Vitus Dark Plasma VR

I have been training for Irelands coast to coast race. The race takes place on the weekend of the 14th and 15th May. Training has been relaxed in my usual kind of way. Half marathons here and there with a few long rides on my road bike. The Kayak training has been little to none with other things getting in the way. I have had a few nights on the water but not near enough.

One main concern I have had was my road bike. I think my bike is close to 12 years old and way to small for me. I took it for a 130km ride on my own and knew the pain I was in after was not down to distance it was down to the bike.

I have always been told to prepare right for a race, so race day is all about racing. With this in the back of my mind I decided the bike had to be changed. I decided if I wanted a bike for the race I want a really good bike. Sean Kelly is brand ambassador for Vitus Bikes so this was the bikes of choice for me. Sean Kelly is one of my all time favourite Cyclists so what is good enough for Sean Kelly is good enough for me.
The Vitus Dark Plasma VR will be the bike I ride for race day. The bike comes with a very smooth looking carbon frame, full carbon fork and steerer. The groupset is the shimano 105 with a compact double 105 chainset. The bike boasts a really neat wheelset in the Pro-Lite Merano with Schwalbe race tyres.

I was smiling at how nice the bike looks with its striking white, red and black colour and bold graphics. I just had to get straight out on it with a small 40km blast to get a feel for it. Clipping in and I was of (Like a rocket) The bike is just 8.5kg and this light weight frame can really go. I had to ease up as I wanted to go through the gears, find how how the shifting felt, feel how it braked. All the usual things you do with a new bike. I sometimes take a few rides to get a comfortable riding position on a new bike but this felt so comfortable straight away. After slowly working the gear range and testing the brakes I decided to take the bike to a nice flat road. I knew from the moment I got on the bike that it could move but I wanted to see how it felt at speed. I flicked the chain into the big ring and got the head down pedalling hard the bike just responded so well. I could feel it powering forward with every pedal stroke almost inviting me to give it some more. So it felt good pushing it hard next up I would try it on the corners. With the wheelset and tyres I was confident they would do their job but how would it feel as an overall package? I headed out of the city and into some quiet country roads that I knew had a few nice bends. Again pushing a big gear I picked up a bit of speed and took the corners with ease. The bike steered really well through the corners so I increased the speed on the next few. It was feeling better and better with each bend in the road. The bike felt really solid as I leaned it in. There was no twitching from the bike giving me more confidence with each turn. This was the first ride and all good rides have to include a steep climb. I stayed in the saddle and pushed it as hard as I could. The light weight frame, smooth pedal stroke made this normally tough climb feel easy. It almost felt I was getting some help as I pedalled up the hill. In a way I was with what is turning out to be a great bike. Next I think I will take it for a good long ride to see how comfortable it feels over distance.

With the bike ticking all the boxes so far I know what you are thinking. How much does a bike like this cost. Well this bike is aimed at a mid price road bike market. The complete package comes in at a very competitive £1499.99. There is a full description on the Chainreactioncycles website for those who want more info or are in the market for a new bike.

www.chainreactioncycles.com

Features:
• Frame: HM Carbon 12K
• Forks: Full Carbon
• Handlebars: Controltech Viento Frame size-bar width 50cm-380mm,53cm-400mm, 55cm-420mm, 58cm-440mm
• Stem: Controltech Estro Frame size-Stem reach 50cm-90mm,53cm-100mm, 55cm-110mm, 58cm-120mm
• Bartape: Vitus Dual Compound
• Headset: Semi-Integrated
• Chainset: Shimano 105 – 50x34t
• Chain: Shimano 105
• Cassette: Shimano 105 – 12-25t
• Shifters: Shimano 105 – 10 Speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105
• Front Derailleur: Shimano 105
• Brakes: Shimano 105
• Saddle: Vitus Cr-Mo Rail
• Seatpost: Controltech M Post
• Wheels: Vitus by Pro-Lite
• Tyres: Schwable Blizzard Kevlarguard – 700x23c
• Weight : 8.22kg (56cm)

Causeway Coast Adventure Race Round 4

Castleward, Co. Down

Saturday 05th March
Team: Surf N Turf
Mickey Regan and Andy Lyle
Photos By: Rob Doherty Uberdogmagazine

Castleward was the setting for the 4th and final round of what has been a great series. The final race was a big one in both competitor numbers and course layout. The race sold out and I think this is a credit to just how hard the CCAR team works in putting on a great race. With more and more people finding out just how great these races are. Hopefully the next series will be as popular. The bigger competitor numbers means there is racing throughout the field from the fastest teams to the first timers.

The race briefing told us we would be split into two groups at the start. We would be issued with either map A or map B. The instructions stated we ran on foot to the start of the foot orienteering on arrival we would be issued with the map relating to our instruction sheets. We were told to make sure we had the right map for our instructions.

We left on foot from the race HQ and walked to the start at Castleward House. At TA1 we dropped the bikes of and started in team numerical order. It was a short run downhill to the orienteering stage. We got our map and headed of at a steady pace into the fields to collect 4 check points. This took us a bit longer than we had hoped because everything looked the same in the fields. We overshot one check point and took a while to locate it. After the first 4 we picked up the second map and headed back to collect another 4 checkpoints. On completion of the orienteering stage we were issued with our main map.
Still on foot it was a run around the perimeter of the castleward grounds. First check point was at a bird viewing point. Our special task here at the water edge was to find a stone and make it skip on the water two skips to complete the task. A nice flat stone and I think I managed 7. We had a bit of a choice from here use a compass bearing and go straight to the next checkpoint or take the safe option and stick to the perimeter paths. Safe option it was and we ran the perimeter. After this checkpoint it was back up to HQ for a special task.

