Wicklow 200 2015

Bloggsie

black and amber wrote: »

Nothing like here. He's in Stockholm and his spins on strava rarely go above 50m above sea level!

Oh sweet mother of god, he is in for a surprise and a half!

BoardsMember

It's all a ruse. He's training his ass off and will murder you on the day; probably training at altitude with a pro coach, only putting his little recovery sessions on strava....and you've taken the bait hook line and sinker.

Bloggsie

this sounds awfull but I have an image in my head of the chef from the muppet show in lycra blowing, out his a**e on a bike! Im sorry, I have a warped sense of humour!

Jim Stynes

Any reviews of the day, explaining where the climbs etc? I have never cycled the area before. Been doing loads of training so I will hopefully be fine in terms of finishing it and I am ready for a hard day in the saddle. However, I would still like to put a basic route profile on my top tube so that I know when the tough hills are coming.

oconnpad

Jim Stynes wrote: »

Any reviews of the day, explaining where the climbs etc? I have never cycled the area before. Been doing loads of training so I will hopefully be fine in terms of finishing it and I am ready for a hard day in the saddle. However, I would still like to put a basic route profile on my top tube so that I know when the tough hills are coming.

http://www.wicklow200.ie/climbs-on-the-w200-and-w-100/

This details the climbs, get it into notepad and chop it around to suit a stem

Don't Chute!

BoardsMember wrote: »

It's all a ruse. He's training his ass off and will murder you on the day; probably training at altitude with a pro coach, only putting his little recovery sessions on strava....and you've taken the bait hook line and sinker.

Believe me that has crossed my mind several times!

Jim Stynes

oconnpad wrote: »

http://www.wicklow200.ie/climbs-on-the-w200-and-w-100/

This details the climbs, get it into notepad and chop it around to suit a stem

good man

AdpRo

Just found this thread and have read it from the start! Most of the talk here is about the 200, I've entered and am doing the 100 as I am a complete novice! Bought bike in March and have got a few spins in but not near enough. Today was the longest, approx 65k from Stepaside, into Enniskerry then onto Roundwood via the Long Hill (it was LONG!), up to Sally Gap, turn right and back down home. Worried that I will really struggle in the real thing, was ok after today's spin, back and ass sore from not being used to such a long cycle but not sure if I could do another 40k odd especially the way the last section is being described in this thread!

I am very slow on climbs but just keep spinning the easiest gear I have and got up everything today without stopping or walking, I would average something around 13-15mph normally, is this enough to prevent me finishing last!? I'm such a novice I'm not even sure what gears I have (think I need to count the teeth on the rings?!) Have the Cube Peloton Race and guys in shop said it would be fine for up around Wicklow!

Looking for some advice on what kit I should have for 100. All I have is cycling shorts, water bottle and saddle bag at the moment, need to get a jersey and puncture repair kit for starters, anything else essential?

Wishbone Ash

Jim Stynes wrote: »

Any reviews of the day, explaining where the climbs etc? I have never cycled the area before. Been doing loads of training so I will hopefully be fine in terms of finishing it and I am ready for a hard day in the saddle. However, I would still like to put a basic route profile on my top tube so that I know when the tough hills are coming.

Jim - you're overthinking it. You've done El Tiede. There's nothing in the WW200 that comes anywhere within a fraction of that. It's just a series of climbs where cyclists can be found any day of the week. There are no excessively long or steep bits.

Don't Chute!

AdpRo wrote: »

Just found this thread and have read it from the start! Most of the talk here is about the 200, I've entered and am doing the 100 as I am a complete novice! Bought bike in March and have got a few spins in but not near enough. Today was the longest, approx 65k from Stepaside, into Enniskerry then onto Roundwood via the Long Hill (it was LONG!), up to Sally Gap, turn right and back down home. Worried that I will really struggle in the real thing, was ok after today's spin, back and ass sore from not being used to such a long cycle but not sure if I could do another 40k odd especially the way the last section is being described in this thread!

I am very slow on climbs but just keep spinning the easiest gear I have and got up everything today without stopping or walking, I would average something around 13-15mph normally, is this enough to prevent me finishing last!? I'm such a novice I'm not even sure what gears I have (think I need to count the teeth on the rings?!) Have the Cube Peloton Race and guys in shop said it would be fine for up around Wicklow!

Looking for some advice on what kit I should have for 100. All I have is cycling shorts, water bottle and saddle bag at the moment, need to get a jersey and puncture repair kit for starters, anything else essential?

You've done 65 already 100 will be no problem at all. If you're only cycling since March and you've already done Sally Gap then you have nothing to worry about!

Essentials? I would say bring more than one bottle and use hydration tabs. I use Cnp hydra max and find them great. Keeping hydrated for me is very important. Good with it and enjoy!

carltonleon

black and amber wrote: »

You've done 65 already 100 will be no problem at all. If you're only cycling since March and you've already done Sally Gap then you have nothing to worry about!

