Howth Hill Climb

manwithaplan · 18-08-2011 3:22pm

Raam wrote: »

I'm not sure of the exact high point, but it's roughly 2km from Harbour Road.
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Harbour+Rd&daddr=Windgate+Rd&hl=en&ll=53.381895,-6.066728&spn=0.019915,0.038581&sll=53.37408,-6.063799&sspn=0.00498,0.009645&geocode=FVKkLgMdznWj_w%3BFTZrLgMdnnij_w&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=17&vpsrc=6&t=h&z=15

I never really think the climb has started until the church and I tend to daydream a bit between the top of the steep bit onto Balkill Road and the turn for Windgate Road. Just to be clear, I wasn't for a second suggesting that the climb was easy - just that it seems to go by quick enough and that I've never ridden it for a time. It must be the toughest climb north of the river and timing myself up it would just lead to temptation to try to go quicker. That's the gateway to a world of pain.

duffyshuffle · 18-08-2011 3:56pm

Does everyone do this from standing start?

RobFowl · 18-08-2011 4:26pm

duffyshuffle wrote: »

Does everyone do this from standing start?

Pretty much climbed it at standing pace yesterday :rolleyes:

PS a/c Garmin 16% just after church and 15% max on Windgate.

bcmf did the other climb in 9:20 yesterday btw.......

Raam · 18-08-2011 4:30pm

duffyshuffle wrote: »

Does everyone do this from standing start?

I take a running jump onto the bike CX style.

bcmf · 18-08-2011 4:42pm

RobFowl wrote: »

bcmf did the other climb in 9:20 yesterday btw.......

Yay under 10mns. Must have been a gale force tailwind

manwithaplan · 18-08-2011 5:12pm

duffyshuffle wrote: »

Does everyone do this from standing start?

I have a man to hold me. I bring him everywhere.

(yes - standing start)

NeedMoreGears · 18-08-2011 6:06pm

[/S]

NeedMoreGears wrote: »

Sub 10:00 Yippee!
09:56 tonight with a side wind (so I am counting it as a "real" time). Well pleased* as I've been just over the ten a few times recently.

* it's the small victories that count

Bizarre climb last night - pushing hard but no speed. Felt I was working as well (at least for me) as when I was under 10mins the other night. But nearly two minutes slower*. Didn't really notice too much by way of wind. Had to console myself with a pack of jelly tots at the shop. Seemed to do the trick as I got home in more or less the same time as I generally do.

Next time it's jelly tots at the bottom

*unfortunately the giant defeats count as well

steve9859 · 18-08-2011 7:13pm

New to cycling (though I was a senior athlete until 3 years ago, so a good base of fitness even if I have done little training for the last couple of years) and did the long climb for the first time yesterday. Went again today and attacked it properly. Did a 9.45 and a 9.48 (off a very very slow, almost stationary, rolling start) with no head wind.

I'm 6 foot 6 and about 98-100kg - where do I stand with reference to any other big fellas who do this regularly? Reckon I can (maybe) do sub 9 minutes with some good training, but i was wondering what the other 'big' club guys are doing (not some little wiry speed freak who does 7 minutes!!)

DD Mikasa · 18-08-2011 9:45pm

Alright Steve. For the weight class that sounds pretty fast. Had one of those 8 stone speedy freaks fly by me on Tuesday night as I was setting a new PB of 10.36.

Am about the 100kg mark myself but that's coming down from a bit over. Started cycling b4 Xmas and first time up here was 13.55 so chipping away at that. Started from a poor fitness base.

From the sounds of it u'll crack 9 minutes in no time. Try different tactics. Compare going full out from the start and trying to hang on ant the end to a slow start and accelerate at the golf club entrance.

happytramp · 18-08-2011 10:12pm

I've not managed to do it yet but it seems that sub-ten minute is like a sort of rite of passage around here.There should be a roll of honor for all those who have done it.

patrick151 · 18-08-2011 10:21pm

Made the jump from fixed gear to road biking 5 weeks ago and 'the hill' has been my training grounds since. Started off a little over 10 mins, never got an exact time but twas 10+ atleast

Then got the strava app, went a 9.52, not bad.

Few days later decided to ramp up my efforts as I went aiming for sub 9.30 got 9.47... Quite disappointing but better

Next day went for it, didn't feel it at the start but mid way up I realised I was catching someone else so got out of the saddle and set a 9.42. Which I was very happy with for taking it easy at first

So went for the out of the saddle everywhere I could yesterday, destroying myself but made a 9.07 so I'm very pleased

Next goal, to break 8.40 before winter rolls in :P

Raam · 20-08-2011 12:27pm

This is from Harbour Road up the RHS of the church as far as Dungriffan Road. In other words: this.

