Orwell/Lucan/IRC/Tiernans/UCD Club League pre-season race 21/02/2010

Chips Lovell

Route here (thanks to blorg). Start in Dunboyne and the finish is probably the Hatchet pub on the Summerhill Road on he way back to Dunboyne (tbc).

Who's racing?

Lumen

I'm in.

In fact, I'll probably win the f***ing thing.

ROK ON

I don't want to derail this. But what time do these races start and finish at. Do ye race with lights?

abcdggs

Lumen wrote: »

I'm in.

In fact, I'll probably win the f***ing thing.

i'll be expecting picture proof of a saw doctors t-shirt, minus sleeves "for aerodynamic purposes"

Lumen

I think the Orwell page is here. But the site is currently down.

What time is sign-on, race etc? Is it handicapped?

I don't have a membership card yet. Does that matter?

Chips Lovell

ROK ON wrote: »

I don't want to derail this. But what time do these races start and finish at. Do ye race with lights?

Weekend races usually start at around midday.

After this race, the club league resumes when the clocks go back on Thursday nights. You won't need lights to race, but do usually need them to get home early in the year.

Chips Lovell

Lumen wrote: »

I think the Orwell page is here. But the site is currently down.

What time is sign-on, race etc? Is it handicapped?

I don't have a membership card yet. Does that matter?

It is handicapped. You'll be in the limit group, the first to start. Don't worry about your memebership card, paying your dues is the important thing. I haven't got mine yet either. Before the site went down, they published a provisional list of handicapped groups and you were there as well as the usual suspects from boards (except barrabus).

Lumen

I had a browser window open from this morning...

LastGasp

I'll be there. Didin't get out at all this weekend though !

edit: Did I see somewhere that you have to race in Orwell gear ? If so, has anyone got a spare Large Jersey to loan or sell ?

DirkVoodoo

Maybe Joe Daly's have some left? Might be worth popping in.

EDIT: If you were a woman I would say ask Lumen for one of his.

Nietzschean

sites back up

LastGasp

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Maybe Joe Daly's have some left? Might be worth popping in.

EDIT: If you were a woman I would say ask Lumen for one of his.

I was about to say that it's difficult to get in to Joe Dalys during the week because I work near Liffey Valley, but I just remembered I'm in the IMI for a course in the morning - perfect !

DirkVoodoo

LastGasp wrote: »

I was about to say that it's difficult to get in to Joe Dalys during the week because I work near Liffey Valley, but I just remembered I'm in the IMI for a course in the morning - perfect !

If you're stuck I'll be going in tomorrow and can ask/buy one.

blorg

I don't think he has any large left from last year, I was selling them at the membership night. You do normally need an Orwell jersey to race but they should be flexible on that for the opener as the ordered kit has not arrived yet.

I am marshalling rather than racing as I don't want to risk crashing, the course was very slippery.

Lumen

el tonto wrote: »

Before the site went down, they published a provisional list of handicapped groups and you were there as well as the usual suspects from boards (except barrabus).

Here is the Orwell list of groups.

Dave Mc wrote:

This might be statement of the obvious, but if you're name's not on the list you can't race.

blorg

Lumen wrote: »

Here is the Orwell list of groups.

I reckon some of those green names in limit should be bumped up. I will email the secretary.

abcdggs

I presume limit, semi-limit etc. refer's to handicaps. How are handicaps decided?

blorg

abcdggs wrote: »

I presume limit, semi-limit etc. refer's to handicaps. How are handicaps decided?

Yes, the limit group goes off first followed by semi-limit, semi-scratch and then scratch chasing.

