Moxie Adventure Challenge, Sense the Adventure, Fitheads - Are supporting Kops4kidz, Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Tania McCabe Foundation May 26th 2012
Moxie Adventure Challenge - Enter now and €7.50 per entrant goes to the charity of your choice!
Enter now and €7.50 per entrant goes to the charity of your choice!
Join visiting International
Adventure Racers from UK, France, and South Africa…the Irish National
Adventure Team as they prepare for the World series… and 1,500 other Irish
adventurers for the challenge of the season.
9.20 am and we’re all ready to set off – the weather looks ominous as the clouds look like they could open up at any minute! There’s a group of about a dozen of us setting off. All determined to complete the 30km of trail ahead of us. Some more than others, as one of the group had a bit of a late one last night & turned up for the trek having had just 3 hours sleep! This could be interesting!
We set off through Marlay Park and everyone is in great spirits, I can hear cries of “are we there yet?” from the messers at the front! Back packs full with fluid, food and extra clothing in case the weather changes. It’s about 2km before we reach the back entrance of Marlay Park, out the gate and we turn right down towards the M50 flyover. Once we get through the flyover we start our 1st climb of the day and it’s going to be a long one. About 5 minutes into the climb and the chat between the group has somewhat receeded. A clear sign that people are working the legs. We’re still on the road at this point and the road just keeps getting steeper and steeper…… We finally reach the 1st ridge and it begins to level off. I can see the relief on people’s faces!
Sense The Adventure -Fit Head Challenge 2012
We take a short stop and take on some fluids – some people start swapping clothing for jackets they were carrying in their bags – it’s very hot clambering up the hills! First hurdle over – we’ve about 1km before we start the next climb. The view from this point is stunning. The city is so close yet so far at the same time. Most of the group get the cameras out & discuss what they would normally be doing on a Saturday morning – taking in the view of the four walls of their bedroom!
Sense The Adventure - Fithead-Forest Trek
Sense The Adventure - Fit Head-City View
We hit the 2nd climb and manage about 400metres before we actually take another short break, again fluids, but this time we all grab a quick snack. Important to keep the calorie intake going on such a long trek – it’s going to be over 5 hours before we finish. We push on and the climb just keeps going, one step in front of the next, with groans from a few! We finally reach a point where it levels off and the view of the city is superb – we start spotting the landmarks of the city – the Aviva Stadium, the Convention Centre glistening in the sun & the mass of green space over to the far left that we identify as Phoenix Park. One of the gang commented that the sea & view of Howth could have just as easily been somewhere in the Carribean! Maybe the exercise made her halucinate! But it was breathtaking. The Sun has come out and it’s perfect weather conditions for trekking.
The top of 3 Rock – we sit down and relax for a few minutes and take it all in. The view out to Howth is spectacular and the sea is reflecting the sun.
We soon begin our 3rd climb of the day and move up to the very top of 3 rock mountain. We reach the highest point of our trek and turn right and move completely off road – beautiful rolling hills and forest-covered mountains either side of us – civilisation suddenly feels much more out of reach, which is actually a nice feeling. The surface is tricky underfoot and you need to watch every step. The group is in good shape and we’re moving briskly.
Sense The Adventure - Fithead-Fairycastle
We can now see into Wicklow from the back of 3 Rock. It’s just a stunning view. Plenty of smiles all round as we grab a few snaps. Next stop is the Fairycastle.
We’re now nearing the Halfway point and everyone looks in good shape. We reach the Fairycastle. We look over our shoulders and we can see the TV masts on the 3 Rock where we’ve just come from. It’s quite a trail.
It’s mainly downhill now and we’re moving at speed. No-one is showing any signs of fatigue at this point. We reach the back entrance of Cruagh Wood and decide to stop for lunch. We’re caught in a sun trap and I can feel my face burning from the Sun. The sandwiches are out along with some well deserved chocolate. We’re a little over half way now. A small climb ahead, viewpoint and then down to the Hell Fire club.
