Hi,

    I’ve read all the feedback you’ve posted so far and boy do you and your club deserve each and every one of those heartfelt tributes. For myself I’ve decided on a slightly different form of feedback. Don’t know if it will be of any use but for what it’s worth I’ve attached it above and below.

Will also send on a more standard tribute as it truly was a magnificent day.

My Moment  

I’ve done what for me are four big cycles. Each has had its moment. That one moment that stands apart from all others. For me, on the Burnin’Burren ‘10, this was to occur about thirty miles after the start. I was meandering along. I saw a white placard stuck into the ground. It read – Corkscrew, gradient 6%. 

My brother and the bicycle shop man had said – it’s doable, but this was my first 100 miler and let’s face it, I’d seen guys on the Tour de France dismount. It can be a sensible move. The stupid move would be to allow ego rob me of the finish line. Even so, if there was any climb I was going to attempt, it was this one.

David from Precision Timing had warned me - The two biggest mistakes I see riders making are going too fast when they’re feeling good, and not taking on enough fluids. Remembering his words I dismounted, took out my half chicken kiev sandwich, eat it quickly, drank my lucozade and with a quiet word to the Gods above, got back on my bike and started upwards. 

Having started 40 minutes before everyone else, I had it almost to myself. I had only once before been on the Corkscrew. That was in a car more than thirty years ago. I had no idea how long the climb was. I didn’t know how many turns there were. I couldn’t see the top. My approach was simple; I dropped to my lowest gear and just cycled.

If asked now what it had been like, I wouldn’t be able to say. I have no recollection of the climb. I don’t remember it as being easy or hard, short or long, gentle or steep, smooth or rough. Other than saying hello to a man who was adjusting his chain, I remember nothing about it.

That may seem strange but this was also my first ever category two climb. I’d done it on my own. I’d done it on my bike. I wasn’t dead. Now that was a nice surprise.

But getting to the top was not my moment. That happened a few minutes later. At that point a snail on the road was keeping me company. There was the distinct possibility that it would overtake me.

A man passed me. He too was alone. There were no cyclist’s in front of us and I could hear none coming up from behind. It was just him, me and the silent vastness of the Burren stretched out below us like a quilted medieval tapestry of greys, and greens and silvers.  

Having passed me, he turned. I looked at him. His face was unmistakable. I’d seen it a thousand times. Without thinking words of utter delight fell out of my mouth, ‘Oh my God. Sean Kelly.’

He smiled. He said nothing. He stretched out his hand. I looked at it. Not more than seconds had passed but already he seemed so far ahead. His sleekness only emphasised the reluctance in my legs. Dismally I looked at him, ‘Sorry Sean, I can’t get there.’ I consoled myself with the thought that someone had to keep my snail company.

He nodded his head in understanding, ‘Ok, I’ll come to you.’ He started to dismount. I mean, how gracious is that?

            ‘No, please don’t get off your bike,’ I pleaded. It was the most primeval, guttural response. I was horrified. This had nothing to do with humility; it was to do with the rightness of things. If I was going to shake hands with one of the greatest cyclists on earth it had to be across the handle bars of our bikes. 

He understood. He didn’t dismount. He’d slowed down already, he slowed down even further. I put in an extra effort. I left friend snail behind. I made it across. We shook hands. I think his gloves were white.

            ‘It’s a good day for it,’ he said looking upwards at a sky dressed in blue. The wind, like some zealous conductor, pushed about the petticoats of frilly white clouds.

            ‘True,’ I replied and then added, ‘Mind, it would be better without a northerly breeze.’

I suspected the wind was of little concern to him, but his gallant response indicated his understanding that for me, and perhaps for others out that day, the thought of that northern push home was like the dread of standing outside the headmistress’ office wondering – will she be in a good mood today, will I get away with it.  

            ‘Don’t worry, we’ll have a tail wind for the last 15 k.’

            ‘You reckon?’

            ‘Yeah,’ he answered encouragingly.

            I was too gobsmacked to remember much else of what was said. The whole encounter only lasted a few minutes and with another smile and the cheerful words, ‘I’ll see you back at the barbecue,’ he took off.

Like golden threads that encounter and the hello’s, you’re doing good, we’re on the home stretch now, of the hundreds of others who were still to pass me, pulled me along until at last the pier of Ballyvaughan and the yellow plastic canopy of the finish line gloriously announced that I’d completed my first 100 hundred miler.  

