Sean Kelly Tour 2014 - no ticket requests - post #38 - see thread in Cycling adverts

Amage

funnights74 wrote: »

Thanks to everyone involved in making to today happen, from the sponsors to the tea ladies but a special mention to the outdoor guys given the conditions, chapeau to you all.

Here here...today was my first ever sportive having only got my bike about 5 weeks ago and I cannot believe how well run everything was. Weather was atrocious but the support of volunteers and fellow cyclists was fantastic. Two lovely guys who's names I never got certainly helped me keep going when I was really struggling from Ardmore to the turn for Ring. Really super event....chapeau to all

CptMackey

Did the 160 . What a day. Wind rain and hills. Delighted to have it done but it was murder

Pinch Flat

Did the 160. Weather was cat (as they say in this part of the world) and some challenging climbs. Did well in tickinor that was my nemesis. I didn't intent the yelp to be audible when the they announced that Mahon falls was closed - would have been murder with 120km on the legs. Just over 6 hours rolling for me.

kensutz

Weather was manky but my first SKT in 3-4 years. Was going well until I came into Ardmore and hit an uneven patch of road and hit the deck. FairPlay to a Dungarvan rider and another I didn't catch who stopped ahead, turned back and came over to ensure I was ok. It's small things like that which makes it worthwhile, a lot of road rash and cuts with a suspected fractured finger but I'll survive

BadCharlie

First time doing this or any other event. All in all it was very very we'll run. Think it's super value for money. A very big thanks to all the people who gave up their time.

All I can say ohh did it rain. For the first 40km i was some what cold but my friend was frozen due to no rain gear.

I know I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the weather was fine. Let's hope for better conditions for next year.

deandean

I did the 50km with a few pals. we got very wet. we kept going at a fair pace to keep nice and warm. i must have overtaken 500+ riders LOL.
well done to the organisers, ye all did a fantastic job. How the DJ had a voice after 2+ hours of finishing us all, I don't know!

eoin88

Did the 160, was lovely up until the first food stop but then the rain came! Some great climbing on the route, but some of the descents were pretty hairy in the wet! Bit disappointed we didn't get to do the full Mahon Falls climb, suppose that just gives me an excuse to come back again next year! Must say that the organisation was top class on the day, particularly the stewards and warning signs around the roads. Despite the rain, it was a great day out.

jmdsk

Fantastic day out, and very well organised, congrats to all. Where will the photo's be up. Lots of cameras out there today.

eoin88

Forgot to mention I spotted NeedMoreGears in his lovely pink Boardsie kit! Hope you had a good day out there!

Amage

jmdsk wrote: »

Fantastic day out, and very well organised, congrats to all. Where will the photo's be up. Lots of cameras out there today.

Loads on the Sean Kelly Tour Facebook page already

djemba djemba

Just back in Dublin. Absolutely Awesome. I dont think I have enjoyed a day on my bike as much. I was off my bike for the last two weeks due to injury so was thinking of dropping out. I am so glad I didnt. I did the 160km. The first km of the first climb was tough, after that I didnt think the climb was too severe. Got in a nice group leaving the food stop to the next climb. Think it was made up of Southside wheely(?) Wheelers so that knocked off a good few kilometres very quickly.

Approaching Mahon Bridge I was tempted to skip the falls and go straight back to Dungarvan but I am glad I turned right and did the climb. Not sure if I was helped or hindered not been able to see more than 30 feet ahead of me just had to keep cycling.

As people already said thanks to everyone; the marshals, the people who looked after the food stops, all the organizers on a terrible day they were all very cheery throughout. Great day.

I will have to chalk it in for next year.

Sammo13

Headed off on the 160 at 8.15am, 15 mins before the official start. 3 of us got in a group of 7 for the first section into Carrick on Suir. The front group of 60 went past us in Carrick I'd say going 45km p/h unreal clip. Hit the climb at Tickincor and the first 1km was steep and tough as was the last 1km, good to get over it and nice decent into Clonmel.

Spent 20 mins at the food stop, excellent food/drinks etc, quick as well. Left Clonmel and the rain started, took the road out to Dungarvan and then the left for the Powers of Pot. Really found that climb tough after the food stop. Descent was hairy enough, locked the rear wheel on the short steep section and was lucky not to come off.

Second food stop was at 105km or so and I was fairly soaked at that stage, stopped for 15 mins and got the news Mahon Falls was closed due the health and safety (high fives around the table) .

There home was a tough stretch, took in part Mahon and Mama Road which seemed to last forever. Even after the last category climb the roads were rolling and energy snapping.

