Orwell Randonnee 2012

G rock

One of the most enjoyable days anyone could have on the bike!

Would love to do this again this year but alas work is getting in the way.

Enjoy you lucky people

g0g

Ghosty669 wrote: »

Should be no problem. Just PM me and I'll organise it for ya.

Assuming it's ok with Ghosty669 (like the previous request), if anyone hasn't registered yet and is genuinely going to be doing this event, I can no longer make it so your welcome to have my entry for free. Just PM me your details (name and email address) and I'll send them on to him with mine. Would hate to see a spot going to waste and am very jealous of everyone who'll get to do it this year!

g0g

g0g wrote: »

Assuming it's ok with Ghosty669 (like the previous request), if anyone hasn't registered yet and is genuinely going to be doing this event, I can no longer make it so your welcome to have my entry for free. Just PM me your details (name and email address) and I'll send them on to him with mine. Would hate to see a spot going to waste and am very jealous of everyone who'll get to do it this year!

Gone!

wanderer 22

Looking at the route on MapmyRide gives 1465m climbing - Now for the KARE tour de foothills MapMyride claimed 500m climbing while my Garmin read over 1000m...does 1465 sound about right or am I facing 2930 metres of torture? :eek:

Chips Lovell

I believe Garmins tend to overcount metres ascended.

buffalo

colm18 wrote: »

Looking at the route on MapmyRide gives 1465m climbing - Now for the KARE tour de foothills MapMyride claimed 500m climbing while my Garmin read over 1000m...does 1465 sound about right or am I facing 2930 metres of torture? :eek:

I'd never trust a Garmin for climbing. For the Stamullen GP, my Garmin 305 climbed 686m and I see from a quick glance that others climbed 409m, 458m, 461m, 504m...

seamus

The garmins with the barometric sensor operate on the basis of relative pressure. So what it does is take the pressure when you start the ride and use that and a few other GPS-ey calculations to determine your current altitude. Your altitude on rest of the ride is then based on the relative change in barometric pressure from your starting position (decreases as you ascend, increases as you descend).

This can be wrong in a few ways, but it's most likely down to changes in air pressure at a fixed altitude - quite common on days with blustery or changeable weather.
One day I started the Garmin when I left the house to go for a club spin and then switched it off when I arrived and was waiting to head off on the spin. Turned it back on and just resumed the existing ride without resetting. When I uploaded it to the website, the device showed a drop in altitude of 150m, obviously a change in air pressure while I was standing around.
So I imagine on a typical Irish day, this could easily contribute to the device over-reading your climbing/descending. On a more ideal day where you have beautiful blue skies and little or no wind, I imagine the reading is much more accurate.

Apparently you can set "known altitude" points on the device. So if you know that your front door is at 50m, you can set this on the device and then it can use that to make your altitude reading more accurate.

niceonetom

MapMyRide takes its elevation data from map sources (Garmins use their own barometer) so ~1400m sounds about right for the Randonée. What your Garmin might say once you've ridden it is anyone's guess.

That said, any calculation of elevation gained and lost is dependent on a smoothing algorithm and sample rate so any arbitrary number could, technically, be argued to be correct.

g0g

colm18 wrote: »

Looking at the route on MapmyRide gives 1465m climbing - Now for the KARE tour de foothills MapMyride claimed 500m climbing while my Garmin read over 1000m...does 1465 sound about right or am I facing 2930 metres of torture? :eek:

I made it to be 2,229m from home, but there aren't too many hills between Kilmainham and Sandyford I'm afraid! That said, you can clearly see around 150km when I stopped at the end of the cycle then started back up for the cycle home the altitude shot up a good 100m. I'd say total climbing for the day was less than 2,000 anyway.

ROK ON

I've just looked at the route map. All of the climbs are tough gradient
Enniskerry to Kilmolin (http://app.strava.com/segments/732140)
The Wall (http://app.strava.com/segments/824925)
Old Long Hill directly from the Wall!!!!! Thats just not fair. (http://app.strava.com/segments/714597)
Lugalla (http://app.strava.com/segments/652460)
Shay Elliott (http://app.strava.com/segments/655123)

Seriously. Whomever came up with this route deserves a severe kick in the boll*x.

ROK ON

seamus wrote: »

Apparently you can set "known altitude" points on the device. So if you know that your front door is at 50m, you can set this on the device and then it can use that to make your altitude reading more accurate.

This function doesnt work. I live at 76m. I have my front door set as an elevation point. Each time I turn my Garmin on, it will not let me choose the elevation point as it says that I am usually 0.1to 0.3km away from it. I have tried several times to fix it. It would be a nice feature if it worked, but alas like many things n the Garmin, it is good in theory.

