LCRC - Air Corps - Around the Mountains Audux Charity Cycle 2011

LCRC_BAX

Lucan Cycling Road Club & The Irish Air Corps will be holding the annual 'Around the Mountains' Audux Charity Cycle Challenge' this year on Sunday 29th May.

The event which will cover a testing 170kms is open to all riders and will take in some of the best & most scenic roads Dublin, Kildare, Carlow and Wicklow have to offer, culminating in an ascent of the Wicklow Gap and a lap of the Blessington lakes.

The Route



Programme for the Event

• 0700-0830 - Registration & Breakfast at Casemount Aerodrome, Baldonnel
• 0900-0915 - Roll out from Baldonnel
• 1200-1230 - Lunch Stop in Tinahely
• 1700-1800 - Dinner served in Baldonnel

Full event support will be provided by the Irish Air Corps on the day, including all meals, drinks & water refills en-route; Breakfast & Dinner are provided before and after the event in Baldonnel catering centre & lunch with tea/coffee will be provided en-route. There will be motorcycle outriders providing rolling road closures & marshalling for corners, a broom wagon and a mechanic provided by event sponsor Stagg Cycles Lucan. Secure parking is available in Baldonnel Aerodrome along with hot showers afterwards.

The entry fee is €40.00 which will go towards Cheshire Homes. Entry forms & further information is available here Entries to be sent/dropped into Stagg Cycles, Main Street, Lucan, Co. Dublin. Some entries may be available on the morning - I will keep you posted.

This is the fourth year for us to host this event and with each outing it goes from strength to strength. Last year we had over 90 riders enter and the feedback was excellent from everyone. Please feel free to ask any questions and I will add more information as it become available.

Regards,

LCRC_BAX

LCRC_BAX

Anyone interested in joining us?

penexpers

Why is it called an Audux(sic) when it's actually not.

Idleater

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Anyone interested in joining us?

pencilled in...

NMK2008

I'm in, sounds good!

Pherekydes

Interested.

Some stupid questions:

How fit do you have to be? (First ride of the season yesterday :rolleyes:)
What pace?
What happens if one misses the Lunch break?
Will the AC send out a chopper to pick me up from the Wicklow gap?
How many nasty ascents are there?

If it's any help, I'm 51 (yesterday) and 15 stone, but do run regularly. When I'm not injured. :rolleyes:

LCRC_BAX

penexpers wrote: »

Why is it called an Audux(sic) when it's actually not.

Why do you feel the need to be a smart-ar$e?

The definition of Audux: "Audax is a cycling sport in which participants attempt to cycle long distances within a pre-defined time limit. Audax is a non-competitive sport: success in an event is measured by its completion.".

This event is 170kms so I would consider that a long distance, and we would like everyone to finish by 6pm so there's a time limit.

Grow up and find something better to complain about.

daragh_

Could be fun. Will begin negotiations at home.

LCRC_BAX

Pherekydes wrote: »

Interested.

Some stupid questions:

How fit do you have to be? (First ride of the season yesterday :rolleyes:)
What pace?
What happens if one misses the Lunch break?
Will the AC send out a chopper to pick me up from the Wicklow gap?
How many nasty ascents are there?

If it's any help, I'm 51 (yesterday) and 15 stone, but do run regularly. When I'm not injured. :rolleyes:

Hi Pherekydes,

To answer your constructive questions:

1. You would need a good level of fitness as this is a testing event. If you can ride 100 - 120 kms yourself / with a small group you will be well able for it. We have full support which will include a 'broom wagon' (a large mini-bus) so if the going gets too tough or you need a break for a few k's then you can hop in.

2. Average speed will be approx 25kph, we will re-group after the big climbs and at lunch etc so we all finish together.

3. Hopefully no-one will miss lunch (it hasn;'t happened yet) our aim is always to keep the group together as this is easier to marshall and much more enjoyable for the riders - this is not a race! Just a good steady spin.

4. Yes, but it will be an Apache Attack Chopper and you will be ordered to keep pedalling... or else

5. Worst / best (depending on your outlook) will be the Wicklow Gap, but there's plenty in there to soften the legs beforehand and the Blessington Lakes provides some rolling terrain.