Weather obviously made the day really though and less enjoyable, would love to do it in fine weather, regardless really glad I completed it and well done to everybody how took part.

Big thanks to the marshalls, stewards and helpers at the food stops, top class run event.

willabur

Did the 100km, the weather was manky. But had a good day, one complaint I would have was the food stop was badly managed. The queue was ridiculously long and non moving. Compared to the organization at the tour DE burren there was no comparison. We waited 15 mins, shivering and cold before deciding to jump back on the bike.

shaka

djemba djemba wrote: »

Just back in Dublin. Absolutely Awesome. I dont think I have enjoyed a day on my bike as much. I was off my bike for the last two weeks due to injury so was thinking of dropping out. I am so glad I didnt. I did the 160km. The first km of the first climb was tough, after that I didnt think the climb was too severe. Got in a nice group leaving the food stop to the next climb. Think it was made up of Southside wheely(?) Wheelers so that knocked off a good few kilometres very quickly.

SWW (South county limerick) are my crowd of head the balls, heard it was tough but they had two handy sized groups so worked out ok. Only back from Portugal yesterday , got offered a entry but declined- not sure if I regret it or not lol

El Vino

The weather was a bit grim but everyone seemed in great spirits, while I was glad at the time not to have to do Mahon Falls it is not the same spin without it. All the food stops I hit were excellent, It is the one Sportive i do which I think I put on weight.
Delighted with the Jersey also this year and last years are ones you might actually wear again. Roll on next year.

Bikerbhoy

Mahon Falls wasnt closed all day was it ? Looks like some folk made it over it. .
Good call regardless . .

pedro_colnago

willabur wrote: »

Did the 100km, the weather was manky. But had a good day, one complaint I would have was the food stop was badly managed. The queue was ridiculously long and non moving. Compared to the organization at the tour DE burren there was no comparison. We waited 15 mins, shivering and cold before deciding to jump back on the bike.

Best organised event in the country and the best I've done abroad. Given the fact there was over 1500 participants on the 100km and 1500 on the 160km there is bound to be a bit of queuing. Top marks to the VOLUNTEERS who give up there Sunday to make our day on a bike so good. I suppose it's there fault too the weather was so bad?? Man up and have a bit of patience I reckon...

funnights74

pedro_colnago wrote: »

Best organised event in the country and the best I've done abroad. Given the fact there was over 1500 participants on the 100km and 1500 on the 160km there is bound to be a bit of queuing. Top marks to the VOLUNTEERS who give up there Sunday to make our day on a bike so good. I suppose it's there fault too the weather was so bad?? Man up and have a bit of patience I reckon...

Well said, when a big group of cyclists all arrive at one location at more or less the same time people need to chillax, the volunteers put a lot of effort and give up their free time to help these days to happen. If queueing up is a bother put some cash in your pocket and find somewhere else.

NeedMoreGears

Firstly - a big thanks to the marshalls who were in the rain for hours and to the folk at the food stops.

Overall a tough enough day. Made the first food stop before the rain. Spent the next 95km swimming up hill and down dale. The drag down to the Mahons Falls turn was wearing, not helped by the strong wind and the rain. Found a bit of form after that and didn't stop at the second food stop. Had a minor panic when I thought I was lost after the first bit of Mahons Falls. Bananas shortly thereafter were a lifesaver. The Nire valley climb was surreal - the mist/fogged glasses kept visibility right down. Great run in as usual.

Fell hard on the way back to the car - that effin gully in road along the harbour did for me. Still helmet did its job ( as usual I used my head to break my fall). 160km not a bother - then bang. Thanks to the folks in the pub who came out and picked me up and to the car behind for not running over me! Left hand index finger is heavily bruised (hence the typos and right knee/hip/side of head a bit sore.

ford2600

NeedMoreGears wrote: »

The Nire valley climb was surreal - the mist/fogged glasses kept visibility right down. Great run in as usual.

Fell hard on the way back to the car - that effin gully in road along the harbour did for me. Still helmet did its job ( as usual I used my head to break my fall). 160km not a bother - then bang. Thanks to the folks in the pub who came out and picked me up and to the car behind for not running over me! Left hand index finger is heavily bruised (hence the typos and right knee/hip/side of head a bit sore.

For surreal try it at night in December with a heavier fog under dynamo lighting!



Bring back bad memories!

fits

Did the 100 km! First sportive and furthest I have cycled in one go. Went really well and im not too bad today. I didn't even know what a road bike was a year ago. Great event. Fab volunteers and will definitely do it again. Delighted!

kencoo

Fantastic days cycling. Great value. Very well organised -very efficient and business like- volunteers were excellent especially given the weather. Ladys were even giving out jellys near the top of tichincor! I really liked the options of being able to stop every 40/50k. Earlier in the day i didnt expect to stop so much but a you cant beat a cup of tea after being in the driving rain for an hour.