Carpenter

ROK ON wrote: »

I've just looked at the route map. All of the climbs are tough gradient
Enniskerry to Kilmolin (http://app.strava.com/segments/732140)
The Wall (http://app.strava.com/segments/824925)
Old Long Hill directly from the Wall!!!!! Thats just not fair. (http://app.strava.com/segments/714597)
Lugalla (http://app.strava.com/segments/652460)
Shay Elliott (http://app.strava.com/segments/655123)

Seriously. Whomever came up with this route deserves a severe kick in the boll*x.

AAAAAA its not to bad but whoever came up with it is

---

Bold

Inquitus

ROK ON wrote: »

I've just looked at the route map. All of the climbs are tough gradient
Enniskerry to Kilmolin (http://app.strava.com/segments/732140)
The Wall (http://app.strava.com/segments/824925)
Old Long Hill directly from the Wall!!!!! Thats just not fair. (http://app.strava.com/segments/714597)
Lugalla (http://app.strava.com/segments/652460)
Shay Elliott (http://app.strava.com/segments/655123)

Seriously. Whomever came up with this route deserves a severe kick in the boll*x.

You get cake before Shay Elliot, at least you did last year. The wall into the old long hill is a bastard alright.

buffalo

ROK ON wrote: »

I've just looked at the route map. All of the climbs are tough gradient
Enniskerry to Kilmolin (http://app.strava.com/segments/732140)
The Wall (http://app.strava.com/segments/824925)
Old Long Hill directly from the Wall!!!!! Thats just not fair. (http://app.strava.com/segments/714597)
Lugalla (http://app.strava.com/segments/652460)
Shay Elliott (http://app.strava.com/segments/655123)

Seriously. Whomever came up with this route deserves a severe kick in the boll*x.

Can't bloody wait for all that! My best times on any of those segments were achieved on the Randonnée 2010.

Chips Lovell

ROK ON wrote: »

I've just looked at the route map. All of the climbs are tough gradient
Enniskerry to Kilmolin (http://app.strava.com/segments/732140)
The Wall (http://app.strava.com/segments/824925)
Old Long Hill directly from the Wall!!!!! Thats just not fair. (http://app.strava.com/segments/714597)
Lugalla (http://app.strava.com/segments/652460)
Shay Elliott (http://app.strava.com/segments/655123)

Seriously. Whomever came up with this route deserves a severe kick in the boll*x.

You left out the Sally Gap.

ROK ON

Inquitus wrote: »

You get cake before Shay Elliot, at least you did last year. The wall into the old long hill is a bastard alright.

Cake is nice.
Cake before the Shay Elliot is not nice.
I enjoy eating cake.
I am not such a fan of regurgitating it.

Now cake on top of the Shay Elliot would be an incentive.

(Rashers and pudding on the top of the Wall/Long Hill would make people question as to whether I was on EPO.)

ROK ON

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

You left out the Sally Gap.

I have never really counted that part as it it too short and shallow.

lennymc

ROK ON wrote: »

Seriously. Whomever came up with this route deserves a severe kick in the boll*x.

ROK ON wrote: »

Cake

ROK ON wrote: »

rashers and pudding

we can keep each other company on saturday discussing ways of punishing whoever created the route, our favourite cake, why denny rashers are so good and if clonakilty pudding is better than christmas pudding (which leads us right back to cake)

Inquitus

2000m of climbing according to my Garmin last year

http://app.strava.com/rides/1148257#

Epic sufferscore

Cork24

Hmm 2 Class 3 hills..

sometimes i feel class 5 hills are tough... i cant wait to see a class 4 or 3..

how are those hill classes done in map my ride any way ?

oflahero

Anyone thinking of doing the Frank O'Rourke the day after?

buffalo

oflahero wrote: »

Anyone thinking of doing the Frank O'Rourke the day after?

See the Frank O'Rourke thread for details: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056607934

oflahero

buffalo wrote: »

See the Frank O'Rourke thread for details: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056607934

Ta, saw that. Just wondering if anyone thought racing the day after the Randonnee was pushing it a bit?

buffalo

oflahero wrote: »

Ta, saw that. Just wondering if anyone thought racing the day after the Randonnee was pushing it a bit?

I don't understand the question.

I thought that too, but at least the FOR is a circuit. If you're 30k in, and decide you've had enough, you can pull off 10k later (or earlier ). I won't be going all out at the Randonnée though.

Chips Lovell

oflahero wrote: »

Ta, saw that. Just wondering if anyone thought racing the day after the Randonnee was pushing it a bit?

