Wicklow 200 2015

BoardsMember

With that wind it's hard to get any gentle spin. Half thinking of just taking the dog for a brisk walk Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday and leave it at that, or maybe do a couple of hours on the turbo at a gentle pace.

carltonleon

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

A gentle leg spinner tomorrow and that will be it till Sunday.

MugMugs

Much the same as above. Either a high Cadence 70k or a quick climb and descend on the MTB tomorrow.

Bloggsie

sorry, my bad. i wasnt aware of the split. forget my earlier, Steroo. do what fillup says!

Steroo

fillup wrote: »

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!)

Thanks - I'll go with that I think.

Wishbone Ash

Cantdoit wrote: »

Do the roving mechanics assist with punctures if anyone is to cold or knackered to manage it themselves...

You'd be expected to deal with punctures yourself. Mechanical assistance calls are prioritised and they are more likely to attend to those with major mechanicals first. Unless you shred a tyre or something, I wouldn't be depending on them. Other cyclists will assist you if required. Just raise your hand as they pass to indicate that you're in difficulty (but for safety, don't do it on a descent or a very steep ascent - walk to a safe place first.)

terrydel

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

70 odd easy, flattish tomoro, then maybe an hour on the exercise bike Friday at sod all effort.
Pure science eh!
Did sod all over the Bank Holiday weekend as I wasn't feeling great, bit disappointed with that.

carltonleon

According to Met Eireann "Sunday will be mainly dry with sunny spells and light breezes. There may be one or two showers near northwest and north coasts. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees. "

I know that it is early days but here's hoping !!!

Euro Fred

carltonleon wrote: »

According to Met Eireann "Sunday will be mainly dry with sunny spells and light breezes. There may be one or two showers near northwest and north coasts. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees. "

I know that it is early days but here's hoping !!!

I have been using this website recently and its been spot on for rain

just click on "3-7 days forecast" on the left hand side

http://http://www.meteox.co.uk/gmapstatic.aspx?zoom=7&type=zoom&x=37&y=37&overrule=1

bazermc

carltonleon wrote: »

According to Met Eireann "Sunday will be mainly dry with sunny spells and light breezes. There may be one or two showers near northwest and north coasts. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees. "

I know that it is early days but here's hoping !!!

I dont trust Met Eireann one single bit

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2964574

http://www.yr.no/place/Ireland/Leinster/County_Wicklow~2960935/

carltonleon

bazermc wrote: »

I dont trust Met Eireann one single bit

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2964574

http://www.yr.no/place/Ireland/Leinster/County_Wicklow~2960935/

In fairness those 2 sites just confirm exactly what Met Eireann is saying, so happy days !!!

Cookie_Monster

Ole Rodrigo wrote: »

2011 was a grim year indeed.

ah, 2011. My one and only entry before moving abroad. It wasn't that bad :pac:

I did stop for 30 mins at the second food point to sit in the wifes car with the heater on full bore though.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

carltonleon wrote: »

According to Met Eireann "Sunday will be mainly dry with sunny spells and light breezes. There may be one or two showers near northwest and north coasts. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees. "

I know that it is early days but here's hoping !!!

So expect gale force winds and hailstones

laraghrider

2011 was horrendous. My single worst day on a bike in my entire life. I got home that day, threw the bike in the shed and refused to look at it for 2 weeks after. On the plus side it has become a useful bench mark. Any spin I have done since in bad weather I always say "ah, it's not as bad as the 200 of 2011"

yop

So lads are tapering down big time then? I've a 50km race tonight, hills tomorrow night and doing a TT on Saturday... Might end up blowing the gasket!

carltonleon

yop wrote: »

So lads are tapering down big time then? I've a 50km race tonight, hills tomorrow night and doing a TT on Saturday... Might end up blowing the gasket!

Better off just keeping the TT going overnight Saturday and straight into the 200 No Need for Sleep !!!

MugMugs

yop wrote: »

So lads are tapering down big time then? I've a 50km race tonight, hills tomorrow night and doing a TT on Saturday... Might end up blowing the gasket!

70k tonight High Cadence.

Thinking of a leisurely 50k hills on Saturday. Havent quite made the mind up !

Wishbone Ash

yop wrote: »

So lads are tapering down big time then?...

Couldn't get out Mon or Tue due to work/family. Was going to go out tonight but marshalling and don't have time to cycle to the race. Might get out Thur and Fri. I was considering doing the Boards.ie Evil 200 on Saturday but it would be unfair to be away for 2 full days at the weekend.

So all said, even with the WW200, I'll be below average this week.

Jim Stynes

60km tonight, race training tomorrow night and then a gentle 40km on either friday night or saturday morning. Check over the bike etc. Confident of getting around no problem though I won't be break any records.