Essentials? I would say bring more than one bottle and use hydration tabs. I use Cnp hydra max and find them great. Keeping hydrated for me is very important. Good with it and enjoy!

At least 1 spare tube, 2 if you can fit them in and some tyre levers.
Defo more than 1 bottle. Try and get a drink that has both carbs and eletrolytes like the High Five 2-1 energy source.
Judging by recent weather in the Wicklow a good rain jacket. Wouldnt be too worried about a pump as most people will have one that you can borrow.

Wishbone Ash

Postman has just delivered!

Jim Stynes

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Jim - you're overthinking it. You've done El Tiede. There's nothing in the WW200 that comes anywhere within a fraction of that. It's just a series of climbs where cyclists can be found any day of the week. There are no excessively long or steep bits.

Yeah I have plenty of training and hills done that I should complete Wicklow relatively unscathed! Still like to know what pain I have in front of me though!

carltonleon

Ok folks I am looking to do a training spin of about 120km (round trip)on Friday for the Wicklow 200. I will be starting from Walkinstown and I was going to do Kilmashougue Lane first then back down and up Stocking Lane and out towards the Sally Gap. I am not really that familiar with the area towards the Sally Gap even though I did the Lap de Gaps last week.
I was just looking if any of you could suggest a good route with suitable climbs ?
Thanks in Advance

crosstownk

carltonleon wrote: »

Ok folks I am looking to do a training spin of about 120km (round trip)on Friday for the Wicklow 200. I will be starting from Walkinstown and I was going to do Kilmashougue Lane first then back down and up Stocking Lane and out towards the Sally Gap. I am not really that familiar with the area towards the Sally Gap even though I did the Lap de Gaps last week.
I was just looking if any of you could suggest a good route with suitable climbs ?
Thanks in Advance

Head out from Walkinstown to the Spawell and out the N81. After Brittas take a left into Manor Kilbride. Then do the Lake drive around Blessington Lakes. Just after Ballyknockan turn left and head for the Wicklow Gap and down into Laragh. Turn left at Laragh and up Glenmacnass to Sally Gap. You can decide then whether to head home across the Featherbeds or take a left back towards Manor Kilbride. That should come in close to 120km.

irishrover99

crosstownk wrote: »

Head out from Walkinstown to the Spawell and out the N81. After Brittas take a left into Manor Kilbride. Then do the Lake drive around Blessington Lakes. Just after Ballyknockan turn left and head for the Wicklow Gap and down into Laragh. Turn left at Laragh and up Glenmacnass to Sally Gap. You can decide then whether to head home across the Featherbeds or take a left back towards Manor Kilbride. That should come in close to 120km.

will look something like this

https://www.strava.com/activities/139826173

bazermc

irishrover99 wrote: »

will look something like this

https://www.strava.com/activities/139826173

How did you get from Enniskerry back to Dundrum :p:p:p:p

irishrover99

bazermc wrote: »

How did you get from Enniskerry back to Dundrum :p:p:p:p

bloody battery went in enniskerry, dam iphones

Luxman

irishrover99 wrote: »

bloody battery went in enniskerry, dam iphones

^^^ garmin edge 500😜

Hunterbiker

irishrover99 wrote: »

bloody battery went in enniskerry, dam iphones

Powermonkey Explorer (portable charger for smart phone)

irishrover99

Hunterbiker wrote: »

Powermonkey Explorer (portable charger for smart phone)

Have bought one since then

diomed

diomed wrote: »

Thanks for the thread.
I signed up a few minutes ago, but I'll probably not do it.

Number 28, and I won't do it. I might take some photos.

Wishbone Ash

carltonleon wrote: »

Ok folks I am looking to do a training spin of about 120km (round trip)on Friday for the Wicklow 200. I will be starting from Walkinstown and I was going to do Kilmashougue Lane first then...

IMO doing longer drawn out climbs will be a lot more useful training for the WW200 than taking on that theatre of pain that is Kilmashogue Lane (too short/too steep/cul de sac).

If you're not too familiar with the area just head up Stocking Lane to the Sally Gap and straight through the crossroads and for Laragh (22k from SG). Have your tea/coffee/cake or whatever in Laragh (Hippie cafe on your left as you enter the village junction. Turn around and go back the way you came enjoying the beautiful Glenmacnass Valley and waterfall as you climb out of Laragh.

carltonleon

Thanks for all the replies lads. Wishbone Ash, thats sounds like it could be a good plan alright. Thanks again

Don't Chute!

carltonleon wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies lads. Wishbone Ash, thats sounds like it could be a good plan alright. Thanks again

Have a look at this climb from Enniskerry up to the mast on Kippure
https://www.strava.com/segments/2705076?filter=overall

Its the longest climb i know of in Wicklow, 722m of climbing!