Fairly quick day. I heard earlier that mahon falls was closed, an incorrectly thought that whole section was taken out (i.e. knocking 30km or so off the journey) so jumped on a large group after Rathgormuck who were going around 40kmh average and hammered it. i found out/realised about 25km later that just the 2 km climb was taken out and the rest of the route was the same. Fairly sick!
The last 30km was absolutely awesome and the reason I love cycling - rolling roads - big working group - 40kph average - driving rain and wind -getting destroyed in kickback and muck from the road- brilliant!

Really enjoyed the day which was to the great credit of the organisers.
Special congrats to the optimists who just wore SKT t-shirts and left the raingear behind. Hardy people!

kuro_man

kencoo wrote: »

.... I heard earlier that mahon falls was closed, an incorrectly thought that whole section was taken out (i.e. knocking 30km or so off the journey)....

I made the same mistake too.

Tough, miserable day

willabur

pedro_colnago wrote: »

Best organised event in the country and the best I've done abroad. Given the fact there was over 1500 participants on the 100km and 1500 on the 160km there is bound to be a bit of queuing. Top marks to the VOLUNTEERS who give up there Sunday to make our day on a bike so good. I suppose it's there fault too the weather was so bad?? Man up and have a bit of patience I reckon...

I said I had a great day. I'm sorry to say it but the organization at the 40km main food stop wasn't great, the queue snakes around the the football posts on the adjoining queue. We joined it for 15 mins and it went nowhere. It was cold, wet and miserable. Imo they should have had more stands or a bigger Hall to cater for the numbers. It's my only criticism, and it's a legitimate one regardless whether they were volunteers or not it doesn't make any difference to the fact that people were stuck in a queue outside for a long time. Everything else was perfect.

Gavlor

willabur wrote: »

I said I had a great day. I'm sorry to say it but the organization at the 40km main food stop wasn't great, the queue snakes around the the football posts on the adjoining queue. We joined it for 15 mins and it went nowhere. It was cold, wet and miserable. Imo they should have had more stands or a bigger Hall to cater for the numbers. It's my only criticism, and it's a legitimate one regardless whether they were volunteers or not it doesn't make any difference to the fact that people were stuck in a queue outside for a long time. Everything else was perfect.

What, a purpose built hall in the arsehole of nowhere filled with an unlimited supply of volunteers just so that you don't have to queue for a few mins?

Next time pack your own sandwich or stop at a petrol station.

pedro_colnago

willabur wrote: »

I said I had a great day. I'm sorry to say it but the organization at the 40km main food stop wasn't great, the queue snakes around the the football posts on the adjoining queue. We joined it for 15 mins and it went nowhere. It was cold, wet and miserable. Imo they should have had more stands or a bigger Hall to cater for the numbers. It's my only criticism, and it's a legitimate one regardless whether they were volunteers or not it doesn't make any difference to the fact that people were stuck in a queue outside for a long time. Everything else was perfect.

There were marshals standing out in it for 8 hours so as they could wave the likes of you and me through junctions, they did it voluntary so u could enjoy your day. Bar building a bigger building for you I don't see how it can be improved. Stop giving out and harden up, if u don't want to queue bring your own food. As I said 1500 people in one spot is going to be busy. Not being sarcastic but I know the effort that these volunteers put in and they deserve even more credit than any person cycling it.

willabur

Gavlor wrote: »

What, a purpose built hall in the arsehole of nowhere filled with an unlimited supply of volunteers just so that you don't have to queue for a few mins?

Next time pack your own sandwich or stop at a petrol station.

I find your tone curious. I'm just saying what happened to me and my friends. If you found the organization to be spot on then fair enough, you have either extremely high tolerance levels or you arrived much earlier than I did as we queued for quite a lot longer than a few minutes and the queue went no where. So I got on my bike and cycled onto the 70 km stop.

I've been to quite a few other events this year and this problem wasn't there. Simply by having more than one queue.

willabur

pedro_colnago wrote: »

There were marshals standing out in it for 8 hours so as they could wave the likes of you and me through junctions, they did it voluntary so u could enjoy your day. Bar building a bigger building for you I don't see how it can be improved. Stop giving out and harden up, if u don't want to queue bring your own food. As I said 1500 people in one spot is going to be busy. Not being sarcastic but I know the effort that these volunteers put in and they deserve even more credit than any person cycling it.

