First of the old - vintage weekend in Conamara- 28/29 March

Brendan Hennessy · 06-01-2015 11:46am #1

Hi all,

This may be a good year for vintage bikes, hand-washed wool jerseys, cloth caps and toe-clips. Hopefully it'll be an even better one for vintage cyclists following the enthusiasm for the Giro Expo, Giro vintage spin and Laochra na Laoise in Ireland as well as those who travelled to L'Eroica Britannia and Italia in 2014.

I've been thinking that it would be great to create 5 spins this year in the tradition of the monuments. So let's begin with the first of the old: Yarisbob has planned the first event for Conamara on the weekend of the 28/29 March - not too long away. This will be the Milan San Remo of our year, except that in this event the cyclists have a sleep over in San Remo (or Clifden)!

Yarisbob has done the route and research, DaithíBC and I have cut the distance, all YOU have to do is express your interest here. We need this particularly for this event as we have to confirm accommodation etc. The proposed route begins and ends at Maam Cross and on day 1 skirts 50 miles of north Conamara concluding in Clifden, then South for 35 miles the following day. Such is our fabulous road network there is even an easy opt-out for anyone who desires or requires same, or indeed more miles are possible too.

We are encouraging people to make their best effort to get out their vintage bike and gear (and to post pics here). The rule of thumb is pre 1987 steel bikes with non-aero brakes, friction gear levers and toe clips. The exceptions are Vitus/Alan duralinox frames and first generation look pedals. The spirit is inclusive, so no worries if your bike is a little younger and a woollen jersey is always a good place to start if the right bike hasn't turned up yet. We've never done prizes, but I'd love if someone turned up on this:

As with the previous spins this is a gathering of like minded cyclists, not a formal event. No fees apply, but cover your own costs. A decent level of club cycling fitness is required for a 2 day event. Good weather is not essential but is a plus!

So, once again, please record your interest and any questions or clarifications here. If you're reading this far down you'll also be interested in our nascent website www.oldvelos.com

Now, where to hold our Paris - Roubaix?!

Happy cycling for 2015,

Brendan

piston · 06-01-2015 4:04pm

I would be interested.

Eamonnator · 06-01-2015 4:39pm

Very interested.
I would prefer a longer spin on the Sunday, it would make the drive from Drogheda, more worthwhile.

Yarisbob · 06-01-2015 5:30pm

Thanks for that Brendan

My original plan was for about 140k each day but sense and lack of fitness prevailed !!

Plan is to meet up at Maam Cross. I might have a classic car owning friend talked into taking our gear up to Clifden. Its a Volvo 240 Estate (Just like the Molteni Team car from 1975) so plenty of room - Hopefully he comes good !

That aside we will ride the coast road and stop up at Roundstone and perhaps the Alcock and Brown memorial outside Ballyconneely

The overnight will be in The Station House Hotel in Clifden where B+B and 3 course Evening meal is €65 pps. Bikes will be locked up snug. Our club stayed there last October and we were treated like Kings.

On the second day we will go visit Kylemore Abbey and stop in Joe Kanes of Maam. You just have to tip up the Maam Valley and back or we can go on by Cong and Headford if you want a longer spin.

As Brendan said there is no entry fee and this is not a formal event so just bring enough to see the hotel, a few quid as a token for the driver, beer tokens and of course a bit of craic !!

The tax man · 07-01-2015 2:11am

Must check that the dates don't clash with work. Seeing that there's a special exception for Vitus/Alan duralinox frames I might bring along the KAS replica.

SomeFool · 07-01-2015 4:00am

Yarisbob wrote: »

The overnight will be in The Station House Hotel in Clifden where B+B and 3 course Evening meal is €65 pps. Bikes will be locked up snug. Our club stayed there last October and we were treated like Kings.

I can second this hotel, was touring last year and decided to treat myself to a night away from my tent here (it was pissing down and they had a jacuzzi), couldn't have been nicer, bike and disheveled rider both excellently cared for! If I can get the time out of work I'd be well tempted to join ye!

Daithi BC · 09-01-2015 5:24pm

I cycled a lot of these roads in the Tour de Connemara last year. You couldn't get a nicer or more scenic route. Hilly enough to be challenging, but not overly difficult.

I hope to be there if work allows. It's right in the middle of spring barley sowing so hopefully there's plenty of dry weather for a few weeks beforehand.

Benotto · 09-01-2015 11:39pm

Count me in, looking forward to it.
Gerard

Dinoboy · 10-01-2015 1:52am

Count me in also. Aidan.

sarge10 · 11-01-2015 10:00pm

I'll be there!!