We come out of Cruagh Wood and move towards viewpoint. It’s road for a few Kilometres now. We get to viewpoint and there’s some much needed refreshment sought from the local Ice Cream Van! It’s the one time I saw one or two members almost jog! We gather for a quick photo, most of the ice creams are gone by the time the camera has been taken out. The smiles tell a story – people are enjoying themselves.
Down towards the Hell Fire club we go. It’s about 1km down and we move into the left and begin the last and final climd of the Challenge. This is where it begins to hurt. It’s a nasty climb. People begin to feel it. Eimear and Krista pick up big branches in the hope that they can use them as walking sticks to help them up the ascent, but it turns out it just added to the weight they were carrying up the hill, so they were quickly disgarded! Eimear looked in pain, but to be fair, she was out until 4am! A true legend….. We all reach the top and sit down and enjoy the view. The group checks out the Hell Fire club from the inside and out.
We take in the view from all angles of the Hell Fire club, seeing where we’ve come from and where we need to go. It’s all downhill now to Marlay Park. Not one person looks like they’ve just been walking for 5 hours.
The road down is windy but we’re moving a pace. It’s not long before we’re passing Mt Venus cemetary and soon after we’re walking in the back of Marlay Park!
We can all smell the finish at this stage. We finish up at the main house and just in front of another ice cream van! We’ve done it – the Fit Head Challenge 2012 is complete.
Sense The Adventure - Fithead-The Finish
Smiles all round, Mr Fit hands out the finisher medals along with the t-shirts. One final photo of the group is needed before the day is complete.
Well done to everyone who took on and finished the Fit Head Challenge 2012 (30km Trek).
kops4kidz-Feb 10th 2012 in the Wright Venue Swords_Photo Tony St Ledger
Fantastic night – Boom!!!!
KOPS 4 KIDZ- The Wright Venue before the Bell -Photo Tony St Ledger
So, I arrive at the Wright Venue and the nerves are building (4pm), 3 hours to showtime, I work away sticking up posters and helping out setting up. The lads from White Collar are as chilled as a cucumber!
KOPS 4 KIDZ This is round One - Card Girl- Photo Tony St Ledger
6pm, the rest of the lads arrive – the atmosphere is building. This is going to be special. Fight briefing over we head over the road to the waiting area. I look around and every boxer is in the zone – in particular, Conor Gleeson! I’m on 7th so I just relax and head back over to the event to see some of the bouts. I soon realise that might not be the best prep as I see the bouts and the nerves set in! 4th bout down and I head back across to get changed. I’m in the zone now. I do some pad work and loosen up. I feel good, Like all the boxers I’ve trained hard for 6 weeks for this fight.
I move over to the Wright Venue – I’m nervous! I move into the back room and the lads are top notch, hats off to them. They really motivate me. Boom,Boom….. Move….
In the Red Corner…. I’m out next! The crowd is just unbelievable. I walk in and the nerves are gone. It’s showtime, a few words from the ref and I focus on the opponent. Dave O’Brien gives me some valuable words and I’m off!! Boom…..
Round 1: I hear the crowd but that’s in the background now – it’s fight time. Alan comes out like a train… my tactics are to move etc. They’re out the window. I just go for it…. Boom,boom, pow! We’re really at it…. I feel good and just keep pounding away. Ding,ding… round one over!
I’m in the corner and my corner reckon I’ve just about won that round – Dave in my corner full of great advice…. what’s said in the corner stays in the corner!
Gareth Presch
Round 2: Alan comes out like a man possessed – boom, he hits me a solid jab and I can tell you I can feel it! He keeps coming and again the tactics are out the window, he pounds me and I then get back at him in the corner…. Ding, Ding…. over to the corner we go.
Alan’s won that round for sure.
Round 3: Dave says it as it is – I have to win this round.
We meet like to planets colliding!!! I just go for it, I just keep focused, I think of my support, my wife Krista who’s put up with me working until the wee hours over the past 3 months and all the lads supporting, Dave and Darran giving me advice etc. I give it everything. I’m wishing every second away as Alan just keeps coming! Ding,ding…. what a relief…. I’m not sure but I can see from the crowd reaction we’ve put on a show and that’s the main thing.
