Wicklow 200 2012 - please read post #1 re entries wanted/FS

Hatcho

seamus wrote: »

If you can do the Orwell Route solo, then you can do the WW200, no question about it.

Well there was three of us giving it a go and if you'd seen the state of me on Sunday you mightn't be so sure!! :rolleyes:

I was finding it tough only 40k into the cycle - every time we came to a hill the other two powered away from me...something was up and I couldn't figure out what...
Then I copped it - I made the mistake of heading out for a big pedal only four days after giving blood. Apparently it takes three weeks or more to return to normal physical ability after donating! I'll never dissuade someone from donating but if you plan to do so, it's probably best to wait until you're over the finish line.

onechewlove

Howdy,

Building up to the w200. Went out on Sunday for a spin over Sally Gap to Larragh via Stocking Lane and back via Enniskerry and was pretty shattered for the last stretch. That only came in at 90k.
How would those routes compare?
I am a bit worried that I am nowhere near ready for the big day.

I am away this weekend so am going to miss out on some training too.
In my favour I have thus far been training on my 1984 Raleigh record and am now thinking of getting a Felt on the BTW scheme next week.

Then I was thinking it would be best to do the W200 on what I am used to and not rock the boat.
I went out on Sunday with cleats for the first time and banjaxed my knees so am not mad on rocking the boat!

Any thoughts welcome.

Here is my Strava thing. http://app.strava.com/athletes/276151

smacl

onechewlove wrote: »

Building up to the w200. Went out on Sunday for a spin over Sally Gap to Larragh via Stocking Lane and back via Enniskerry and was pretty shattered for the last stretch. That only came in at 90k.
How would those routes compare?

Equivalent to about half the route, think of it like taking a half hour break after you finished that spin and then doing the same thing again. Pacing yourself is critical.

I am a bit worried that I am nowhere near ready for the big day.

I am away this weekend so am going to miss out on some training too.
In my favour I have thus far been training on my 1984 Raleigh record and am now thinking of getting a Felt on the BTW scheme next week.

Then I was thinking it would be best to do the W200 on what I am used to and not rock the boat.
I went out on Sunday with cleats for the first time and banjaxed my knees so am not mad on rocking the boat!

Any thoughts welcome.

Personally, I wouldn't be changing my set-up this close to the event, but I'm pretty slow to get to grips with new kit. If you're dead set on the 200, I'd plan out your remaining training days carefully. You've 18 days left, I'd say take two rest days before the event, which gives you one weekend and plenty of evening opportunities. I'd say try and get a two hour spin taking in stocking lane on as many evenings as possible, and try one longer spin on your final weekend. Something like what you did to Laragh, take a snack break, head on to Rathdrum - Shay Elliot back to Laragh and old long hill home. If this feels murderous, the 200 could be a bit too much of an ask. Also cut the booze and junk food for the next three weeks, and get plenty of sleep in after your training runs. You can step up your fitness a fair bit in 3 weeks if you take it serious, but your cutting it fine on time.

Note that I'm no great shakes of a cyclist myself, so take the above remarks in that context.

riparooo

Ooops missed the deadline

Anyone know if its possible to get in late or on the day?

Thanks.

seamus

smacl wrote: »

Equivalent to about half the route, think of it like taking a half hour break after you finished that spin and then doing the same thing again. Pacing yourself is critical.

If I was being perfectly honest, it would be like doing the same route again, but a bit harder.

Slieve Mann + Shay Elliott >> Stocking Lane + Sally Gap.

As smacl says, pacing is absolutely everything. When I'm out on a normal spin of less than 100km, I usually don't give a second thought to pacing. I just hit every climb hard and deal with it later.

For longer events you can't just take off at your typical pace because you won't be able to maintain that pace later on. It's something that people new to riding (and running) struggle with and find themselves having to frequently stop at the top of a hill or pull in to take a breather.

Personally, I wouldn't be changing my set-up this close to the event

+1
I would be happy enough to make minor changes to clothing and the like, but I would probably leave bike setup alone unless I had the opportunity to do 10+ hours riding between now and the WW200 to break stuff in an make minor tweaks.

kincsem

I'm reading the Bjarne Riis biography at the moment "Stages Of Light And Dark". His manager asked him to put in 1000km training over five days. :eek:

Loveyourwork

Hi,

I have signed up for the Wicklow 200 but I cant make it. What is the best way to get this to you?

Loveyourwork

Hi,

I have registered but cant make it. If you are still interested, how can i get this to you?

AIR-AUSSIE

Loveyourwork wrote: »

Hi,

I have registered but cant make it. If you are still interested, how can i get this to you?

If you are referring to me. I'd happily take your number. I will send you a Private Message.

Beasty

All new WW200 entry wanted and entries for sale must go into this thread

Thanks

Beasty

lennymc

how much climbing is in the wicklow 200 this year does anyone know?

edit - i found it it. about 1829 metres according to the map

seamus

Long-range forecast is promising. Not like the current weather (jaysus you'd be stifled climbing SM in this heat), but nothing like last year. At the moment you're looking at a part sunny/part cloudy day in the upper teens with just a slight shower here and there.

