Biking Blitz 2022

Gerry · 20-01-2022 10:54pm #1

Who is racing?

I'm hoping to do ballinstoe, ticknock and maybe one more if I'm lucky. really looking forward to it.. putting in some traoning now and hope I can better my previous efforts.

calistro · 09-02-2022 11:16am

First time entering it, looking forward to it but not really sure what to expect. Any insights appreciated.

Tenzor07 · 09-02-2022 5:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118604743#Comment_118604743

Just have fun, that's the purpose of the Blitz...

For many people it will be their first experience of being in a large MTB event with so many others, main thing is to have a laugh, be polite..

There's going to be some serious men/women on superlight expensive bikes, shaven legs and lycra.. you will see them gather at the top of the start line... forget them and enjoy your day...

Gerry · 09-02-2022 10:25pm

Agreed. do it at your own pace. take it easy until you are warmed up. You will notice people passing you but dont worry about them. Try to go steady conserve energy where you can and if you are feeling ok towards the most likely you'll catch and pass a few folks.

Just getting my bike ready here, looking forward to it. Have done 2 training spins up there but still not like the torture of race day. Will be trying to pace myself on first lap and have enough left for a quicker second lap.

prunudo · 15-02-2022 7:23am

Well, how did the race go for you? You got away with the worst of the weather anyway.

Gerry · 15-02-2022 10:49pm

Didn't make it, got the covid. Gutted.. but onwards etc.. Im getting through it and biking.ie moved my entry to the ticknock blitz.

How did rest of ye get on?

Joeseph Balls · 06-02-2023 7:20pm

Hi guys,

Thinking of doing the Biking Blitz next week but unsure of what CI licence I need. Would the 50e one do?

It includes 'Leisure events'.

PJ_RS1800 · 06-02-2023 9:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120209037#Comment_120209037

Limited Competition license required.

Leisure license only covers Sportives and Leisure events etc.

Whilst the Blitz events are relaxed and beginner friendly, they are still competitive races, hence the requirement for a Competition license.

PJ_RS1800 · 07-02-2023 11:08am

See there's the option to buy a one day license at €20 for the Blitz too which may be an option for you if you don't plan on doing any further racing....

easygoing39 · 13-02-2023 10:23am

Big numbers entered yesterday,and the weather was mildish for time of year.

Whatwicklow · 13-02-2023 7:28pm

Very strange racing a ballinastoe blitz without sideways rain a howling gale and bitter cold... It could even be described as pleasant yesterday 😊

Top Dog · 14-02-2023 3:08am

Sunday was my first ever Blitz and I really didn't know what to expect heading up there. It was a lot more competitive than the advertising would have suggested anyway. Only my second time in Ballinastoe, and have to say I enjoyed the trails and my day, even if I was well off the pace (tis more than I was doing 12 months ago, so I'll look at the positives). Expressway and Holts in particular were good fun, and surprisingly long. For early February the weather was grand, and wasn't very wild on the exposed hillside thankfully.

Bring on round 2 in Ballyhoura.

easygoing39 · 15-02-2023 2:00pm

I suppose if a rider pays €30 to ride around a normally free trail center while zip-tieing a race number to their bars it tends to bring out the competition in them.Last Sunday will better prepare you for Rd 2 now,the head will be in racemode from the starters whistle,best of luck.

CramCycle · 15-02-2023 2:48pm

Damn it, only looked at the CI site and it had it starting on the 26th, didn't realise I had missed it. Sounds like it went well

Gerry · 15-02-2023 6:22pm

Yeah I'm a bit gutted to miss it myself. realistically ill make the ticknock round

Top Dog · 16-02-2023 8:58am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120243992#Comment_120243992

Yeah, it likely won't make me any more competitive, but I'll be better prepared and know what to expect which should make it a more enjoyable experience.

easygoing39 · 16-02-2023 10:11am

I like the 35km course at RD 2 Ballyhoura as it's just the 1 loop,out and back.I find doing the same loop/lap a few time's mentally harder.

Top Dog · 16-02-2023 7:58pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120247552#Comment_120247552

I suppose it depends on whether you're familiar with a place or not. I'd only been to Ballinastoe once before, back in 2019 for the charity cycle, so I felt much more comfortable on the second lap as I'd a better idea what to expect.

What does have me confused though is the Round in Derroura. In most other rounds the E-Bike and Expert have the same course, or amount of laps, but in Derroura its only 1 16km lap for the E-Bike while Expert are doing 2. It's a bit of a Trek for only 1 short lap when every other round is 25km plus. Probably still go, but it is strange to me.