So that was my moment and to heck with what I said earlier about ego, ‘cus boy was I ever glad I was on my bike and not on foot when I met Sean Kelly at the top of the Corkscrew!

Derval

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Hi,

 
Thanks to you and your team for a fantastic weekend. It didn't take much to encourage Lynne and I to register for the event as we have often cycled the area over the years. However, this event surpassed our expectations. Everything was superb. A few points we noted, but don't take these as criticisms:
 
1. The 160Km is actually only about 150Km but that's OK. 
 
2. The 60k event is a bit too short really. My wife, Lynne, completed this event but felt it should have been longer and was sorry she had not tried the 150Km route. It was too short to be challenging for anyone other than a non-cyclist. I think something a bit longer may also attract more entrants.
 
3. The food was fantastic. Though not normally a cheesecake lover, this was delicious enough to have a slice in both Lisdoonvarna and Doolin!
 
4. The ice cream at the end was a real nice touch. I heard a number of people comment similarly. 
 
5. The front of the 160K'ers ran into the back of the 60K'ers on the corkscrew hill. This, I believe, caused problems for both sets of riders.
 
6. The 160Km route and scenery was great. Though I didn't spot many significant open potholes, the road surfaces were lumpy. I felt I had been sitting on a jackhammer all day. Unfortunately, even you and your team can't do much about that.
 
All in all a great weekend. I don't know how you arranged the weather, but a little less northerly wind next year please, though it was probably more uncomfortable for the band and the BBQ than for the cyclists :-)
 
Looking forward to next year,
 
regards,
Jim & Lynne Durham.

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Hi,

Thanks again for a fantastic day. The tour de Burren 2009 was my cycling highlight from last year and the 2010 version was even better. Congratualtions again!

This year I brought 8 workmates with me and they had all signed up for the 60km. two of them ended up joining the 160km route after the first food stop which gave them a route of about 120km (with no extra marshalling requirements for yourselves hopefully)

Advertising this hybrid route as an official 120km route would give a great extra option to this event and could be started with the 60km cycle. The 60km cycle could be started 60 minutes after the 160km which might ease some congestion on Corkscrew hill and keep the 120km cyclists finishing at a reasonable hour.

 Many thanks,

Peter

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To all involved,

I would just like to thank everyone involved in making the Tour de Burren to most enjoyable and best run cycle in Ireland. Whilst the weather helped and showed off the glorious landscape of north Clare, it was the excellent organisation that allowed people to concentrate solely on enjoying themselves. I did it last year and again this year. This is one cycle I will not miss. The rest of the Tours have now got to lift their game which can only be a good thing.

Thanks again.

Stephen

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Well done to all for a superb cycle. Didn't stop for food but all aspects of the spin from Parking, registration, Marshal's , signage, water stops, scenery and weather were top drawer.
 
Will be back next year. When and where will times be posted?
 
Regards
 
Peter (#238)

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Hi there

 

Just wanted to say it was  an excellent weekend! I think the event was extremely well organised and whoever ordered up the weather deserved a medal.

 

Just a suggestion re the distances – its quite a jump from 60km to 160km. I would have loved to attempt the longer spin but its quite a gap.

Would you consider a middle distance of 100km/120km as well? 60km was not really far enough but 160km was out of  my range this year (will definitely attempt it next year though). As a result I did the spin twice over the weekend to get my fix. I am sure there are others out there who could feel the same. Apart from offering a middle ground, it would offer an opportunity to spread the increasing numbers over 3 distance groups.

 

Well done to all and I’d say Ballyvaughan has never seen so much lycra in one day ever!

 

regards

Linda Bracken

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Hello

Just to say a wonderful event, my third year to participate and I am so impressed to see that each year it only gets better. I want to thank all the organisers, marshals, caterers etc, a mighty job, a mighty feat, and how mightily it was all pulled together and pulled off. Loved the touch at the end offering ice cream! I only hope some of the organisers of the Wicklow 200 cycled your event to see how it should be done!!

Regards and thanks

Aisling Daly

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Congratulations to everybody involved in the Tour de  Burren for giving us cyclists the chance to see the Burren and Co Clare at it its best on one of the most glorious days this summer, to all the marshals the the helpers at the water and food stops and to anybody involved in the cycle a big thank you . Looking forward to 2011.
 