Doc07

About 70k last night with plenty of hills. Won't get a chance to be on the bike again until Sunday 7am. Have to go to a dinner dance Saturday night which is not ideal prep. Plan to stop drinking at 11 and be home by midnight.

Now for a serious question. Shorts or bibtights?

Daroxtar

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Couldn't get out Mon or Tue due to work/family. Was going to go out tonight but marshalling and don't have time to cycle to the race. Might get out Thur and Fri. I was considering doing the Boards.ie Evil 200 on Saturday but it would be unfair to be away for 2 full days at the weekend.

So all said, even with the WW200, I'll be below average this week.

Your average week is about the same as a month for me!!

terrydel

Doc07 wrote: »

About 70k last night with plenty of hills. Won't get a chance to be on the bike again until Sunday 7am. Have to go to a dinner dance Saturday night which is not ideal prep. Plan to stop drinking at 11 and be home by midnight.

Now for a serious question. Shorts or bibtights?

Shorts or pints more like!

Jim Stynes

Im going for shorts, jersey, arm warmers, light jacket!

Inspector Coptoor

Doing the 100km on Sunday
Hoping the weather is better than the Skoda tour of Wicklow.
Still makes me wince when I think of the cold and hardship endured on that one.

Haven't been able to get out on the bike in a week, may do 50km tomorrow and 50-70 on Saturday

custom_build

Inspector Coptoor wrote:

Haven't been able to get out on the bike in a week, may do 50km tomorrow and 50-70 on Saturday

Would the general wisdom not be to have your prep finished and be resting from now until Sunday?

Inspector Coptoor

custom_build wrote: »

Would the general wisdom not be to have your prep finished and be resting from now until Sunday?

Possibly, but 100km is a fairly easy spin for me at this stage having done a few 160s and 180s.

Just didn't feel ready for the 200.

DS2013

I am doing the 100 for the first time in Sunday. Planning to bring two spare tubes, tyre levers, plenty of food and water. Weather looks ok at this stage so will probably just bring a light jacket. Anyone with experience think I need anything else with me.

carltonleon

DS2013 wrote: »

I am doing the 100 for the first time in Sunday. Planning to bring two spare tubes, tyre levers, plenty of food and water. Weather looks ok at this stage so will probably just bring a light jacket. Anyone with experience think I need anything else with me.

In my opinion, you have everything pretty much covered. No need to go overboard on the 100 as the Rathdrum stop is around 45/50km so you can have a bite to eat there, if necessary.

laraghrider

DS2013 wrote: »

I am doing the 100 for the first time in Sunday. Planning to bring two spare tubes, tyre levers, plenty of food and water. Weather looks ok at this stage so will probably just bring a light jacket. Anyone with experience think I need anything else with me.

Possibly a bike as well

Euro Fred

laraghrider wrote: »

Possibly a bike as well

Do we need lights? #marginalgains

bazermc

Euro Fred wrote: »

Do we need lights? #marginalgains

no no, they would just slow you down #marginallosses

Snako

Some guy in work today told me the Wicklow 200 was a "Piece of Piss", I'm petrified, my goal is to just finish it, 9 hours rolling time.

Luxman

Snako wrote: »

Some guy in work today told me the Wicklow 200 was a "Piece of Piss", I'm petrified, my goal is to just finish it, 9 hours rolling time.

That person has probably finished the Mick Byrne last weekend, if he did, then he is correct.

Wishbone Ash

DS2013 wrote: »

I am doing the 100 for the first time in Sunday. Planning to bring two spare tubes, tyre levers, plenty of food and water. Weather looks ok at this stage so will probably just bring a light jacket. Anyone with experience think I need anything else with me.

Mini-pump.

I wouldn't bother with carrying food myself as there are foodstops

Luxman wrote: »

That person has probably finished the Mick Byrne last weekend, if he did, then he is correct.

....or is doing the Boards.ie Evil 200 so the WW200 is just a next day recovery ride.

07Lapierre

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Mini-pump.

.

Move with the times....http://www.uride.gr/products_img/1520.jpg

Wishbone Ash

07Lapierre wrote: »

Move with the times....http://www.uride.gr/products_img/1520.jpg

It's all Greek to me!

07Lapierre

Best of luck to everyone doing the WW200/100..

A few tips:

Check your bike this evening (if you haven't done so already)and replace worn brake pads and tyres. (Don't leave it until the night before)

Make sure the derailleurs are working..especially your Lowest gear

And Don't forget...

Put your gel wrappers back in your pocket!
Wicklow is beautiful... keep it that way.

Stevo1983

Snako wrote: »

Some guy in work today told me the Wicklow 200 was a "Piece of Piss", I'm petrified, my goal is to just finish it, 9 hours rolling time.