Happy belated birthday and we hope to see you there - get training!

neris

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

4. Yes, but it will be an Apache Attack Chopper and you will be ordered to keep pedalling... or else

No wonder the countries bust. It wasnt the builders and bankers. It was willie odea

moggs1972

first time poster, hi everyone. count me in on this one, did it last year and it was great and the weather was magnificent (bring the factor 50). great banter along the way, very well organised, army grub sure what more could ya ask for!

michael196

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Anyone interested in joining us?

A very good pitch bax, looks impressive, with great ride support, pre during and after. great facilities. Very tempting. great idea to keep the bunch together, so few manage to do that !! makes it more enjoyable.


Definitly interested .

LCRC_BAX

michael196 wrote: »

A very good pitch bax, looks impressive, with great ride support, pre during and after. great facilities. Very tempting. great idea to keep the bunch together, so few manage to do that !! makes it more enjoyable.


Definitly interested .

Thanks Michael,

Yes, owing to the great support we get from the guys in the Air Corps this is always a very professional and well run event. The food is very good too - a good army breakfast will set everyone up for a long day in the saddle! I can guarantee anyone thinking of riding this that they won't be disappointed.

On the climbs the group inevitably breaks up but we regroup at the summits / on the flat afterwards. The marshalls much prefer one group too - it's easier to look after everyone.

LCRC_BAX

BUMP!

Surveyor11

Would be interested in doing this, did the KARE TdF a few weeks back and loved it - my first 100k organised event. I'm reasonably fit - cycling in and out to work every day (22k round trip, which I try to do at a reasonable pace). Also out at the weekends - solo runs of 75 - 90k, so would love the idea of this. Sounds good and anything organised with the Air Corp is going to be pretty disiplined! What's the typical age profile - I'm (nearly!) 40, so would manage 25kph, but 170k is uncharted territory for me! Any chance you'd run this into mapmyride?

Thanks, Gav

LCRC_BAX

Surveyor11 wrote: »

Would be interested in doing this, did the KARE TdF a few weeks back and loved it - my first 100k organised event. I'm reasonably fit - cycling in and out to work every day (22k round trip, which I try to do at a reasonable pace). Also out at the weekends - solo runs of 75 - 90k, so would love the idea of this. Sounds good and anything organised with the Air Corp is going to be pretty disiplined! What's the typical age profile - I'm (nearly!) 40, so would manage 25kph, but 170k is uncharted territory for me! Any chance you'd run this into mapmyride?

Thanks, Gav

Hi Gav,

I just checked and unfortunately I didn't log the route from last year. The age profile ranges from 18 - 60, my Dad will be riding this and he's 58. The route is challenging, but if you are capable of riding 90km solo at this stage you will have no problem riding this in a large well organised group. Most of the climbing comes towards the end of the spin, so it is important to pace yourself and keep topping up with on the bike nutrition and drink lots esp if we get a day like last year - it was a scorcher!

You're spot on re the organising, we are working with the same group of guys from the AC as the previous few years and they always do an excellent job with logistics. We should also have a good number of riders from the newly formed Defence Forces CC taking part.

Hope to see you there - if you need any more info let me know.

BAX

Lusk Doyle

Looks good bax. Nice warm up for the ww200!

LCRC_BAX

Lusk Doyle wrote: »

Looks good bax. Nice warm up for the ww200!

It's a great event in its own right Lusk Doyle - and you're right an excellent preparation for the (slightly) longer & hillier WW200.

Hopefully you can gather up a few of your gang to take part!

BAX

fat bloke

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

It's a great event in its own right Lusk Doyle - and you're right an excellent preparation for the W200

It is in my hole a good preparation for the W200.

I did the Lucan spin last year thinking that. Imagine my dismay when I did the W200 and realised I had no support helicopter, no mechanic, I had to cook my own breakfast, get my own lunch, change my own fcukin punctures, yield to other traffic!!! & then go home & make my own shaggin' dinner!

100Suns

Is this an Audax?

If not, Ill do it.

LCRC_BAX

100Suns wrote: »

Is this an Audax?

If not, Ill do it.