Brendan, you know what a Peugeotphile I am so if you can get me that Peugeot Tour de France in the photo I'd be more than happy to ride it..ah we can dream!
I was thinking about making a trophy and awarding it to the best bike, or outfit or combo. It would be just an informal thing voted for by the participants on the ride, maybe in the hotel that night?? what do you guys think?

Esroh · 11-01-2015 10:59pm

Lads for a longer spin on Sunday you can head round Lough na Fooey to Clonbur , Cornamona and back to Maam. Have your pint and then back over the hill to Maamcross.
M7ght try to get a steed for this one of the days anyway.

The tax man · 14-01-2015 1:02am

Ok I'm in. Dates don't clash with work.:D

happytramp · 14-01-2015 11:16am

Count me in. Can't wait for the headwind.

Daithi BC · 14-01-2015 4:05pm

happytramp wrote: »

Count me in. Can't wait for the headwind.

Ah yes, Connemara - geologically set up so that whichever way you're cycling, it's into a headwind.

Yarisbob · 22-01-2015 5:29pm

Right Lads
This is a peliminary listing of the poor souls who will brave the winds of the wild west.

Definately
Yarisbob
Brendan Hennessey
Daithi BC
Eamonnator
The tax man
Benotto x 2rms
Dinoboy
Sarge10
Happytramp

Maybe
SomeFool
Esroh

Now this is not the definative list as boys will join and drop off. Theres plenty of space if anybody else wants to join in. The pace will be fairly calm.

I am investigating a sort of a 1 mile TT where you are not allowed any timing devices. The winner is the person that guesses closest to his actual time - In other words a bit of craic....

Daithi BC · 23-01-2015 10:24am

Looks good. I'm afraid I'm on the maybe list for now - depends on work if I'm available or not.

If I am, I was thinking of parking in Oughterard and cycling out to Maam Cross. Is there anywhere there to leave a car over the weekend?

Brendan Hennessy · 23-01-2015 11:19am

Cheers Lads,

I'm always amused by Boards pseudonyms - feel like I'm joining the reservoir dogs cycling weekend!

Yaris, the Tóin na Gaoith (oldvelos.com) lads are good to go to. I'll get you the details.

DBC, yep I was thinking something similar about parking, maybe checking in with the Guards locally to ask their advice and or if they could keep an eye on cars.

Sarge, not sure if your award for best on show got a response. I think it's great idea especially if done by popular vote!

All, I love Yaris's idea of a TT. I'm a fan of hill climbs also. Any chance of combining the two?

Could anybody notify the Dublin vets group (not the animal kind!) of the spin as that might increase numbers.

Brendan

slatanic · 23-01-2015 12:39pm

Unfortunately it clashes with the Stephen Roche Atlantic Challenge on the Saturday (I think) So if possible I might fall in on the Sunday. There are some great roads up there.

Thanks,
Shane Courtney

Bjorn Turun · 24-01-2015 1:32pm

We are hoping to have a group for the Connemara event, will have a head count shortly.

Eamonnator · 24-01-2015 6:16pm

I will be travelling down from Drogheda. I will have room for one body and one bike, if anybody wants a lift.
I am prepared to detour, within reason.

Yarisbob · 26-01-2015 9:12am

slatanic wrote: »

Unfortunately it clashes with the Stephen Roche Atlantic Challenge on the Saurday

Fortunately it clashes with the Stephen Roche Atlantic Challenge Nuff Said

I have 15 definate places with the hotel with outside max of 25 if need be. We will work out who sleeps where at a later date..

Daithi BC's idea of parking up in Oughterard is good but we will have to ride the 10 or so miles to Maam Cross to start. Plenty of parking at the community centre.

As usual it sall up in teh air at the minute but I'll get it sorted soon !!

Deadon · 27-01-2015 5:45pm

Hi to all ,just got to this thread now, I'll know by this Sunday how we are fixed ,the carlton bike has been sold since Laois ,Harry hall is still chucking away ,but I have a couple of other old bikes I can lend out to my buddy's ,brendan I still can't post pictures up on this ,so if you pm me your email I'll send a couple of snaps you may like to post for me ? Hope it's not extremely hilly course ,and hopefully the dates suit us ,,really enjoyed the last spin ...Dec

Jitterbug1974 · 27-01-2015 10:20pm

Hello All
Fair play to you Yarisbob for getting this off the ground! Don't think I'll be able to make it(till be a late call if I can go) but hoping to catch up with ye all later on in the year.

Enjoy...............

Barry

Eamonnator · 27-01-2015 10:23pm

What time will we be starting on Saturday?

Brendan Hennessy · 27-01-2015 10:32pm

Hi all,

Eamon it's at least a 3 hour rive from Cork, probably similar for yourself. Yaris what had you in mind? Any suggestions?

Barry, hope you can make it in the end.

