Great Dublin Bike Ride 2018 - 23rd Sept

54and56

I assume Waves 1 & 2 are decided on a 1st come 1st served basis i.e. the 1st 1,500 (or whatever) doing the 105km depart at 8am and the remaining 1,500 (assuming 3,000 doing the 105km route) depart at 8:15?

If the latter and you intend to have a social type spin plus you want to avoid hanging around at the start pen for ages in the lashing rain I assume you'd be better off hanging back and joining the Blue pen around 8am for the 8:15 start?

Wishbone Ash

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

I assume Waves 1 & 2 are decided on a 1st come 1st served basis i.e. the 1st 1,500 (or whatever) doing the 105km depart at 8am and the remaining 1,500 (assuming 3,000 doing the 105km route) depart at 8:15? ...

I signed when they opened today and was assigned no. 5520. I expected a much lower number.

Eamonnator

All changed, changed utterly.

I am now unable to do this spin, due to postponement of son's flight.
If anybody is interested in my entries, go to Cycling Adverts in this forum.
Great bargain. Going free.

E.

54and56

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I signed when they opened today and was assigned no. 5520. I expected a much lower number.

I got 4,187 around 14:30. I'd signed up a few weeks ago but they only assigned my name to the number on arrival. 4,187 was the next number in a batch the guy I dealt with had. He scanned my ticket (Eventbrite QR code) and then allocated that to the number he gave me.

I think the numbers are relatively random and just allocated in batches to the registration staff. I don't think you get a low number if you registered early and vice versa. It certainly isn't related to the order people collect their bib numbers otherwise you'd have lower number than me.

the world wonders

Deleted User wrote: »

bad weather, numbers down, more sandwiches for me!

looking slightly better in the latest forecast, should be all over by the first food stop and only light winds picking up to give us a boost on the way back. Looks chilly enough though...

squa

Numbers appear to be totally random, I got 7499 in the post during the week, but signed up about 2 months back!

For anyone trying to minimize their time in the start pens due to weather, I saw something posted on Twitter about the pens closing at 07:50. Can't image that being too stringent though.

As for the weather.....think it might be time for the Gabba and a rain jacket over it for good measure!

jamesd

Do you have to start off in the pens or could you leave a bit earlier so not to be sitting around in the rain?

koutoubia

squa wrote: »

Hopefully most people will have the decency to throw on a rear mud guard so those behind don't have to take a face full of road water on the way around

My number is 5446.
I wont have mudguards on. So best if you stay in front of me to keep dry (and protect me from wind )
Good man.
Carry on.

Paul_Mc1988

squa wrote:

Hopefully most people will have the decency to throw on a rear mud guard so those behind don't have to take a face full of road water on the way around

My bike doesnt take mudguards so stay clear of the guy with the hi vis reflective shoes

Type 17

Edit: Sorry, the one I had wasn't a Strava one.

Mudguards: I spent a few minutes today taping up my new paint job and strapping SKS Raceblades on, so you can follow me, but I expect you to take your turn (and to have mudguards)

With the weather becoming more clear, what's the consensus on shorts or full length bib tights? - I generally get hot in the long ones unless it's below about 5 deg C, but with the wind and rain... any thoughts?

Wishbone Ash

squa wrote: »

....Hopefully most people will have the decency to throw on a rear mud guard so those behind don't have to take a face full of road water on the way around

I'll have full length mudguards with mudflaps front and rear but it's to keep me dry. I'm not particularly concerned about keeping wheel suckers dry.

dx1200

Type 17 wrote: »

Edit: Sorry, the one I had wasn't a Strava one.

Mudguards: I spent a few minutes today taping up my new paint job and strapping SKS Raceblades on, so you can follow me, but I expect you to take your turn (and to have mudguards)

With the weather becoming more clear, what's the consensus on shorts or full length bib tights? - I generally get hot in the long ones unless it's below about 5 deg C, but with the wind and rain... any thoughts?