The Two Planks, No not me and Andy the task. We would use the two wooden planks with ropes to walk around a short course. Team work and timing was needed for this task. Lifting our feet and pulling the rope at the same time left, right left right type of thing. After the task it was a run back to the big house for the bikes. We would follow the red arrows to the Kayaks. We arrived at TA2 in the top 14 teams so had the kayak stage first.

Kayaks haven’t been my strong point but a bit of reading on technique helped a lot. Using the core muscles and turning my waist into the stroke made for a fast and much more comfortable paddle. We past two teams on the water and caught a third team just at the finish. On our way out we met Tango and Cash steaming towards us. They give us a bit of a shower on the way past. I think they seen my technique and were a tad jealous. ;-)

After the kayaks it was back on the bikes for a blast on roads, paths, forest roads and muddy trails. Checkpoints were found on cairns, road signs and forestry huts. Inside and a fair bit outside the estates grounds. As we picked up checkpoints 18 and 19 in the grounds we rode back to TA2

We were instructed to mark our maps for an additional 4 controls we would do this on foot. We would get a clue at each of these in order to find a 5th check point. We followed the Map picking up the first clue “Grid” It was pretty clear after this first clue it would be Grid Ref something or other. We picked up the next three check points and check point 5 would be found at Grid Ref. 567 492 Race HQ. It was a long uphill run over to this checkpoint and then we had a turn and run back to the bikes at TA2. From here we followed the same perimeter route we earlier ran on foot and this took us to the kayak check point.

We had a special task and one from earlier in the series so we knew what was required. I held the holes in a pipe while Andy filled water in a bucket in order to reach a ball within the pipe. After this we had the bonus bike loop. This was a long bike stage out onto the country roads. Head down, big gears and pedal as hard as we could. At the second bonus checkpoint we could see St Patrick’s way marked on the map. This turned out to be a narrow grassy, muddy lane. This was perfect for a couple of mountain bikers. Passing a team that was walking this section put a bit of a spring into our pedals and we re-joined the road again. Hopefully making up a bit of time on teams who stuck to the roads. After reaching Churchtown and bonus check point 3 it was back to the main gates of the castleward estate. We turned left onto the perimeter trail we had ran earlier. This was a really nice trail around these spectacular grounds. With check point 22 in the bag we followed the trails to Check point 23 were we had to complete a large jigsaw of a compass. There was a nice bit of natural single track trails through the forest enjoyed immensely knowing we were on the final straight. Back onto the forest roads for check point 24 then we pushed on hard for check point 25. The last check point was a long and energy sapping trail leading to the Race HQ. We rode through the Causeway Coast Adventure Race finish arch to complete round 4 and the series.

After we got changed it was up to the race HQ for a chance to refuel. Joan’s famous homemade cakes, buns, soup sandwiches were a welcome sight to a lot of tired faces. What better way to finish a race.

We had a great race and a great series. Massive thanks to Ivan, Steve, Shirley, Joan, Jonny and all the other helpers and Marshals. You guys done a great job putting on a great series for our enjoyment. I first got involved in the CCAR scene by helping and Marshalling at the events so I know the hard work and dedication by all involved. Finishing work on a Friday afternoon to go and lay out a course well into darkness, Early starts and late finishes. I think I speak for all competitors in saying your hard work is very much appreciated.

Big thanks also to Andy who turned out a great race partner getting stronger as the series went on. As his running improved my paddling improved. He helped me improve my paddle technique to the point we passed other teams with ease. In the run sections also we passed loads of other teams. Something we werent doing in the first race. Well done Big Lad your hard work paid off. The other teams better watch out next series as we will be back bigger and stronger.

Watch this space for a Series Report with the highs, lows and series results.




Pub to podium: Diary of a novice adventure racer.
By Andy Lyle
It started as one of those ideas, probably in the pub. Lets do one of those adventure races, we can already mountainbike a bit, I used to kayak at school, and I play footy once in a while, how hard could it be?

The seed was planted. So, when someone mentioned doing the whole series, that seemed like a good challenge.

It was this sequence of events that meant I found myself surrounded by lycra clad whippets* on a start line in Cavan, about to start my first race series.

I wasn't in great shape. Running to me was a swear word, something done after buses or footballs (well, occasionally, my team mates may wish to differ). My training had been minimal, a few walk/run sessions to compliment my mountainbiking and football exploits, but nothing serious. The reasoning behind this was we weren't doing this seriously, it was just a bit of craic, something to train for and keep the Guinness belly tamed. How hard could it be?

We started the race, were handed a map and off we went. The pack disappeared into the distance, somehow running and navigating all at once, while I struggled to find which way up it should be. I'll skim over the race details, but that day I was soaked, covered in mud, knackered, doubled over trying not to be ill, in serious concern my arms may fall off and strangely, smiling the whole time. It just looked like a grimace of pain...

We finished, in a respectable enough place (not that the place mattered, we were just doing this for fun, right?).

Actually, I was chuffed to bits! I was full of adrenaline, and happy brain chemicals, and was completely, totally and utterly hooked. I vowed to train for the next race, just so it didn't hurt so much! So I got off the sofa and actually went out running, and joined a gym so I could get a little fitter. Of course, only so I could enjoy the craic even more during the race. Its a strange phenomenon, even though you are flat out, you always manage a smile and a greeting when you meet a fellow competitor on the course, if only because you wonder where they are going!

So race two came, and amongst the lycra clad whippets* were some familiar faces, nods smiles and jokes were exchanged. The starting hooter sounds, and off we go again. Somehow, we get a result way beyond my expectations. Maybe it was the extra training, maybe the lessons learnt from the first race about navigation, or hydrating, or eating. Maybe we were just naturals (yeah right) but whatever it was, there was only one way to find out... Roll on round three!

