The West Cork 200

On Saturday 19th June I made the 330 mile trip to Baltimore, Co Cork for the "West Cork 200" sportive which had a 07:00 start the following Sunday Morning.  I turned up at the event HQ around 06:30 to sign on expecting to see some large groups of cyclists preparing to leave but unlike many sportive events I have ridden everyone was setting off ad-hoc in ones and twos.  I set off around 06:50 and for the first 30 miles or so cycled at a pretty leisurely pace sometimes on my own and other times joining groups of 3 or 4 then I managed to fall in with a large group of about 10 guys from a local triathlon club who were travelling at a brisk pace which started to make things interesting.

 

The scenery of West Cork is stunning and the route was one of the most picturesque I have cycled in Ireland with long costal sections, mountains, and friendly small villages. You could not have asked for better weather with blue sky and sun all day, temperatures (so I am told) were around 30 degrees Centigrade in the middle of the day on the long climb out of Bantry.

 

 The event was very well organised with medical cover including ambulances, Mechanical assistance was provided at some food stops, and there were food and water stops approx every 20 miles. The roads were very well marked with directions and supplemented on occasion with marshals for the busier road junctions.  The food provided on the day was very good with fresh cooked salmon being provided for lunch along with salad and sandwiches, most other food stops provided energy bars, fresh fruit and water.

         

A Buffet was provided in the evening for anyone taking part and again the food and service was excellent I thought this was a nice touch to finish the day after the hard 213KM run.

 

R,

Alan

 

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