Yours in sport
Padraic & Eimear Higgins

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Just a short note, credit where credit is due you guys have set a new standard. Everything was superb from start to finish. Well done and thanks for an excellent day...........

Declan O'Hara

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I completed the 60 km route on Saturday and I enjoyed it immensely.  The whole day was so well organized.  It was easy to register, there was lots of information, I felt safe on the road due to the excellent marshalling, the food stop was brilliant (loved the cheese cake) and of course the scenery was magic.  Many thanks for organizing this event and you will continue to have my support.

Cyril Treanor
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just a quick note to congratulate all of you on a wondeful weekend.
 
Eight of us from newmarket on Fergus took part and had a great day. It was so well organised and the food stops were great.
 
Thanka a million and looking forward to next year.
 
regards,
David Sheedy

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Thanks and congraulations to all at Burren Cycling Club for organising a fantastic day. A brilliant scenic 160k route , very good marshalling, excellent (and often) stops and very friendly people. There was also the added bonus of a beautiful sunny day that makes cycling such an enjoyable sport. Myself, my brother and four friends all travelled to Ballyvaughan on Friday evening and stayed until Sunday and really enjoyed the weekend and will definitely be back next year.
 
Ray Ryan
Waterford Sportif CC

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Just a quick note of thanks form myself and Dare2b Cycle clothing for a fantastic day; I was there in conjunction with Nigel's Cycles to offer support and to do some promotional work, freebies, etc.
I have attended many events over the years and I was genuinely blowing away by the calm efficient manner that all the volunteers from the Burren Cycle club dealt with the massive swell in numbers of both cyclists and spectators.
The 'can do' attitude was refreshing and seemed to infectious as all  appeared to be having a great time.
When we get some images together we will get them up on the Dare2b website and blog which goes worldwide and has 1000's of hits per day .
I will speak to Nigel about getting more involved for next years event .

Well done

Gavin Fox

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Hi.
Many thanks to the organizers of the Tour, it definitely lived up to its name "Burning Burren".
Had a great weekend.
A 100k cycle for those that are not keen on the 160k would be my suggestion, as several people I spoke to would have liked that option.
 
Again well done to all,hope to be there again next year.
 
Pat Doherty, Killarney.   

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What a fantastic day!!  Very well organized.  The food stops were perfect (cheesecake divine!!)….2-3 to choose from.  The cones at the finish were a god send!!  We had a ball.  The route was lovely….scenery amazing.  Will definitely be back next year.

 Teresa Riordan & Vincent Carey

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Just to say a big THANK YOU, to all involved in Saturdays event.  I did all 5 events last year, and did the Sligo one again this year.  The Tour de Burren is by far the best organised, and most fun of them all.   The volunteers were so helpful and friendly.   The food, as always, was amazing.   The ice cream and massage parlours at the end, after such a fantastic and sociable day, in a stunning place, make you feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven!!  Well done to all involved on organising a world class event.   I am looking forward to next year already!

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guys,

just a quick note to say well done a truly magical day! That is my third events of that type this year, and without doubt the TdB was the best organized.

My only gripe would be the road surfaces, but in a sense I know that come with the territory.

Again, great job and looking forward to seeing you next year

chris
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Just a note to let you know what a great weekend we had everything about the tour was excellent from start and finish and I would like to praise all the tour team .

Again thanks for a great time looking forward to next year

Regards

Liam carroll 

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Just a note to congratulate the Burren cycling club on a fantastically organised tour.
 
I took part in the 160km tour and I have to say that it was one of the best organised tours I have taken part in, quality food stops, regular water stops, excellent marshalling and support and the ice cream at the end topped it all off. Other sportif organisers could learn a lot from the Burren cycling club. I will definitely be signing up for tour de Burren again next year.