It is decided by your performance in the races so if you are doing well you will get bumped up. I started in limit last year and had two promotions so was semi-scratch finishing the year.

abcdggs

Thanks, was more wondering about how handicap from race to race would be calculated?
i.e. how would it be decided to give 5 min head start over 50k course versus 10min on 100k course

*all times and distances are as examples and should reflect exactly my ignorance when it comes to racing*

blorg

abcdggs wrote: »

Thanks, was more wondering about how handicap from race to race would be calculated?
i.e. how would it be decided to give 5 min head start over 50k course versus 10min on 100k course

*all times and distances are as examples and should reflect exactly my ignorance when it comes to racing*

They seem to work it out based on who is there and possibly a few other factors. Most of the league races are around 40km (a bit shorter towards the end as the light is waning) but the opener is 65km as it is a weekend. Must say they do the handicapping very well, the following groups have to chase hard to catch and the catch often only happens at the very end of the race. If the riders in limit/semi-limit work together effectively (which they rarely do) they can certainly stay away and contest the finish between themselves.

LastGasp

blorg wrote: »

I don't think he has any large left from last year, I was selling them at the membership night. You do normally need an Orwell jersey to race but they should be flexible on that for the opener as the ordered kit has not arrived yet.

I am marshalling rather than racing as I don't want to risk crashing, the course was very slippery.

Thanks Blorg and Dirk. I dropped in this morning and picked up an XL Jersey (last one, and no L left). The sizing is pretty small, even the XL is a snug fit ! I normally have about 4 layers on me, I might freeze to death if I have to race in a short sleeve Jersey ! Can anyone recommend good WARM Armwarmers (with Fleecy insides, not your basic Lycra, which I find just make me feel colder !).

Lumen

LastGasp wrote: »

Can anyone recommend good WARM Armwarmers (with Fleecy insides, not your basic Lycra, which I find just make me feel colder !).

Assos Roubaix ones have a fleecy lining and fit very well (no slippage).

lukester

Lumen wrote: »

Assos Roubaix ones have a fleecy lining and fit very well (no slippage).

+1 on the Assos.

Raam

these ones by santini are good http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?typ=typ&fkid=14&ID=2078

LastGasp

Raam wrote: »

these ones by santini are good http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?typ=typ&fkid=14&ID=2078

Thanks Raam, I had ordered the Assos ones, so hopefully they'll do the trick.
Now you've given me another Online shop to spend my money in !

blorg

Last year I think I wore a LS base layer under a SS jersey- it was warmer then though. Once you get racing you will probably heat up a fair bit.

Lumen

blorg wrote: »

Last year I think I wore a LS base layer under a SS jersey

Euro fail. What do you do when it gets warm, roll them up over your hairy biceps?

Winning races is an added talent, and only counts if said Euro Cyclist wins with appropriate style.

Given that Orwell has now been overrun with boardsies, I think we need to start enforcing this at official level.

Chips Lovell

blorg wrote: »

I reckon some of those green names in limit should be bumped up. I will email the secretary.

Ahem...

Club secretary wrote:

Everyone's opinions are welcome, if you think that you or somebody else should be moved up or moved down let me know. Just do it in this thread so everyone can see you for the whiner and or backstabber that you are!

Lumen

I'm a bit freaked out by the combination of posts about greasy roads/potholes, the over-eager marshalling and the "fractured clavicle" thread.

I have to be in the UK on Monday, and rather than flying out Sunday night I decided to go early Monday morning, to account for the queueing in A&E.

I think "not crashing" is the full extent of my ambitions at this stage.

Raam

Lumen wrote: »

I'm a bit freaked out by the combination of posts about greasy roads/potholes, the over-eager marshalling and the "fractured clavicle" thread.

I have to be in the UK on Monday, and rather than flying out Sunday night I decided to go early Monday morning, to account for the queueing in A&E.

I think "not crashing" is the full extent of my ambitions at this stage.

Just get to the front and stay there

blorg

Lumen wrote: »

Euro fail. What do you do when it gets warm, roll them up over your hairy biceps?

Just pull them up. Academic as it's not going to get "warm." I am not sure that a SS jersey and arm warmers would be enough for the weather at the moment!

Chips Lovell

Lumen wrote: »

I'm a bit freaked out by the combination of posts about greasy roads/potholes, the over-eager marshalling and the "fractured clavicle" thread.