Split decision and I’ve just about won it! All the hard training and effort has paid off. Alan and I gave it everything, like every man who fought last night – we done it for the Kids and CRUMLIN and that’s all you can ask.
The effort and commitment shown by every boxer and everyone who has contributed to the event must be commended.
Gareth Presch and Shane Byrne - Fighters at Kops4Kidz 2012
Tony St Ledger, Gareth Presch and David Conlon Seconds out at Kops4Kidz 2012
From the committee I would like to express my sincere thank you to all. €85,000 – BOOM!!!!
Gareth Presch KOPS 4 KIDZ
Gareth Presch KOPS 4 KIDZ.
Next event, Moxie Challenge – www.moxieadventurechallenge.com Enter code k4k1 when entering before the 1st March and 10% goes to St Johns Ward. See Fitheads.ie for training sessions on the event.
Yes that is €7.50 euro going to KOPS4KIDZ for every entry! Go Moxie!
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On the 10th February 2012 at the Wright Venue - 28 members of An Garda Síochána and 2 Civilians fought to raise over €85,000 for St Johns Ward, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital,Crumlin.
Adventure Racing in Ireland has a new name, Moxie Adventure Challenge –
The Day in the Garden on Saturday 26th May 2012.
Blessington Landscape - Sense the Adventure - Moxie Adventure Challenge
Join visiting International
Adventure Racers from UK, France, and South Africa…the Irish National
Adventure Team as they prepare for the World series… and 1,500 other Irish
adventurers for the challenge of the season.
Bruce Duncan Team adidas TERREX
The Moxie Adventure course design is a joint collaboration between Total Experience the Irish events management business run by adventure racers and specialist Moxie course consultant Bruce Duncan Team adidas TERREX the
The course – 1.5K Kayak, 30K Cycle and 8K Hill Run. The challenge is
capped at 1,500 competitors for all to fully enjoy the adventure.
No long drives, and no costly overnights, the Moxie Adventure challenge is ONE day in the garden.
Blessington Lake Drive and Ballyknockan - Moxie Adventure Challenge
Moxie Adventure Challenge – The Day in the Garden, is a one day adventure
event, designed with all the family in mind and like any event it is a
celebration, in this instance, of life in the outdoors. The event is recognised by
Failte Ireland.
On Saturday 26th, for one day in May we will pitch our adventure carnival by the
Blessington lakes in Wicklow, in the stunning garden of Ireland, and we invite
adventurers, friends and family to join us for a fun day in the garden.
Moxie Adventure Challenge Starts and Finishes at the spectacular Tulfarris House
The adventure challenge, partnered among others by Columbia and Power
Bar, starts and ends in Tulfarris House on the shores of the Blessington Lakes
and includes: 1.5K Kayak, 30K Cycle and 8K Hill run. The day in the garden,
including fun for adults and children, takes place alongside the adventure
challenge and as competitors cross the finish line they are rejoined by friends
and family for food and beverages.
For more Moxie – The Day in the Garden updates check out our media partners:
Sky Media, TV3, 3e, Associated Newspapers
10pm and we’re en route to Dublin Castle, the weather forecast for the night ahead couldn’t be better – clear skies and about 4 or 5 degrees. We arrive, and immediately the sense of anticipation is all around us. The tunes are pumping around Dublin Castle from the mobile DJ Trunk. I look around and everyone is grinning excitedly…for some reason! I think back 12 months and don’t remember last year’s event being so positive at this stage. I make my way inside and register, which is done in less than 10mins. The first hurdle over and I step outside into the courtyard of Dublin Castle - the crowd has suddenly increased dramatically. I decided a cup of coffee will warm me up and also do me the favour of keeping me awake – it’s a long night ahead.
