Wicklow 100/200 2019

Beasty

#500 @ 9:53

Beasty

10:33 and #1,000

My daughter's bored of counting now....

smacl

silverharp wrote: »

would this event not be better in Aug? im guessing your average cyclist peaks latter in the summer in terms of distance/endurance?

Main reason I used to do this event was to cajole myself into doing enough Winter training so that I could get around the 200k on the day and then have an enjoyable summer including lots of long days on the bike. While I've done the 200k six times, I've never much enjoyed the event itself but always got great benefit from where it left me fitness wise in mid-June. Manky sangers and missing medals aside, it has always represented outstanding value from that perspective. Have had a few lousy years cycling wise following injury, so must make an effort to get back to this level* next year.

(*'this level' involving dragging myself around the course at a lamentable pace to arrive with the late finishers, usually 10-11 hours all in)

Beasty

Just to add these "major" sportives seem to be spread across the calendar with the ROK and Sean Kelly taking part later on in July and August respectively. Maybe we could make the three of them the "Grand Sportives" with extra kudos for anyone getting the full set in a year. That can make the WW200 an "early season" target - the equivalent of the Giro....

Either way the WW200 seems to have been run at this time of year for as long as I remember and there's no shortage of participants

letape

Really heavy hail showers in Greystones this afternoon. Hope it’s not too bad out there. Reminds me of the 2012 (?) Wicklow 200. Average temp that day was around 6 degrees with lots of rain.

C3PO

letape wrote: »

Really heavy hail showers in Greystones this afternoon. Hope it’s not too bad out there. Reminds me of the 2012 (?) Wicklow 200. Average temp that day was around 6 degrees with lots of rain.

A couple of my mates did the 200 that day .... don’t think they’ve been on a bike since!

fat bloke

letape wrote: »

Really heavy hail showers in Greystones this afternoon. Hope it’s not too bad out there. Reminds me of the 2012 (?) Wicklow 200. Average temp that day was around 6 degrees with lots of rain.

Jesus Christ. Was absolutely biblical. Pity cos you couldn't have ordered a more benign 60k home from rathdrum. Weather was good, terrain mainly flat, wind behind us. We were cruising home and then thunder, lightning, huge hailstones, teeming down rain, rivers of water on the road. Was absolutely freezing coming in the road so we said nuts to the Enniskerry detour and came straight in through Bray for a Wicklow 195. Good enough. Sitting in the gaff in my hat and coat still trying to warm up!!

Limestone1

Beasty wrote: »

Just to add these "major" sportives seem to be spread across the calendar with the ROK and Sean Kelly taking part later on in July and August respectively. Maybe we could make the three of them the "Grand Sportives" with extra kudos for anyone getting the full set in a year. That can make the WW200 an "early season" target - the equivalent of the Giro....

Either way the WW200 seems to have been run at this time of year for as long as I remember and there's no shortage of participants

Sadly , the Sean Kelly is no more .....

Beasty

Limestone1 wrote: »

Sadly , the Sean Kelly is no more .....

Shows how out of touch with this forum I've become in recent times:(

ED E

25 odd, cursing myself for the last 15 ish. Stayed dry. Those ahead and behind swam segments. Time to ferment for the evening.

silverharp

https://twitter.com/DoubleZCreative/status/1137772988915281920

saccades

Odd 200 for me.

#1 child's confirmation on the Saturday, lots of running around and 6 pints and a whiskey until about 11. Used to have trouble with my hip until I changed bikes but did something on the Saturday so it ached.

Discovered on the bike that it hurt quite a lot so had to stand up a lot more, certainly couldn't tell the legs to shut up and motor in the saddle.

Tried a top tube bag so I could take a gilet which took a while to get used to. Was great not having to worry about the car key fob getting lost out of the pocket too.

Also the first time with a HRM, kept at the top of zone 2 all the way around which was odd compared to "feel". Right leg gave me a bit of bother during the last 30km dash (lashing rain, thunder and lightning but with a lovely wind at my back) so I had to stop to stretch for a while, but I could have kept going at the end.

Took 9 hours to/from the car so about 5 mins slower than last year (pb), which I'm happy with.