3/4 lenghts

squa

Some harsh comments re. the mud guard suggestion......going to be a tough crowd on Sunday by the sounds of it and plenty of rooster tails spaying off the back wheels!!

Who said the etiquette of group riding was dead?!!

Seriously though, enjoy the spin regardless of the weather.....hopefully the rain will blow through during the night and we can all stay dry

Type 17

Weather predictions have totally changed - now showing little or no rain and much lighter winds.
The various Met services were saying that the likelihood of a storm was difficult to predict, but it looks like it has fallen on the better side of things.

Shorts it is, then.

py

Can see the roads still being wet, won't have mudguards on tomorrow so can only apologise in advance.

Wishbone Ash

py wrote: »

Can see the roads still being wet, won't have mudguards on tomorrow so can only apologise in advance.

Roads are bone dry this morning and there's no rain forecast for today or tonight in County Dublin so they'll hardly be wet.

bazermc

Type 17 wrote: »

Weather predictions have totally changed - now showing little or no rain and much lighter winds.
The various Met services were saying that the likelihood of a storm was difficult to predict, but it looks like it has fallen on the better side of things.

Shorts it is, then.

It's still forecasted to be on the cold side first thing 6c at 7am. So I think I'll leave the house with leg and arm warmers and can always take them off

Undercover Elephant

jamesd wrote: »

Do you have to start off in the pens or could you leave a bit earlier so not to be sitting around in the rain?

I started from Raheny last year. Nobody cares as long as you don't turn up in a food stop without a number.

Doc07

Undercover Elephant wrote: »

I started from Raheny last year. Nobody cares as long as you don't turn up in a food stop without a number.

Exactly. And if there is any fuss or messing re start pens, I’ll just start from 500m or so up the road line I did last year

Alkers

Eamonnator wrote:

Yes, I probably would. Can you suggest somewhere. I'm not very familiar with the area, and don't know where I'd get free parking. Travelling from Drogheda. Thanks again.

Try Kirwan St just beside the grangegorman campus, few mins cycle into town then but you'll be right beside the finish line. Free on the weekend

rushfan

Not doing this myself tmrw but wishing all a safe & pleasant bike ride . Enjoy.

vektarman

Weather looks dry tomorrow.

https://www.met.ie/weather-forecast/dublin-city#forecasts

Kamu

Hi everyone,

I'm doing the 65km and I'm assuming I'm wave 3 (number in the 100's) which starts at 8:33,(according to the information booklet) what time should I get to the start pen at?

Wave 2 leaves at 8:15, so I was thinking about 8:25?
I live close, so don't want to be waiting around all morning.

Thank you in advance, see ye there, and enjoy the day!

brianomc

Kamu wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I'm doing the 65km and I'm assuming I'm wave 3 (number in the 100's) which starts at 8:33,(according to the information booklet) what time should I get to the start pen at?

Wave 2 leaves at 8:15, so I was thinking about 8:25?
I live close, so don't want to be waiting around all morning.

Thank you in advance, see ye there, and enjoy the day!

Waiting around if somewhat inevitable really. The pens fill up on a first-come first-served basis so you would be more than likely down the back in pen 4 and not crossing the start line until maybe 8:50ish.

They're saying the pens close at 7:50. I doubt they will stop you from joining if you are late, I'm sure it's just a traffic management request. Just join the route further up the road if there's any hassle anyway.

Undercover Elephant

Email from the organisers this evening containing this gem:

There is fresh water available at each food stop. You can fill you water bottle with at the exit of each other.

Er, thanks lads.

Kamu

brianomc wrote: »

Waiting around if somewhat inevitable really. The pens fill up on a first-come first-served basis so you would be more than likely down the back in pen 4 and not crossing the start line until maybe 8:50ish.

They're saying the pens close at 7:50. I doubt they will stop you from joining if you are late, I'm sure it's just a traffic management request. Just join the route further up the road if there's any hassle anyway.

