News | Racing 795

TriAthy Olympic and Sprint – 1st June 2013

Posted on June 11, 2013 by racing795

The gang in Athy, too many to list, you know who you are!

[Report by Frank “Where’s Frank?” Burke]

The first day of June 2013 finally arrived and a large crew of Racing 795ers headed for Athy on Saturday morning. Eight of us competing in the Olympic and one in the Sprint with three who had to cry off through injury/illnesses, so we were well represented again this year.

This tri is one of the better organised ones, and considering they dealt with 2000+ triathletes over 4 different events, I thought they did an excellent job again. Closed roads on the bike route is the main attraction for me.

The ladies were off early with Orla in wave 1 followed by Dena and Louise in wave 2. Mike was off in wave 4, Paul in wave 5, myself in wave 6, Adrian in wave 8 and PJ in wave 9. This went like clockwork and hats off to the organisers! Waiting on the bank was considerably warmer than last year, so there wasn’t the usual dread of getting into the cold water.

The swim was pleasant and the current for the 600m upstream wasnt too strong. During my own swim, I came across a swimmer that had a poorer sense of direction than myself, which takes a bit of doing! He swam straight across a few of us an ended up head first in the reeds.

Out of the swim for all and onto the bike course, which comprised of 50:50 technical to non –technical. Surfaces were ok and the volume of cyclists on the road was definitely up on last year due to overlap with the double olympic race. Passed a lot of cyclist but got passed by three guys which left me looking down at the pedals to check if I was moving at all. Serious speed merchants. One of these had a mechanical up the road, so I passed him again. 10 minutes later he flies by me! I didn’t meet any 795ers on the bike course. Into transition and while wrestling with my runners, a marshal comes over asking “How much did ya pay for the bike” which I duly ignored. He goes again “ Jaysus, tis a lovely bike, what ya pay for it?” Gave him his answer to get rid of him and off I went on the 10k run. Met Mike on his way back and he was flying.

This run course is not for the purists and was v v busy so rhythm was not easy, as everyone was constantly checking their stride to avoid oncoming runners or to overtake runners on a very narrow path. Came across Louise and Paul H on the return leg – exchanged a few words of encouragement and on we went. Nice to finish having left it all out on the course, to shouts of encouragement from all the other 795ers and the extended support (fair play to Wild Bill, Fintan, Tracy, all the Hogans, Yvonne and Kids, Ann-Marie). Mike, PJ and Orla who had already finished were there to cheer in the remainder. Hutton was in shortly after me and then Louise. Adrian was still out on the course and knowing his strong running, we reckoned something must have been up. Lack of nutrition found him out on the day, but the lesson has been learnt and the credit card got a lashing Sat night as he ordered all sorts from Wiggle!

Next off was Niall who we ran into in transition and he was facing his first race in open water. A daunting task for anyone. He had the prep done though and having purchased a “black” wetsuit – yes a new brand that none of us had heard of, he faced the Barrow. Got through the swim without any mishap and you could hear the sigh of relief in Bunclody as he got back on terra firma. Flaked round on the bike and did a great run….for a 59 year old!!

Now to the results, PJ finished top again for his second tri of the season, Orla and Dena put in sterling performances with Orla just pipping it this time. Mike belies his age (I reckon he’s about 37) with a serious performance and Paul H did very well considering he was obviously suffering with the hip injury as he finished the run. Adrian had a fantastic swim time and learned a valuable lesson along the way. Louise is improving all the time as she builds up her experience in her first year doing tris. I was very happy with my swim above anything else as James Dooley’s coaching is starting to show. While PJ’s performance was top dollar, the weekend belongs to the witty Dub (that blew into Bunclody on a bike) wearing a black wetsuit. Fair play to the crew who travelled over again in the evening to cheer him on – that is what being in a club is all about!

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MTB Challenge 2013 – Route Description

Posted on June 9, 2013 by racing795

Long route 40km, 1160m climbing. Standard route 25km, 600m climbing.

If you have raced with us in the last few years you’ll have a good idea of the kind of trails we enjoy in Bunclody. The good news is there’s more, much more. The following is a description of what you can expect at the Racing795 MTB Challenge on 7th July.

Part 1 – All riders

The day starts nice and easy with a neutralised group rollout from the Millrace Hotel along the N80. Time for a bit of trash talk with your buddies, and a few swigs of energy drink. After about 3kms we’ll turn on to a small country lane, and then it’s another 2kms to the first dirty kicker of the day. Expect carnage and cursing here as everyone spins out on the loose gravel and starts walking. Mercifully it’s only around 100metres before you’ll be back on a sensible fire road and climbing steadily along the South Leinster Way. Find your climbing rhythm and enjoy the views for the next 20 mins as you go higher and the world spreads out below you. As you crest the first big climb watch out for the signs, the long route stays right, short route turns left.

IMPORTANT: The trails in the Mount Leinster area are natural and rugged, demanding care and concentration at all times. As any experienced rider knows, concentration suffers when fatigue sets in, so please bear this in mind when choosing between long and short routes. No point arriving at the best singletrack too tired to enjoy it!