Brendan

Eamonnator · 27-01-2015 10:35pm

If it's going to be an early start, I might go down on Friday evening.
AA is telling me, that it's 3hours 20minutes from Drogheda.

Brendan Hennessy · 27-01-2015 10:41pm

AA might want a word with us all on Sunday morning!

Deadon · 30-01-2015 6:36pm

Yarisbob wrote: »

Right Lads
This is a peliminary listing of the poor souls who will brave the winds of the wild west.

Definately
Yarisbob
Brendan Hennessey
Daithi BC
Eamonnator
The tax man
Benotto x 2rms
Dinoboy
Sarge10
Happytramp

Maybe
SomeFool
Esroh

Now this is not the definative list as boys will join and drop off. Theres plenty of space if anybody else wants to join in. The pace will be fairly calm.

I am investigating a sort of a 1 mile TT where you are not allowed any timing devices. The winner is the person that guesses closest to his actual time - In other words a bit of craic....

Hi yarisbob,We're ok for those dates ,looking forward to meeting up again ,if you could post a rough idea of start time it would be great ..deadon x 2

The Ging and I · 10-02-2015 8:10am

I can not make this event, but I have just sent a pre entry to l'eroica in Italy.
Might be able to do the Spanish one but no details yet.

Yarisbob · 10-02-2015 11:04am

Howya lads Sorry I haven't been on here in the last while A stork landed with us and brought us a wee boy It's busy here with the 2 1/2 year old as well ! All Aptaml & Sudocream ! Feeding burpin & nappies & that's just me !

Now lads we will be riding out from Oughterard after 9am . I will ride from Galway NUIG about 8m ! That's 3 start locations and 3 finishes to choose from ! I want to finish up the days at no later than 4pm ! There is loads of secure parking in both Galway & Oughterard

I'm using wife's phone for the net & it's painful !

Daithi BC · 10-02-2015 11:39am

Congratulations YB and Mrs YB - busy times ahead!

9am in Oughterard sounds good. If I'm there, I'll be driving over in the morning.

Benotto · 10-02-2015 12:54pm

Hi Yarisbob,
Congratulations, Storks bring some wounderfull things of joy, many happy days.
Can I assume you will be getting a Peugeot Tandem for the trip around Galway so

Brendan Hennessy · 11-02-2015 10:29pm

Darn,

Not only did Babybob arrive early, but his father is thinking early, early! I was thinking of a slightly later start bearing in mind a 3 hour drive up in the morning.

Perhaps if Babybob puts in a few digs to daddy bob then he'll reconsider the very early start! Sure we've the whole weekend in front of us!

Does anybody have any interesting bikes on the horizon? Sarge10 is soldering the awards for the prize giving!

Also folks be sure to spread the word.

Congratulations to the Bobs!

Brendan

Yarisbob · 12-02-2015 7:26pm

Howya Lads ! Sense and sensibility will prevail ! I'd say we leave it off until 10 start in Oughterard (or after) ! I forgot that lads have to travel !

As we all know its a very informal affair and we will all have each others contact details so we can meet up or reschedule as needs be !

If you want to go give me a PM after Monday with ur no and mail Simpes

Thanks a mill lads - wee man is going good and as soon as he is able to hod his head up I'll have him on the Weeride Kangeroo just like his sister !

Now where would one find a Peugeot Leader 20 ?

Brendan Hennessy · 12-02-2015 7:34pm

Yaris, oh Yaris,

Where would you find a picture of a Peugeot Leader 20 more like! I know the bike exists, but without a picture it's like Schrodingers cat!

Brendan

Daithi BC · 13-02-2015 3:38pm

Brendan Hennessy wrote: »

Not only did Babybob arrive early, but his father is thinking early, early! I was thinking of a slightly later start bearing in mind a 3 hour drive up in the morning.

That would mean getting up at 5am for you, Brendan? Round here, we call that a lie-in.

All the same, 10am in Oughterard sounds sensible.

I keep wanting to type Oughteraard and transform it into Flemish.

Eamonnator · 13-02-2015 6:21pm

I think, I saw a familiar face on an advert for an upcoming farming programme on UTV.
Was I mistaken?

Daithi BC · 13-02-2015 8:43pm

Eamonnator wrote: »

I think, I saw a familiar face on an advert for an upcoming farming programme on UTV.
Was I mistaken?

No, I'm sure I know him as well!

UTV Ireland on Monday nights at 8pm if you're interested.

Brendan Hennessy · 16-02-2015 10:54pm

Hi all,

I'm not getting up at 5am, never, ever, ever! But I did get up at 6am to go cycling yesterday! Planning the route with Ger McCarthy for the special event in September (understated mystery there!).