Ah, ok. I see how it's being arranged now.
It's my first kind of Sportive, so I'd like to be in the pens. Guess I'll get there for 7:45 so.

Thank you!

Type 17

That was fun, and thank god for lovely weather (although a bit cold at first).

dermabrasion

That was really good. While it was not an arduous challenge, the fact that so many feel the can give it a go is really good.
i liked the minestrone at the end.

tk123

I was threatened with a ticket for obstructing traffic (there was nothing behind me) for not exiting a roundabout and ploughing into passing cyclists in Ballycoolin this morning.. So if a blue/green suv cut you off my sincerest apologies :mad:

Chartsengrafs

tk123 wrote: »

I was threatened with a ticket for obstructing traffic (there was nothing behind me) for not exiting a roundabout and ploughing into passing cyclists in Ballycoolin this morning.. So if a blue/green suv cut you off my sincerest apologies :mad:

I actually felt bad for any drivers caught in it. I found parts of Dublin 15 pretty hairy, particularly after Lucan where there were cars and bikes together sharing very little road. I cycle those roads every other day and felt perhaps they’d be better off closed.
Otherwise a nice day, did the longer route and was surprised (disappointed!) how few groups formed. Just my experience though.

Paul_Mc1988

Great day apart from getting a flat at 25k. Weather was great considering there was meant to be a storm. Id put the lack of forming groups down to inexperience but everyone has to start somewhere

tk123

Chartsengrafs wrote: »

I actually felt bad for any drivers caught in it. I found parts of Dublin 15 pretty hairy, particularly after Lucan where there were cars and bikes together sharing very little road. I cycle those roads every other day and felt perhaps they’d be better off closed.
Otherwise a nice day, did the longer route and was surprised (disappointed!) how few groups formed. Just my experience though.

I was livid but did what I was told. There was nothing behind me on the roundabout and I was happy to wait a minute for a natural break rather than drive across the 2 lanes of cyclists! :mad: What if I had of caused an accident like?! :mad:

Chartsengrafs

Paul_Mc1988 wrote: »

Id put the lack of forming groups down to inexperience but everyone has to start somewhere

I meant even among the more experienced cyclists but I get your point and agree completely. Just me being lazy and hoping to less work

Atom Ant

I really enjoyed the event today, a little chilly this morning but nothing a thermal top could not take care of. However,I was curious with all the rain jackets going on. Was I missing something. Nice and steady all the way around. It was a lovely day for a cycle. It is the sort of event where everyone can have a go nice and flat save one small hill before entering phoenix. Be one for my to do list again next year. Well done to the Marshalls.

koutoubia

So I did the GDBR and DIDNT see WA.

We got as far as Clontarf when we realised that two of our crew hadnt had a morning coffee so we pulled into starbucks in Malahide and had a couple od espressos.
Incident free. Got to Naul and realised the q for food was too big so we headed for Garristown. A few others had the same idea.
Ticked along nicely until The Anglers when the tyre (clincher ) popped off the rim and made an almighty bang. Never happened before in all the years of me cyclng.
Already had a couple of hundred kms on the wheel/tyre combo so why suddenly it went then I dont know.
Got to the end and enjoyed the minestrone!

54and56

Weepsie wrote: »

I enjoyed that more than expected. Slow start as I a good bit back in the pen and I'd cooled down having cycled to the start and waited around for 30 mins.

Did it mostly solo, taking the odd respite from some groups, and giving the odd tow to some folk. Got it done in 3 and half hours, which was only 30-40 mins slower than Orla Walsh (professional cyclist I think). Food was grand, though I'd have had sandwiches at the end and cake in the middle but that's just because I've a sweet tooth.


Some some sketchy cycling in Clonee when people tried squeezing by a car that was just holding it line and patiently going alone with it, and then possibly the same folk going around the left side of a car while turning right, yet the car was going straight on.

