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Post by manuel6b on Jul 12, 2011 1:11:45 GMT 1
The Bikedock Belles, Julie, Andrea, Taryn and Cathy (3 out of 4 in Dromara CC) have signed up to this years TransAlp MTB marathon. FROM WEBSITE The aura of the Craft Bike Transalp radiates worldwide - adventure, happiness, unforgettable experiences. In the past 13 years, it became known as most prestigious mountain bike race in the world, the mother of all stage races. The 14th Edition of the Craft Bike Transalp from 16th to 23rd July 2011 leads over eight stages of 670.25 km and 21 504 vertical meters from Mittenwald to Riva del Garda. On the now well-established and popular stage destinations Mittenwald, Mayrhofen, Brixen leads a completely new route to the popular Transalp-village of San Vigilio, continues along the scenic spectacular dolomites-stage from Cortina to Alleghe and on to the new stage San Martino. The last two stages to Trento and Riva del Garda are compleately new and promises a spectacular scenery for all bikers. biketransalp.bike-festival.de.dedi1569.your-server.de/index.php?id=698&L=137 different countries are represented with a good few from Ireland.  The Belles are raising money for the Ulster Cancer Foundation. Link here www.justgiving.com/bikedock-belles/ |
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Post by manuel6b on Jul 18, 2011 15:31:07 GMT 1
 Update for day 1:- The challenge begins 15mins. . .with an easy?! day. Acdc 'highway to hell' playing loud. Stage 1 - mittenwald to weerberg 96km , ascent 2336m . . .incl constant uphill 20km from start line, a couple of huge sharp climbs, and a 6km climb to mountain top finish. Julie feeling a little better thanks to some strong meds from race doctor so fingers crossed. In her own words "I'll be on the start line with 100% heart at least" what a girl!!! Transalp update Stage 2 much tougher than stage 1 - Weerberg to Mayrhofen 69km, 2911m ascent. . . incl 3 major climbs . . .1st 14km and climb 900m, 2nd 13km and 1100m climb, 3rd 5km and 800m climb. And thats only the climbs, not the descents or hike-a-bikes. The weather is hot hot but the scenery is awesome!! Mid stage update:- The belles bad luck is continuing.. Cathy has bowed out of today's stage after 6km. Looks like she has julies bug. She tried valiantly to continue but couldn't with shakes and shivers. When asked how it was Andrea replied " brutal brutal and still 28km to go. Brutal, bloody brutal"  Day 3 Cathy is still very ill and couldn't start todays stage. The girls are definately feeling the pressure and morale is a bit low. Pouring rain for the start of stage 3 a delay because of snow high up . Mayrhofen( austria) - Brixen (Italy) 94km, ascent 2200m all in 1 go for 30 km straight from the startline, uphill for 3-3.5 hours. |
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Post by manuel6b on Jul 20, 2011 0:41:55 GMT 1
Day 4
Gruelling day- relentless monster climbs, 2 tortuous hikeabikes, and risky descents. Longest day yet at 8hr10 after 7hr day 1, 7hr25 day 2 and 6hr20 day 3. Many demons were met on day 4 and 'endure' is the word for the day. So much so that the belles shed a few tears over the finishline.Belle Andrea 'lapped it up'
Halfway there ladies
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Post by manuel6b on Jul 20, 2011 10:44:47 GMT 1
FROM JULIE "Cathy starting. Briefing says may stop race at 50k due to weather. Pouring, sleet. Stage 5 - St vigil to Alleghe 74km, ascent 2,618 metres including 3 major climbs. Should be much easier than yesterday! But who knows! Only 3 more to go and today it's snowing at the top. Check out photos on craft transalp page. They are pretty impressive and gives an idea what the belles are facing." FACEBOOK PHOTOS HERE www.facebook.com/pages/Craft-BIKE-Transalp/164292700276673?sk=photos |
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Post by manuel6b on Jul 20, 2011 21:46:51 GMT 1
Day 5 was gruelling and many reached breaking point. Race cut to 50km due to blizzards and freak snow storms. The Belles said they had never ever been so cold. Treacherous descents as fingers incapable of using brakes and gears. Taryn and Andrea battled hypothermia with nausea, loss of focus and dizzyness. They eneded up on their hands and knees head down and breathing heavy (like in childbirth). Taryn really regretted packing those bikinis instead of thermals! The 4hr 30m race time seemed longer than the 8hrs yesterday. Not helped by having to cycle 2 hrs to stage town after officially finishing. Andrea described today as " Hellish day, so testing" But they are now back getting warmed up in Walt (the camper van) and getting legs massaged by Jo (Joanne McCallum). Where would they be without her? well done ladies nearly there.  |
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Post by manuel6b on Jul 21, 2011 22:13:09 GMT 1
FROM TARYN "Day 6 of TransAlp completed, just 2 more days to go! Was in a very dark place for stages 4&5 but felt better today. Sun was back out & great fun (even with blasted punctures) Looking forward to tomorrow! (& another 8hrs on the bike) Jeepers, at least we'll be fit by time we come home!"   |
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Post by manuel6b on Jul 22, 2011 12:21:39 GMT 1
"Late update for last night - After an 8 hr epic including more relentless ascents, hikeabikes and technicals, the Belles crossed the stage 6 finish line all together ( all for 1 and 1 for all!!), with the whole village of San Martino hearing them from 2 miles out as they Woo Hooed the whole way down the final descent. Every climb is 1 closer to end of every gruelling day and to the Lake Garda finish on Saturday."
"Today, stage 7 - San Martino - Trento 116km, ascent 2,598 m including 1 major climb and a few lumpy ones, It's all relative! The longest distance stage of the Transalp and the penultimate one. Safety first for the Belles to ensure they end stage 7 and another day closer to Lake Garda."
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Post by manuel6b on Jul 22, 2011 22:58:37 GMT 1
"Stage 7 done and dusted. Mentally tough stage and Andrea has felt ill all day getting worse as day went on. Fingers crossed she isn't getting the bug that floored Julie and Cathy at the start of the week. She said the 8hr race today felt like 80 hrs and she felt grim. Come on Andrea the end is in sight, You can do it."
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Post by manuel6b on Jul 23, 2011 20:37:31 GMT 1
"Last day stage 8. Andrea has had a Temp overnite, nausea and headache still this morn. But in true belles style will be on starting line! Others good. All racers jaded and want beamed to finisher status. Stage 8 - Trento to Lake Garda 78km, ascent 2163m incl 3 major climbs. Come on girls nearly there!! Fingers crossed for no mishaps and that they all safely cross the finish line later today!" THEY MADE IT !!!  CELEBRATING WITH A DIP IN LAKE GARDA  |
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