I have to be in the UK on Monday, and rather than flying out Sunday night I decided to go early Monday morning, to account for the queueing in A&E.

I think "not crashing" is the full extent of my ambitions at this stage.

The start has changed now to the old petrol station in Batterstown. This cuts out probably the most dangerous corner, the first one on the previous circuit that was a right hander that I went down on last year.

I wouldn't freak too much about the corners. Just take them carefully and sprint back on. It's likely everyone else in your group will be cautious too. Chances are that everyone will get warned about the conditions before the start.

Chips Lovell

Now that I think about it, I really am tempting fate advising people about corners in this race, amn't I?

DirkVoodoo

Headed out for a reconnaissance spin this morning with godihatethehills, decided to take in the race route and get an idea of the circuit. El Tonto could not come because he got wood.

Ok, looking at google maps I'm not sure if we took the exact route, but then again the postman didn't know and I couldn't reach Blorg on his mobile.

Clonee seems to be undergoing something of a building boom. There are a lot of little developments and road works all happening at the same time. This seesm to explain the roads which like Blorg said are pretty slick with mud. We headed out as far as the Hatchet pub (petrol station on the right) and took the immediate right turn. If this was THE right turn, then it seemed pretty dangerous for a high speed group. I took a photo but it doesn't do it justice: it's a wide open gently sloping turn, but seems to have a gravel trap or artificial reef where the roads transition. It would only take some idiot to hit his front break *cough* and bang!

The next stretch of road out to Culmullin was narrow, slick and plenty of fast cars coming against us. The edges of the road are to be avoided, don't try overtaking here or jostling for position.

Next turn brought us out onto the Trim road which I'm sure most people know. Strong headwind but good surface so a well organised group could earn some time here.

Turning left again and back onto a crap side road. A few potholes and a dog chase, but the surface was not slick like the other one. Pretty undulating terrain too, might want to be careful about hanging onto the back. One change of pace on one of the little rises and it could be too late. This was probably the best bit of the course, besides the trim road.

One little rise (I think we did it on that Orwell charity spin) and off to the left. Met some horses. Road here was shocking. Covered in mud/manure. I eased off the power totally and just tried to get through it, I definitely wouldn't feel happy going fast over it, far too slick.

The road back to the GAA club was pretty flat, no headwind that I remember so I think easing up a bit on the last section and keeping everyone together would work better than guys trying to make solo breakaways, then we can work a big group back to the finish and let those who want glory from the limit group go for it.

Thanks to godihatethehills for the company and doing loads of work, sorry for all the swearing and "flipping the bird" on the way back down the N2, that road was awful and people don't seem to realise that merging traffic has to yield to traffic in the bus lane.

Stopped into a friend's house for tea and to help him pick up his bike in Joe Daly's, thus the delay in getting home. Also, My face was covered in mud (probably manure too, nice!) and some foreign dude in town goes "Hey man, your face, clean it" in a thick accent. Twas quite amusing.

Hopefully there will be some heavy rain during the week and dry roads on sunday, WAY too much crap on the roads.

EDIT: I have never raced, these observations are more my own notes rather than professional opinion.

blorg

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Thanks to godihatethehills for the company and doing loads of work, sorry for all the swearing and "flipping the bird" on the way back down the N2, that road was awful and people don't seem to realise that merging traffic has to yield to traffic in the bus lane.

We had a particularly dangerous and obnoxious example of that on Sunday, guy in a SUV nearly took out the front of the group merging onto the N3.

DirkVoodoo

blorg wrote: »

We had a particularly dangerous and obnoxious example of that on Sunday, guy in a SUV nearly took out the front of the group merging onto the N3.

I was saying to Sandra that the way Caroline and Tom go back through Clonsilla is much nicer, but I couldn't remember the exact route. I need a Garmin.

Oh, forgot to mention, lots of little diesel patches on the road too, the only hazard not there was probably MG-42 nests (yes, wayne's world 2 is what I'm thinking).