The bit between Clonsilla and Fort Lucan was a bit sketchy too. They've made those roads 1 way before for smaller events I'm nearly sure, it was at a crawl for about 5 kms.


Also heard someone behind me hit the deck just past anglers rest, but a lot where unclipping, or just climbing off.


Would I do it again? Possibly, but I'd make some others do it with me, and maybe take it a bit slower, but today I was on a bit of a mission.

Agree with most of this.

Well organised and an interesting route but merging the 65km and 105km groups so far from the finish and squeezing them through the Clonsilla to Westmanstown (Fort Lucan) section was poorly thought through as it resulted in a lot of congestion and a lot of stop start traffic.

I think the congestion was a major contributing factor as to why more groups didn't form, it was just too hard to negotiate traffic!!

Would I do it again next year? Probably.

Effects

koutoubia wrote: »

Ticked along nicely until The Anglers when the tyre (clincher ) popped off the rim and made an almighty bang. Never happened before in all the years of me cyclng.

Think I heard that tire going bang. About 12.15.
We stopped into the Anglers for a pint when they opened at 12.

the world wonders

The new route I thought was an improvement, the Strawberry Beds -> Phoenix Park at the end was a lot more pleasant than the business park wasteland of previous years.

I think the congestion could also have had to do with the increased numbers (7k this year, 6k last year).

54and56

Effects wrote: »

Think I heard that tire going bang. About 12.15.
We stopped into the Anglers for a pint when they opened at 12.

Respect to you Mr/Mrs Effects!!

You had a pint then hopped back on and finished to DIT starting with the remainder of that hill up to the park? I think if I'd had a pint there's no way the cooled down joints and chilled out brain would have allowed me to start off with that stingy climb

koutoubia

Effects wrote: »

Think I heard that tire going bang. About 12.15.
.

They heard the bang back in merrion square!

Fiftyplus

Did the 65k to accompany the other half. Found it too congested, plenty of accidents early on, route was forgettable. Positives were St Margarets foodstop, quick service, decent sandwiches, etc. No coffee/tea at the finish was a letdown, the pasta/baked beans was okay. Not likely to do it again - was dreaming of the Ring Of Beara from early on.

Genghis

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

Agree with most of this.

Well organised and an interesting route but merging the 65km and 105km groups so far from the finish and squeezing them through the Clonsilla to Westmanstown (Fort Lucan) section was poorly thought through as it resulted in a lot of congestion and a lot of stop start traffic.

Couldn't have said it better. Was ropey alright from the merger to the end, which must have been 25k. I think everyone kept an even pace, it was like a neutral zone.

It might also work better if 65k go off earlier than 105k, certainly as I passed the merger at apx 12:00 it felt like both distances were in peak flow.

Judging by numbers in the Naul, and at the end I also think the number of participants is well up.

But I enjoyed the day, slower than any other year but that's okay with me, safe, dry and generally very well organised.

Genghis

Effects wrote: »

Think I heard that tire going bang. About 12.15.
We stopped into the Anglers for a pint when they opened at 12.

I roared fair play to ye as I passed. Great idea

Kamu

First time cycling anything more than 30km in one go. My quads had nothing left as I got to Anglers Rest and had to walk the hill, thought I got up it just to see it bend and went "are you for real," had to get off the bike to walk.

A lot of tit-for-tat, passed a few cyclists, to have them pass me later, and on and on it went.

Need to learn how to properly Pace myself.

The food and coffee at St. Margerets was great, but I was so burpy from that point on, hahaha.

I merged with the 105's at that first roundabout after food. The road's were very congested from that point on!

All in all did just shy of 70km total today. Not bad.

marvin42

well organised event, just wished they would keep the route on build up areas to the absolute minimum. Maybe its time for the great North county Dublin Bike ride :-)

patrickc

My first sportive and plus 100k also.. I really enjoyed it have to say. Very congested at parts which slowed progress at times. All in all 3hrs 40 was happy with that.

