Endurance Challenge 2068

I'm sitting in the car at Ballyduff Lower soccer club grounds, near Waterford My nephew Gary is training with the Waterford Development Squad and I've a bit of time to kill.So its my chance to do an Endurance Challenge 2068 update. The event takes place over 22 days in August and when you read what's involved it will give you that gasp factor!Here goes: 120km swim of the river Shannon, 4 marathons (one in each province) and 1780km of biking taking in each of the 32 counties. This is truly the triathlon endurance event of the year! A small number will participate in the entire programme

I will be going to the start line in Armagh for the three-day Tour of Ulster section. This comprises over 470km in the saddle as the expected 350 cyclists travel to Derry on day 1, down to Enniskillen on day 2, and returning to Armagh on the final day.
Online sponsorship charity page is up and running (two, in fact): MyCharity.ie and JustGiving, and I want to take this chance to thank those who have sponsored me already. Go raibh míle maith agaibh!

I've had several requests to include payment via Paypal. This is a very simple option if you have a PayPal account. simply send a donation of your choice to pmm5pla@gmail.com Some funds have been donated here already. Again, my sincere thanks. I intend updating my charity pages when I get a chance later.

Finally, for now, why not take the opportunity to follow my blogging for this event? Simply insert your email address on the homepage to get instant updates; or check back here whenever you want.

I'm off now to watch the rest of the training session.

Sponsorship card arrived today from head office.

Giro d'Italia comes to Dublin

Report to follow...

I made it to the Irish Times. Check it out. Watch for the Pink Wig at 28 seconds in!

Getting there

Gorgeous mild November Sunday morning. Temperature actually got to 13c, but at 9am as I headed off for my pre-ride warmup, it was still quite nice at about 8 or 9.

This was my second week with group 2, and I was really happy with it. The route was really lumpy, with a tough till at the mid-point where I really did suffer! However, the rest of the spin was very enjoyable. Of course, I had to work harder than usual because of the faster pace, but i'm pleased to say that I'm able for it. 

I had run 10 miles on Thursday, rested well until today, and obviously was well-recovered. Important too was my decision to drink lots of water last night!

Here's the link to the spin, my first 30kmph since early august. Group of 13.

http://app.strava.com/activities/95652387

I decided also to do a thirty-minute warmdown after the spin, bringing the bike-time to approx. four hours in all. 

Tour de Conamara 2013

Wet, but very enjoyable event in Clifden yesterday. Route & details

Buncrana

More to follow...

The Paddy Tour of East Cork (with guest appearance by Cha & Miah)

Ah, today was just lovely! Spring weather after early rain as we left Dungarvan for a long one. Group of 9 to Lismore and on to Tallow. On the way up to Dungourney we met some local cyclists who tempted us to stretch our legs..so we raced down to the village and then back to our usual leisurely pace to Castlemartyr. After a brief coffee stop in Killeagh we pushed on again with a great tailwind. We thought that the hill from Piltown might cause a problem, but no...and after Kiely's Cross we pushed on hard again. 

Just terrific. Roast lamb immediately afterwards with mam and my sister rounded off a great morning! I'm thinking also that I might head over to the Lady Belle later this evening for interesting dissection of the finer points. Might even have a pint...

Here's the GPS link... http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1255094 Rest now for a few days before we head to Waterford during the week for the Cycle Against Suicide, an awareness-raising event.

Dungarvan, Tallow, Dungourney, Castlemartyr, Killeagh, Youghal, Dungarvan, followed by roast leg of lamb.

The post title is courtesy of our cycling buddy Tom.

Sunday Spin

Lovely mild morning and we had big numbers in the Square. Off to Lismore and Tallow where we turned left for Knockanore. Six of us headed on to Youghal Bridge and home, while others turned early to Camphire and Cappoquin. Riding time 3h26m Distance 88km

Garmin details here

The Big Clean Up

Mild damp day, and after watching some TV on iPad on  a morning lie-in, I set to work just before midday.

Job 1: Back shed. Dumped loads, and cleaned & tidied. Made a big difference.

Job 2: Hang bikes on wall in garage. This took a bit longer. Could not find the chuck for the drill. However, RM (renting Madge's house) loaned me a cordless drill. POS arrived just to say a quick hello mid-job. Lovely chat about mostly my new mountain bike. Then, at about 5pm job done. Turf briquettes moved to other side; three bikes fitted on wall; several half-shelves replacing existing ones; all my bike stuff moved to bike side; Marion will use shelves on other side; big sweep and hoover. (Well, not hoover actually...) Needs to be hoovered. Lots of photos taken, as it likely will not stay as tidy as it is now.

