Hill training at night in Howth

tunguska · 30-01-2010 11:58am #1

Hi
I usually hang out over in the athletics forum but a fall on the ice has forced me onto the bike for a few weeks. Just wondering about the hills around Howth in regards to how well theyre lit at night? Was gonna take the racing bike up for a spin to do a few hill repeats.
So are those hills well lit at night? Plus with the weather being freezing at the moment I was just wondering if its dangerous decending at night?
Thanks

Ryaner · 30-01-2010 12:35pm

Howth is generally fine, just get a good light. I'm in Wicklow in the pitch black without any trouble.
Never had much trouble with ice on Howth either except for right at the top car park so weather shouldn't affect things.

tunguska · 30-01-2010 12:43pm

Ryaner wrote: »

Howth is generally fine, just get a good light. I'm in Wicklow in the pitch black without any trouble.
Never had much trouble with ice on Howth either except for right at the top car park so weather shouldn't affect things.

Im out beside the Dublin mountains myself and only ever train during daylight hours. So you cycle in the wicklow mountains in the pitch black with no problems? Hmmmm, might give it a go up there instead.....

Ryaner · 30-01-2010 1:00pm

tunguska wrote: »

Im out beside the Dublin mountains myself and only ever train during daylight hours. So you cycle in the wicklow mountains in the pitch black with no problems? Hmmmm, might give it a go up there instead.....

We do 3Rock and have been at the top before 7am back in December. It is closed roads but it is much more likely to be covered in Ice. Something to watch out for.

abcdggs · 30-01-2010 3:10pm

where is this closed road in 3 rock?

ROK ON · 30-01-2010 3:22pm

From the forest gate to mast in 3rock is closed road to cars.
Up kellystown lane is a very well light road though.

abcdggs · 30-01-2010 3:35pm

I'm not familiar with the area, google maps?
thanks a million

ROK ON · 30-01-2010 4:02pm

abcdggs wrote: »

I'm not familiar with the area, google maps?
thanks a million

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/21884/89439.png

Ryaner · 31-01-2010 2:39pm

Its back covered in Ice at the first gate to the forest. The road below was almost ok going up but we walked down and it was slippy.

Russman · 31-01-2010 3:12pm

Can I ask whats the road surface like on the closed part, ok for a road bike ? I live pretty nearby but haven't been up there in years - might be a good place to find my climbing legs.
Thanks

Ryaner · 31-01-2010 4:02pm

Russman wrote: »

Can I ask whats the road surface like on the closed part, ok for a road bike ? I live pretty nearby but haven't been up there in years - might be a good place to find my climbing legs.
Thanks

Its clear tarmac the whole way up. Better than the average Irish road.

Russman · 31-01-2010 6:21pm

Thanks for that, fair play.

chakattack · 31-01-2010 8:49pm

I've been doing hill repeats at night in Howth for the last few weeks with no problems.

I generally go from North to South (Clockwise) as it's steeper on the climb and the descent is less tricky but I havent been bombing down. If you do go anti-clockwise it's an easier climb but you end up descending through the village which could be risky if a car doesn't see you and pulls out in your path.

It's lit up enough. I haven't had to switch my light from it's lowest setting.

Just check met eireann for average night temp...if it's above zero go for it. I was caught up there one night when the surface looked a bit frosty so I just came down super slow keeping the bike upright on corners and it was fine. I usually keep an eye on parked cars for signs of frost/ice.

Hill training at night in Howth

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