The snacks were adequate I didn't wait around for the end food though.
Gardaí and marshalls did a good job for the most part.

Wishbone Ash

Very nearly hit the deck in the Clonsilla/Westmanstown section. Slow moving cars with cyclists moving up the inside until an idiot driving a taxi decided he'd had enough of cyclists passing on his left and closed the gap without warning. A couple of cyclists went down but I just managed to stay upright. Some choice words were exchanged.

(Incidentally, my boss at work had been in Beaumont A&E with her father and said the place was heaving with injured cyclists.)

Kamu

Saw at least 3 separate instances which required some attention from the authorities,

Wish them all a speedy recovery and hopefully see them next year!

koutoubia

Weepsie wrote:

Apparently someone went into a traffic cone (overheard some marshalls at the end). Only cones I saw where on the downhill to the Lower Road past Fort Lucan. Very easy to pick up a lot of speed there so wouldn't be surprised if something happened there

Actually our spin wasn't entirely incident free.
There were cones at Ward Cross I think after a roundabout. A club mate was directly in front of me right on the inside big the cones when the inside rider swing out sending my clubmate to hit the cone and as I veered to avoid the incident the cone hit my front wheel . How the two of us remained upright is a wonder!

py

Happy with my effort today on the 105Km today, got around in 3hrs15min which is good improvement on the past 2 years and on a longer route to boot. Wind was tough once you turned off at Sutton. Thoroughly tired now so the tipple in front of me is well deserved.

Tried to get a few groups working together but some people seemed content on wheel sucking despite several requests for them to pull through. Did briefly work together with a few lads with jerseys that had Henry J Lyons and another couple of gents with something something plonquers on the back of theirs. Gents the lot of them. Wheel suckers meant the groups didn't work and I ended up stop working and let the wheel suckers go ahead only to see them blow up on the hill in Naul so I went by and left them behind for good.

Marshalls and gardai were great. On the back end of the cycle, perhaps the last 30Km, I was a little unsure as to why the gardai were out as they weren't stopping traffic all that much. If they're not going to stop traffic then it's as well to have a marshall(s) on their own there.

Found the directional signage to be quite poor. Far too small and not distinct enough. There was one point where I'd gone for about 5-10Km after getting through Garristown and I didn't see one sign and thought I'd somehow gone off course. Whilst most folks have computers/strava running, it'd be nice to have signs with distance markers. Whilst I understand that having once off signage is expensive, getting a bunch of signs with a large white box on them where organisers could draw the distance in would be of benefit to everyone.

The change of the last 30Km of the route from the past few years was a poor choice imo. Too many interchanges to navigate and quite hairy when traffic is not stopped. Once you go out past Clonsilla, the roads all the way to the phoenix park are country roads but quite busy ones. Too dangerous for this number of cyclists to be traversing. The after navigating the strawberry beds and up past Anglers rest, I'd to deal with impatient cars in the phoenix park. That part of the park should've been closed off. Again, far too narrow a road once you're through the small roundabout. Not a safe final 30Km, needs to be reverted to previous finale.

The different locations for start and finishing was another poor choice. It's massively inconvenient for those travelling from afar. There was one portaloo at the start that I could see... for 7000 cyclists which you've asked to potentially line up from 7am for an 8am start. The roads that lead in/out of Grangegorman would not be suited for a mass start of 7000 cyclists. For the past few years they've made us cycle through the sports campus out in Blanchardstown, don't know why it doesn't start/finish there.

Minor issue, goodie bag should've been given out when collecting numbers. Am guessing they wanted to save on postage. Also no jersey numbers, again saving money.

Generally attend this event as the last sportive of the year. The prior 2 years have been solid and there was a great atmostphere at the end in Smithfield square. I'd be hard pushed to return to GDBR next year if it's the same route and will just use the Reservoir Dog (great great sportive) as the final sportive of the season.