Adventure racing is a team sport and this was ably demonstrated by round three. My race partner, Mickey, was recovering from a nasty dose of flu, but still made it to the start line, and fair play to him for that. We set off, and on the running leg I knew something was wrong. Why? Because I was nearly keeping up! So teamwork came into play, we helped each other where we could, punching holes in the air for the rider behind, even swapping bikes to take advantage of a tyre choice. We used our strengths, worked together and got round, not that we cared about a time or a placing. Much...

Which brings us to the last round of the series, and sees us surrounded by new friends with stories to tell and banter to share. The race begins, and for the next 4hrs and 42 minutes, we give it our all. We pushed each other to our limits, at least to my limits, with Mickeys encouragement and sheer pace driving me on. It was a long tough race, longer and harder than the previous rounds and a fittting finale. I must admit, the finish line banner was a welcome sight, but it came with mixed emotions. The race was finished, but the series was over.

So why be an adventure racer? Personally, I've lost weight, got fitter and can fit into those jeans again. I've achieved my goal of finishing all the races in the series and the sense of achievement that comes with it, re-awakened my competitive streak and now I'm looking forward to my next challenge. Oh, and don't forget the craic, the smiles, the encouragement from fellow competitors, the good hearted banter in the tea room afterwards, and the buns.


Actually, just do it for the buns afterwards, believe me, they're worth it...


See you on the Start line!

*Whippets of all shapes and sizes, lycra optional by the way!

Causeway Coast Adventure Race Round 3

Derry City, Co. Derry
Saturday 05th February
Team: Surf N Turf
Mickey Regan and Andy Lyle

After the gale force winds on Friday it was great to waken up to a calm mild morning all be it slightly over cast. HQ was in the Gransha Hospital grounds. The usual kit checks and registration took place in UA3 building. Due to the size of the course a simple A4 laminate map wasn’t enough and we were issued with a full A-Z map of Derry. This time we had to mark the maps using our instruction cards. We got the route marked and went outside for the race briefing.


The start was a foot orienteering section in and around the grounds of the hospital. There was 10 check points and we could visit these in any order we took the reverse option and it seemed a better choice as it was less crowded or maybe it was just a case of us being so fast. On reaching our final check point we had a special task to complete.

Balloon Burst
We each had to blow up a party balloon until it burst. Not that easy after running around the grounds of the hospital. The lungs just didn’t want to work and this was just the start. Two almost simultaneous bangs and we were off to TA1.

The Bikes
We arrived at the bikes and I realised I had left my bike bell in the van. I quickly went back got the bell and we were off out the gates and under the Foyle Bridge. I was kicking myself at being stupid, losing all the time we made up on the run. Crossing the bridge I could feel the back wheel drag. Something was stuck between the pads locking them against the wheel. I spun the wheel back and forward and eventually it freed up. I continued on catching up with Andy but had realised I had made a massive mistake in not changing my tyres. I had a set of Super Tacky Highrollers on the bike and had forgotten to change them for my xc tyres the night before. I didn’t think they would have made such a difference but with the drag from the tyres and my body not full fit from my Flu it was beginning to show at this early stage. We followed the map to the Earhart Centre were we had a special task.

Build a Plane
We had to build a small polystyrene plane and throw it. This was a small 4 part plane. Body, wings, Tail and a weight for the front. I opened the packet and handed the parts to Andy one by one as he assembled the plane. Its inaugural flight was a good one and we even got a little loop before it settled back to land. Amelia Earhart would have been proud I'm sure.

Back on the bikes and following the Cullmore road it was back towards the city. Picking up 2 controls on the way back. One under the Foyle Bridge and one at an industrial site on the banks of the Foyle. We had to pick up the cycle lane and follow it along the Foyle stopping to remember a phrase that would be found on the jetty as we entered the city. "Time and tide wait for no man" We would discover this later in the kayak. Andy was storming along on his cut slicks. Helping me in any way he could punching a hole in the air so I could try keep a steady pace. We crossed the road just after the new footbridge collecting another check point. Turning left we continued to the Visitor centre. After we bidded in we were instructed to follow the city walls counting the canons as we went.

Canon Counters
This section was a run around the city walls counting the canons. We started at the entrance to the Foyle centre going clock wise 6 canons on this side, then another 2 then 3 more. We then started to confuse each other on our counts. A mixture of being tired and trying to keep moving made a normally simple task a bit harder. After taking note of another 2 canons I convinced Andy that our count was 13 at this point. Unlucky for some I thought but was sure I was right. With a further 7 facing the guild hall square it was back to the visitor centre with the result. 20 Canons it was thankfully. The ironic thing is it wasn’t that long ago I counted these same canons with my nephews. I will remember it this time. Back on the bikes for a cycle out of the city alongside the old railway tracks. The path seemed to go on and on. My legs and lungs were taking a real beating but I pushed on to the check point.

Time Trial
Just what I needed more cycling. I normally love the cycling and it would be one of my stronger if not strongest disciplines. Not today I wasn’t at the races at all. I think Shirley’s instructions were 2 miles to cover in 16 minutes. Andy took off flying along the path turning at the half way point it was a struggle heading back. Andy kindly offered me a break and we swapped bikes for a bit. I cannot believe the difference in tyres. I knew it would make a difference but this was very noticeable. Even though my lungs were struggling I was the one now pedalling out in front. I kept easing up for Andy so he could draft me. We followed the path back to the Craigavon Bridge crossing it and turning right we pedalled out to the Prehen Boat house.