The Art ONeill Challenge - Dublin Castle Courtyard
11.45pm I drop my heavy bag off at the drop off point in the Castle’s courtyard and head over to the front of the castle to hear the briefing – the usual safety tips and warning us all to be good to our environment (secretly hoping the environment will be good to us!). With the briefing over and spritiual words read to us by the organisers ringing in our ears, we all set off out the gates and head left towards Christchurch. Once at Christchurch we turn left and begin the long trek up towards Templeougue.
Dublin City disappears in the background
It never seems this long when I’m driving! As we walk through the streets of Dublin I can see quite a few bemused pub customers looking at us as we pass through…it’s late on a Friday night, so we’re in very different mindsets.
The Art ONeill Challenge - Sense the Adventure - Warriors!
There’s 9 in our group and we’ve decided to guide ourselves this year. Our pace on the road isn’t bad. We get to the back roads of Tallaght in under 2 hours. We’re moving well and our group has broken up into 3 groups. There’s a long steep climb up from Bohernabreena to the first check point at Kilbride. The skies are clear and the temperature is just about right. As we get up past the Dublin County Golf Club we look back and we see lights of Dublin City disappear in the background. It’s not long before we’ve reached Kilbride and Checkpoint 1.
We get to Checkpoint 1 in just under 3hrs 30mins. I look around and I can see 4 of the lads that started in our group of 9. That means there’s 2 to come in to join our current group of 3. I grab my main trekking pack from where it’s been left waiting for me. It’s time to change to the walking boots as I know it’s now that the Art Challenge really starts. Once I get changed and drop my small bag back into the drop off point in Kilbride I grab a cup of soup and the sandwich my wife kindly whipped up for me before I left, along with one or two brownies that she’d wrapped in tin foil for me to keep me going. The 2 lads have appeared so we’re back to 9.
After about 40 mins waiting at checkpoint 1, we set back off on our trek. We begin the slog up towards Black Hill. We’re beginning to move with purpose and we must pass at least 20 people on the way up to Black Hill. It’s a long and winding climb up but with the weather being so good my spirits are high – I have visions of last year – unbelievable snow & ice cold. I can remember the hardship that we experienced last year so I keep myself from getting carried away. Last year we got lost soon after passing Black Hill! So as we begin to move off the road on the final push up Black Hill we have a brief stop to re-group. With 9 of us together again we begin to move up the hill. It’s not long before the terrain turns from trail to just pure bog. We get to the top of Black Hill and begin to move along the ridge. It’s close on 6am – normally I’m tucked up in my warm bed at this time!
We begin to seperate at this stage and in my group there’s 4 of us. We’re moving at a decent pace and we’ve passed Group 2 of the guided groups at this stage. We can see Group One in the distance and begin to follow them. Soon we recognise the Valley we went through last year before Checkpoint 2 – the only difference this year is that it’s 7.30am and last year it was 9.30am! We follow the markers of the route and we soon reach the forest …out of the bog and onto a trail.
Dublin Sunrise-Sense the Adventure
8.20am and it’s just after sunrise - we reach Checkpoint 2. I’m chuffed. I remember last year we didn’t get to Checkpoint 2 until 11am. We’re moving well. Soon after, 3 of our group get into Checkpoint 2. We decide we’ll hold on and move as a group. A bowl of porridge down us, and a cup of coffee to warm us up, and we push on. We’ve waited around 35 minutes at Checkpoint 2 but no sign of the other lads.
The views are spectacular as we move up towards Art’s cross – it’s daylight now, so the head torches are off and we feel a bit better under foot now that it’s no longer a guessing game. Our group has now gone from 7 to 5. Last year we went left up the trail towards the cross but this year we decide to go right – we thought it would be easier, big mistake, it’s not! The climb up is long and steady and soon we’re in 1′s and 2′s. The conditions underfoot are extremely wet. The slog is really taking it out of the legs.
We reach what I think is the peak only to realise we’ve another 600 metres or so to go! My heart sinks, but I push on. Soon we’re at Art’s cross.