I imagine partly cloudy means that there might be some fog and cold at the tops of the climbs, but otherwise sounds like an ideal day for riding.

jimm

lennymc wrote: »

how much climbing is in the wicklow 200 this year does anyone know?

edit - i found it it. about 1829 metres according to the map

Lenny, after yesterdays 3331m (according to my Garmin) you'll fly it!

onechewlove

seamus wrote: »

If I was being perfectly honest, it would be like doing the same route again, but a bit harder.

Slieve Mann + Shay Elliott >> Stocking Lane + Sally Gap.

Thanks for the tips guys.

Planning on getting in a few spins before the big day so may leave the new shoes/cleats in the setup and hold off on the bike.
My old Raleigh has served me well thus far too so would feel guilty if I left her at home.

lennymc

jimm wrote: »

Lenny, after yesterdays 3331m (according to my Garmin) you'll fly it!

Cheers Jimm. Im more concerned about the 4000 odd im doing the day before!!

munsterleinster

Other than an email stating:

Your entry for the 2012 Wicklow 100 has been recorded.
Please retain this email as your confirmation of your entry

Do you normally get some sort of pack posted out with details etc?

seamus

Yeah, I got my pack last week.

Carpenter

munsterleinster wrote: »

Other than an email stating:

Your entry for the 2012 Wicklow 100 has been recorded.
Please retain this email as your confirmation of your entry

Do you normally get some sort of pack posted out with details etc?

3 of us in work are still waiting

jimm

munsterleinster wrote: »

Other than an email stating:

Your entry for the 2012 Wicklow 100 has been recorded.
Please retain this email as your confirmation of your entry

Do you normally get some sort of pack posted out with details etc?

From the FAQ on the W200 website:

When will I get my Wicklow 200 control card and pin-on number?

The control card, pin-on number and final instructions will be posted to you during the two weeks before the Wicklow 200.

What if my control card and number don't arrive before I leave home?

We will provide an emergency control card and number service at the start of the Wicklow 200 on 10th June 2012. You should allow extra time at the start if you need to do this.

So if yours doesn't arrive, I suggest you bring along your confirmation email to Greystones, and you will be supplied with a pack.

AIR-AUSSIE

I have received my Entry number etc.

Is there anybody planning on cycling out from the Dundrum area to Greystones on the morning of the W200. Or even better if someone has a free space in their car for me and my bike. :pac:

munsterleinster

Got my entry in the post today...:)

Mr.Namad

Hello,

Coul dyou advise on whether it would be adviseable for a Mr.Average to try the W200 with a 52/42 - 12/25. Will the hills kill me with 42/25.

Thanks for any advice....

DirkVoodoo

Mr.Namad wrote: »

Hello,

Coul dyou advise on whether it would be adviseable for a Mr.Average to try the W200 with a 52/42 - 12/25. Will the hills kill me with 42/25.

Thanks for any advice....

Have you climbed anything around Wicklow in that gear combination?

Maybe you can, maybe you can't. It's certainly possible, like I can probably play the piano, but until I sit down and actually start banging a few keys, I won't really know.

Mr.Namad

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Have you climbed anything around Wicklow in that gear combination?

Maybe you can, maybe you can't. It's certainly possible, like I can probably play the piano, but until I sit down and actually start banging a few keys, I won't really know.

True... I haven't done anything in Wicklow before but have done a few hills (not mountains) just wondering if a 42/25 would work for a cyclist with medium experience... Thanks

DirkVoodoo

Mr.Namad wrote: »

True... I haven't done anything in Wicklow before but have done a few hills (not mountains) just wondering if a 42/25 would work for a cyclist with medium experience... Thanks

Impossible to know having never seen you cycle and in all honesty, 5 days before is not the time to be asking if you yourself don't know.

This is the kind of thing you should have been finding out a few months ago.

I'd say for the "average" cyclist (moderate power, average weight...unimpressive in every regard...like me) it would be extremely tough and far from ideal.

Go buy a 27/28 tooth cassette and give yourself a better chance, or get hold of another bike.

Beasty

TBH, if I was doing the 200 this year I would have a 27 or 28. If I was doing the 100, I'd probably be happy enough with a 23

Eamonnator

Mr.Namad wrote: »

Hello,

Coul dyou advise on whether it would be adviseable for a Mr.Average to try the W200 with a 52/42 - 12/25. Will the hills kill me with 42/25.

Thanks for any advice....

Last year,I did the W200 for the first time. After the cycle, I checked the times,
I was MR. AVERAGE. I used a low gear of 34-27. To say, I struggled, is an understatement. If you really are average, you too will struggle with 42-25.
In other words, what DirkVoodoo said.

smacl

I'm a weak climber but know those hills well enough and did the WW200 last year. My set-up is 53/42/30 front, 13-28 cassette, and I'd be walking sections without the granny ring. Outside of the bigger named climbs, there's a couple of short steep bits in there too (i.e. coming out of Powerscourt, last ~100m of Sally gap, and out of Redcross).