If you want to win the race, then doing the randonee the day before probably isn't a great idea. If you just want to get around, then why not.

Mind you, there is a boardsie who's currently training for the Rás who've I've noticed regularly logging 150km training spins the day before a race.

Carpenter

Cork24 wrote: »

Hmm 2 Class 3 hills..

sometimes i feel class 5 hills are tough... i cant wait to see a class 4 or 3..

how are those hill classes done in map my ride any way ?

Am I right in saying the hardest climbs are the wall and the hill straight after the wall

Keep_Her_Lit

Carpenter wrote: »

Am I right in saying the hardest climbs are the wall and the hill straight after the wall

As you would expect of a climb called "The Wall", it includes the toughest gradient on the course. However, it's a very short climb and the gradient peaks for little more than a handful of metres in the middle. If you're in the wrong gear when the slope gets nasty, then maybe you could get caught out and end up stalling but I think most people make it over without too much drama.

The Old Long Hill just after The Wall is also steep but, like The Wall, it's also short. Again, just get into the right gear and maintain a sensible cadence and there shouldn't be any problem.

IMHO, the climb up to Luggala is the toughest climb of the course. The vertical ascent is significantly greater than either of the above mentioned climbs and it's plenty steep in places. The Shay Elliott is also a good workout but not as steep.

Overall, provided you're in reasonable shape and have sensible gearing, there's no reason why any of the climbs on this course should cause a problem. Just control your pace and keep plugging away at it. If you can't hang on to the wheel in front, then letting it go is better than overdoing it and blowing up.

Keep_Her_Lit

ROK ON wrote: »

Seriously. Whomever came up with this route deserves a severe kick in the boll*x.

You think this route is tough? Just look at this!!!

[Seriously, that is one hell of a course you've put together there]

Inquitus

Keep_Her_Lit wrote: »

You think this route is tough? Just look at this!!!

[Seriously, that is one hell of a course you've put together there]

Q the entertaining scene of Rok On trying to kick himself in the bollox

manafana

g0g wrote: »

Great video!

Think that's poor old Manafana suffering at 0:47? I met him/you that day in Roundwood on the way back and think there was an injury or something?

4or5 pictures of me from that day, 2 they use is me suffering lol, wasnt in best shape for that, yeah i had a hamstring issue, since adjusted bike postion and doing distance now ok. Wont make this year as saturday just doesnt suit.

Ghosty669

ROK ON wrote: »

I've just looked at the route map. All of the climbs are tough gradient
Enniskerry to Kilmolin (http://app.strava.com/segments/732140)
The Wall (http://app.strava.com/segments/824925)
Old Long Hill directly from the Wall!!!!! Thats just not fair. (http://app.strava.com/segments/714597)
Lugalla (http://app.strava.com/segments/652460)
Shay Elliott (http://app.strava.com/segments/655123)

Seriously. Whomever came up with this route deserves a severe kick in the boll*x.

It wasn't me but I can give names for the right price!

Ghosty669

Keep_Her_Lit wrote: »

As you would expect of a climb called "The Wall", it includes the toughest gradient on the course. However, it's a very short climb and the gradient peaks for little more than a handful of metres in the middle. If you're in the wrong gear when the slope gets nasty, then maybe you could get caught out and end up stalling but I think most people make it over without too much drama.

The Old Long Hill just after The Wall is also steep but, like The Wall, it's also short. Again, just get into the right gear and maintain a sensible cadence and there shouldn't be any problem.

IMHO, the climb up to Luggala is the toughest climb of the course. The vertical ascent is significantly greater than either of the above mentioned climbs and it's plenty steep in places. The Shay Elliott is also a good workout but not as steep.

Overall, provided you're in reasonable shape and have sensible gearing, there's no reason why any of the climbs on this course should cause a problem. Just control your pace and keep plugging away at it. If you can't hang on to the wheel in front, then letting it go is better than overdoing it and blowing up.

One thing to note here is that we have a water stop at the top of Luggala as per usual so hopefully it'll provide some incentive to get ye up there. Don't think we'll have the cheerleading squad this time though

smacl

Ghosty669 wrote: »

Don't think we'll have the cheerleading squad this time though

Damn! Keep the water, bring back the babes.

buffalo

Never mind water or cheerleaders, will we have the trademark Randonnée nice weather?

Ghosty669

buffalo wrote: »

Never mind water or cheerleaders, will we have the trademark Randonnée nice weather?

Forecast isn't great at the moment but fingers crossed.

seamus

Forecast for the weekend is relatively cool (around 10 degrees) with showers and little sun. So probably long sleeve top and overshoes with a jacket in your pocket. Still undecided on tights -v- shorts, I'll have to decide on the day.