We’ll follow the long route first, both routes converge again later.

Part 2 – Long route only, skip to Part 3 if doing short route

Continue steadily climbing for another 10 mins or so and then bear left down a rough track. Keep your head high to see a stunning view of the Blackstairs straight in front as you launch into the first singletrack of the day, we call it MiniDH. It’s fast and fun with plenty of lines and it’ll get the blood racing! Have a look…

Another short singletrack loop follows and soon you’re climbing again, up the Heartbreaker, a steep airstrip of firebreak that gets you eventually to the summit of Croghaun. Then it’s over the top and down Mecca, a fast rolling firebreak looking north over the whole of Co Carlow and beyond. We call it Mecca ever since our domesticated Yorkshireman proclaimed “Ay up lads, it’s a mountain bikin’ Mecca”. The “poster” footage in our promo video was shot on Mecca.

Stop here if you like, have a drink and enjoy being alive for a minute or two. Then duck back into the trees for a long fast loose descent ideal for the enduro bikes. Another short climb, and then you’re dropping right through some grassy, rooty, twisty singletrack to emerge at the famous Corrabut Gap, scene of many a great battle in Ras Tailteann. Head south then and join the public road towards The Nine Stones for a few hundred metres. Enjoy the view as Mt Leinster rises before you and all of Ireland is laid out below. Enter the forest again before too long and enjoy a sequence of singletrack descents and even more more spectacular views, this time looking east and south. Watch out for the Irish Sea shimmering in the distance!

After about 20 mins you’re heading back towards North Kilbrannish and over to the junction where the long and short routes parted.

Part 3 – All riders

Climb up towards the wind turbines and down the other side a little. Now the real fun starts. Up a mean little kicker before emerging onto open hillside, then down a fast firebreak descent called Hennessy’s Gap ever since the unfortunate Hennessy performed his acrobatic dismount. And let that be a warning, caution advised here!

Double back onto a long stretch of open, undulating heathland singletrack with superb panoramic views. Even the racer-heads will want to pause for a look around. Cross Jim’s Bog (not boggy at all) and then follow the rocky firebreak/singletrack trail all the way around John’s Hill. Test your skills in amongst the granite boulders. Be careful on the loose rutted descents here.

Next it’s back onto fireroad for the steep climb up towards the wind turbines. Before too long you’re back on singletrack, first the dark and twisty Black Dog, a real test of xc skill, mostly downhill but with some sharp kickers. Anyone who can ride Black Dog first time without dabbing can be pretty pleased about it! Emerge from there on to a short sketchy old track and then a tricky, rocky, grassy descent. You might be feeling a bit knackered by now, so freewheel down the short fireroad stretch to recuperate a little before you hit Paradise, a lovely rugged, twisty track well known to anyone who has raced with us before. It’s great fun but you need your wits about you. This promo video from our 2010 Leinster League race will give you a flavour of this part of the route. Niall Davis leads, with Rudolf filming.

Exit Paradise then it’s more rocky trail and singletrack all the way down to the road, including the infamous Dabbage Patch, a testing little rock garden and finally the short glide down through the sweeping turns of the Lower Wood.

You’ve made it to the finish line now, knackered but hopefully in one piece. Once you’ve gathered yourself and maybe hung around for your mates, you’ll rejoin the public road, and roll the 5km down into Bunclody at your leisure. It’s mostly downhill so it only takes 10 minutes. Back at the Millrace Hotel you can share tales of heroism and conquest over a nice bowl of soup, and a pint or three.

So there, we’ve done our best to describe the route, but words are a poor substitute for the real thing. Come and experience it for yourself on 7th July.

Go to main event info page

Filed under: MTB Challenge Updates, News | 2 Comments »

Millrace Hotel confirmed as HQ for Racing795 MTB Challenge

Posted on May 31, 2013 by racing795

The Millrace Hotel, Bunclody

Racing795 is delighted to confirm the The Millrace Hotel, Bunclody as event HQ for the Mt Leinster MTB Challenge on the 7th July. Parking will be in the Millrace car park and sign-on will be in the Clody suite.

The Millrace Hotel has also arranged special B&B accommodation rates for participants in the MTB Challenge. Stay the Saturday night before the event from €49 pps, or stay and relax afterwards on the Sunday night from €39 pps. (€20 supplement for single occupancy).

You can get these rates, or discuss a weekend rate by calling Carrie in Reservations on 0539375100, or by emailing her at reservations@millracehotel.com
Don’t forget to mention that you’re doing the Racing795 MTB Challenge, and bear in mind that rates are subject to availability.

Event info

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Wicklow Way Relay – 25th May 2013

Posted on May 29, 2013 by racing795

Joy Furlong, Ross Moorhead, Adrian Ryan, Tracy Redmond (captain), Fintan Redmond, and Orla O’Leary. Also on the team but not pictured, Mike Ryan and Peter Coulahan

Last Saturday a crack team of Racing795 commandoes took to the Wicklow Way for the annual IMRA relay. It was a beautiful day and the team did us proud finishing in 11th place against some very stiff competition. A great team achievement, well done to all. Detailed Results

Mike and Peter share their thoughts below.