My first time on it killed me. Totally unprepared.
Last year I got it done in just under 8 hours, it was still rough though.
Best of luck.

bitzer

I know this is a bit of a long shot but if anyone has an unwanted entry I'd take it off your hands 087 2581878 Owen

iwillhtfu

Stevo1983 wrote: »

My first time on it killed me. Totally unprepared.
Last year I got it done in just under 8 hours, it was still rough though.
Best of luck.

The more of this I read the more I'm leaning toward the 100

BoardsMember

Snako wrote: »

Some guy in work today told me the Wicklow 200 was a "Piece of Piss", I'm petrified, my goal is to just finish it, 9 hours rolling time.

News alert, the guy in work, he's a d1ck.

There is a massive range of ability/fitness/experience of people in lycra on their bikes every day, and that is also mirrored on here.

Being new to cycling, the nice thing I have found is that people are generally encouraging and welcoming. This forum also reflects this, even the strongest/longest riders understand this, and try to participate constructively. Some of the best posts are guys who have not exercised in years and manage a gut wrenching 5km as their first time back in the saddle in years.

I'm anxious too about finishing, or how hard it's going to be. Take the advice given about eating, drinking, taking your time, and you should be fine.

So the guy in work should speak to Wishone Ash or some of the other "nutters" on here, they'd put him in his place I'm sure. There's always someone weaker/stronger, slower/faster etc than you, most decent people respect the various groups and don't come out with inane statements like "its a piece of piss"...

Jim Stynes

Any 200km would never be a piece of piss. Depends on how hard you push yourself all the same. You could find it harder doing the 100km flat out than doing the 200km at an easy pace.

bazermc

Snako wrote: »

Some guy in work today told me the Wicklow 200 was a "Piece of Piss", I'm petrified, my goal is to just finish it, 9 hours rolling time.

They need to check his piss.

billyhead

BoardsMember wrote: »

News alert, the guy in work, he's a d1ck.

There is a massive range of ability/fitness/experience of people in lycra on their bikes every day, and that is also mirrored on here.

Being new to cycling, the nice thing I have found is that people are generally encouraging and welcoming. This forum also reflects this, even the strongest/longest riders understand this, and try to participate constructively. Some of the best posts are guys who have not exercised in years and manage a gut wrenching 5km as their first time back in the saddle in years.

I'm anxious too about finishing, or how hard it's going to be. Take the advice given about eating, drinking, taking your time, and you should be fine.

So the guy in work should speak to Wishone Ash or some of the other "nutters" on here, they'd put him in his place I'm sure. There's always someone weaker/stronger, slower/faster etc than you, most decent people respect the various groups and don't come out with inane statements like "its a piece of piss"...

Just to add to this. Pace yourself and get in the correct pace group. If its breezy ride in the slipstream to reduce effort. But take your turn up front or it will be frowned upon. Don't worry about the event. Its meant to be enjoyable. The food stops will make it seem shorter and less daunting. I did my first WW200 last year with little training. My longest spin coming up to it was 80km and this year its 70km. I got around in sub 8.5 hours then and hope to do better this year. Its more a mind over matter thing with these endurance events the same as Marathons although training properly does help. Enjoy the day and the camaraderie. Best of luck

Esroh

iwillhtfu wrote: »

The more of this I read the more I'm leaning toward the 100

Do Not lean. I posted a few weeks back about how this thread takes the same route every year. Its your head thats leaning not your Heart and Legs. You have posted here enough for us to know you have the hours and miles in the bank. Your heart will keep pumping and your legs will keep turning the pedals because you have trained for this.
If you do the 100 and find it easy you have 12 months to wait. If you do the 200 and struggle and suffer and complete you have a week of being sore and a summer of benifit.

go neiri an bothar leat.

Doc07

Inspector Coptoor wrote: »

Possibly, but 100km is a fairly easy spin for me at this stage having done a few 160s and 180s.

Just didn't feel ready for the 200.

Bring a few extra gels and if you're feeling good after 50km you could go for the 200.

Unknown Soldier

Jim Stynes wrote: »

Im going for shorts, jersey, arm warmers, light jacket!

I have decided I will be doing this in the "unofficial" boards.ie kit*. :pac:

It's quite comfy.

With leg and arm warmers to start off.

Right... i'm off to lose grammes...


*20 euro to a charity of your choice if someone gets that...

Alek

"unofficial" boards.ie kit

You'll be the only chap in the whole bunch having a smoke on food stops?

rollingscone

I'd wondered if I'd be fit enough for this year's event, probably not but won't be able to make the date regardless.

The 100 doesn't feel like it would be much of an achievement.

MugMugs

rollingscone wrote: »

I'd wondered if I'd be fit enough for this year's event, probably not but won't be able to make the date regardless.

The 100 doesn't feel like it would be much of an achievement.

It's more of an achievement than sitting on your couch would be!