Here's the bikes, guess the place! Brendan

Hi Ho · 17-02-2015 12:23am

Brendan Hennessy wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm not getting up at 5am, never, ever, ever! But I did get up at 6am to go cycling yesterday! Planning the route with Ger McCarthy for the special event in September (understated mystery there!).

Here's the bikes, guess the place! Brendan

The Gap

Brendan Hennessy · 20-02-2015 11:06pm

Hi-ho was quick off the mark and I was slow in acknowledging his correct answer! Well done Hi Ho. Can't say this is really a prize, but it's eye candy. Hoping to have it finished shortly, better not rain in Conamara!

Best wishes all, Brendan

Yarisbob · 21-02-2015 1:59am

Howya Lads
Thinking now that some fellows will have an early start. Some might have to travel 130 miles. So with that in mind Im open to suggestions as to what would be a good starting time. I told the hotel people we would be there for around 4-5pm but this is open to interpretation ... As ive said before this is a very informal meetup !!

Most important lads is to PM me your real name and mobile no please so I can get you all booked in the Station House. I am looking for a roundabout figure for the hotel as apparently its mid-term bank holiday or some malarkey like that.

Thanks a mill lads !!

Brendan Hennessy · 24-02-2015 8:12pm

Cheers Yaris, and how's baby bob?

I reckon you might as well stay with the 10am meet, and perhaps the start might follow by 11 or something like that. At this stage I hope to come up the evening before, but not sure about others?

I think you have my name (!), do you need my number?

Now back to building that Holdsworth!

Brendan

Deadon · 25-02-2015 7:39pm

Yarisbob wrote: »

Howya Lads
Thinking now that some fellows will have an early start. Some might have to travel 130 miles. So with that in mind Im open to suggestions as to what would be a good starting time. I told the hotel people we would be there for around 4-5pm but this is open to interpretation ... As ive said before this is a very informal meetup !!

Most important lads is to PM me your real name and mobile no please so I can get you all booked in the Station House. I am looking for a roundabout figure for the hotel as apparently its mid-term bank holiday or some malarkey like that.

Thanks a mill lads !!

Really sorry about this ,but I made a mess of my dates ,unfortunately im on call with work weekend of cycle ,I've tried getting out of it ,but no joy as of yet ..enjoy the spin lads ,apologies again Dec and Brian

Daithi BC · 25-02-2015 8:07pm

Yarisbob wrote: »

So with that in mind Im open to suggestions as to what would be a good starting time. I told the hotel people we would be there for around 4-5pm but this is open to interpretation

YB - Remind me again what the distance is on the first day for anyone starting from Oughterard. From previous experience, these spins tend to average about 20km/h, so if it's around 110km and we don't stop too long for lunch, we'll be in Clifden for 5pm if we leave at 11am.

happytramp · 02-03-2015 10:21am

Jaysus Daithi, look who they used as the promotional faces of the tour de Connemara! Where do we pick up our Royalties.

Daithi BC · 02-03-2015 11:43am

happytramp wrote: »

Jaysus Daithi, look who they used as the promotional faces of the tour de Connemara! Where do we pick up our Royalties.

At the very least, I think a free entry to this year's event would be in order. It's a great part of the world to go cycling in.

Brendan Hennessy · 02-03-2015 2:09pm

Sorry to hear that Dec and Brian,

Don't forget the proposed rerun of Laochra na Laoise is May 17th and the Nissan event is September 13th in Killarney. Book those dates off work now!

Brendan

Brendan Hennessy · 02-03-2015 2:14pm

Daithi BC wrote: »

At the very least, I think a free entry to this year's event would be in order. It's a great part of the world to go cycling in.

Well, I've a great idea - why don't we organise an event there so!

Daddybob, did you get the required responses for booking the hotel?

Brendan

Daithi BC · 02-03-2015 3:22pm

Brendan Hennessy wrote: »

Well, I've a great idea - why don't we organise an event there so!

That sounds like an excellent idea - we could have some vintage bikes at it as well!

Yarisbob · 04-03-2015 1:29pm

Hi Lads
Sorry for not getting back sooner.. We have a nice number for a weekends craic.

The list is so far
Yarisbob
DaithiBC
ardcat x 4
the taxman (Single Room)
sarge10 x2
Berndan Hennessey x 2
Benotto x 4

If we take off from Oughterard it will be 12 miles extra so daithis estimate of 11am start in Oughterard would leave us plenty of time

With junior now I havent taken the bike out in months but I will be back at it again this weekend A bit like cramming for exams ...!

Any changes you lads need give me a PM and I'll do my best... Ive also been let down by the classic car man so Im short a service car now .. !

First of the old - vintage weekend in Conamara- 28/29 March

Comments