Unusually though it's looking like a gentle NE breeze for the day. Should make the journey home "interesting".

Keep_Her_Lit

Ghosty669 wrote: »

Don't think we'll have the cheerleading squad this time though

Good! Last year, as I was tortuously gasping my way up there, one of them shouted "C'mon! You're going so SLOOOW!!".

Might I suggest just a little more coaching on the "cheerleading" side of things

manwithaplan

Carpenter wrote: »

Am I right in saying the hardest climbs are the wall and the hill straight after the wall

The hardest climbs the year I did it were the little drags on that poxy road from Rathdrum to Roundwood via Moneystown. That was my first organised cycling event and I attacked every climb full gas. I was wrecked after the food stop in Glenmalure but I thought we'd just be rolling downhill back to Sandyford. I was very wrong.

check_six

I did this spin last year and loved it. Well, 'loved' is probably too strong a word. I think 'swore bloody revenge against it' is probably a more accurate reflection of my feelings as I started blowing up on the Old Long Hill. I knew The Wall was going to be tough and I was pretty pleased with myself as I scampered to the top. What I didn't realise as I was getting back into my rhythm on the small flattish section right after The Wall was that there was another chunk of hill about to smack me in the face.

The lesson here, dear reader, is to know thy route well, real well!

This cycle is great and I would love to do it, but I haven't taken the bike for any kind of proper spin for months, and I need to replace my tyres, and my bike computer is awol... hmm, sounds like a bunch of rubbish excuses right there... Bloody Revenge it is so!

*I reserve the right to decide I am insane to comtemplate doing this without any training and bail out*

daragh_

Be on time for the sign on, take your time, sit back and enjoy, don't go nuts trying to stay with the fast guys or you'll be wrecked by Enniskerry, if you see a bike with loads of dayglo strips DON'T try and keep up, smile at the photographer, save room for cake, don't worry about the Shay Elliot, try and find some company for the drag from Laragh home, wear your Boards gear, say congrats to Seamus, look forward to the burger and most importantly let me draft you.

lennymc

ive never done this, but im looking forward to it. I have heard it described as the wicklow 200 without the easy bits. Should be fun.

Carpenter

Hi kuro_man and myself are meeting to try do this @ about 21kph is there anyone else interested in giving it a go with us them there hills should be fun and the planner wants a kick in the pips

colm_gti

Really looking forward to doing this now

Gasco

daragh_ wrote: »

Be on time for the sign on, take your time, sit back and enjoy, don't go nuts trying to stay ahead of with the fast guys or you'll be wrecked by Enniskerry, if you see a bike with loads of dayglo strips DON'T try and keep up, smile at the photographer, save room for cake, don't worry about the Shay Elliot, try and find some company for the drag from Laragh home, wear your Boards gear, say congrats to Seamus, look forward to the burger and most importantly let me draft you.

Now you tell me (with a minor correction)

daragh_

Gasco wrote: »

daragh_ wrote: »

Be on time for the sign on, take your time, sit back and enjoy, don't go nuts trying to stay ahead of with the fast guys or you'll be wrecked by Enniskerry, if you see a bike with loads of dayglo strips DON'T try and keep up, smile at the photographer, save room for cake, don't worry about the Shay Elliot, try and find some company for the drag from Laragh home, wear your Boards gear, say congrats to Seamus, look forward to the burger and most importantly let me draft you.

Now you tell me (with a minor correction)

C'mon, it seemed like a plan at the time.

Sure we can't tempt you out again?

Gasco

daragh_ wrote: »

C'mon, it seemed like a plan at the time.

Sure we can't tempt you out again?

It was a good plan, the execution was a little beyond me.......

Unfortunately not, I have many excuses.

Though I am sad to miss this one, I rate it as one of the best (and toughest) sportive I have taken part in.

Best of luck to all involved.

G'co.

smacl

Road bike still out of action, looks like I'll be on the hybrid for this again. Could be a long day out. All I ask of those of you with reasonable pace is don't finish all the burgers.

lennymc

colm_gti wrote: »

Really looking forward to doing this now

hows the knee?

Ghosty669

Folks. Due to the numbers we're getting at the moment, we've decided to close the online entry early so if you are interested in partaking in this years event, I suggest that you get your entry in by midday today.

colm_gti

lennymc wrote: »

hows the knee?

Feels great after a deep tissue massage on Monday and stretching 3 times a day, physio told me to go for a light spin tomorrow and see how I get on, but doesn't see any reason as to why I couldnt be out for this on Saturday