Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Just decided to set myself a challenge and enter a cyclingevent. I entered this event because it is a few months away (plenty of time) and because there are great options for your fitness level.

I have entered the shortest route of 36 miles and hope that this proves inspiration to stay active.

QuoteRoute 1 (57km / 36 miles)
The Causeway Coaster, 57km route, is a perfect entry level route for those who are new to the sportive scene or who are keen to soak up the Causeway Coast's spectacular scenery. Although still a considerable challenge with pre training definitely required, this circular route is mostly on flat terrain apart from a steady climb out of Ballintoy. With a feed station located just after half way in, your energy will be kept up to enjoy the stunning scenery back to Ballycastle.

I hope to try to raise money along the way for this for Marie Curie Cancer Care, so any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Would anyone like to form a NI Wild team? Or has anyone else already registered?

Hoping someone will join me.
Oisín

Sponsor me by clicking below :)


**Edit** Updated JustGiving Page

Think MikeD is considering the middle distance. I'll be working or I'd definitely be there  ;D
Know a few guys did it last year, said it was amazing but brutal.

Good luck!

Yeah, i've signed up for the middle distance, think the furthest Ive ever cycled has been about 25 miles, so I've a fair bit of training to do!

If you want to meet up for some training rides Oisin, give me shout, it'll help me stay on track !

I've just emailed and asked if I could move up a group to the middle distance (128km) so if they say yes, which they should, we can team up.

Where are your stomping grounds? I'm around Randalstown/Antrim or possibly Larne.

Don't under-estimate the middle distance, it's not only over twice the miles, but harder miles too (ok, you can bypass the terrifying Torr Head section) but still more climbing. Road bike highly recommended, cycle shorts etc. Probably looking at 6hrs+ in the saddle.

Train, train, train, hills, hills, hills!  ;D

That makes me feel a bit sick lol.
Its a day out, there's rest stations and everything!!

And I live in Belfast, but have a car so we can meet somewhere convenient :-)

I done the 128km last year on my MTB  :o
Torr Head climb was the best part of it for me, passing the roadies walking while me an my mate steamed up the Climbs  8) 

Here is my report and a few pics from last year for those interested!
http://acunamatadaar.blogspot.co.uk/2011_09_01_archive.html 

I suspect that'll be me spewing at the top of the hill this year!
Enjoyed your blog post.

Yeah, nice report. MTB not the best for the headwinds on the flat, but sure sounds handy on the steep stuff!
Great time  8)

I wouldnt advise doing it on a MTB if you aren't a cyclist. I do a lot of cycling and was putting in big mountain miles before hand.

I wouldn't say the Mountain bike was handy on the climbs just I was well prepared for them. The gearing if used would make climbing easier yes but when your an ignorant sort of biker like me makin it harder for myself in bigger gears is the norm LOL

It's a great route and I would say even if you struggle do the torr head. There is any amount of flatter sportives out their if you want easy do one of them.

Eat and drink regularly even if you don't feel like it. It will help near the end. Keep the likes of gels and sugary stuff to closer to the end and stick to slow energy releasing foods early on. 

I have a road bike so by the sounds of it I'll just have to put the head down and get in some long hard training.

I cycled 30 miles last night, fair enough it was relatively flat, but there was some hills I promise.  ;D

What slow releasing energy foods did you have?

Sandwiches and the like. Normal food as supposed to high sugary energy gels. Have a variety as you may not feel like something you've prepared. I have seen me eating cold ravioli out of a tin on some endurance races.  You may not want to carry about tins of raviolli as they are heavy though. pancakes with nutella is another one I take and light.

So MikeD. 10 days away.. are you prepared?

I know I've slacked a bit well a lot, but I'm not telling myself that because I've been busy with other things. The mental strength will have to compensate.

I need to get a back brake fixed and that should be me functional.

LOL - I think Mike forgot about this... he's away doing the Pyrennes Haute Route and not expected back until 15/16th  ;D

Solo it is then! Haha

Solo? There'll be hundreds, I think you'll find plenty with a pace to match.