It is still masking the steeper parts. I turned smoothing right down. I'm not convinced that this is a true representation of the gradient.

bcmf · 20-08-2011 1:17pm

Dont think it would be too far off though. Be interesting to see if Rob Fowl can load up his Garmin details for Wed.
Most impressed by the 9.20 for me and the max speed of 78kph on the descent into the village.

Edwardius · 21-08-2011 5:40pm

Yesterday: 11.35 on hybrid with weird onshore breeze.
Today: sub-10 with 9.34 on me '80s Raleigh, same wind as yesterday. Hit 65.6km/h on the descent but was slowed by a car in front. Was gonna go for another try but turned around and went home.

I'll try again in a few weeks with the clipless pedals and non baggy clothes! Curious to see if they take any time off. I've a feeling the wind makes more of a difference though.

Saw a very swanky looking Felt TT bike at the summit.

NeedMoreGears · 21-08-2011 8:29pm

Did some repeats over the hill today.09:53 for the sutton climb, then a windgate from the village, & from the sutton side (turn left about half way up) and so on. Six climbs, beautiful morning for it. I kept meeting someone in what looked like liquigas kit absolutely tearing up the hill. Skiny, beardy and very very fast.

FuzzyDunlop100 · 21-08-2011 10:21pm

Raam wrote: »

This is from Harbour Road up the RHS of the church as far as Dungriffan Road. In other words: this.

It is still masking the steeper parts. I turned smoothing right down. I'm not convinced that this is a true representation of the gradient.

Cheers for posting this, that "s" part in Balglass road is, quite simply, horrendous. However, the satisfaction of doing it is second to none!

Spelean · 23-08-2011 2:27pm

Thanks guys for the info on the routes. I'm new to cycling, looking to join a club in the Autumn, so using this stuff has been a really good measure of my gains in fitness and ability.

Got my Sutton side time to 8.02 and cant wait to see how I get working on the far side. Awesome climb!

manwithaplan · 23-08-2011 2:37pm

Spelean wrote: »

...I'm new to cycling... looking to join a club in the Autumn...Got my Sutton side time to 8.02

Might I suggest Swords Cycling Club - http://www.swordscc.com - all are welcome but 8 minute Howth TTers particularly so;)

chakattack · 23-08-2011 11:11pm

Dead Ed wrote: »

Yesterday: 11.35 on hybrid with weird onshore breeze.
Today: sub-10 with 9.34 on me '80s Raleigh, same wind as yesterday. Hit 65.6km/h on the descent but was slowed by a car in front. Was gonna go for another try but turned around and went home.

I'll try again in a few weeks with the clipless pedals and non baggy clothes! Curious to see if they take any time off. I've a feeling the wind makes more of a difference though.

Saw a very swanky looking Felt TT bike at the summit.

65k on the descent is good going in baggy clothes. Tailwind and parachute pants?

NeedMoreGears · 24-08-2011 6:27pm

Raam wrote: »

This is from Harbour Road up the RHS of the church as far as Dungriffan Road. In other words: this.

It is still masking the steeper parts. I turned smoothing right down. I'm not convinced that this is a true representation of the gradient.

Thanks for this - now I know why it's so hard.

By any chance do you have the same type of data for the stretch up Windgate road, where you turn right off up a very steep section (about 100-200m after Dungriffan road) which continues on around to the left. From what I recall the highest point on the head is 175m so this part of the road must rise another 40-50m over a relatively short distance.

Ta

NMG

Raam · 24-08-2011 9:45pm

NeedMoreGears · 25-08-2011 7:15am

Thanks Raam - that's exactly the route I was thinking of. Another tough one, especially after the first section.

Edwardius · 25-08-2011 12:17pm

chakattack wrote: »

65k on the descent is good going in baggy clothes. Tailwind and parachute pants?

I may not have been coasting at the time!

maloner · 08-09-2011 9:28pm

First trip on my new bike.

9.38 which is slower than my best, but that best time had a decent tail wind and today was calm. Happy enough though as I was 10 mins faster for the whole route, 27.7 average versus 24.7.

cycle43 · 08-09-2011 9:51pm

My best Howth hill climb so far is 11 mins 10 sec recorded today. Timed on sutton side from traffic lights at junction with Offington park to Irish Times sign at shop. Not too bad I think for a 43 year old on 1st full year cycling.

Hermy · 08-09-2011 9:59pm

@cycle43 The start most people use is a little further up the road so you could probably knock a few seconds off that time.

maloner · 08-09-2011 10:10pm

Hermy wrote: »

@cycle43 The start most people use is a little further up the road so you could probably knock a few seconds off that time.