Kayaks
The phrase from earlier ringing in my ear "Time and tide wait for no man" You don’t say. We paddled from the boat house heading along the banks towards the Craigavon Bridge. All the rain the past few days meant a real push in the flow of the river. It was aiding us on the outward journey but would make hard work on the return. We see Ivan on the banks and he instructed us to go under the bridge and paddle back towards the punch. It was hanging from a rope under the bridge. The punch card was in a map bag that was wrapped around my neck. Andy steadied the kayak as I struggled to get the card. I eventually got the gloves off and got the map bag opened and punched the card. Andy done a great job because the currents under the bridge were really strong. The return was hard work we tried to stay close to the banks to make it a bit easier. Even in this calmer water tiring bodies made it a struggle at times. I have to pause here and spare a thought for the teams that missed the instructions. They missed the check point and continued paddling under the bridge and further out the Foyle. When they eventually were spotted the word got to them to turn and paddle all the way back picking up the check point. Hats off to you guys that was some paddle.

Foot Orienteering
Back on dry land we got our route instructions and ran across the road and into a small wood for 6 check points. Autumn leaves made this a little confusing as it was hard to see what was a path and what wasn’t. Andy’s great work on the map made this a breeze with only one slight mistake adding to our time. Completing this section it was back to pick up the bikes.

Bonus Bike Loop
For us it normally wouldn’t even be considered a bonus loop. This is just part of the race. Today I almost give in and missed this section out. I knew I wouldn’t be quick but would we be quicker than the hour time penalty for missing it. I decided to go for it and Andy started on my bike but when we reached the turning point I swapped back to give him a break. It was my stupid mistake not changing the tyres it didn’t seem right Andy suffering. Thanks Big lad I owe you. We had three check points on this loop and one small single track section. Finally a bit of off road for the tyres. I wasn’t hanging about on this and made sure I made the most of the very small section. I think it’s the fastest I travelled all day.

We picked up the course again and pedalled out the limavady road to St. Columb's Park and Leisure centre. We were instructed to go around the side of the building for a special task. Inside the Leisure centre we went into the climbing room.
Climbing Wall
We had to boulder the wall from left to right around the room staying on the wall at all times. The foot grips were wet from the other teams which made it a bit trickier. The first side was fine and I moved quite quickly along this but on the next section I slipped and fell off. Composing myself I started again climbing along the last section and it was finished.

Foot Orienteering 2
We collected our maps and followed the instructions to collect 5 out of the 6 checkpoints. We knew we were almost at the end so pushed around this section picking up all the check points before returning to the bikes. Last leg was a cycle back to base picking up a check point on the way. I have to admit I was glad to see the end on a difficult day. Crossing the line was a great feeling as usual.

The course was brilliant and as always we had a real mix of adventure. Tip to anyone racing choose your tyres wise. I should have known this but I don’t think I will make that mistake again.

Big thanks as always to the CCAR team and all the marshals. Des for the great course and not forgetting Andy for giving me a break from the Highrollers. YO DA MAN!

See you all at Castleward for Round 4 on March 5th.

Details here

Causeway Coast Adventure Race Round 2

Bangor, Co. Down
Saturday 08th January
Team: Surf N Turf
Mickey Regan and Andy Lyle

It was a cold but dry morning. Head quarters was at the ballyholme Yacht Club in Bangor. We had the usual kit check and registration. Ivan event director was ill at home so Steve had taken over and give us the race biefing. Paul McArthur had planned this route so he went over a few of the more finer details.

After the race brief we took our bikes and cycled around the coast path to the Transition area at ballyholme bay. The bus took us out to the start point which was a bit further round the coast. We got a warning about roads being very icey and to be careful on the bike section then it was time to go. We had bib number one so we would be first team of the line.

We got our maps and started with a 8.5km Run along the coast. This was a really nice single track coastal path. We had a few check points to collect along the way. We kept a steady pace and let some of the faster teams past. This was something that I think helped us later with positon at transistion. When we reached Groomsport there was an optional checkpoint which we went for. This was the first time I felt just how slippy the roads and paths were. In the roads that had no sun it was very slippy. After groomsport it was another coastal run back to the beach at ballyholme bay. We could see the activity on the beach meant a special task.

Task 1 Stepping Stones
We had three wooden blocks and had to use them like stepping stones picking up the last one to complete our task. A good bit of balance and team work we done this with no trouble.

Kayak

Earlier we had let teams pass us and this is were it helped. First 14 teams had to take the bikes while the next lot had the kayak stage first. We found getting kayaking out of the way first while we were still fresh helped. With a combined weight of 29 stone it takes a lot to get our boat through the water. We left the beach and paddled out across the bay to the Yacht club getting our punch card stamp on the slip way. Then it was a paddle back across the bay to the bike transistion.

Bikes
We took some water and food on then it was onto the bikes. My gloves and feet were wet so getting onto the bike made for a cold pedal. We had a series of check points to collect with the first of these being in housing developments or parks within Bangor. Andys great map reading made this a breeze. A team in front of us came up to a corner and crashed hard on the ice. It was very slippy on both the road and paths. We asked if the guy was ok and he said he was ok to carry on. Not long after this I done the same. I got my leg down to stop me falling but it started to slide too. After a few yards sideways I just dropped the bike and went down. I gathered it up and on we went traveling on country lanes out of Bangor. We arrived at a check point and had to do a special task.

Task 2 Horse Shoe Poles

We had to take horse shoes and throw them at the poles getting them to land on the pole. I done this with my second attempt and on we went.