We're meeting tonight with Pat McQuaid and Sean Kelly to get their opinion on the matter - I'll lket you know 100Suns, would be great to have you along

LCRC_BAX

fat bloke wrote: »

It is in my hole a good preparation for the W200.

I did the Lucan spin last year thinking that. Imagine my dismay when I did the W200 and realised I had no support helicopter, no mechanic, I had to cook my own breakfast, get my own lunch, change my own fcukin punctures, yield to other traffic!!! & then go home & make my own shaggin' dinner!

Sincere apologies fat bloke - I'll clarify - Our event kicks the W200's ar$e

Footnote to IVCA - I'm joking of course, the W200 is also a great event!

velo.2010

Gave my form into Stagg's today. So, as I understand it, an Aer Corps helicopter will pick me up from Kildare(nice open field nearby for landing) and drop me to Baldonnell for the start, then drop me home later?:D

LCRC_BAX

velo.2010 wrote: »

Gave my form into Stagg's today. So, as I understand it, an Aer Corps helicopter will pick me up from Kildare(nice open field nearby for landing) and drop me to Baldonnell for the start, then drop me home later?:D

Correct - just bring a parachute for the way home, yes that's a bike below that dude

fat bloke

Seriously though. This is, hands down, the best sportive you'll ever do. The only thing better than hearing the words "free bar", is hearing the words "fully supported". This is the 5 star nursing home of sportives. Switch your brain off, roll along with a big bunch, have your punctures fixed, your mechanicals repaired, your water bottle filled, your meals made, your sandwiches and tea handed to you. All you gotta do is turn those pedals and pretend you're a molly-coddled pro-rider for the day.:cool:

And I have no vested interests, and I'm not an LRC rider.

LCRC_BAX

fat bloke wrote: »

Seriously though. This is, hands down, the best sportive you'll ever do. The only thing better than hearing the words "free bar", is hearing the words "fully supported". This is the 5 star nursing home of sportives. Switch your brain off, roll along with a big bunch, have your punctures fixed, your mechanicals repaired, your water bottle filled, your meals made, your sandwiches and tea handed to you. All you gotta do is turn those pedals and pretend you're a molly-coddled pro-rider for the day.:cool:

And I have no vested interests, and I'm not an LRC rider.

Thanks fat bloke - you obviously enjoyed last year. We hope to make Around the Mountains 2011 an even better event for our participants so let us know if there is anything that can be improved.

There you have it lads and ladies - get yourselves to Baldonnell on the 29th May and spread the word to your non Boards cycling friends - you won't be disappointed.

Gavb

Would we be:

a) crazy
b) laughed at
c) frowned upon
d) all of the above
to think about doing this on a hybrid?

We've (the Head Office and myself) done a few 70 - 100km spins and got on grand.
Sounds like a great first event to try.

LCRC_BAX

Gavb wrote: »

Would we be:

a) crazy
b) laughed at
c) frowned upon
d) all of the above
to think about doing this on a hybrid?

We've (the Head Office and myself) done a few 70 - 100km spins and got on grand.
Sounds like a great first event to try.

Hi Gavb,

You might be crazy but you won't be laughed at or frowned upon - that's not the way we roll

By first event - I take it you mean first 170kms event as you have done some 100kms events.

Seriously though - if you are riding a hybrid (which is fine) for your own benefit ensure the following;

* Tyres are correctly inflated 110-120psi
* Don't bother with racks or panniers etc
* Clipless pedals or at least toe straps are essential (Look Keo etc..)

The speed on the flat will be maintained at a sensible pace so your gearing should be fine you may just have to spin a bit faster on the descents!

Which particular bike do you have btw?

Gavb

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Hi Gavb,

You might be crazy but you won't be laughed at or frowned upon - that's not the way we roll

By first event - I take it you mean first 170kms event as you have done some 100kms events.

Seriously though - if you are riding a hybrid (which is fine) for your own benefit ensure the following;

* Tyres are correctly inflated 110-120psi
* Don't bother with racks or panniers etc
* Clipless pedals or at least toe straps are essential (Look Keo etc..)

The speed on the flat will be maintained at a sensible pace so your gearing should be fine you may just have to spin a bit faster on the descents!

