Ladies who are new to cycling here is FAQ on the Ladies Sportive October 18th
Western Lakes CC Ladies End of Season Cycling Sportive: Event Details
Date: Saturday 18th October 2014
Distances: 50k Cloch Breac, 80k Ail Dubh
Location: Start & finish Ballinrobe, Co Mayo
Registration: Saturday 18th of October, 9 – 9.50am, the cycling centre, Kilmaine Road, Ballinrobe (under the water towers).
Start Time: Both routes start at 10am from the cycling centre, complete one lap of the town and travel out the Neale road.
Finish Time: Return to the Cycling Centre, between 1 and 2pm
Garda: Claremorris Gardai have been informed of event
First Aid: Ballinrobe Order of Malta
Marshals / Volunteers: The guys from Western Lakes CC
Website www.westernlakescc.com
Price: €20 includes lunch
The Ladies of Western Lakes would like to mark the end of their summer of cycling by inviting you to join them on their End of Season Cycling Sportive. A Sportive is a leisure event. This event has 2 distances 50k and 80k, it is set over a rolling course taking in the most picturesque parts of south Mayo and North Galway. This event takes part on open roads, so rules of the road apply. Ensure to bring a spare tube and pump in case of a puncture, however there will be supporting back up. Remember to have at least one water bottle to your bike.
Route summary
Both spins leaving Ballinrobe at 10.00am and partly share the same route, on the way out and again upon return.
The ‘Long Spin’ is approximately 80km and skims the southern shore of Lough Mask on it's way into Joyce Country and the Partry mountains, the spectacular Lough na fooey lies at the base of the Ail Dubh our first of two climbs. Ail Dubh featured in this year's RAS, although from the opposite direction! Take your time at the summit to appreciate the view and catch your breath before descending into the Maam Valley that lies in the shadow of the Maumturks. Our second climb appears, Maumeen, short and sharp, before one reaches the village of Cor na Mona, that touches the shore of County Galway's largest lake Lough Corrib. The long route then meets up with the short route to journey back to Ballinrobe.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/543868604
The ‘Short spin’ is in the region of 50km, and shares part of the long route but veers south climbing Ben Levy or locally known as 'Mount Gable' or 'Cloach Breac', the route then descends into the village of Cor na Mona to link back up once again with the Long Route to experience the panoramic views of Lough Corrib.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/543865706
How long will it take to complete the 80k/50k routes ?
The short 50k should reach the food stop (cake) in the village of Cornamona between 11.30 and 12pm. The longer route of 80k should reach the cakes before they’re all gone between 12 and 12.30pm. The aim is to have everyone back in Ballinrobe by 2pm. We are encouraging participants not to delay at the food stop as one can cool down and become cold quite quickly
What type of bike do you need ?
Whatever the choice of bike, ensure it is in good working order and properly serviced. There are climbs on both routes so brakes in good working order are essential. Bring a pump, spare inner tube and some tyre levers in your saddlebag.
Wearing of a helmet is compulsory while cycling and you will not be allowed participate without one.
Bike Choices: A road bike (typical racing bike) fastest
Hybrid with straight handlebars would be next
A mountain bike with slick tyres would be slower
A mountain bike with knobbly tyres would be the slowest and probably the toughest
Can I practice on the course beforehand?
On the preceding Sundays leading up to the 18th Western Lakes CC will be incorporating the routes into their Sunday spins.
Will the Route be marked/marshaled?
The route will be marked with signs/arrows indicating directions on the road. There will be marshals on all the major junctions and some of the guys in the club will be acting as mobile cycling marshals. Please note marshals are not in the position to stop traffic, most drivers do slow down and stop, however be vigilant at all junctions. The route maps will be up on website shortly. Written directions will be available on the morning at the cycling centre.
Will the event go ahead if there is bad weather?
If the situation arises that we are unlucky enough to get weather that may be dangerous to participants, the organisers may have to make a decision to shorten or take out certain sections of the course, and this will only be decided on the morning of the event.
Strictly No IPods or Headphones; If you wear either you will be asked to take them off, safety is a priority and failing to hear instruction or the sound of on coming traffic can cause accidents to you and fellow participants.
What time is Registration
The registration starts on the morning of 18th at 9am and will close at approximately 9.50am, this is to allow time for safety briefing.
Will the event be timed?
No this event is not timed the only timing is to be in time for some cake!
REMEMBER THIS IS NOT A RACE AND NO PRIZES FOR FIRST ACROSS THE LINE.
What happens after the finish
The finish is back at the Cycling Centre. Showers will be available at Lake Side Sports Centre, which is across the road from the cycling centre. Directions will be available. BBQ after in Inch’s Bar (Fitzpatrick’s on the Main St.) from 1 – 3pm.
Finally enjoy the Event