Gerry · 17-02-2023 12:36am

35km for 1 lap is pretty cool, and I get the comment about multiple laps mentally. on the other hand, very tough to pace yourself over 1 lap

easygoing39 · 24-02-2023 10:13am

Anyone entered for Rd 2 this Sunday?

Top Dog · 24-02-2023 3:39pm

Yup, will be there in the E-Bike category. Nice handy 35km White Loop 😯

Bot1 · 27-02-2023 9:31am

Great day out!

Weather was perfect if a little chilly.

Any results available yet?

easygoing39 · 27-02-2023 10:22am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120293023#Comment_120293023

Yes,results are out on their website

Top Dog · 27-02-2023 4:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120293023#Comment_120293023

Twas wild part way down the green descent where the area is open, but other than that couldn't really have asked for much better weather at the end of February 🙂

Bot1 · 28-02-2023 12:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120294706#Comment_120294706

That part is always a bit wild!

Gerry · 24-03-2023 9:37pm

Anyone for ticknock on Sunday? I don't really have the fitness but I need to get out there.

Top Dog · 25-03-2023 2:28pm

Couldn't make Ticknock due to work. Wasn't worth taking 2 days off just to come towards the back of the pack.

My fitness isn't where I want it either, but I was glad I did the first 3 rounds, and I'll do the last 3 too

Gerry · 25-03-2023 3:23pm

I left it too late last night to enter. Emailed them but no response. Not my first last minute shmozzle.. bit disappointed as I'm doubting its sold out.

Top Dog · 25-03-2023 7:48pm

I don't think there's any limit imposed on entries, so highly unlikely to have been sold out. Not that it helps you.

easygoing39 · 27-03-2023 12:43pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120399859#Comment_120399859

Im not surprised they never got back to you.They have'nt updated the Blitz facebook page since last year.No effort seems to be put into promoting the Blitz this year.While the results are published very quickly,there's no picture's of the podium winners,or even the kiddies race's to get a buzz going.

Gerry · 27-03-2023 2:48pm

yeah, I will need to look at other xc race series. I had in the past used the blitz as a way to kick start the year but due to some injuries and scheduling conflicts had not been able to make earlier races, or justify the 140 for lci and club renewal fees.

They did come back to me late on Saturday after I pinged them on the "insta" as well saying they could not add an entry, but if they wanted to, they could have. It's a shame.

Tenzor07 · 27-03-2023 3:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120406240#Comment_120406240

The Blitz in its current format has been running for around 10 years now, it was setup to promote the use of the (at the time new) Coillte trails and the bike hire business attached to it so they probably don't think it's worth a massive marketing drive to promote this long standing event..

There's a few freelance photographers who take snaps at each of the events, i'm pretty sure they're linked on one of the various related biking blitz social media accounts..

Top Dog · 27-03-2023 7:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120406240#Comment_120406240

Yeah, the effort put into promoting the series has been seriously slack. Instagram seems to be the only place they post updates, and even at that they fail to make you aware of changes prior to events. Just as an example, Derroura was originally advertised as 1 lap for ebike, the day before the event this was changed to 2 on the website but not mentioned anywhere. Same for Ticknock just gone - originally advertised as 2 laps, just prior to the event it was changed to 3. Again no notification. Now don't get me wrong, in both cases I think it was the right move as it keeps the average distance similar for most of the rounds at a little over 30km, but I had been hesitant to do Derroura as I thought it was a lot of effort and expense for a single 16km loop - if I'd known in advance it was 2 laps and 32km there would have been no hesitation in entering.

As for photos, again I'm only seeing stuff appear on Instagram. One guy was at the first 3 rounds and will be at the last 3 too if you're looking for images - https://gallery.eightynine.media/?fbclid=PAAaaAfLxfkzkHidf6-Zex5IY7r0AomhxWvXTg3-qWcEh3H-jx9POdOp3VaaU

JimmiesRustled · 29-03-2023 1:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120408101#Comment_120408101

https://garethgibbons.zenfolio.com/f93007211

Photos from Ticknock on the link above.

easygoing39 · 30-03-2023 5:55am

Someone from Biking.ie must be reading Boards,as I noticed they've put up the 1st post on the Biking Blitz Facebook page this year on Tuesday!!!

DaveyDave · 31-03-2023 1:23am

Is there a race calendar I can import into my phone to avoid races around Ticknock/Ballinastoe? Just want to avoid any weekends something is on and make sure I don't waste a journey.

It's funny it wasn't until Wednesday that I noticed the small sign at the upper car park gate at Ticknock saying the race was on. Didn't see it last week.

easygoing39 · 31-03-2023 9:13am

@ DaveyDave,youre safe enough for the rest of the year,the remaining Biking Blitz's are'nt in Ticknock.And the NPS race's will be held on proper course's and none are anywhere near a trail center.