I'm not knocking anyones effort, I'm just pointing out how they could improve the system at the food stop.

Junior

willabur wrote: »

I'm not knocking anyones effort, I'm just pointing out how they could improve the system at the food stop.

By building a new complex just to feed you ?

pedro_colnago

willabur wrote: »

I'm not knocking anyones effort, I'm just pointing out how they could improve the system at the food stop.

Dude u need get real, what do u expect, your own table and a waitress bringing u down your currant cake and tea. It's the biggest sportive in the country what do u expect??? Between food and water stops along the way ul survive. There was 6 food stops or water stops on the 160 km alone. That's a stop every 33 km... Is that not enough for you? Man up. You had to wait for ur sandwich. So what? stop whinging fella

willabur

pedro_colnago wrote: »

Dude u need get real, what do u expect, your own table and a waitress bringing u down your currant cake and tea. It's the biggest sportive in the country what do u expect??? Between food and water stops along the way ul survive. There was 6 food stops or water stops on the 160 km alone. That's a stop every 33 km... Is that not enough for you? Man up. You had to wait for ur sandwich. So what stop winging

What's with this 'man up' bull? Seriously, I need to be a 'man' about this?
I'm just expressing an opinion which I'm entitled to as much as you are yours. Please don't tell me 'stop whinging' you are sounding an awful lot like a bully

willabur

Junior wrote: »

By building a new complex just to feed you ?

Read my post

Gavlor

willabur wrote: »

What's with this 'man up' bull? Seriously, I need to be a 'man' about this?
I'm just expressing an opinion which I'm entitled to as much as you are yours. Please don't tell me 'stop whinging' you are sounding an awful lot like a bully

Whatever you do, don't join a racing club.

Anyway, at least we all agree that the marshalling etc was brilliant. My last point on the foodstops, volunteers are not unlimited. I was talking to one lady @ the 2nd 160k foodstop in rathgormack that had travelled up from waterford city (45 minute drive) to serve coffee.

These events are nothing without people like that.

pedro_colnago

Gavlor wrote: »

Whatever you do, don't join a racing club.

Anyway, at least we all agree that the marshalling etc was brilliant. My last point on the foodstops, volunteers are not unlimited. I was talking to one lady @ the 2nd 160k foodstop in rathgormack that had travelled up from waterford city (45 minute drive) to serve coffee.

These events are nothing without people like that.

Exactly and there was loads of people who made a great effort and they do it every year, they are a credit to co Waterford.

pedro_colnago

willabur wrote: »

What's with this 'man up' bull? Seriously, I need to be a 'man' about this?
I'm just expressing an opinion which I'm entitled to as much as you are yours. Please don't tell me 'stop whinging' you are sounding an awful lot like a bully

I'm a bully? Youre entitled to your opinion but then You come on to a forum and give out about queuing up at the biggest sportive in Ireland. I think u are fair game if u come on here and give out about volunteers... And ur the only one giving out so maybe u are wrong maybeeee???

sy

Great event, great organisation and a big thanks to the volunteers. Pity about the rain. First climb was tougher than I expected but enjoyed it! Hear its on the table for this years Hill Climb Championships with an extra km (straight on..we turned right on SK) to the top. Would be an interesting one to hit with 140kms in the legs Nice to meet Garmin Guy at the start and along the way.

Beasty

pedro_colnago and willabur - leave it there

Thanks

NeedMoreGears

ford2600 wrote: »

For surreal try it at night in December with a heavier fog under dynamo lighting!



Bring back bad memories!

That's the spot alright.

touts

Yea the queue at the Knockanore food stop was pretty long especially in the conditions outside but it was moving (I joined it on the football pitch and was inside about 10 minutes later). And once you got in there were lots of tables with about 8 options of sandwich. But that's where the problem developed. In theory you could walk up to the one you wanted and just grab a pack and go. The problem was participants were taking too long to make their way along the line of tables looking at the options. I saw two lad move back along the tables because they wanted one of the early options but only realised that at the end. All that slowed up the movement of the queue. If they had the tables at the opposite side of the hall with the queue ending around the door people could immediately see the options and have their mind made up by the time they got there (e.g. think of rego. you got in the door and walked straight to the section you wanted 160, 100 or 50. You didn't have to stay in a queue with the 160 group if you were doing the 50). That would speed things along. It is a question of layout rather than effort on the part of the organisers.