Which particular bike do you have btw?

Ah, you lost me on the clipless pedals :-) I have flat pedals.

No, this would be my first proper event, the 100k spins have been on our own.

I have a Felt QX 85.

mrbike

Gavb wrote: »

Ah, you lost me on the clipless pedals :-) I have flat pedals.

No, this would be my first proper event, the 100k spins have been on our own.

I have a Felt QX 85.

The Felt QX 85 is a little heavy at 12.3kg, but if you're fit you should be able for it. Clipless pedals are pretty essential for any event with lots of climbing.

I'd recommend getting the SPD type (mountain bike), as you can walk in the shoes. You can get these which are flat and SPD (you just flip over the pedal). http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5937

It's very important that the shoes are comfortable. Generally it's recommended to get one size larger than your normal size as your feet swell while cycling.

And trying all this out on the day of the event is not a good idea

Gavb

mrbike wrote: »

The Felt QX 85 is a little heavy at 12.3kg, but if you're fit you should be able for it. Clipless pedals are pretty essential for any event with lots of climbing.

I'd recommend getting the SPD type (mountain bike), as you can walk in the shoes. You can get these which are flat and SPD (you just flip over the pedal). http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5937

It's very important that the shoes are comfortable. Generally it's recommended to get one size larger than your normal size as your feet swell while cycling.

And trying all this out on the day of the event is not a good idea

Yeah, I was thinking that myself
Thanks for the link, I might just bite the bullet and go clipless.
I might just pencil this one in for next year :-)

LCRC_BAX

Gavb wrote: »

Yeah, I was thinking that myself
Thanks for the link, I might just bite the bullet and go clipless.
I might just pencil this one in for next year :-)

Or you could get your pedals and shoes sorted this week and get in some practice at the weekend ahead of next week's Around the Mountains. After a few hours the clicking in & out will become second nature & you'll be glad you made the change.

Why wait a full year!

Gavb

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Or you could get your pedals and shoes sorted this week and get in some practice at the weekend ahead of next week's Around the Mountains. After a few hours the clicking in & out will become second nature & you'll be glad you made the change.

Why wait a full year!

What I meant was change the pedals and do a few (shorter?) events over the next year and work up to this one.

I wouldn't want to be holding you guys up

LCRC_BAX

Gavb wrote: »

What I meant was change the pedals and do a few (shorter?) events over the next year and work up to this one.

I wouldn't want to be holding you guys up

No problem Gav - you'll be on a full carbon rig by this time next year anyway so it'll be no problem for ya

Gavb

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

No problem Gav - you'll be on a full carbon rig by this time next year anyway so it'll be no problem for ya

True...:p

LCRC_BAX

Just to clear up few queries I have been getting on the event recently;

Q. Are entries accepted on the morning of the event?
A. Yes we will accept entries on the morning - please arrive before 8.30am with correct change.

Q. Is there a proper breakfast being served? ie do I need to eat before arriving?
A. Yes - Irish Cooked breakfast, tea & coffee, toast, juice & cereals etc are being served, again arrive on time.

Q. What time does event start at?
A. We will be rolling out from Baldonnel at 9.15am Sharp. Try to arrive an hour beforehand for breakfast, to set up bike etc.

Q. What is the average speed likely to be?
A. Average speed for the group will be approx 26kph. We will regroup after the climbs, at lunch and various other points to allow everyone to have a rest and get back into the main bunch. We will be keeping the group together as much as possible.

Q. Can I ride a hybrid / flat bar bike?
A. Yes, but you must have clipless pedals for example, Look Keo or Shimano SPD.

Q. What food is provided en-route?
A. We will stop for lunch in Tinahely just before the village at an area at side of road. There will be tea, coffee, sandwiches, bars & fruit. Also we will have fresh water & energy drink powder to refill your bottles.

Q. Are showers available after?
A. Yes, ladies & gents showers will be available in Baldonnel

Q. What is served for dinner?
A. Last year we had a choice of lasagne, chicken curry or fish. So something similar this year I'd say.

Q. Where does my €40 entry fee go?
A. Your entry fee in its entirety goes to Chesire Respite Homes. The Air Corps are donating their time to this event and Stagg Cycles are providing mechanical back-up free of charge.

