Spring Has Sprung? Are You Springing to Kintyre in 5 Weeks?

Spring has Sprung! The clocks have gone forward  and we’re counting the days until we welcome you to Kintyre. This weekend we cycled most of the CycloSportive route and the track from Tayinloan onwards is in great condition with very little or no resistance to the MTB tyres.

Alex Samborek, who marshalled last year at the Lussa water stop, joined us for the ride. This was our first proper off road ride since last year and to be honest it was great – the route, weather, bikes and fitness, even despite limited training over the winter.

Alex managed the route well on the Giant MTB as a first timer and this was a good measuring stick for prospective CycloSportive riders. If you are thinking of riding the CycloSportive get out and do what you are comfortable with, you don’t need to climb mountains, just start getting yourself comfortable on the bike and build up from there now that the light nights are here.

If you are thinking of doing the 73 mile Cycle Race then by now you should have some miles in some form under your belt to ensure a comfortable race. If you haven’t, there is time yet so get on it!

Standard entries close on the 31st of March so save yourself some cash and get your entry in this week.

Next planned recce will be from the start of the 73 mile Cycle Race to Clachan which is pencilled in for the 15th of April. Let me know if you’re interested. This is also the day that the entries will close so don’t wait to read that blog before deciding if you are riding!

Kintyre will be busy the weekend of the event as the Kintyre Song Writers Festival is also on – great if you fancy a few tunes on the Saturday night but not so handy when looking for accommodation. If you are struggling then get in touch as we will only be too happy to help.

Ultra and relay runners don’t worry – I haven’t forgotten about you and we look forward to seeing a great line up of over 100 runners. From a running perspective, the route is also looking great. We’ll have some running blogs soon as our local Ultra runner and blogger MRS SMMF will share some of her tips for the route.

Meanwhile, Enter it, Train for it, love it!

Dougie Vipond, presenter of the Adventure Show, is coming to Kintyre

Sean McFarlane is one of Scotland’s most successful long-distance triathletes and adventure racers. He finished runner up in last year’s KW cycle race. Sean also coached well known TV presenter Dougie Vipond for the BBC’s Adventure Show as Dougie took part in the 2016 Braveheart Triathlon. This year Dougie’s challenge is the KW cycle race; Sean and Dougie recently had a chat about how his preparation is going.

Sean McFarlane: So, Dougie, why this race?

Dougie Vipond: We filmed the running race at Kintyre last year for the Adventure Show and I was blown away by the whole thing. From the course, the location, the atmosphere. Plus, you’ve spent the last 6 months raving about the bike race, so I had to give it a go!

SM: How are you feeling about it?

DV: Nervous, seriously so, but also very excited and I think that’s a great combination of emotions.

SM: How’s training going?

DV: It’s not, so far. Have you looked outside?!! But I am going to get a lot done soon, especially now that I have decided on which bike I’m using.

SM: Ah yes, bike choice. Lots of debate last year about using a mountain bike or a cyclo cross/gravel bike. What are you going for and why?

DV: I’ll be using a cyclo cross. I have an Orange RX9 which is a cracking bike and perfect for the race so I’ve no excuse really.

SM: Orange do nice mountain bikes too you know?!

DV: Yes, and I did heavily consider using one. But I’m really a road biker with very little experience on a mountain bike so I think cyclo cross is best.

SM: Come to think of it Orange also do electric bikes! Ideal!

DV: Up yours.

SM: Fair enough. No one likes a cheat. Moving on, what type of training do you plan on doing?

DV: Firstly, lots of riding on mixed terrain for a decent length of time on the RX9. You always say there’s no substitute for practising what you need to do, plain and simple. I also plan on doing some basic strength and conditioning work. Last year I remember seeing finishers at end of the bike race looking pretty shaken up all over.

SM: Sounds good. What about a nutrition plan?

DV: Lots of steady grazing. I like my energy chews, but I’ll also take real food. So, plenty of filled sandwiches and rolls. I’ll try and keep off the emergency items like chocolate until later.

SM: How you carry nutrition and other bits and pieces is really important. I saw lots of people losing stuff from their bikes last year as they battered over the rougher terrain. I lost two water bottles and as a result was seriously dehydrated when I finished. Have you thought about that?

DV: Yup. I’ll be using a lightweight rucksack to carry all my nutrition, fluid, clothing and repair kit. Nothing on the bike as such and all on me. I’ve got a couple of options size wise so will let the weather gods decide.

SM: Last year there were quite a few punctures, especially for those using cyclo crossers. Big compromise here between high pressure tyres versus comfort. Any plans there?

DV: I’ll probably go for high pressure but am also using flat pedals as I’m fully prepared to get off and walk some of the rougher sections. Big day out stuff here so self-preservation is key.

SM: Talking of tyres, any thoughts?

DV: I’ve got a couple of sets with one having more tread than the other. I’ll make a call on the day. Would like to lose the one round my waist first.

SM: Any targets?

DV: Finishing is by far and away the main one, which frankly is far from guaranteed. It would be good to beat Rob Wainwright but he’s handy on the bike so that’s unlikely. I am meant to be presenting the prizes so do need to get back in time for that!

SM: Sounds like you’re all sorted Dougie, have a great race!

New Event – Kintyre Way Cyclosportive

Do you love cycling but 73 miles is just that bit too far? Well how does this sound…..

Kintyre Way Cyclosportive – 42 miles along the Kintyre Way from Tayinloan to Campbeltown.
Difficulty Rating: Think 42 miles on varied terrain up and over the hills of the Kintyre peninsula. Hardly ever on level ground and only 8 miles on tarmac. We like to think it’s tough but achievable with the right training!

As a sportive this is not a race, you are competing against yourself in terms of strength and stamina. As such there are no prizes however you will get a great goody bag, the benefit of electronic timing and to be part of the great sporting event that is the Kintyre Way Ultra.

Please note that ALL entrants for the cyclosportive MUST check in on Saturday 5th May 08:30 to 10:15 at Tayinloan Village Hall, PA29 6XG (OS grid ref 698 459) Please don’t come earlier as there will be 100 + runners around!

Start time: 10:30   Overall time allowed: 9 hours

You are expected to make your own way to the start but please note there is no parking available in Tayinloan village. Either park at the Gigha Ferry car park (½ mile away) or get your co-driver to head for Campbeltown.

Entry fee per person:

    Standard   £49 up to 6/4/18
    Late entry £54 up to 15/4/18


Remember early bird rates finish soon and all entries close on the 15th April so be quick. To enter click here https://www.entrycentral.com/KintyreWayUltra