Wicklow 100 for a noob.

max_power

My friends brother asked me and him to come along and do the Wicklow 100 with a few of his mates. They wouldn't be the most serious bunch of cyclists, and neither would we, so it seems to fit.

Despite owning pretty nice road bikes over the past few years i've yet to go on a 'decent cycle' or compete in any form of a race. I just use my bike to get around at the moment.

I'm relatively fit (have just finished a season of football, play twice a week usually) and probably cycle about 50k a week getting around. I know this is a vague and person dependent question but how much training would people recommend before taking it on? Whats the route like incline wise? Is there many people there who are doing it more for a day out than a serious race?

Hmmm I'll try think of some more questions, know I have them.

ty in advance.

Chips Lovell

First thing's first, it isn't a race.

By the sounds of it, you aren't too badly off in terms of preparing. You've got a road bike, keep in shape and are already commuting by bike.

The best training is to try and do one long spin every week, preferably on hilly terrain. Start at a distance you are comfortable with and then push the boat out a bit every week. If you have the time, then get one or two shorter spins in. If you can ride 70 to 80km by the end of your training, you'll manage the 100 on the day.

The hills on the W100 aren't too bad. A couple of short sharp ones near Enniskerry and then after that, the main one is the climb over Djouce on the way home, which isn't too steep from that side. If you're not used to climbing on a bike it is worthwhile practicing on hills as they take a bit of getting used to in terms of pacing yourself etc.

alfalad

As said it's not a race and there are a couple of threads with info on what you can expect. If you search you'll get some of them. As tonto said, it's not bad and just a few sharp short hills is what you have to worry about so if you can get some practice on hills you'll be fine! Plenty of time to train for it if you start this weekend!

petethedrummer

You'll be grand. My first long spin on a bike was over 100km in Wicklow with some boards folks. Had much the same background as yourself. Occasional football, occasional cycling. Was tough but doable. If you do a few long spins between now and then you'll be grand.

max_power

Cool thanks for all the info, reckon i'll give it a shot anyway, should be a bit of craic. Hopefully get a nice day for it. Now to get out and cycle a bit.

fletch

You won't be the only noob doing it either....the longest cycle I've ever done was 40 odd km. I won't be doing any training for this (bar my commuting into work everyday). I think it's pretty manageable though...well I hope