Optional run

The next part was a run with two check points. We headed of and ran around the lake on very muck trails. Check points collected no problems. On the way back to the bikes we were stopped by a member of the public who told us the lake and the land was being sold and there was a meeting to save this area so it would remain a public right of way. Was this a special task? Did we have to remember the details. I said I would spread the word trying to keep moving as we were racing. Did this guy not know that??

Back on the bikes and we took the same route as the outward journey. We then turned right that took in a small section of single track. I got a bit over excited riding this part through puddles as fast as I could. When we got to the end of the trail I looked like I was mud wrestling. Good fun though. We got a check point then it was a fast pedal back to the transition area.

Task 3 Sand Castles

For this task we were given a bucket and spade and told to make a sand castle fort. I grabed a bucket and using my hands filled it and made the castles while Andy made the walls. Quick and easy it was back up and onto the bikes for more check points.

Back onto the bikes we had to visit the Marina pier and other check points located in Bangor town centre. Again Andys great map reading made this very easy as he shouted directions I just had to think about pedalling. We arrived at the car park for a special task.

Task 4 Word Search
This was an easy word search which we had done in no time at all.

Bike orienteering
When we finished the word search we were issued with maps and a punch card. We had a number of check points to locate around a park area. This was slightly more tricky getting use to the scale of the map and on our second checkpoint it took us a few minutes to find it. Despite us being in the right place it was higher on a fence and of course we were looking low. The others we got with no real trouble and it was back to the car park to hand in our punch cards. We left the car park and traveled along the road to the next section.

Foot Orienteering
We got to the car park and were issued with maps and headed of into the park. Andy again calling the directions while I ran and got the check points. This was a nice run and give me time to get my feet and hands warmed again. We finished this section getting all the check points.

Optional Bike loop

We were both feeling good and pedalled on fast around this section. Andy calling some great short cuts and spotting dead ends meant we made a lot of time on this while other teams seemed to loose a lot of time. After finishing the optional bike loop we had just two more check points to pick up. One was back to Ward park were I have to admit I slipped up. After letting a lady past I pedaled on into the park. When Andy hadnt come behind me I thought it was him being friendly talking to the elderly woman. When I went back to check he was ok he pointed to the check point which I had past. He was just waiting on me and I was waiting on him. We got the check point and went to the next one. This checkpoint was on a fence on a pump station and quite high so Andy give me a footy up and then it was a dash back to the finish line at the yacht club.

We finished in 8th on the time but after speaking to a few teams who had finished it seems they had missed some of the optional stages so we are hoping our offical position is higher. But even getting 8th we were both delighted.

Official Result: 7th NICE ONE!!!

A great course from Paul and as always a big thanks to all the Marshalls and CCAR crew for another very enjoyable event. Get well soon Ivan. See you all at the next one.

Official Results Here

Race Photos Here

Causeway Coast Adventure Race Round 1

Cootehill Co. Cavan
Saturday 06th November

Team Surf N Turf
Andy Lyle and Mickey Regan

We left Belfast around 7am and headed south to Cootehill. The morning was beautiful blue sky and a nice fresh feel to the day. We arrived at Tanagh Outdoor centre and went for kit check and instructions on the course and the bike drop. A bit of time for a VERY light warm up. A warm up I don’t think you would find in a personal trainers guide book. I think it was more of a gentle sway from side to side. Race briefing by Ivan detailed some of the route and what we would face along the way. The race would start with a 9.3km Run with 11 check points, Transition to bikes, The 38km bike loop with 16 check points with 9km of this a bonus bike loop with 4 checkpoints, the 3km Kayak stage. The first 14 teams to the kayaks on the run would do the kayak first. The remaining teams would do the kayak during the bike loop.

The Run:
We lined up and got ready for the start. Crossing the start control we got our first dibber checkpoint and were handed our maps. we jogged down the lane across the main road into a forest. The trail we followed was single track and very soft under foot. We tried to look at the map as we ran but then decided to take our time, find out where we were and take it from there. We looked at check point two and headed for it. When we arrived we realised with other faster teams only getting there now either we made a great navigational move or we had made an error. First mistake of the day and to be honest I think it was our only mistake all day. The dibber at the start control wasn’t checkpoint one this was just the clock starting. We took a closer look and spotted checkpoint one. I sprinted off meeting teams coming towards me who had obviously already been to the first control. I got to 1 and turned back picking up again at check point 2. We had a look at the map and the other points breezed by. Andy having confessed to not being a runner was doing better than I had imagined and kept up a steady pace. A few stops to look at the map along the way give us a breather and we reached the kayak section. The first task and what a task it was. We were handed a packet of cream crackers and told to eat them all. This was tough going having just jogged about 5km. We wolfed them down us taking water to try help the dry crackers go down. Nice!!! Ironically I had been eating crackers and cheese the night before for the first time in a while. Think it will be the last cracker I have for a bit. The remaining checkpoints were a return to the previous ones and back to the HQ. Task number two was an obstacle course. First was a water splash and a wall climb. Then it was into a tunnel that I just about fitted in let alone scramble to the other side. Andy is bigger than me so I can only imagine what it must have been like for him trying to squeeze through. Next was a rope climb and last a balance beam.