Knock about 500m by my measure.

After the weather lately it was a really nice evening.

cycle43 · 08-09-2011 10:18pm

I'm knocking a min off now so, 10 min 10 sec. Lovely, now for under 10 mins. Always wondered what sort of times people were doing up howth. I'll be watching out for you lot now.

Hermy · 08-09-2011 10:22pm

Oh and welcome to Boards.:)

manwithaplan · 08-09-2011 11:39pm

Was out there tonight myself. There was a bit of a headwind so fair play to you.

maloner · 10-09-2011 7:10pm

Finally went up through village and right at the church. Steep little climb! The crazy wind didn't help

NeedMoreGears · 12-09-2011 5:41pm

Sunday - strong wind that seemed to be from every direction. Mostly across me but slightly against at one stage and it certainly helped me up the last 800m or when you turn to the left but 09:33 (yaaay!)

happytramp · 14-09-2011 4:38pm

Yay! First sub 10min today. Did it in 9.43sec beating my previous best of 10.31sec. Although that 10.31 was from the start of the summer before I'd become acquainted with stocking lane (which is much nearer my house).

cycle43 · 14-09-2011 11:00pm

First proper timing of Howth Hill climb tonight. Was starting at wrong point. Have been climbing on and off all year without timing myself, then find this Thread. Had to give it a lash. 9mins 32 sec and 9 mins 43 sec. Delighted with that but think I had a nice tail wind. Do the fast cyclists on here pace themselfs up or full gas most of the way?

Sorry, Sutton side up.

Raam · 14-09-2011 11:01pm

Go fast for the first half, then faster for the second half.

cycle43 · 14-09-2011 11:12pm

Raam wrote: »

Go fast for the first half, then faster for the second half.

Love it. Legs won't let me. 43 and 90kg's, I think I can only pace it really. This thread will be the death of me.

cdaly_ · 04-10-2011 1:00pm

Yurrgh. Went up Sutton side this morning in 11m53. Down to village and up again via the Garda station and Windgate hill. Got a nod from a nice young lady on her bike at Sutton Cross after...

Lusk Doyle · 15-10-2011 1:34pm

9:31 this morning into a slight head wind.

ccull123 · 07-11-2011 2:50pm

I do all my cycling around west county Dublin but went for a drive with the other half over to Howth on Sunday. I drove through Howth Village and turned right and went up the steep hill beside the church.

Im thinking of cycling from lucan over to Howth next weekend but am wondering what Crankset most people have for cycling this side of the climb??
I have a compact crankset and am just thinking would it be ok???

Raam · 07-11-2011 3:14pm

Whatever you are able to get up the hill on will do.

Lusk Doyle · 07-11-2011 7:09pm

ccull123 wrote: »

I do all my cycling around west county Dublin but went for a drive with the other half over to Howth on Sunday. I drove through Howth Village and turned right and went up the steep hill beside the church.

Im thinking of cycling from lucan over to Howth next weekend but am wondering what Crankset most people have for cycling this side of the climb??
I have a compact crankset and am just thinking would it be ok???

But of course. That's what compacts are for!

NeedMoreGears · 09-01-2012 10:39am

Beautiful out yesterday so had a first go for 2012 - 09:42

manwithaplan · 19-01-2012 11:59pm

First time I've done it in a good while tonight. 7:59 but a decent tailwind.

lennymc · 20-01-2012 12:51am

i must really try this some time.

J Madone · 20-01-2012 12:58am

lennymc wrote: »

i must really try this some time.

Me too, where exactly is the starting point?

manwithaplan · 20-01-2012 1:02am

J Madone wrote: »

Me too, where exactly is the starting point?

The starting point is the last post on page 12.

drogdub · 20-01-2012 1:02am

Ye defo one of my aims for this year

greenmat · 20-01-2012 4:16pm

manwithaplan wrote: »

First time I've done it in a good while tonight. 7:59 but a decent tailwind.

Out today, best time 9.28, good tailwind but not as good as last night;). The repeats after that got a lot slower. Best last year was 9.32 so that wind is good folks.

iridemybike · 25-01-2012 11:55am

What's the best time people have done going up the sutton side? Or the best time you have heard being done? anyone get around 5/6 mins?

Tenzor07 · 25-01-2012 12:11pm

iridemybike wrote: »

What's the best time people have done going up the sutton side? Or the best time you have heard being done? anyone get around 5/6 mins?

Mid 7mins is the best time, if you have a Garmin or an iPhone with the Strava app then you can compare your times...

5/6 mins? Maybe one of the Pro's could manage that??

Howth Hill Climb

Comments