The Mountain is Waiting

Collected my new Lapierre mountain bike at Cyclesports today. Fantastic advice from Paddy. I had been to Ballyhoura yesterday with Kevin, Anthony X2 and Declan. Was so taken with the experience on a rented bike that I decided there and then to do the business!

Added extras: shoes, clip-in pedals, summer tyres, bike-bag & tube and camelbak water backpack.

Lapierre X-Cantral 210

I am reminded of Dr. Seuss: "Today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so get on your way."

Lapierre X-Control 210 2012 Mountain bike - Full Specifications
Frame X-CONTROL 210 Alloy SuperLite FPS2® 100mm
Rear Shock LAPIERRE R Hydraulic Damping Technology
Fork ROCKSHOX XC32 TK 120mm Black + Poploc
Headset Alloy PT-1805H 1-1/8 Black
Bottom Bracket Roulements de boitier intégrés SHIMANO BB7141A
Crankset SHIMANO FCM542 42x32x24 Black / 170mm : size 41 • 175mm : size 46/51/56
Stem LAPIERRE RAID Series 31.8x90mm 6° 2012 Black
Seatpost LAPIERRE RAID Series 31.6x350mm SB Black
Handlebars LAPIERRE RAID Series 31.8 30x680mm 2012
Front derailleur SHIMANO Deore FDM-591-10 L6 10 speeds
Rear derailleur SHIMANO SLX RDM663SGS 10 speeds
Brakes SRAM Elixir 1 White / DISCSRAM G2CS 160mm
Shifters SHIMANO Deore
Saddle LAPIERRE RAID Black/Grey
Wheel MACH1 Neo Disc 26" 32 holes
Sprocket SHIMANO Deore CS-HG62-10 11x36 10 Speeds
Tires HUTCHINSON Cougar TR 26x2.2
Weight 13.5 Kg

Smoking is for Idiots

Back jogging. I have once again stopped smoking, hopefully this time for good. I was beginning to find the cycling really hard especially on the hills, so it was time to give them up! I jogged my usual bypass route last week but it took me 47 minutes, about 10 minutes slower than earlier in the year. However, this week I managed it in a time of 43, and I felt good going around. Also, this term I am cycling home from school usually three days a week as Marion drops me down in the mornings. It's lovely to cycle home after a day's work!

Friday evening now, beautiful warm fire and a good film...good way to finish a good week.

Managing fine without the cigarettes, and on the one-lap run of the Friary last Tuesday i was able to push hard. felt good to begin to get my breathing back a bit better.

Half Marathon

Golly, it's been so long since I added stuff here. Why? Spring and summer have taken me outside and away from the laptop.
I entered the recent Great Limerick Run with Kieran and on a beautiful sunny Sunday I managed to complete the distance in 2:21. Very happy with that... I could see the pressure of others over the final few miles as they obviously chased a specific finishing time, whereas I was more than happy just to finish. And I finished without stopping!
Training for past few weeks twice a week doing about 5 mile runs. Nice and easy until about 3 miles and a faster finish. The uphill home from the church is HARD, but I am getting stronger each week.

Which One Are You?

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.

Willie Arthur Ward

Spring in Dungarvan

Top of the Vee (Photo: Declan Earley)

What a wonderful weekend! On Saturday I cycled TWICE. We had arranged our usual midday spin, but as I was up and eager to go, I cycled with the faster group to Affane and back with a wonderful tailwind. So, time then for a second breakfast, before leaving again with Kieran. However, as we got two heavy sleety showers, we cycled only to Lismore and home. All in all I had just 55 miles, and was content to rest up for the afternoon.

Sunday morning was beautiful again, and our group of 13 went slowly to Lismore. seven of us decided to climb the Vee, and although sheltered for the first half of the seven-mile climb, we paid for it further up as we pushed into a nasty headwind. Very nasty! Down then to Clogheen, and rolled home via Newcastle, Fourmilewater and Ballymac with a tailwind. 61 miles at 15.4mph average. Topped it all off with roast beef and garden centre visit in the afternoon. Magic!

Beautiful Ballyduff On A Bike

Today was very mild, the calm after yesterday's storm. We had a good group of fifteen to Lismore, and as the rest returned directly, Kieran and I headed on to Ballyduff, Tallow and home via Camphire Bridge. lovely spin, almost spoiled by two big dogs that came behind us unseen at Cappagh, and nearly knocked us off.  52 miles in three and a quarter hours. Good going, especially as we hadn't been out for eight days!