The bikes:
We got to transition and changed shoes for the bike section. We were feeling good and said we would go for the bonus loop. It took Andy a bit to get his legs going on the bike after the transition. After the first few checkpoints he was fine and pushing on well. I had made a map board from old light clamps and a place mat from the dinner table. This worked until the first checkpoint when we took the card off for the punch I bent the pins putting it back on. With nothing to hold the maps on it was map in hand and a waste of my unique map board. We over shot one junction but not by much turning back and finding the road we past. Two nice steep climbs in the middle really got the legs working. We joined the main bike loop at checkpoint 16 and could hear from other competitors that they hadn’t done the bonus loop. This was a bit of a confidence boost and helped us keep going at a good pace. The next section was back into the forest. The trails were mucky and sticky but with a generally flat course we managed to keep pedalling well. I could feel the front end loosing a bit of control and realised I had a flat. We were close to another check point so I continued pedalling to it. Andy went looking it as I changed the tube. Tyre pumped checkpoint got it was a race around the forest that was like a maze at times. Andy was great on the map reading and we had no problems finding all the checkpoints. A few were less obvious than others but with a bit of team work we found them all. Check point 26 and another special task.

The Blind folded rope line:
We got the instructions which told us we would be blind folded and taken to a rope. We had to follow the rope to the end. On the rope at intervals was different objects we had to work out what they were from touch and then remember them to write down what we thought they were at the end. 1min penalty for each we didn’t get right. Lets see if I can remember them now. Hanger (I wont forget that now as we did on the task) Sunglasses, toy plane, sharpener, pine cone, hat, Mug, Fork, CD and ..... There always one I forget. This wasn’t easy with obstacles in our way in fallen trees branches etc. Then to try and remember the objects at the end. We got nine and handed our answers to Shirley and it was back on the bikes for another few checkpoints before the Kayak stage.
Kayak:
On arriving we had another task before the paddle. Fill a vertical pipe with water to get a ball out the top. The pipe had holes so as I held the holes Andy filled the water. Only took a few buckets and with Andy’s long arms we were off and into the Kayaks. 3km of paddling was really sore on the shoulders. This as I have said before is my weakest discipline in Adventure racing and one I really want to improve on the future. Having said that we managed to get into a decent enough rhythm and kept our heads down passing one team on the way to the checkpoint. We turned at the check point and headed back. We were like a well oiled cruise ship rather than a torpedo. We got there and had the worst over us before the rain started. Already very wet at this stage a spot of rain wasn’t going to bother us.

The final leg:
We hopped on the bikes after having a bit of banter with Steve. 4 more checkpoints to go and then the finish line. We had a bit of a road ride picking up a checkpoint at the gates to the forest. Then we were back into the forest for a bit of back tracking over ground we had already been on. Out to the furthest point in the course then one last push to HQ. The lane leading to the finish line was feeling quite steep having spent 5 hours on the course. I heard a shout behind me but with the head down I didn’t want to stop to the line. I turned to see Andy pushing the bike. He had snapped his chain on a gear change. Thankfully this was at the end rather than the middle of the course. The final dibber and Race 1 complete.

Thanks to CCAR for another great event and all the Marshals and helpers for making everything go smooth apart from the crackers down our throats ;-)

Also thanks to Action photography for covering the event. www.actionphotography.ie

The Bull Raid 12 Hour SOLO

Friday night I arrived after driving through 1 hour of rain. It did not look good on the journey to the event. The race HQ was already set up. Start/finish line, Pit areas for each type of racer, Solo nearest the line then two person then 4 person teams. There was a number of bike washes with all cleaning products needed. Hot showers for after the race and a great PA system. I pitched my tent and had a quick check over the bike. Registration was fast Name and category and I collected my race kit. Computer chip for timing a t-shirt and an assortment of Lucozade energy gel products. The organisers had some pasta and chicken for us for dinner. I had mine then decided to get to sleep.

Number 105 Solo Raider. I didn’t have the best nights sleep as it was the first time I had camped in a long time. 5:30am I had breakfast early so it would be settled before the 8am start. Thankfully it was dry and was to get better as the day went on. Another bike check and then I took my race kit to my pit area. I used a plastic box with a lid so it would stay dry if it rained. (Next time I will bring a chair and a gazebo) I had tubes, tools, water, gels, energy bars, bananas, spare shirts and rain gear.

I thought as it was only a 10km loop I would take one water bottle a spare tube, small tool kit and a gel, Stopping to get more if and when I needed them. We had a race briefing about the course and about some of the features. The drive into the race HQ had a bridge crossing seen below. On first look I thought no way are we going up or down that. At the briefing they told us yes that was on the course. It turned out easy enough and not as steep as it looked driving passed. We would travel up the left side and then on the down side we had a 90 degree corner. It just took a slight brake and a bit of concentration.

The Race

We had a le mans type start with a run across a field to the bikes. We traveled around the pit area and across the start line. 11 Hours 59mins to go.... The first lap I decided to use as a sighting lap. No point pushing to hard and burning up to early. We travel around the side of a field and onto the MotoX track. The track was very fast at the start. Berms and jumps then it levelled out with a few steep climbs that would be jumps for the mx bikes. Another steep descent with a berm and then a climb up off the track.

This was a great start to the course. After the motox track there was a steep lane leading to the field with the bridge crossing. From here we had a small natural wood very narrow but all very flat. A few tricky sections with stones and muck but nothing to serious. There were a couple of bridges to cross. At the start were easy but as the day went on and the stone ramps moved made for a tricky crossing at times.

The course now joined a lane that took us back to the other side of the HQ field. We travelled along the side of the field and into the forest. This section was both my favourite and my worst part. The trail started on freshly laid gravel. As it had not bedded into the ground it was hard to pedal through in places. The course started to climb with switch back corners leading up into the forest.

The climb felt fine on the first lap. As the pack was fairly close together the chat and the craic seemed to get us up without noticing the climb. There was a few sections that people walked and as the pack slowed it was hard to keep the momentum around these corners. More climbing and with a few walls to cross the pace had slowed quite a bit. The course had the usual technical sections like roots and step ups and rocks. Which were fine after the first lap. First drop was about the size of 4 big steps. Hitting it with speed was the way to do it and the rocks mad it feel like going down steeps. A tricky exit as it was on a corner but again after the first lap it was fine.