CramCycle

Didn't ride it but lots of the riders passing my house in that rain, I pitied them, there was no fun in that, just constant broken people rolling round Bray. Even seen a few lost around the town, their minds obviously just had enough, fair play to the marshals, the ones near Southern Cross must have been mentally destroyed.

neris

was heading out to greystones just after 2 from bray passed a load between southern cross and that hill out of greystones (blackbanks??) and had to feel sorry for them as some were struggling. 20 minutes later in a warm dry house had to feel really sorry for anyone out as the hail pounded down

ED E

saccades wrote: »

Also the first time with a HRM, kept at the top of zone 2 all the way around which was odd compared to "feel".

That sounds a lot like your zones are set for a much younger rider (Max HR drops with age so the range compresses).

maxamillius

Did the 200 yesterday, max distance I had cycled before that was 45k, pretty happy that I finished it but my god was it tough!

The last 60k in horrific conditions, nothing more than adrenaline pushing me through.

Can’t say it was an enjoyable event but mentally it is very satisfying knowing I completed it. Well done to anyone who did it, new found respect!!

rondog

Only did the 100 but have to say it was a great day out on the Bike.

Weather at the start was lovely and warm.

Got in with some good groups and flew around the course.

The organisation was top notch as usual and no shortage of food/coffee/post ride pasta.

Keep threatening to do the 200 one year,maybe next year will be it.

coddlesangers

maxamillius wrote: »

Did the 200 yesterday, max distance I had cycled before that was 45k, pretty happy that I finished it but my god was it tough!

The last 60k in horrific conditions, nothing more than adrenaline pushing me through.

Can’t say it was an enjoyable event but mentally it is very satisfying knowing I completed it. Well done to anyone who did it, new found respect!!

Wow, well done, that's a huge step up from 45km!

ED E

maxamillius wrote: »

Did the 200 yesterday, max distance I had cycled before that was 45k,

:eek:

rondog

maxamillius wrote: »

Did the 200 yesterday, max distance I had cycled before that was 45k, pretty happy that I finished it but my god was it tough!

The last 60k in horrific conditions, nothing more than adrenaline pushing me through.

Can’t say it was an enjoyable event but mentally it is very satisfying knowing I completed it. Well done to anyone who did it, new found respect!!

Youve only ever done 45k previously and did the whoel 200???:eek:

Did you make it up all the climbs without stopping?

What time did you do the event in?

Sinbad_NI

Took the plunge on Sat night and signed up.
The 3:45 am start was the hardest part to get down in time.

Great event. Hats off to the marshals... they were absolutely everywhere... really great work from evey single one.

Last hour in the rain and traffic wasn't great if I'm honest, much more the traffic than the rail really. Would have preferred another big mountain climb then those busy main roads.

Was pleasantly surprised at the climbs. Never been up in the Wicklow mountains before and was expecting steeper climbs, the typical 7-8% gradients were very pleasant as I'd been expecting more like 10%.

nilhg

I was marshalling at the R761/R762 roundabouts as you came back in towards Greystones from Kilcoole, I was there from about 12.20 till 4.00, so caught many of the 100km riders and the first 50% or so of the 200km riders, my first time to marshall the event having ridden the 200km 5 times.

Some thoughts and observations:

Well done to the young lady who recovered from a horrendous rear wheel skid as she tried to slow coming down the hill with a car in front of her, she was sideways for a while but just about got a foot out in time.

More riders on TT bikes than I thought, most I'd imagine having done the 100

So many Cubes, many more than I would have thought

One or two lads (chasing a time) very nearly ended up under cars, slowing down a little going through traffic filled roundabouts tends not to lose you too much time, especially in a 200km spin

Many drivers coming on to the roundabouts ceded their right of way to let riders through, lots of courtesy on display

Most of the argy bargy I heard was car on car, only one instance of a driver abusing a rider

Two cars drove the wrong side of the roundabout, one when there was no other traffic, the other led to quite a loud bit of the argy bargy as above.

When the rain started quite a few stopped with me to put on their jackets and have a chat, all reported having a good day, in general most cyclists seemed in good form, with many giving me a wave or thanks as they went by.

The vast majority of bikes going by had numbers, I'd reckon the number doing it without paying is small enough.

Well done to all who made it round, especially Maximillus, I can think of easier ways to build up your mileage than going from 42 to 200 in one swoop

Sinbad_NI

Is it always a similar final run in through the traffic or was that new for this year?