Snako

What's up Guys,

I'm doing the 200, been training a fair bit, have a few 120km spins under the belt now, but I still haven't purchased gear yet. With payday looming on Thursday, I've decided to purchase narrower tyres and shorts, my bikes a tricross, and I've been told the tyres are loosing me power.

My question to all of you is, how essential are the shoes and clips? I've obviously done no training with them, and I figure it's too late to put them on now?

martyoo

My question to all of you is, how essential are the shoes and clips?

I was in a similar situation to yourself. I just got shoes / clips a few months back and regret not getting them sooner. They do make a noticeable difference.

I wouldn't say it's too late at all. They do take a bit of getting used when you are getting in and out of them. I've had a few traffic light wobbles

neris

If anyone wants an entry Im not going to be using mine as I havent been out training and am sailing/drinking next saturday.

Wishbone Ash

neris wrote: »

If anyone wants an entry Im not going to be using mine as I havent been out training and am sailing/drinking next saturday.

You should mention that on the thread for WW200 entries:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=95563645#post95563645

neris

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

You should mention that on the thread for WW200 entries:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=95563645#post95563645

cheers didnt realise there was another thread going

bazermc

Too early to start talking about possible weather for day?

Fingers crossed for calm and dry!!!!!!

crosstownk

bazermc wrote: »

Too early to start talking about possible weather for day?

Fingers crossed for calm and dry!!!!!!

The forecast on yr.no has changed from a sunny day (20C) to overcast and 13C. It's probably a bit early for an accurate forecast but the important thing is that the rain stays away.

Stevo1983

Nobody can tell if you're crying in the rain though.

Jim Stynes

crosstownk wrote: »

The forecast on yr.no has changed from a sunny day (20C) to overcast and 13C. It's probably a bit early for an accurate forecast but the important thing is that the rain stays away.

And wind. I hate wind!

carltonleon

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

IMO doing longer drawn out climbs will be a lot more useful training for the WW200 than taking on that theatre of pain that is Kilmashogue Lane (too short/too steep/cul de sac).

If you're not too familiar with the area just head up Stocking Lane to the Sally Gap and straight through the crossroads and for Laragh (22k from SG). Have your tea/coffee/cake or whatever in Laragh (Hippie cafe on your left as you enter the village junction. Turn around and go back the way you came enjoying the beautiful Glenmacnass Valley and waterfall as you climb out of Laragh.

Ok WishboneAsh, I did this last Friday. I went from Walkinstown up Stocking Lane out through the Sally Gap down into Laragh and then over the Wicklow Gap and another 8 kms past to make it 60km and then turned around and came all the way back. In between helping a poor lad who had punctured but whose pump wasn't working, poor lad was freezing and then it started pissing down. According to my Garmin it was 2035m of climbing which I was happy enough with but took me about 5hrs 15m which I wasn't that happy with but I was on my own and probably had too much time to think about the pain !!
Anyway my question is if I could do that, should I be able to complete the 200 ?

oconnpad

carltonleon wrote: »

Ok WishboneAsh, I did this last Friday. I went from Walkinstown up Stocking Lane out through the Sally Gap down into Laragh and then over the Wicklow Gap and another 8 kms past to make it 60km and then turned around and came all the way back. In between helping a poor lad who had punctured but whose pump wasn't working, poor lad was freezing and then it started pissing down. According to my Garmin it was 2035m of climbing which I was happy enough with but took me about 5hrs 15m which I wasn't that happy with but I was on my own and probably had too much time to think about the pain !!
Anyway my question is if I could do that, should I be able to complete the 200 ?

Are you saying it was a total of a 120km spin with 2035m of climbing in 5hrs 15 mins?

If that's the case then you are ready for ww200 in my opinion

Esroh

oconnpad wrote: »

Are you saying it was a total of a 120km spin with 2035m of climbing in 5hrs 15 mins?

If that's the case then you are ready for ww200 in my opinion

+1 As you were on your own
Then on the day remember

We all speak the same language. If you tag on a group and they are rolling thru just say hello and join in. Once you offer to help then 99% of groups will welcome you.

carltonleon

oconnpad wrote: »

Are you saying it was a total of a 120km spin with 2035m of climbing in 5hrs 15 mins?

If that's the case then you are ready for ww200 in my opinion

Yeah, at least that's what my Garmin 500 said after I hooked it up to Garmin Connect. I know that the climbing will be harder up Slieve Mann and Shay Elliott but I hope to get a boost cycling in a group on the day. Thanks for that oconnpad.

oconnpad

I think the 3 big climbs are only 1/3 of the elevation you'll do on the day so as people have already said pace yourself, in groups on the day will help a huge amount as your all in the same boat.