[Mike]

Great event, looking forward to next year already. Early start but well worth it. Picked up Ross at 5am in Bunclody. Got to the start which was still deserted, wondered if we got the day, or start time wrong. Just before we hit the panic button the mountain goats began to trickle in, and before we knew it the place was full with some serious shapes being thrown. Ross divulged his race preparation secret, as he shared his Freddo Frogs. Who needs gels. The what-to-wear dilemna followed. It may have been a beautiful day, but at 7am there was still a chill in the air, but with 3km of climbing things would soon warm up.

At exactly 7am after a quiet countdown we were off with the serious mountain goats making a dust trail in their wake. The field soon spread out with the leaders disappearing around the first bend. Lack of race experience. !! How hard do you go out when you know after Glencullen Road 7km there is another 3km climb. Settled in behind a guy (Liam Tilly) who looked like he knew what he was doing. We took a few scalps on the climb. Liam took off like a madman when we began to descent toward the valley and I only got flashes of his back for the remainder of the leg.

The second climb was for about 3km and wasn’t too severe. Eamon Hodge and I climbed together but same old story he left me on the descent. (Need to work on that) With the end in sight, (mental that is) and the last 2km a gentle downhill I let the legs go as fast at they would, determined not to loose any more places, one’s enough. Unfortunately I got pipped with 100m to go by a Crusader. Hindsight is 20/20, didn’t start fast enough, reckon there’s a few minutes to be shaved off . My watch clocked 1:07:59 which seems about right as Brian McGuckin has a 1:07:58.

Ross was rearing to go when I hit the barrier for the hand off. After a quick change of clothes it was into the car a head for the beautiful Lough Tay to see if the Freddo Frogs had worked for Ross. As I approached the barrier I met up with the ever smiling Joy eager to continue the crusade. Ross arrived bang on time looking a little worse for wear from over 700 metres of climbing. By now the sun was out in its full glory and things were warming up. Time to head toward home after one last stop at Oldbridge. Peter was there when Ross and I arrived flying the Club colors. After the changeover and watching Peter head off toward Green Road to the waiting Orla, it was time for me to head west.

Truly a great team event. My first time on a relay team ever ( It really is never too late to get started) and my only regret is that I wasn’t able to stay around, and follow it like the hunt. Next year! We’ll all have together for a Team photo at some point in the not too distant future. Lastly Hail our great leader Tracy for pulling it all together. Thanks

[Peter]

Saturday morning found me up at an ungodly hour and off to Glendalough for Leg 4 of the Wicklow Way Relay. The leg was 9.6km with 363m of climbing and was from Oldbridge to Glendalough. I didn’t bother car pooling for this so arrived outside Glendalough at about 8am and walked the 6km over the Wicklow Way back to the start. This acted as a great warm up and was really enjoyable as the weather was lovely and the trails were deserted except for me and the deer, rabbits and sheep.

The relay handover point was a bridge at a crossroads so I settled down to catch some sun and look at my competitors. It was lying on the grass eating banana sandwiches when I realised that I probably should take this a bit more seriously. Almost everyone else was doing elaborate warm ups and stretches and were wearing trail shoes – I had on an old pair of runners and spent most of the time sitting enjoying the sun.

Mike and Ross arrived and we had a quick catch up and then Joy arrived for the changeover.

The first two km were on the road. The first km was uphill, and I mean uphill. It was probably the steepest hill I’ve ever run up. Pretty quickly I began to catch glimpses of two runners ahead who had a good head start on me but who were running slowly enough. I kept them in the sights for the first km – which took me 5.30mins despite running as hard as I could Like I said, steep! The second km was mostly downhill and I ran this hard, covering it in 4mins. After about 2km we turned onto a fire road / wide gravel trail and I caught the two runners ahead of me here. I sat in behind them for a bit. I had to walk some of this uphill, but my walking pace was only slightly slower than their slow running pace. At about 3km I passed them and pushed on.

The heat was brutal, I was sweating like mad on the top of an exposed hill while my bald head sizzled. Kms 3 and 4 were mostly uphill but then it leveled off for another km and here I spotted another runner ahead. I caught her fairly easily but then into km 6 which was mostly downhill on steep narrow rocky trails and my lack of experience caught me out. Two of the runners caught me back on the downhill and left me for dead. Into kms 7 and 8 and these were again mostly uphill. Once we hit the start of the climbs I recaught the two runners again and knowing that the last km of or so into Glengalough was a steep narrow descent I pushed hard on up the hills. When I had to walk I did it after rounding a bend where I couldn’t be seen. I pushed on hard conscious that there were runners close behind me and also that this being a team event I didn’t want to let the team down.

Last 1.5kmn was all downhill and I threw caution to the wind. I couldn’t see anyone behind me so knew I wouldn’t get caught. Into the finish in 52.08 by my watch for 9.6km A crap time for the distance but one I was happy with, I gave it my all. It was a good minute before anyone came in behind me.

Well done to IMRA for a great event, and well done to Captain Tracy.

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