That was probably the biggest thing that would put me off doing again or recommending to others. Raincertainly didn't help at that stage but even if it had of been dry it looked like a very busy section of road.

saccades

ED E wrote: »

That sounds a lot like your zones are set for a much younger rider (Max HR drops with age so the range compresses).

Sorry, odd in that I wasn't pacing to get to the top of the hill, but just staying at ~150bpm. I'm normally having to work hard at the top of a hill, staying "constant" with the HRM was slower but I definitely had power left in the engine at the end (cramp aside).

tc20

did my 2nd 200 (did the 100 in 2017) - hats off to all the marshalls & extra thanks to the roving motorbike guys who ensured that no man (or woman) was left behind.
Rain started to come down just before I started up Slieve Maan, so I had the 2 climbs in the wet.
snapped my gear cable going up Windgates (which is my daily commute) thankfully I was left with the small ring gears, otherwise I'd say i wouldn't have finished.

loyatemu

Sinbad_NI wrote: »

Was pleasantly surprised at the climbs. Never been up in the Wicklow mountains before and was expecting steeper climbs, the typical 7-8% gradients were very pleasant as I'd been expecting more like 10%.

doesn't it go up Old Long Hill right at the start - that's got to be 10% at least.

ED E

loyatemu wrote: »

doesn't it go up Old Long Hill right at the start - that's got to be 10% at least.

https://www.strava.com/segments/3410224

6% but peaks at 16 for a wee second.


The route doesnt do Red Lane, The Wall, Bohill Lane etc but doing so on a busy sportive would be a recipe for disaster.

Sinbad_NI

loyatemu wrote: »

doesn't it go up Old Long Hill right at the start - that's got to be 10% at least.

There were a few short sections that were steeper of course.
The first climb and the hairpin at Conary spring to mind.

cajonlardo

nilhg wrote: »

many giving me a wave or thanks as they went by.

I think it's common courtesy and respect to thank marshals whenever possible.

Besides that, it let's the Marshall know you've seen them and understand any instructions.
In the past I've had one or two minor constructive criticism of the w200 but the marshals were always outstanding
Great day yesterday.

MyDarkArts

nilhg wrote: »

The vast majority of bikes going by had numbers, I'd reckon the number doing it without paying is small enough.

Seen a fair few people who didn't have their race number front and center so I say that number was probably smaller still.

maxamillius

rondog wrote: »

Youve only ever done 45k previously and did the whoel 200???:eek:

Did you make it up all the climbs without stopping?

What time did you do the event in?

Walked for about 5 minutes on sliabh Mann, all other climbs without stopping. Did it in 10hrs which I was pretty happy with

maxamillius

nilhg wrote: »

I was marshalling at the R761/R762 roundabouts as you came back in towards Greystones from Kilcoole, I was there from about 12.20 till 4.00, so caught many of the 100km riders and the first 50% or so of the 200km riders, my first time to marshall the event having ridden the 200km 5 times.

Some thoughts and observations:

Well done to the young lady who recovered from a horrendous rear wheel skid as she tried to slow coming down the hill with a car in front of her, she was sideways for a while but just about got a foot out in time.

More riders on TT bikes than I thought, most I'd imagine having done the 100

So many Cubes, many more than I would have thought

One or two lads (chasing a time) very nearly ended up under cars, slowing down a little going through traffic filled roundabouts tends not to lose you too much time, especially in a 200km spin

Many drivers coming on to the roundabouts ceded their right of way to let riders through, lots of courtesy on display

Most of the argy bargy I heard was car on car, only one instance of a driver abusing a rider

Two cars drove the wrong side of the roundabout, one when there was no other traffic, the other led to quite a loud bit of the argy bargy as above.

When the rain started quite a few stopped with me to put on their jackets and have a chat, all reported having a good day, in general most cyclists seemed in good form, with many giving me a wave or thanks as they went by.

The vast majority of bikes going by had numbers, I'd reckon the number doing it without paying is small enough.

Well done to all who made it round, especially Maximillus, I can think of easier ways to build up your mileage than going from 42 to 200 in one swoop

Have to say fair play to all the marshalls, giving up there time on a Sunday, I passed the last ones around 530 or so and it was lashing rain, thanks a lot for keeping everyone in the right direction and also for the words of encouragement

maxamillius

rondog wrote: »

Only did the 100 but have to say it was a great day out on the Bike.

