Cyclo Sportives
August 21st, 2006 by Eric BlayneyHaven’t been taking many photos recently. I’ve been doing all of the cyclo sportive rides, inflicting some pain on myself - round the Lough, Dromara Hilly and Inishowen 100 over the last 3 weeks. Its a toss-up whether the Dromara (75 mile course) or the Inishowen was the hardest event. Dromara has no let-up in climbing or descending with Slieve Croob, Windy Gap and Spelga being the hardest climbs. Great organisation by the Dromara club, thanks to Trevor and others. Inishowen was 30 miles longer with some flats between climbs, but Mamore Gap was the steepest hill I’ve even gone up. Many ended up walking but thanks to my triple I just managed to pedal up. More climbing around Malin Head - not too bad, and then the killer at 70 miles, not quite as steep as Mamore but very long and stepped. Everybody seemed to come over this alone. Foyle Cc should have some photos up on their site soon on www.foylecycling.net . Over 200 did the Inishowen and over 100 the Dromara. These events are a tremendous challenge and great training for both road and MTB racing. The last killer one I think is the Tor Head challenge later in September. Have a go.
Eric
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August 21st, 2006 at 5:47 pm
I’ll be there next year for sure!!
October 6th, 2006 at 11:35 pm
Next year it will be slightly shorter, maybe around 100 mile. There were too many put off by the route this year, saying htey would never do it again as it was just too difficult.
The hills around Dromara and the Mournes are different than those in the likes of the Wicklow, short, sharp and frequent. Pacing the run is very important, no matter how good you feel. In the Wicklow or glens you will be faced with long grinds but on the Sportive and Hilly it is easy to grind to a halt. Hopefully by that thime the smell of the BBQ and beer will drive you on!