BUT that said the volunteers in and around the hall were excellent. There were youngsters in t-shirts coming out into the wind & rain to give people some biscuits etc. They were cleaning away tables really quickly to make room for new arrivals. And the selection of food was excellent. A tray of sandwiches, some pasta, cake AND then biscuits and sweets on the tables. Anyone who thought they were not well fed must have tapeworm. And throughout the day the volunteers were doing a great job. They were out in awful conditions and they did a great job in keeping us all safe in fairly dangerous conditions. One lad in particular was on a descent and didn't really seem dressed for the conditions but was warning everyone about a dangerous manhole cover. He must have been frozen at the end but probably saved a few people from ending up in A&E.

So overall it was an excellent day. Weather was a disappointment but next time some lad tells you how great he is for pouring a small bucket of ice over his head for 5 seconds and donating €2 to charity tell him you paid €40 to charity to do a 4-6 hour ice bucket challenge.

lismore7

My first SKT 160k. I found its fairly gruelling despite having trained on all 4 climbs in advance of the event.
I think having 60-70k done in the legs before the 1st climb caught me out a bit, but got round without doing the "cleat walk of shame".
Found the last 30k pretty hard going as legs were spent, head winds and driving rain...but it's character building stuff and at least I can say I did the 160k the year it pi**ed down all day.
Kinda dissapinted (but do agree) that Mahon Falls were blocked and don't know if quads could have taken much more.

Must say a big thanks (as well as to all the volunteers) to the guy who stopped to help me unjam my chain shortly after Mahon which got wedged between chainset and frame. Bloody thing hopped off as I changed gear and hit a pot hole same time. In fairness, a number of lads offered help...which sums up the collectivesness of us cycle chaps..
If that guy is reading this, I owe a pint buddy!!

I know it's slow but I got round in 7 hrs and ave speed just over 23kph.... And I'm chuffed!
Wife and children were at the finish, standing in the rain and must admit, i had an emotional tear or 3 in the eye as I crossed the line. To do the SKT 160 was always my goal, after a serious knee injury 2 years ago and I took up cycling as a result..

djemba djemba

what time did they close Mahon falls at?

bazermc

lismore7 wrote: »

I know it's slow but I got round in 7 hrs and ave speed just over 23kph.... And I'm chuffed! .

That aint slow, only bertie or nibali would consider that slow!

Daithi BC

NeedMoreGears wrote: »

Fell hard on the way back to the car - that effin gully in road along the harbour did for me. Still helmet did its job ( as usual I used my head to break my fall). 160km not a bother - then bang. Thanks to the folks in the pub who came out and picked me up and to the car behind for not running over me! Left hand index finger is heavily bruised (hence the typos and right knee/hip/side of head a bit sore.

A clubmate and I did exactly the same thing on the way back. Disgusted to make it all the way round in one piece and then fall once we thought we were safe. No injuries for either of us so hope you're feeling better soon

eoz

Did the 160 and it was my toughest spin to date. Found the first food stop great and fair play to all the volunteers and especially those poor souls standing on the roads. Bypassed the second food stop when we were told Mahon Falls was closed. Did not realise that we were going to cycle almost to the top of it!! Enjoyed my well earned banana in Kilrossanty.
Only gripe all day was a Waterford based club thinking they owned the road going up Powers the Pot. Thinking they owned the road and shouting and roaring at anyone who they felt were doing wrong.
Anyway well done to all. Wonderful achievement in horrible conditions.

TheBlaaMan

eoz wrote: »

Only gripe all day was a Waterford based club thinking they owned the road going up Powers the Pot. Thinking they owned the road and shouting and roaring at anyone who they felt were doing wrong.

I think you should be happy enough to name the club and let it be discussed? No point in keeping it to yourself.....

dcp

Gavlor wrote: »

The jerseys are nice but they are tight! I'm a medium in most running/cycling tops but the large is even a bit snug.

I'll swap your large jersey for an XL. I'm in Dublin, but can post if necessary.

fits

dcp wrote: »

I'll swap your large jersey for an XL. I'm in Dublin, but can post if necessary.

I have an XL to swap for a smaller size also!

eoz

TheBlaaMan wrote: »

I think you should be happy enough to name the club and let it be discussed? No point in keeping it to yourself.....

Won't be naming the club. Think I'll keep it to myself....

TheBlaaMan

eoz wrote: »

Think I'll keep it to myself....

...but you haven't done so.:cool:

NeedMoreGears

Daithi BC wrote: »

A clubmate and I did exactly the same thing on the way back. Disgusted to make it all the way round in one piece and then fall once we thought we were safe. No injuries for either of us so hope you're feeling better soon

Cheers. Nothing permanent - but sore today. The bike was ok. Hope you folks and your bikes are alright.