Gerry · 31-03-2023 9:52pm

yeah was looking at the xc nps schedule

http://irishxcnps.ie/?page_id=1918

CramCycle · 03-01-2024 10:41am

Anyone doing it this year, I see the dates and locations are up.

easygoing39 · 04-01-2024 1:27pm

Not at €30 a pop I'm not!!!!

prunudo · 04-01-2024 4:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121570247#Comment_121570247

As events go thats pretty reasonable. How much is your bike, yet you won't pay 30 euro to enter a marshalled and timed event.

CramCycle · 04-01-2024 7:06pm

Cycling, particularly the road side, has always shot itself in the foot in some ways with cheap entry, volunteer food from club members and free marshals. It's great in that it is includive but it is a huge strain on organisers. Other sports with similar level events could be €100+ for the event. This said, I would have thought the Coillte involvement would ahve brought the price down, and maybe it has significantly. I'll pay it anyway and see how it goes. It is a pity that Cycling doesn't have a hardship fund for members to apply for for entries as I don't think if we start charging what we should be charging that it should exclude anyone.

easygoing39 · 05-01-2024 7:10am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121571398#Comment_121571398

Its a rip off,the Coillte trails are already there,so no need for a team of volunteer's to give up their free time to build a course,these Coillte trails are also free to ride 364 days a year.A NPS race is on a course that the hosting club built using their members free time,sometimes on private land that you dont ever get to ride.I'd also say that the Blitz is'nt nearly as important to win,truth be told it's early season Micky Mouse racing,yet its cheaper to enter a NPS race than the Blitz.We're nearly finished a very packed and competative Cyclo Cross season,great racing on venue's all across the land,on course's were the hosting club members have built course's over a few weeks leading up to their event,some on private estate's that we cant normally ride,and was it €30 to race any of these? Nope it was'nt,plus the CX was proper league racing,whether it was the National Series or the Provence's League,or even McCrystal's excellent league on their own track.Thats why the Blitz is a rip off in my opinion.

prunudo · 05-01-2024 9:32am

I'm not in the loop for cx racing, what price are the entries for the races you normally take part in? I can only compare against othe mtb races I've taking part in, and €30 seemed reasonable imo. Enduro races can be more than double that.

easygoing39 · 05-01-2024 10:20am

Its €20 to race a National Series Cycle Cross race which is 2/3's the price of the Blitz,hell to enter the Cycle Cross National Championship's (the biggest,most prestigious race of the year where National jerseys will be won) is the same entry price as the Micky Mouse Blitz!! Its only €9 per round in McCrystal's excellent weekly league and a NPS XC entry is €25.How can the blitz be more expensive to enter than the NPS?

Tenzor07 · 05-01-2024 10:58am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121573940#Comment_121573940

Don't forget, the Blitz is run by a private company and they have costs to cover as they pay Marshall's/provide lunches... and of course try and make a living out of it for the owners...

PJ_RS1800 · 05-01-2024 11:47am

Blitz is also Chip timed whereas the NPS is not.

Gerry · 05-01-2024 2:43pm

yup, nobody forcing you to enter the blitz. The point that its mickey mouse racing isn't really valid, no one including the organizers is pretending that its the national champs. It is a good way for people to dip their toes into racing. if you have any fitness at all youll have people to race against on the say.

For anyone else its a good early year target and a bit of training and craic.

But versus cx, sorry its not really a fair comparison either. cx tends to be completely dominated by fitness, to an even greater extent than xc. theres little clawback for someone who is better on the off road or tricky parts than the pure engines. so to be honest for me, not as much fun. And I have done quite a few cx races.

I've signed up for ticknock blitz.

Top Dog · 05-01-2024 6:58pm

Did 4 rounds last year, hope to go one better this year.

DaveyDave · 05-01-2024 7:16pm

How many people enter these races? I imagine you don't have the economy of scale here when it comes to funding. The women's mini marathon is also €30 and have Gardai doing road closures for that price but they have 20,000 entries and big sponsors. Judging from the marketing campaign they obviously have money.

There's always going to be marshalling and admin costs involved. Sure the Hell & Back is something mental like €70 to enter and that's just one 10k.

prunudo · 05-01-2024 8:46pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121576444#Comment_121576444

And they also have (or had) a big name sponsor with 2fm.

But also, funny thing is with Hell and back. In the early days it was also timed but then there was too much queuing at the features. So they scrapped that and went with the 'you conquered the course' pr crap. Seems to been a succuss for them though so, what would I know 🙂

Biking Blitz 2022

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