Some more climbing and a section that was very mucky with rocks all around it. First lap it seemed there was no way crossing it on a big and most people jumped of and ran over it. After this a final climb before a big drop onto a wooden north shore section that passed over a wall. I had no trouble on this section and got faster as the day went on.

The course now started to descend around trees with rooty corners and a few rock drops. The course was very fast in this section and I think Technical descents and the downhill sections is where I made the best time. Half way through the first lap and my gears stopped working. The mud, grass and branches just stuck to the bike. I pushed on and as the gear was a comfortable one I could climb and descend without to much bother. We now turned back along the edge of the forest heading in the direction of Race HQ. This part was rolling with stiff climbs and long flat sections. The next part had a mixture of rocky crossings to climbs to technical descents. The first was a step off camber with a rock drop half way down then a tight corner onto a bridge with a steep climb on rocks and roots. An Army Helmet marked marshal was our marker point to remind us of this descent.

The next technical section here was a steep drop over roots, over a rock and a final rock drop. The rider in front of me rolled it and didn’t lift the bars. He went over the handle bars and crashed quite hard. I helped him up onto his bike and he said he was ok and for me to continue on. The next bit was a climb and then a very fast section of open trail. I really got the legs going here. No brakes just hard pedalling and sideways around the corners. This was one of the most enjoyable sections. There was another section with small climbs and also a technical wall crossing. This was a steep incline over the wall then a wooden north shore slope off the other side. The final section was just a flat section through the trees and then into the Race HQ field. We crossed the field around the pit area and lap one was over.

I continued on without stopping now I knew the course and with the pack spread out I could ride at my own pace and take the technical sections faster. Lap 2 was a great lap and after a brief stop at the end of the lap for a water bottle and some gel I set of for lap 3 faster again on this one as I knew I was going to take a small break. Then I got a puncture in my rear tyre. Most people that passed asked if I needed anything or I was o.k. which was nice to hear but thankfully I had a spare tube and my pump in my pocket. I got the wheel off got the tube out and checked the tyre. A thorn sticking through which I removed put in a new tube and off I went. I pushed hard and caught 4 riders that had passed me as I changed the tube. This give me a great feeling but I still had to resist the temptation to go too fast and burn up. I had one main stop for something to eat and after two mouthfuls of pasta I couldn’t face any more. I knew I was hungry but couldn’t eat the pasta. So Bananas, energy gel and water was my lunch. Pushing on at a steady pace I got another puncture front wheel this time. This time it took longer to fix as I was getting tired and there was a lot more muck on the tyres. I took my time cleaning out the inside of the tyre. I didn’t want to put a new tube into a mucky tyre.

The day rolled on slowly and I took a lot of punishment both mental and physical. The bike took a beating. No gears and two punctures. It took a lot to keep going but keep going I did. I crossed the finish line having done 9 laps at a distance of 95km I was happy with finishing my first 12 hour solo event. I have learned a lot from this event and can go to the next better prepared both mentally and physically.

Have to say a big thank you to Tony Kelly event Organiser and Cuchulainn Cycle club. Also all the marshals out on the course as I'm sure it was a long day for them. The event was well organised and had everything you could need for 12 hour race. Great course and a great BBQ after.

Here is a video from the 12 hour race. Have a look for me at 1:20 and 3:04 What memories. I cant wait to take part again this year.

Entry is open for this years event. Anyone in Ireland on Saturday 6th August 2011 why not give it ago. More info on the 12 hour Bull raid website Here

W.A.R. Wicklow Multisport Race April 17th 2010

Race Morning
5:45am alarm went off and I went for a continental breakfast. Alpen with milk to start. Toast and wheaten bread with marmalade. Washed down with orange juice. The weather was amazing clear blue skies and a light breeze. The setting for this race was amazing. Glendalough
(Irish: Gleann Dá Loch, meaning "Glen of Two Lakes") is a Glacial valley in the heart of Co Wicklow. Renowned for its early medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th centure by St Kevin, a hermit Priest, and destroyed in 1398 by English troops. The upper lake car park was the starting point just a mile from the Glendalough Hotel where we stayed. I got my gear and we walked the mile up to the upper lake car park. Atmosphere was building and a cheer went up for the 8:15 wave. I checked the bike and got ready on the start line for my 8:30 start wave.

Spink Mountain Run
Distance: 8.6km
Meters Climbed: 575m

We lined up and got a race briefing then got the call to start. Spink mountain run was first a brief start on a winding uphill path getting steeper the further up we climbed. We took a right turn and the steps started. An amazing path made from railway sleepers. Two laid side by side facing up the mountain. The run slowed and then stopped when we got into the steeper steps. With a full day of racing ahead walking fast rather than running the steps stopped burning out to soon. The steps went on for a long time but the craic was good and took our thoughts of the climb. When we emerged from the forest the views were stunning. This felt like the top but we still had a lot of work to do. Another steep climb of steps before the trail started to descend. Two Deer bounding across the mountain and skipped across the trail in front of us. They passed over the heather with speed and precision I could only dream of. If I could run like these deer the run would have been a lot easier. First check point and the railway sleepers made way for a rocky path. This twisted down the valley to the side of the lake. The rough path changed to a gravel track on the descent back to TA1. A quick change of shoes and on to the bike.