 
Thanks,
Maurice Egan

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It was amazing guys. Congratulations to all of you who made it real, for sure I ll be back next year. (can we have medals next year? :) )
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Well doen to all on a brillaint event.
Marshalling particluarly good though maybe we could have hda the lead car on the 160 go a little earlier after Lisdoon....????
Fair play and lookin forward to next year.
Cathal Oakes,
Dolmen CC
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What a wonderful day, it was a great experience, very challenging. The food stops were so well stocked. fab cheesecake and even ice cream after. Will be hard to forget the climb up the the cliffs of Moher. Thanks for a great day

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Just want say a big well done to everyone involved in tour de burren

This is my second year and will defiantly be back again next year

Thanks again for a mighty weekend

Alan

==================================================================================================================================================             Well done on a great day, we'd almost 20 club members of various 
abilities and experience take part (160km and 60km), and all enjoyed 
themselves. I see a few people have 'requested' something in between 
the 60 and the 160 - I was looking at the maps beforehand to see if 
there was a shortcut option for myself (as I'd been sick and off the 
bike and wasn't too sure how things would go) - and thought the 
Lisdoonvarna (food stop) - Doolin option would have been very handy - 
cutting approx 60km off the 160 route - so making a 100km route with 
some of the tougher hills included. Given that when we were in 
Lisdoonvarna on the 160km we were mixing it with the 60km folk, and it 
was a choice of 'left or right' at the T junction, this might also be 
a usable route with no or little extra marshalling required...

Ice cream at the finish was just perfect... food stops were run very 
well, and I was delighted to see large water containers rather than 
small bottles at water stops - it might slow things down a little, but 
it broke my heart to see the littering in Sligo at that An Post event 
as riders chucked empty bottles out at the side of the road after the 
water stops. It's a terrible habit that some cyclists have, and it 
doesn't help our sport at all.

Sadhbh Baxter, West Coast Wheelers CC
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I had to contact you to say as a first timer to the Tour de Burren how much I enjoyed the experience. I can honestly say that Saturday surprised me in many ways. Firstly 160kms was the big challenge that I thought I might not complete. Secondly the friendliness of everyone I met on the run inspired me to finish. Third was the absolute fantastic scenery that blew me away. The only little niggle I came across was the lack of water at the Stone Fort and at Lahinch but that can be attributed to the sheer numbers and for that you can not be faulted.As the Terminator said I’ll be back!!!   Regards   Paul Evans  Enniskillen.  

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Hi Guys,
 
Myself and my husband arrived in Ballyvaughan on Saturday night, we proceeded to unpack our bikes and gear. To my dismay I then realised that my gear bag with shorts, jersey and shoes was still on the kitchen table back home in Waterford. It looked like no cycle for me next morning. I then met John from the Burren Cycling Club and he immediately offered to loan me his shorts and jersey. I next met Paddy and Sean Kelly and they immediately assured me that they would have shoes delivered to my B&B in the morning, wonderful hospitality. The cycle itself was superbly organised, great marshaling, feed stations, support and the camaraderie on the road was special. The course was challenging and the scenery spectacular. Back in Ballyvaughan after the finish the craic in the local pubs was mighty. Well done to all. What a day.
 
Shay and Breda Fitzpatrick
Waterford

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To whom it concerns.
 
Just to say a huge merci for a fantastic day last saturday.This is our second year travelling from France to be part of this super event and we are already looking forward to next year. The organisation was flawless and the weather really added to the day.
Congratulations to all involved.
 
Rendez-vous l'annee prochaine.
 
David. 
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Hi Guys, 

My first year competing in the Tour de burren, but hopefully only the start of it , I would definitely compete again. Great tour very well organized from start to finish, really enjoyed the day, and other people i meet enjoyed it too. Lots of food, lots of drink and lots of hills!!! Thanks for making it so enjoyable. See ye next year.

Regards Joe.

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Hi Noel,

This was  my first time to take out my bicycle in years and get ready for the Ailwee Cave loop, I had my 9 year old son doing the cycle too.
The weather was beautiful and it was spectacular to see the amount of bicycles there. Even better when Seán Kelly & Ian Dempsey were there to meet the children. We had a great day and it was very well organised. Well done to all involved. The food & water were a GOD send at the end of the cycle. The Certificate and T-shirt were great to receive Thank You.
I am originally from New Quay, Burren, and I was at the top of the Ballaghdine when the first hill climb took place. I will attach the photo’s to this e-mail.
Thanks again for a great family day out and a little exercise to.

Regards
Martina Keane
Ennis

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Hi Noel

Just to say a big thank you to all concerned in the Tour d Burren Cycle, as usual it was a wonderful Cycle from start to finish (we did the 60k) so well organised stewards, backup, food. (That cheesecake is super!!)

And free ice-cream at the finish what more could you ask for. Roll on 2011.

Again thanks and well done

Breda, Brendan, & Conrad McCullough

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