Art O'Neill 1592 -Sense the Adventure
I’m feeling good. It’s around 10am on Saturday morning – I’d usually be getting up. We wait around and get a few photos and move on as we begin to feel the cold snap. We set off towards Glenmalure… and the final push. It’s a long stretch, with visability at about 30 meters, that brings us up and down through bog marshes before we hit the valley that leads us into Glenmalure and the finish. As we get off the marsh and move down the valley we’re all moving with a spring in our step because we realise we’re nearly there. Off the marsh and then it’s all downhill. There’s 5 of us together as we move down the winding path and into the finish. I remember the route from last year and I remember the pain I was in. It’s a completely different journey this time as I feel good. We cross the line at 11.45am and we’ve completed the course in around 10hrs 30mins. We’re all well chuffed with that.
The rest of our group come in 2 hours later and we all meet at the local pub for a beer before getting the bus back to Dublin – the feet are pounding a bit, feeling tired from being awake through the night, but nothing compared to last year. I feel relief more than anything at this stage. On the bus I can see it’s taken a lot out of people as there’s little or no chat, but you can also get the sense of acheivement for everyone on board. The Art O’Neill challenge is a serious event and is well managed and well run. Just felt a slight bit of disappointment that we didnt get a medal for our efforts, it’s always nice to have a momento after such a hard slog! But at least we have the (painful) memories!!
Art O'Neill Challenge -Sense the Adventure - Cheers!
Well done to all who finished the Art.
January 2012.
Aidan McCabe, husband of Tania with his two sons Adam and Ben.
AGSI has contributed to the sponsorship of Tania McCabe Foundation, a charity organised to raise funds for hospital equipment in the memory of the young female sergeant who died tragically after childbirth. Over 100 members and friends of An Garda Siochana also took part in Gaelforce West, a marathon gruelling event, also to raise funds for the foundation duing a recent weekend in Westport, Co. Mayo Taking part in the event was Aidan McCabe, husband of Tania and he is pictured here with his two sons Adam and Ben.
Garda Vincent Dowley and Sgt Aidan McCabe with the AGSI cheque for the Tania McCabe Foundation
The Tania McCabe Foundation aims to raise €50,000 for vital equipment for special care units at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda and Unit B at Holles Street Hospital, Dublin.
Insp Gus Keane, Balbriggan, won the award as the most senior participant in Gaelforce West.
An estimated 3,000 people took part in the Gaelforce event, one of the world’s largest adventure and gruelling races and many thousands also were spectators along the route. About 150 gardai from all parts of the country took part and the popular winner of the ‘most senior’ award was Inspector Gus Keane, Gus Keane, Balbriggan.
Aidan McCabe (right) with his father- Philip-Gaelforce West
MC for the presentations was Philip McCabe, father of Aidan and father-in-law to the late Tania.
Beautiful Mayo scenery – Tania McCabe Foundation – Sense the Adventure
The course covered 67.5K (41 miles) and involved Running, Cycling and Kayaking. It involved a beach and road run for 13k, kayaking across Killary Harbour for 1k, road run through a bog for 3.5k, cycling for 35k, mountain run/hike to top of Croagh Patrick for 4.5k, and cycle and Run to finish line for12k.
The loneliness of the long distance runner at Gaelforce West.
Gareth Presh and Alan McGovern at Gaelforce West-Tania McCabe Foundation - Sense the Adventure
The route was spectacularly beautiful, ranging as it did through Co. Mayo’s magnificent beaches, bays, mountains and bogs.
Sgt Pat Lavelle with Garda John Gallagher at the event
So, we’re 2 and ½ weeks out from Gaelforce West 2011…..
The wait is finally over. Three to four more hard training sessions and it will be time to rest up and get the gear and bike in order for the adventure race of the year.
So, let’s look at what training you should do between now and race day.
Sense the Adventure - Gaelforce Start
I’ll break it down nice and simple – 2 long runs (Preferably with some hills) around the 90-120 minute mark and 2 long cycles (35km on the bike you will use). No harm also doing some short speed work of, say, two 30 minute tempo runs.