Cycle to Lough Dan Distance: 15km
Meters climbed: 165m

We cycled through Glendalough and Laragh. This was the first time on the road bike since august last year. What a difference it was to the mountain bike. Feet and knees close together and the pedalling felt so different. I just thought pedal and stop thinking about the lack of preparation. I got into a rhythm and was going well until a large white dog along the road jumped at me. I really thought he was going for my leg, a snap but thankfully no contact was made. I was thinking just how bad it would have been if the dog had got my leg. Thankfully no bite and I got a great feeling when I seen my partner Marga cheer me on from the next village. Even with this boost I could feel the legs tightening. I tried to get into a rhythm that prevented cramp at this early stage. The more I got on the toes the better I felt. We turned off the main busy road and started a climb on a rough country lane. I was joined on this part of the cycle by two lads Rob and Dave. I had remember chatting with Rob on the first climb and the company was welcomed. We pushed on then took a left for a welcoming descent to Lough Dan. I got into a tuck and resisted temptation to brake. It was the right choice as there wasn't any major corners. A very bumpy road but I enjoyed passing others a little less confident on the descents. I got to TA2 changed the shoes and made the short run to the Lough.

Kayak Lough Dan

Distance: 2km

Lifejacket on and ready to paddle. Only one problem there was no one else to pair up with. I could see others approach but they all where running in pairs and I was left waiting. A long wait watching others set off when eventually a fellow competitor grabbed the kayak and we were both out on the Lough. We got into a rhythm and paddled out around the first buoy. We got into a good rhythm and the paddle went by in a flash. On the run back to TA2 I got a water bottle filled. Was I drinking too much or too little I didn't know. I took a gel and hoped it would help.

Cycle to Lough Tay viewing point. (CAT1 climb)

Distance: 8km
Meters climbed: 284m

I quickly changed the wet socks before I mounted the bike for the big climb back up the road I had such fun on descending. A long pull up the hill took it's toll on my legs. I took terrible cramp in my calves. I tried to ride it off but the fear of coming of the bike while in the spd's made me stop. I stretched and pulled my toes but every time I tried to step into the pedals I would cramp. I heard a voice behind Rob and Dave encouraging me onto the bike again and with a lot of effort I got back into the pedals. With cramping legs I battled on best I could. Eventually I caught up with the fellas and the chatting took my mind off the sore legs. Switching between water and powder lucozade sport bottles. I had made it before the start but the more of it I drank the worse my stomach felt. I stuck to the water from here on. The chatting stopped as we hit the CAT1 climb. As I started to climb my legs felt better the more I got on my toes. Perfect for climbing and a big relief for me. As I looked up I could see many competitors get off and walk. Cheesy as it sounds I thought of Lance Armstrong’s books. I got my head down and started passing the guys who opted to walk, to my shock I was also passing others pedalling. I topped the climb and kept pushing to TA3.

Djouce Mountain Run

Distance: 9.5km
Meters climbed: 450m

I changed into my trail shoes and started the run into ballinastoe wood. Cramp cramp cramp! I started to walk but a competitor passing spurred me on get up on the toes and run it off. It worked and slowly I got into a jog. A familiar voice behind was Barry the savage Sullivan a mate from work. Barry had started 15 mins behind me so was going really well to have made up this time. He passed me as I struggled to run. When I met Rob from earlier we ran together for a bit. I was looking around me more in this wood as it has single track mountain bike trails. I will be back some day I thought in less demanding circumstances. Out of the forest and onto djouce mountain climb. A trail took us up the mountain but with a steep incline I was back to walking pace. When we reached the top it was back to a swift jog. The railway sleepers showed the way and another amazing trail across the mountain. The trail was busy with walkers. I thanked anyone that stepped of the sleepers to make way for us. When I jumped off to pass others the ground was wet and I lost a shoe twice. Annoying thing was I wasn't getting the courtesy I was giving back. I choose to forget about people like this. I didn't have right of way and nor did they but it's not hard to say thanks. As we reached TA3 again I got a drink and changed shoes for the last time.

Cycle over Sally Gap to the Finish

Distance: 29km

Meters climbed: 114m

Meters descended: 438m

Onto the bike and pedalling hard downhill this was a very fast section. The road was a busy with tourists and other fellow cyclists. A sharp corner right and a sharp corner left I had chosen to take it not braking. First corner was fine knee out Rossi style. On the second corner right on the apex I saw a pothole. I swerved to avoid it but it took me very wide. Thankfully I was in control and missed the on coming car that was on my side of the road. The last big climb up to sallygap and the check point. It was nice to see a few cyclists that had passed us stop on the gap to cheer us over. Someone told me it was all down hill from sally gap. This wasnt exactly true and pedalling hard I soon found that out. When I hit a small climb my legs started cramping. A guy who was passing shouted a few words of encouragement and I got on the toes to get rid of the cramp. Later up the road he was stopped. I shouted if he was ok and he said it was his chain and to keep going. As I looked back I saw him get back on the bike and pedalling hard to catch up. Turned out it was Ronan a friend of Barry’s. The road was mostly downhill with one really fast section. I was off the brakes all the way down. A few heart in mouth moments on loose gravel but I could feel the end was near. Seeing Laragh village was a welcome sight. The Garda and marshals give us a clear road at each junction waving us through. A familiar face on the road to home was Ken from the kayak. We both pedalled hard back through Glendalough talking about food the whole way. Into TA1 again racked the bike and ran to the line. Cheers and claps from people on the finish line was a nice way to finish.

Mad dogs, Cramps nor a CAT1 climb could stop me. What a day! 73 km in 05hours 18mins. Tired, sore but happy and delighted to finish strong.

Big Thanks to:

Paul and Brian for organising the event. The Marshalls and the Garda for keeping the biking safe and enjoyable. Also all the other competitors for the craic and banter that kept me going.

Thanks to Marga for coming down getting up early and cheering me on.