Chips Lovell

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

El Tonto could not come because he got wood.

You're just jealous of my amazing erections.

sy

el tonto wrote: »

You're just jealous of my amazing erections.

DirkVoodoo

Slightly OT, but I don't intend on cycling out on Sunday, 40km or so and I would prefer to limp home in a car rather than by bike.

Going to drive, I have another space, first come first served but it comes with a warning: I ain't driving out anywhere, so if you are happy to ride out to Foxrock then we can pop straight onto the M50.

Which brings me to my next point, if anyone is interested in maybe setting up a carpool for races let me know.

Chips Lovell

The full calendar for the club league has just been posted on the Lucan website.

Quite similar to last year. A couple of confusing details. They ask the first seven finishers to report back to officials, yet say points are only awarded to the first six finishers, like last year.

Is this new? "If you do not marshal there will be an automatic 3 race ban and a name and shame on all club web sites"

Chips Lovell

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Which brings me to my next point, if anyone is interested in maybe setting up a carpool for races let me know.

I live closer to both circuits, so I usually cycle to league races as it's a good warm up. However, I'm always on the look out for lifts to the open races that are a little further afield if you or anyone else are planning on driving out to them.

DirkVoodoo

Sure, but are open races not for the hardcore people? I'm talking about me and not you of course.

I think I will have to do my "warming up" out before the race, 80km+race distance is not something I can do.

Chips Lovell

I agree. Coming from Foxrock makes it a bit too much of a hike.

Open races are definitely harder. But they are good experience too. If you were going to try any, I'd take the plunge at the start of the season rather than later on, when things speed up considerably.

Lumen

el tonto wrote: »

Open races are definitely harder. But they are good experience too. If you were going to try any, I'd take the plunge at the start of the season rather than later on, when things speed up considerably.

When does the calendar for open races come out? I looked in vain on the CI site, but it's crap.

Chips Lovell

Lumen wrote: »

When does the calendar for open races come out? I looked in vain on the CI site, but it's crap.

It's been out for ages. It's on this page. It's labelled as Master Calendar Draft7.

I'm going to try and race most weekends over the next month or two.

Lumen

el tonto wrote: »

It's been out for ages. It's on this page. It's labelled as Master Calendar Draft7.

I'm going to try and race most weekends over the next month or two.

Thanks. I looked in under "Events" and found nothing. Then Road -> FAQ and found:

FAQ's wrote:

Roads Question 1 ?
Answer to Q1

Roads Question 2:
Q2 Answer

Monkeys.

Chips Lovell

The new site is the same old mess in slightly fancier clothing.

blorg

el tonto wrote: »

Quite similar to last year. A couple of confusing details. They ask the first seven finishers to report back to officials, yet say points are only awarded to the first six finishers, like last year.

That is either a typo or their could be issues between who was 6th and 7th out of the points, so top 7 back, not sure. What is the case is that if you don't report back, no points.

Is this new? "If you do not marshal there will be an automatic 3 race ban and a name and shame on all club web sites"

Yes that is new, it is to encourage people to turn up for their allotted marshaling slot. These slots will be published soon. You can of course get someone to cover for you if you can't make it, but you are responsible for making sure someone turns up in your name on your allocated race. There were a number of cases last year when the organisers were left high and dry when marshals did not show and in some cases I believe racers had to give up their race to marshal (you can probably guess who.)

lukester

blorg wrote: »

in some cases I believe racers had to give up their race to marshal (you can probably guess who.)

That would explain some of the gaps in the race results from last year for certain people.

blorg

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

I think I will have to do my "warming up" out before the race, 80km+race distance is not something I can do.

You will probably get more used to it, I am coming from similar myself (Sandyford) and it is a good warm up. Brittas races will of course be closer for you.

Lumen

blorg wrote: »

You will probably get more used to it, I am coming from similar myself (Sandyford) and it is a good warm up. Brittas races will of course be closer for you.

You should give Dirk a lift on your trailer.