According to Sheldon, Eamonnators 34-27 is a 2.5 gain ratio, whereas your 42-25 is 3.5, and I'd be all the way down to 2.2 on my 30-28. A more common 39/23 racing set-up comes in at 3.4, which is still easier than your proposed lowest.

I'd say you'd need to be a strong climber to get around the 200 in 42/25, its a very big lowest gear.

07Lapierre

The WW200 on a 42/25? i remember it well 1988.. When i was 20!!! This year ill have a 36/25

Paul Kiernan

Just spent a very frustrating half hour trying to export the route from the mapmyride site - can't find a way to do it:mad:.

Anyone know how to do it or have it in gpx format or have a link to it on ridewithgps?

PS I'll be on a 34-28:pac:.

07Lapierre

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

Just spent a very frustrating half hour trying to export the route from the mapmyride site - can't find a way to do it:mad:.

Anyone know how to do it or have it in gpx format or have a link to it on ridewithgps?

PS I'll be on a 34-28:pac:.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/95189459

seamus

07Lapierre wrote: »

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/95189459

Course has actually changed this year; they've bypassed Donard and moved the foodstop to Baltinglass;

http://connect.garmin.com/course/1279291

Means that there's a 30 minute section on good quality N-road, which should be good for the average speeds.

Paul Kiernan

Thanks, guys.

seamus wrote: »

Means that there's a 30 minute section on good quality N-road, which should be good for the average speeds.

20km in 30 minutes - mind if I tuck in behind you for that stretch?:)

seamus

Actually it would be good to have little mini competitions in these things like "best TT" for that section, and "fastest climber" at other sections. Though that would require mats and timing chips. Or people stopping to get scanned at each end.

Any reason why they don't use timing chips on biking events? Logistics of setting up mats?

lennymc

Eamonnator wrote: »

Last year,I did the W200 for the first time.

are you doing it this year Eamonator?

Beasty

seamus wrote: »

Any reason why they don't use timing chips on biking events? Logistics of setting up mats?

So far as the IVCA are concerned, and knowing the Treasurer, I would guess money;)

In terms of timing segments, we now have Strava for that - it just needs someone to set up the segments in advance, and anyone with a Garmin or Smartphone can record their times - you could then create a league table of Boardsies

We can set up a WW200 Strava thread if there's an appetite

seamus

That was my guess, cos the running guys seem to manage fully timed and staffed events for half the price of a lot of bike ones. Notwithstanding though the fact that the courses are tiny, relatively speaking. I also imagine the bike chips rely on more wireless tech because you can't have wires running across an open road, which is more prone to error and generally more expensive.

Eamonnator

lennymc wrote: »

are you doing it this year Eamonator?

Yes, for my sins.

lennymc

Eamonnator wrote: »

Yes, for my sins.

good man. what time you starting at?

seamus

Weather downgrade. Little cooler - mid-teens at best - only a couple of breakthroughs of sunshine and one or two heavy showers in an overall cool and overcast day. The 3 peaks of the climbs will likely be covered in heavy fog.
Moderate ENE winds should be of assistance for the first 5 hours, but will make the last 80km a bit of a miserable slog.

So not entirely unlike last year, just a tiny bit warmer and not as wet.

fuck

andrewg82

best of luck just get as much hill training in as possible and you will be sorted

smacl

seamus wrote: »

fuck

Looking at the 5 day forecast on met.ie earlier, my thoughts exactly.

AIR-AUSSIE

smacl wrote: »

Looking at the 5 day forecast on met.ie earlier, my thoughts exactly.

It'll be nice on Saturday though

Kav0777

smacl wrote: »

Looking at the 5 day forecast on met.ie earlier, my thoughts exactly.

I just checked it again now, and it looks much better than at 9:00 this morning.

Eamonnator

lennymc wrote: »

good man. what time you starting at?

I hope to start at 7.00am. Allegedly, I'm starting it with about seven others,(the 9.00am Quay's cycle, Sunday morning group) but,I am fairly confident, they will finish at least 1.5 hours before me.

seamus

Yeah, I want to start at 7am too. Aiming to crack 8 hours, including an hour for stops (which I did last year), that leaves me rolling back in the gate around 4pm. Time then to get home, shower, empty the fridge into my belly and get down the pub for the match.

Eamonnator

Match, what match?

lennymc

im gonna try to get on the road for about 7 or 7.,30. ill see how i am after saturday.

Eamonnator

lennymc wrote: »

im gonna try to get on the road for about 7 or 7.,30. ill see how i am after saturday.

You're a mad thing. Best of luck to you on both days.

neilr4

Eamonnator wrote: »

Match, what match?

Ireland v Croatia 7pm