Wicklow 200

brainstorm

Has anyone ever ridden the wicklow 200 or will they be riding it this year?? what kind of gearing would be recommended?? i was thinking 39 * 23/25

uberwolf

jaysus, the 25 is the size of a dinner plate, if you can't get over the climbs in that...

seriously though, that would sound about right if you're planning on cruising it, unlike the boy racers. I race with a 23 on the back, never had to use it though (yet)

brainstorm

yeah the 25 is a big but its prob better to have it reserve in case of a major bad day, mite go with a 23 and suffer having to grind it out.... i train with a guy who does wicklow every year and he has a 26 r a 28! then again hes way heavier then me.

I've never used more than a 21 (never had anymore either!) in training/racing, but found id use a 23 on the healy pass if i had it, the steep bit at the top up from lauragh is savage, especially in the wind.

loads did the galway spin... how about a boards team for wicklow?????????

uberwolf

I've never ridden it before but I may be looking for an excuse to get some training miles in my legs, especially if the weather is nice

brainstorm

yeah a 200 k spin starting at seven and it going to rain all day is offputting........ maybe im just a whimp

uberwolf

Originally posted by brainstorm
yeah a 200 k spin starting at seven and it going to rain all day is offputting........ maybe im just a whimp

Might be a good idea!

here are some details.

the official site
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NEW HQ AND ROUTE FOR WICKLOW 200:
By Shane Stokes
Feb 1, 2004,

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This year brings both a new route and new start/finish venue for the popular Wicklow 200 randonnée, with the riders due to leave the grounds of RTE early on Sunday, June 13th and head south along the coast road before swinging inland to the highlands of Wicklow.

After leaving Ashford and climbing the gruelling Devil’s Glen, the riders cross over another hill at Trooperstown before the first stop of the day at Rathdrum. The checkpoint allows riders to stock up on food and water before continuing onwards, with those riding the shorter 100 kilometre Wicklow Challenge travelling back through Laragh, Roundwood, and Enniskerry to the finish at Donnybrook.

Meanwhile, those intent on completing the full Wicklow 200 will head up towards the Glenmalure valley before taking the left hand turn for the tough 325 metre Slieve Maan climb. Once over the top and down the twisting, speeding decent the riders will follow the N81 towards Blessington, around the shores of the nearby reservoir and will then scale the 500 metre Sally Gap climb, which is the highest point of the day. From here the route brings them along the stunningly picturesque Luggala road to Roundwood, and then past the distinctive scree-covered slopes of Sugarloaf mountain, through Enniskerry and on to the finish at RTE.

The change in HQ from the National Basketball Arena to the RTE sports and social club was prompted by the greater facilities on offer. The new venue features secure parking, showers and changing rooms plus a full bar and restaurant, enabling the riders to relax and socialise after their day’s exertions.

Wickow 200 regular Seamus Weber, who in 2003 was Treasurer of the RTE Sports and Social Committee, is convinced that the move will prove to be a big plus for the event. ‘I've been taking part in the Wicklow 200 for the past few years and had cycled it with my old cycling friend from James Connolly CC, John Quinn.We did the Wicklow as a bit of fun and we set out each year to try to finish it more quickly than in each prior year.’

‘From speaking with a lot of people who do the Wicklow 200 year after year, the constant refrain, was "it's a pity that there's no chance to have a drink/meal where we could all talk/drink/eat after this is finished". I realised that people come from all over the country to do this event and I thought that because the National Basketball Arena facility had no bar/restaurant, it would be great if the Wicklow 200 could be located somewhere which would meet this demand. Especially so as cycling is more than just being out on the road… camaraderie is an important part of it as well.’

‘In 2003, I was Treasurer of the RTE Sports & Social Committee and I asked the committee to allow me to approach the IVCA to see if they'd be interested in relocating the start/finish of the Wicklow 200 to Montrose. In March 2003, I wrote to the IVCA with an invitation to them to consider Montrose for the Wicklow 200, inviting them to come to Donnybrook to look at the site. The IVCA came to Donnybrook : they looked at our facilities, they met our club manager Brian Cullen, and they looked at how accessible the club was to the route out to Bray (the main Dublin-Wexford dual carriage way passes by the door of the club). They went away, thought about the offer and then came back with their decision to relocate this event from Tallaght to Donnybrook.’

Delighted by the news, Weber says he believes there are several other pluses to the move. ‘I was mindful that a lot of volunteers on this event are getting on in years; I always felt that the NBA is not the most comfortable place to be hanging around in all day. I was also mindful that, with the drop in employment levels at RTE, the Sports & Social Club had to start getting events in and people from outside the facility in order to generate revenue and to protect 11 full time jobs. So it was a good deal for everyone concerned.’

‘Also, with the likes of Tracy Pigott taking part each year, we can get some coverage from RTE, if the IVCA are open to this.’

The relocation means that while the Wicklow 200 is always a hugely enjoyable day out, this year’s event should be better again

© Copyright 2004 by IrishCycling.com

Greenman

I've ridden it on a bike a trike and a tandem trike!!! Its a great day out and a must for the Irish cyclist!!!
PS Enclosed me on my trike!!!:)