Photo Courtesy of Lismore Cycling Holidays

Finally, I spotted this during the week and want to spread the word... Lismore Cycling Holidays. Have a look at the wonderful photos.

Dungarvan Cycling Club

Our PRO Sean does a wonderful job on Club Notes for local newspapers, club website and Facebook page. This week, you would be forgiven for thinking that I had given him a brown envelope or two. Read on to decide for yourself.

Happy New Year one and all. “No more champagne and the fireworks are through” they sang. It doesn't sound like Abba brought a lot of cheer to the Stockholm CC New Year's spin but it's a good time to reflect on a fantastic 2010 for the club and look forward to a great 2011. Last year saw numbers up on club spins, more members taking up racing, big club representation at sportives all over the country and plenty of success on the roads. Pádraig's group went from strength to strength and served as a great introduction to new cyclists, many of whom set themselves targets that they subsequently went on to achieve during the year. I'm sure a lot of people would like to thank Pádraig for taking the initiative on this. Dungarvan CC jerseys were prominent on many leisure tours and indeed the club received positive comments for their workrate and solidarity. Club competitions increased in popularity. Many thanks to all those who gave their time to marshal the events and to all of our sponsors. The club open race was extremely well attended on a beautiful day in August. Again, thanks to all who ensured the success of the event. The racing team had a notable year with plenty of victories and places in road races and time trials recorded in 2010 and Brian Hallissey capped off a terrific season with selection for the Irish team. 

Plenty to look forward to in 2011 then. Lots of goals are being set and there'll be no shortage of support to help you achieve them.

Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Dartmoor Summer 2009

JOIN THE STEADY GANG

Dungarvan Cycling Club provides several options for members and intending Members. For anyone beginning the sport just come along to the Square on Sunday mornings for a 9.35am start. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for advice and tips. Bring a helmet and water. You will be advised on a suitable distance to begin with and later a personalised fitness programme will be available to you. Our group (cycling at a steady 25kmph / 15 mph) generally goes to Cappoquin and Lismore. You may be ready for this journey, or perhaps just half way...we provide options for approx. 15k, 30k and 50k. Other more regular members go on beyond Lismore, completing up to 80k before lunch.

Quote from member who started in February 2010: "I was advised that if I stuck to the plan, I would be able to cycle the Ring of Kerry in July. I did, and I did! It was for me a huge achievement, as I managed only 10 miles the first day." Helmet compulsory, water advisable.

WALES 2011

A cycling weekend in west Wales is being organised for the June Bank Holiday 2011. Travelling by Ferry to Fishguard on Friday June 3rd we will be staying in the Fishguard Bay Hotel, returning on Monday afternoon June 6th. The hotel rate is £45 (pounds) per person sharing for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, returning on Monday afternoon (after a final spin, of course!). Once we determine that there is sufficient interest in this, we can work on a schedule for the weekend. Already, discussions on the road have brought forward the idea of having two separate groups wandering around west Wales, similar to our club setup here. Possibilities also of something like a two-hour spin, followed by a long lunch and cycle back to hotel. Anyone who knows good (hard) routes let us know. If you are interested (or your partner!) contact Pádraig de Búrca as soon as possible. A deposit of €50.00 will secure your place. Contact Padraig in person or by email at *******@hotmail.com before January 30th 2011. We intend booking places for 14, and anyone coming on board after that will be able to contact the hotel directly for availability. Incidentally, this trip is on the weekend before the Wicklow 200, so anyone doing both will be well advised to go to Wales just for minimal cycling and maximum fun. We will ensure also that this weekend will be suitable for anyone who started in to the Steady Eddie group during 2010. Do not be be put off. The weekend will be a fun one, but for more experienced cyclists, extra hard routes including steep gradients will be found.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year. Well, today turned out to be another good bike-day. Actually it's not many bike-days that turn out to be not so good! PS & DE headed off down to Kilmac and up the back road to Carrick. Tough long pull all the way up saved by the sensible suggestion to turn left to Clonea. I'd NEVER been on this road before (well I suppose coz we don't normally choose the soft option!). Home via Mahon Bridge and the Pike.

On more serious matters, it seems more obvious as the weeks go by that our kitten really is mad.