That’s my plan!!! I’ll try get a long run in this weekend and next, along with the long cycle midweek, and finishing off on Wednesday week with a long cycle. The key after the hard work is done is rest and recovery. Eat right and stay hydrated. A sports massage will help the legs recover and the experts are PhysioFusion (www.physiofusion.ie). Audrey and the girls are great at getting the legs fully recovered so you’re in top condition for the event.
Sense the Adventure - What bike to use at Gaelforce West?
So what bike to use?
I’m going to go with my road bike this year. Last year I used my mountain bike (MTB)/Hybrid. There are parts of the course that are off road and a mountain bike does come in handy. However there is only one part on the course that I feel you will definitely need a mountain bike, and that is after Croagh Patrick. It is only a short section where you will have to walk if you don’t have a mountain bike. Now, ideally the bike to have is a cyclocross bike. A few things to bear in mind when choosing a bike – firstly if you are going to use a racer, can you change a puncture, as there is a high chance you will get a puncture? Any doubts here and I would opt for the MTB. Secondly are you looking for agood time? If you’re not, then I would choose the MTB. You’re less likely to have problems on a MTB. Whichever option you decide on it’s important to get the bike serviced. I’ll be popping my racer into Cycleways for a quick service before the race.
Gaelforce - nutrition is an important part of the event
Nutrition for the day
I’ll be using a mixture of gels and drinks for the day. The important thing to note here is that Gaelforce is a long distance event and nutrition is an important part of the event. On average you will be burning above 500 calories per hour, your body can only absorb 500 calories per hour so you need to get the calories in. So how do we achieve this? Put in simple terms, it means an energy gel every 30 minutes or so. The average gel will carry around 250 calories. You add energy drink to the mix and you will have your 500 calories per hour needed to keep going to the finish. Remember to carb load the evening before (Pasta, pasta, pasta!!!!).
Sense the Adventure - Don’t wear any new gear on race day
Gear
Check the weather before you set off and always pack for the worst. I’ll be wearing my tri running shorts as they are quick drying and have padding for the bike. On top I’ll be wearing my under armour with a cycling top over it. I’ll have packed a rain jacket as is mandatory (Make sure you have your mandatory gear before leaving for the West) that I’ll have in my running back pack. Trail runners are a must in my opinion, you’re running off road for 80% of the course. Don’t wear any new gear on race day, unless it’s a race belt! Make sure you wear gear that you are comfortable running in. If you need any new gear, now is the time to get it and wear it before race day.
Sense the Adventure - Gaelforce a first time for everything.
First timers
Some key points
Give yourself plenty of time on the Friday to register, drop the bike off and settle into where you are staying. (It is a long drive to registration and then onto Westport, I got caught last year and it knocked me back as I didn’t get a decent sleep etc.)
Don’t get carried away at the start on the run. Break it down, if you feel good coming into Westport on the bike then you go for it! Remember it’s about finishing it. All the effort that you’ve put in will mean nothing if you don’t get around the course. Time is irrelevant unless you have a realistic chance of winning Gaelforce.
Don’t be worrying about the Kayak section. It’s 1km and will be over soon enough!
Enjoy the day. You’ve put a lot of effort into getting to the start line so go out and enjoy the day with your friends and family.
Do a Gaelforce and Raise funds for The Tania McCabe Foundation
Finally -
I’ll be competing with over 100 others in this years Gaelforce West on behalf of the Tania McCabe Foundation. This is the inaugarul event for the foundation and if you would like to sponsor the foundation please click on the attached link - http://www.mycharity.ie/event/gareth_preschs_event2011/ . The foundation has been established to mark the memory of Tania McCabe who passed away in March 2007 following the birth of twin boys. One of those boys, Zach, also passed away. The surviving twin Adam, was cared for in the Special Care Baby Unit at Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda and Unit 8, Holles Street Hospital, Dublin. The care provided by these Hospitals has assisted Adam in growing up healthy and well. All money raised will go to these special care units.
