Sportives/Leisure Cycles 2024

Brutal weather doing ring of Kerry today, in a heap after it. Looked like numbers were down on last year?

First time doing the ROK since 2019 and while there was a definite drop off in numbers the roads were still full of cyclists - just not as bunched up as in the peak years.
The weather forecast was awful and I was briefly thinking of skipping it but glad I went as only hit a couple of showers - the first of which was a heavy downpour just after Glenbeigh.
It was a bit windy all day which was sometimes beneficial. Got blown up Coomakista which was very windy at the top so didn't pause there for long. The bike was a bit twitchy from the wind on the descent from Coomakista - and that's without deep section wheels.
There was quite a lot of sun and blue skies throughout the day which helps a lot. It was dry, sunny and reasonably warm at the end which facilitated the after party at the finish area.

I agree, about 4,000 did it which made a massive difference in terms of safety, comfort etc. I did it a few years ago when there was 12,000, it was mental with far too many cyclists on roads with some crazy overtaking and cycling etiquette going on! Appreciate that it’s a cycle for everyone, which should be actively encouraged, but the organisers allowing for 12,000 was too much and put a lot of people off doing it again. This, plus the high entry cost, plus the cost (and lack of) accommodation has put people off further.

Overall, a good cycle yesterday. The weather was better than I expected, was expecting the worst in the week leading up to the event. The showers seemed to be very isolated, talking to some people and they avoided all showers while others got drenched at different points on the route! The wind was nasty at times though, particularly going up Molls Gap!

First time doing ROK and enjoyed it. Weather better than expected, climbs handy enough and wind generally in our favour. Much prefer the Ring Of Beara though in terms of scenery, atmosphere.

Did it as well, 2nd time. Was on track to beat my previous time at kenmare but legs disappeared on Molls and there was a horrific headwind up there.

Weather was mad, had torrential rain 3 times, and actual hot weather twice, never had so many costume changes on the bike.

A heads-up for anyone who's interested. The Leitrim Glens Sportive will take place on Sunday July 28th.

The 200km route includes 2600m of scenic climbs and there's also 150km, 100km and 40km routes. Full details and registration via leitrimglens.com.

No word on the Great Dublin Bike Ride so far this year, nothing on the Cycling Ireland website. It started off ok back in 2015? with a free jersey, and a nice spin down the Quays from Smithfield, and then each year got progressively worse, with falling numbers, an increased entry fee, a very boring route, and very poor food options.

I've never done it myself but i have heard very good things about it from those that have. It always seems to clash with something closer to home for me so haven't made it that far yet.

I have done it and it was a great day out. Did the 115k option. Up and over, down into Keem bay and then back up and out. Fantastic scenery. Can’t remember much about the food stops but I think they were fine. Would definitely recommend.

Good challenging route, loads of climbing : Caha Pass, 2x Healy Pass and tons of short sharp climbs out by Allihies. But the scenery is fantastic and it's a well run event. There's a nice buzz in Glengarriff before and after the event. Last year was fantasic weather wise. Actually went for a dip in the sea (Blue Pool) immediately after which really hit the spot. Highly recommend it.

How were the condition of the roads? I know of two people who did it a few years back and were very put off by the state of the tarmac. Obviously this may have changed so interested in your feedback.

Definitely on my bucket list at some point.

nasty climb https://www.strava.com/segments/22318956?filter=my_results , what a day!

You might add the Tour de Kilkenny on Saturday 3 August.

Three routes, 160, 112, 77Km

Always a good day out.

Doing the Tour de Kilkenny 160 route, registration closing Tuesday 30th July.