Now hopefully weather is good on the day

Wishbone Ash

carltonleon wrote: »

Ok WishboneAsh, I did this last Friday. I went from Walkinstown up Stocking Lane out through the Sally Gap down into Laragh and then over the Wicklow Gap and another 8 kms past to make it 60km and then turned around and came all the way back. In between helping a poor lad who had punctured but whose pump wasn't working, poor lad was freezing and then it started pissing down. According to my Garmin it was 2035m of climbing which I was happy enough with but took me about 5hrs 15m which I wasn't that happy with but I was on my own and probably had too much time to think about the pain !!
Anyway my question is if I could do that, should I be able to complete the 200 ?

Yes, you'll be fine. And there's nothing wrong with a time of 5.15 for 120k with 2k climbing. That will be a faster average speed than many who will be doing the WW200. On the day, with large groups the time and km's and climbs will pass a lot quicker. Even dealing with inclement weather is much easier in a group

(Re: lad with pump not working - I've encountered several stranded cyclists who have bought cheap mini-pumps only to discover that they don't work when required. Better off getting a quality mini pump. I use a Lezyne and it has never let me down. It has also helped many others (even a lad in a race recently when I was marshaling).

07Lapierre

It's not a "real" WW200 unless it's wet and windy.... It's too easy in good weather!

Looking at the forecast it looks promising for next weekend...should be a fantastic day if the weather plays along.

Steroo

Ok time to hold my hand out to be slapped!

I'm new to Cycling since Dec... well I had a hybrid for commutes up to that point. Doing some Tri training the past few months. I regularly cycle howth head (not a mountain I know). Been on a few club spins (mostly Flat) 70-90km & managed ok.

Signed up for the ROK in July, so I decided to do Wicklow 100 in the interim.

But now I'm thinking sure if I'm there just have a go at the 200 & take my time & I might survive (or not??)... am I gonna be sorry???

Cantdoit

oconnpad wrote: »

I think the 3 big climbs are only 1/3 of the elevation you'll do on the day so as people have already said pace yourself, in groups on the day will help a huge amount as your all in the same boat.

Now hopefully weather is good on the day

Do the roving mechanics assist with punctures if anyone is to cold or knackered to manage it themselves. Latest weather is overcast but dry and temp. Normal.

Bloggsie

Steroo wrote: »

Ok time to hold my hand out to be slapped!

I'm new to Cycling since Dec... well I had a hybrid for commutes up to that point. Doing some Tri training the past few months. I regularly cycle howth head (not a mountain I know). Been on a few club spins (mostly Flat) 70-90km & managed ok.

Signed up for the ROK in July, so I decided to do Wicklow 100 in the interim.

But now I'm thinking sure if I'm there just have a go at the 200 & take my time & I might survive (or not??)... am I gonna be sorry???

morning Steroo, my tuppence worth. You will only be sorry if you dont try it, if your feeling good after 80-90km why not, on the flip side if your feeling 2 bob bit, just do the 100!.

good luck.

fillup

Bloggsie wrote: »

morning Steroo, my tuppence worth. You will only be sorry if you dont try it, if your feeling good after 80-90km why not, on the flip side if your feeling 2 bob bit, just do the 100!.

good luck.

it doesn't work that way Bloggsie. The 100 & 200 split at Laragh so if Steroo wants to do the 200 he'll have to commit at Laragh.

Personally I think you're better off doing the 100 and push out the bigger distances for the RoK.

From what your post says it sounds like you haven't done a lot of climbing and I really wouldn't underestimate the demands of the Wicklow Hills.
You could end up doing your self an injury or putting yourself off cycling by jumping in at the deep end with the 200.

Tog Go Bog E as they in the West, enjoy the 100 and you'll p1ss around the ring (feck all climbing on that one!)

fillup

Cantdoit wrote: »

Do the roving mechanics assist with punctures if anyone is to cold or knackered to manage it themselves. Latest weather is overcast but dry and temp. Normal.

And will they push you up the hills if your legs get tired and mop your brow when you get sweaty?

HTFU

MugMugs

07Lapierre wrote: »

Looking at the forecast it looks promising for next weekend...should be a fantastic day if the weather plays along.

I can see my tan lines already !

oconnpad

What type of spins are people planning this week in the lead up to this?

Staying off the bike completely
gently leg spinners
full on power rides and i'll deal with Sunday when it happens

Stevo1983

60K around the the lakes today. Lot tougher with that wind, hopefully it's gone by Sunday.

happyhappy

oconnpad wrote: »

What type of spins are people planning this week in the lead up to this?

Staying off the bike completely
gently leg spinners
full on power rides and i'll deal with Sunday when it happens

I'm planning on a 60-70k leg spinner on wed as the only spin of the week and take it easy until Sunday