I want to wish you all the very best in this years Gaelforce West and I’ll see you at the finish!!! J
And remember to sense the adventure and enjoy the day,
Entries are flying in for Gaelforce West over the last few weeks, and planning is in full swing. It looks set to be another great year of the event with many of Irelands top racers entered and one of the UK’s top adventure racers, Bruce Duncan, is coming over to do the event this year and shake up the top of the field! Remember we have sold out for this event for the last 3 years, so don’t be disappointed and get your entry in early!
So we’re just over 8 weeks away from Gaelforce West 2011.Lets look back 12 months ago and see what I’ve learned from last years event to ensure that we don’t make the same mistakes.
Training
12 months ago I wasn’t really doing enough to be honest. I decided last year that I would take a few months off during the summer, so preparation for Gaelforce West at 8 weeks out hadn’t even started for me! So the lesson I learned was to start training early. Gaelforce West is a real physical challenge. This year my training for Gaelforce West started with the Connemara Adventure Challenge in March. I followed that up with the Kildare Half Marathon, Dublin Adventure Race, Gaelforce North, WAR and some training runs. I’ve also been cycling in an out of work 3/4 times a week with one trip to RAW gym per week. As a result I’ve lost a few pounds and I’m beginning to feel the benefits of getting my basic stamina levels up. If like me and you’re in the position I was in last year don’t despair. Just sit down and work out a training schedule for the next 8 weeks.
Nutrition
Training and Nutrition go hand in hand. They say it’s around 70% food and 30% training. So what you put into your body really does count. Treat yourself like an expensive sports car. You wouldn’t put Diesel into a Bugatti would you? If your diet isn’t great, try to do the basics right. Eat breakfast and drink at least 6-8 cups of water a day. Stay away from the takeaways (But don’t cut them out completely – I love a takeaway, even go for a healthy option from Kanum Thai www.kanum.ie ). People generally know what’s good food and what isn’t. If your shopping, stay away from the frozen Isle. If you need to wash your food before you cook it, then your on the right track.
Gaelforce Bikes -
Bike Choice
Now last year I completed Gaelforce West on a Mountain Bike. It is a lot slower, there’s no doubt about that. This year I will be on a racer for sure. Reason being is that the majority of the course is on Road. However, if you want to get around the course without a puncture then it may be wise to go with a mountain bike or a hybrid. There is a good 6km before you get to Croagh Patrick that is off road. Also the decent after Croke Patrick is completely off road for around 2/3km, and not really suitable for road bikes. It’s really your own choice. It’s just the risk you run with choosing a road bike. A puncture is a possibility.Gear to wear
I actually got the gear part of last year right in my opinion. Definitely go with trail runners. The run is about 70% off road so a good pair of trail runners are essential. A pair of tri-shorts is what I recommend. They’re comfy and also dry quickly if they get wet and of course they have padding for the bike section. On top, a good under armour with a cycling top is what I’ll be wearing. You can carry food/gels in the pockets of the cycling jersey. Finally you’ll need a camelback. Last year my camelback was way to small and during the run section it actually broke on me which was a disaster. This year I’ve invested in a decent one that fits comfortably on my back when running. Your mandatory kit will fit into your camelback.
My advice for gear/bike and a service is to head into Cycleways on Parnell Street. They know exactly what they’re talking about and always look after me well. www.cycleways.com
Gaelforce West - The Beach Start in 2010
Course
Last year the event started on the beach. Very nice I hear you say! That’s what I thought. But once the horn blows and you set off , your faced with a nasty hill climb. It’s about a 10minute pull before you head down hill at speed. You hit the bottom and bang it’s up hill again. Half way up you head off road and begin your route in around Killary Bay. I remember coming around the corner of Killary Bay with the Sun on my back and the view was just spectacular. I mean breathtaking. Make sure to take it all in. Anyway back to run. This part of the run last year was very wet underfoot. There’s a few tricky sections so watch your footing. After about 50 minutes or so you will come back onto the road section. There’s another pull on the way up before a decline down towards the Kayak section.