Weather at the start was lovely and warm.

Got in with some good groups and flew around the course.

The organisation was top notch as usual and no shortage of food/coffee/post ride pasta.

Keep threatening to do the 200 one year,maybe next year will be it.

Just dive in, you’ll think yourself out of it otherwise

GG21057

Thought the food in Rathdrum was very poor. Sandwiches ok but distinct lack if pastries and buns. And no caramel slices!! I only do it for the caramel slices. Did the 100 and hard to see value for €60.

ED E

maxamillius wrote: »

Have to say fair play to all the marshalls, giving up there time on a Sunday, I passed the last ones around 530 or so and it was lashing rain, thanks a lot for keeping everyone in the right direction and also for the words of encouragement

Ehhmm, wouldn't say that.

All IVCA members can be called up and they get a 6wks ban if they don't show. They also forfeit any prize money. Its not like a club sportive where everyone volunteers.

Cyclewizard

nilhg wrote: »

I was marshalling at the R761/R762 roundabouts as you came back in towards Greystones from Kilcoole, I was there from about 12.20 till 4.00, so caught many of the 100km riders and the first 50% or so of the 200km riders, my first time to marshall the event having ridden the 200km 5 times.

Some thoughts and observations:

Well done to the young lady who recovered from a horrendous rear wheel skid as she tried to slow coming down the hill with a car in front of her, she was sideways for a while but just about got a foot out in time.

More riders on TT bikes than I thought, most I'd imagine having done the 100

So many Cubes, many more than I would have thought

One or two lads (chasing a time) very nearly ended up under cars, slowing down a little going through traffic filled roundabouts tends not to lose you too much time, especially in a 200km spin

Many drivers coming on to the roundabouts ceded their right of way to let riders through, lots of courtesy on display

Most of the argy bargy I heard was car on car, only one instance of a driver abusing a rider

Two cars drove the wrong side of the roundabout, one when there was no other traffic, the other led to quite a loud bit of the argy bargy as above.

When the rain started quite a few stopped with me to put on their jackets and have a chat, all reported having a good day, in general most cyclists seemed in good form, with many giving me a wave or thanks as they went by.

The vast majority of bikes going by had numbers, I'd reckon the number doing it without paying is small enough.

Well done to all who made it round, especially Maximillus, I can think of easier ways to build up your mileage than going from 42 to 200 in one swoop

Just a note on the numbers I had mine in my back pocket as I didn't want it rattling at the front of the bike and I knew a few others who registered and didn't put the number on either or had them stuck at the seatpost so a fair amount with no numbers would have been registered I'd say.

maxamillius

ED E wrote: »

Ehhmm, wouldn't say that.

All IVCA members can be called up and they get a 6wks ban if they don't show. They also forfeit any prize money. Its not like a club sportive where everyone volunteers.

Ah right ok, wasn’t aware of that!! Was wondering why so many people would just openly volunteer to stand in the rain ha ha

Beasty

maxamillius wrote: »

Ah right ok, wasn’t aware of that!! Was wondering why so many people would just openly volunteer to stand in the rain ha ha

My shift was 07:15 to 12;45, so I caught all the sunshine....

Yes there certainly is a 3-line whip on this, and because of no-shows in prior years they implemented stricter sanctions for racing members not doing their stints last year. Having said that the vast majority of racing members turn up regardless (I've been at Rathdrum for the past 3 years, and have only managed about 3 laps of road racing in that time (plus a couple of track events) and 9 Road Race marshal slots on top of those for the WW200)

Puggy

Was injured and couldn’t do it this year, the other half did the 100. I drove and stopped along the way to take photos, offer moral support, and carry food and spares, also had some tubes and a track pump in the boot.

Have to say that the marshalls make the day, apart from giving directions, most also encourage people. The majority of cyclists were also excellent.

Noticed a smashed car window in Rathdrum, at the bottom of the exit from the food stop. Got a brush from the Centra and swept the road clear.

Stopped a few times to lend a hand with punctures as I had a track pump. Amazingly one particular person had 3 flats, and no spare tubes! Relied on other rides to stop and help.