Last Of The Summer Wine

Yesterday was another magnificent cycling day! Kieran and Alberto had signed on for the 160k Cork Rebel Tour. Apart from getting lost going out of Cork City and not seeing any bikers, stewards or signs for about 90 minutes, and apart from the fact that it was a terribly badly-organised event, I still consider that it was a magnificent event to cycle. In all fairness, the food at Dunmanway was really good, the tailwind to Clonakilty brought on a fast pace, and the scenery at the Old Head of Kinsale was worth the cycle alone! We laid eyes on a tall slim young lady in green doing her mandatory stretches at Dunmanway, and tried to slow the pace to get her into our group. But, apart from glimpses at several spots later on the course, she was having none of it!
Kieran almost needed windscreen wipers on the inside coming home as the jokes and banter increased in intensity. What a finish!

This was our season finale, and we celebrated in the Lady Belle with Sarah and Olivia late into the early morning. Brilliant stuff! I had teased the lads about going to Lismore this morning, bit to no avail. I went just to loosen out the head, 33 easy easy miles. Again, here’s a loose transcript of texts to and fro:

P: Can I borrow your ankle bandage…I need it for my head?

K: No, it’s on my head.

P: Not a problem. I’ll put stabilisers on bike. Same thing!

Afterwards, I called in to Kieran’s for another breakfast, and then did the dog on it again in the afternoon as we shared several Budweiser with friends at home.

All in all, a WONDERFUL biking season. 85 spins, 4400 miles January to today. We will probably take it easy until Christmas, and have plans for bigger and better next year. Maybe slower, but better.

After last Sunday’s 100 mile bike-spin, this week was appropriately devoted to rest. Well, rest from the bike anyway! We completed our extensive school renovation at 8pm on Tuesday just in time for Wednesday kick-off. We had a TERRIFIC reaction from all pupils and parents. Many in the local community also came in for a look and were impressed! Three days of teaching went very smoothly, and then the weekend again!

I did cycle to school and back on Thursday, and my legs were HEAVY. I was quite surprised. Today, we had a beautifully-paced spin to Bunmahon, where I turned to Kilmac and Mahon Bridge with a first-timer. Just over 35 miles, at an easy 14mph pace. Slept soundly for the afternoon, and missed the All Ireland hurling final. Tipperary beat 4-in-a-row Kilkenny by 4-17 to 1-18. The five-in-a-row dream (Drive for 5) proved impossible. I’m delighted for many many Tipp fans, including Mam and Tim, Eddie and others. Their first title in nine years.

They said it was 100 miles…they were wrong!

Today must rank as one of my BEST days on a bike. The Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford attracted a massive 3670 entrants, and everything about it lived up to the billing! After a slight hiccup because I couldn’t find the pins for my jersey number, the problem was solved as Kieran stapled it on (carefully) We set off at 7.30am in cool conditions, and met up with the Kilmac Dogs and others after just 5 miles. Thereafter we enjoyed a lovely flat spin to Carrick and on to Clonmel. Coffee & sandwiches were enjoyed at Kilmanahan just before the serious mountain sections ahead. Power’s the Pot was hard but manageable, with a cool westerly tailwind assisting us. By now our group of 8 really helped each other along, and we reached the official food stop at Rathgormack in good condition. A quick coffee and some food here, and off we set again for Mahon Bridge and the ball-breaker to Mahon Falls. This was TOUGH TOUGH TOUGH. 25 minutes of 100% effort, before the wonderful descent to Kilrossanty where bananas awaited us. Certainly at this point the legs were crying out for rest, but none was coming just yet. After a hard drag to the bottom of the final climb, we settled in to more hard work, and all the chatting stopped. I realised half-way up the four mile climb that my sugar levels were dangerously low and I needed to back off from the group along with many others. A gel sachet and two bananas took about 10 minutes to kick in, at which point I had crested the top and worked hard on the downhill the catch the lads again. Finally, as we turned for home at Beary’s Cross with 10 miles to go, the wind was behind us and we ROARED home. Our very strong pace brought many more into our group and we finished with about 15 in all. Great day, great weather, great food, great everything!

They said it was 100 miles, but I made it just over 104. Details: 104.26 miles in 6h 57m Average 14.9mph. Sense of achievement: Unmeasurable! Roll on 2011…

I have has been with the builders at school for 10 days. It’s certainly different from teaching!

Must rest up now for 100 mile bike tour on Sunday. More later… Check the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford website. The Kelly Comeragh Challenge is the tough, tough part of the tour and not for the fainthearted. Almost 160 km (100 miles) in length, it includes two Category One climbs (Seskin Hill and Mahon Falls) and is suitable only for very experienced and very fit full-time cyclists. It follows, in large part, the route of the Kelly Legacy but dips into the Comeragh Mountains on a couple of occasions to fully test the strength, perseverance and stamina of the riders.