Gaelforce - Sense the Adventure Kayaks
The Kayak section is enjoyable. I took some time last year before getting on board ot take in some gels and drink. I’ll be doing the same this year. Once you get off the Kayak there’s about 600 metres of a bog climb before you hit the road. It was wet and sticky last year so I’d expect the same this year. Off the bog and back onto the road for about 4km. Again last year when I got into transition I took my time and took on some water etc. This year I’ll be better prepared as I’ll leave my energy drinks beside the bike and just pop them in my camelback.
Gaelforce - Sense the Adventure - The Cycle
So onto the bike section. It starts off on a nice flat road for a few Km’s before you hit a steep incline that lasts for at 4 km. This was a real test on the MTB, I still remember the climb from last year! Once you get over the climb there’s a nice decent. Just be careful on this as the road is narrow and there’s a very sharp turn at the end of the hill that goes over a bridge. Go wrong there and you’ll be in trouble. The rest of the route to Croagh Patrick isn’t to bad. About 6 km or so from Croagh Patrick you’ll take a left and head up a lane way. It’s a steady incline and soon you’re off road. This is the section that is definitely not racer territory. I remember seeing a lad who had passed me on his racer on the road section with not one, but two punctures. Once you get to Croagh Patrick it’s now when the tiredness begins to set in. Your judgement fails you. I remember last year standing at the bottom and looking up at the summit. I could see everyone was following the trail to the right, I remember saying to myself that’s the long way up. Sure I’ll just go straight up! Big mistake. I’ll definitely be going up the right side and following the trail. I can safely say if you make the mistake I did last year you can add another 25 minutes onto your time. It’s just to steep to climb. Coming down is a different story. Again strangely I came down the route I should have come up. I know this just doesn’t make sense! But I won’t make the same mistake this year. Up on the right and just come straight down. The option of coming straight down is a faster decent but it is also a risky option. If your not comfortable running down a hill at speed I’d go with the marked route. Once you get down your back on your bike for about a km before you again head left up a narrow off road path. This off road section lasts about 3km. There is one section at this point that if your on a racer you will probably have to get off the bike and walk. It’s basically a mountain bike off road section that’s completely downhill, and attempting it on a road bike seriously increasing the chance of you getting a puncture. My advice would be to get off the bike and walk it. It’s about 400 metres. You’ll see what I mean! Last year on the MTB I just flew down it, but this year on the racer I’ll just walk down it. Once you get past this section it’s all road until Westport. I remember last year just thinking about cycling over the line at Westport. Wrong… to my horror when I got to Westport I had to dump the bike and finish with an 800 metre run. Trust me it’s the last thing I wanted to do after 5 hours was a short run. But this year I know what to expect so I’ll have something left in the tank for the last run. Once you get the short run out of the way it’s over the line to a well deserved cup of hot soup. I remember being totally shattered last year and that was down to a few errors I made. Firstly, the night before I didn’t get down in enough time. Leave yourself plenty of time to get down and register etc. We didn’t get to Westport until after 10 pm. We hadn’t eaten, and by the time we got to bed it was near 1am and with and early start of 5am. It wasn’t good prep. Secondly, bike choice, I should have done it on a racer. Finally, Croagh Patrick, I should have stuck to the route on the way up and come straight down.Finally what I intend doing this year is to be in a position to really enjoy the course. If I can get myself fit and ready and get the preparation right then it will be an event to remember. Not saying last year wasn’t. But I certainly didn’t do myself any favours!
Gaelforce West - Sense the Adventure Challenge for the Tania McCabe Foundation
I hope you find the information above of interest. This year I hope to complete the Gaelforce West Challenge for the Tania McCabe Foundation -http://taniamccabefoundation.com/
if you would like to sponsor the foundation or wish to Sense the Adventure on the Gaelforce West challenge just pop me an email at garethpresch@hotmail.com
Cycleways
Cycleways – Ever feel like your bike just doesn’t fit properly? Sore knees, sore back, tired neck? Its probably almost certain that a correct bike fit will increase your level of comfort and enhance the performance from your cycling experience. Im m
