (now let's hope this cursed hayfever clears up :mad: )

AstraMonti

anoble66 wrote: »

wouldnt worry about it, yes their will be plenty of clubs taking part setting a high pace, but you dont have to be joining them. I am sure there will be plenty of slower groups.

I wont be racing around myself. A few of us will be doing 160k for the first time so will be pacing ourselves, and your welcome to join our group.

I ll happily accept the offer I ll be the tall guy with a white planetx and a boards jersey.

Dirk (or anyone else), I will be driving down Friday afternoon, around 4 I suppose, you are more welcome to come along if you like.

anoble66

cool, I will be the small guy, on a black planet-x , with the white cosmic carbone's on. Probably a black and red altura jersey. see you there so

AstraMonti wrote: »

I ll happily accept the offer I ll be the tall guy with a white planetx and a boards jersey.

Dirk (or anyone else), I will be driving down Friday afternoon, around 4 I suppose, you are more welcome to come along if you like.

CheGuedara

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Ah so it's a very serious thing? I'm not sure I'd be able to race 160km, I might try the first one and see how it goes.

AstraMonti wrote: »

I am only worried, because it seems to be more racing oriented, and I am nowhere near that kind of fitness

Ah no, I wouldn't the event as really race oriented - the KOM group was very small last year in the context of the large numbers participating - not to be worried about unless you want to race the thing yourself, everyone else just drives on at their own speed TBH. The timing chips are more or less for the novelty factor and to encourage people to go out and see how well they can do (and allow them to try to better it in subsequent years).

My club is primarily sportive focused at the moment with a minority having a go at racing just yet (though watch this space in the future) and we had a gang up for last years TdB who found it a challenge, as it is supposed to be, but not a painful, exhausiting trial and we (so far) have 13 14 travelling to it again this year. While the level of fitness is good in our riders, they would be certainly sportive fit though not necessarily race fit.

I would say anyone who has several 100km rides done this year will find the 100km route grand and could test themselves on the 160 if they want to see what they can do. If someone has 2-3 130km+ rides done already this year then they'd be well set for the 160km just to ride their own pace. Any race training or experience would be helpful if going to enter the KOM competition but it's certainly not a necessity for the event

murf85

Anybody going from cork?Wudnt mind some company on the way up saturday morning...

AstraMonti

Getting a place to stay for the weekend there now seems a hard thing, probably worse than the actual spin