Q. Do I need to be a member of C.I.?
A. No, but if you are participating you are responsible for your own insurance cover if not covered by a C.I. / IVCA scheme. The Air Corps and Lucan CRC will not be responsible for participants.

penexpers

Why are you saying it's necessary to have clipless pedals?

mrbike

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Just to clear up few queries I have been getting on the event recently;

One other question - will there be somewhere secure we can leave a bag in Baldonnell during the event?

Cheers.

LCRC_BAX

mrbike wrote: »

One other question - will there be somewhere secure we can leave a bag in Baldonnell during the event?

Cheers.

Yes - no problem you can leave it in the canteen or put it in one of the support vans.

LCRC_BAX

penexpers wrote: »

Why are you saying it's necessary to have clipless pedals?

Why don't you go and throw your leg over a hybrid with flat pedals and a pair of tennis shoes, ride for 170kms and see how you get on.

Maybe then you could come back to us with a constructive post.

Beasty

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Why don't you go and throw your leg over a hybrid with flat pedals and a pair of tennis shoes, ride for 170kms and see how you get on.

Maybe then you could come back to us with a constructive post.

I'm sorry, but there was absolutely nothing wrong with penexpers question, unlike the tone of your reply

Please keep it civil

Thanks

Beasty

TinyExplosions

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Why don't you go and throw your leg over a hybrid with flat pedals and a pair of tennis shoes, ride for 170kms and see how you get on.

Maybe then you could come back to us with a constructive post.

Are clips and straps allowed? They were good enough for Coppi...

penexpers

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Why don't you go and throw your leg over a hybrid with flat pedals and a pair of tennis shoes, ride for 170kms and see how you get on.

Maybe then you could come back to us with a constructive post.

So it's ok if I have tennis shoes so long as I have a bike with drop bars?

I'm just curious about your thinking behind the rule because to me it's a bit of a silly rule that doesn't make any sense. People complete sportives on all kinds of bikes wearing all kinds of gear.

I suggest that you amend your first post to indicate that this isn't open to "all riders".

Idleater

Folks, a bit of common sense has to apply here. This is a charity cycle for a good cause and no-one will be turned away.
It's about taking part as a group in a fully supported and well marshalled event. This is where it differs from some other events. And it is 170km so if anyone is borderline then the more comfortable they are the better they can keep with the group with least effort. We all know that, hence the recommendations.

If anyone has any questions about the event or their capability to take part, don't hesitate to post here, check the section on cyclinglucan.com or call Staggs in lucan.

LCRC_BAX

penexpers wrote: »

So it's ok if I have tennis shoes so long as I have a bike with drop bars?

I'm just curious about your thinking behind the rule because to me it's a bit of a silly rule that doesn't make any sense. People complete sportives on all kinds of bikes wearing all kinds of gear.

I suggest that you amend your first post to indicate that this isn't open to "all riders".

I'm not getting into a row over this but I'd like to point out that to date you have posted 2 replies in this thread -

1st - Why is this called an Audax when it isn't?
2nd - Why are you saying it's necessary to wear clipless pedals?

I am trying to promote the event and give people that are interested in this challenge as much info and encouragement as possible. Your questions have at best been trivial and imo not very genuine.

The reason I mentioned the clipless pedals (and i omitted to sat toe straps would be fine) is to ensure people who enter have the best possible chance to complete this event. Flat pedals are far from ideal over this distance and we had 2 participants last year who had to pull out, both of whom had flat pedals.

I would hope this puts this top bed & we can move on with the thread.

BAX

100Suns

Long range forecast is predicting an improvement for the weekend-it looks like high pressure may be beginning to establish a presence. Hopefully there will be a great turn out. Really looking forward to it. Thanks for all the good work BAX-great cause.

LCRC_BAX

100Suns wrote: »

Long range forecast is predicting an improvement for the weekend-it looks like high pressure may be beginning to establish a presence. Hopefully there will be a great turn out. Really looking forward to it. Thanks for all the good work BAX-great cause.

Was a bit worried yesterday with the very high winds but you're right 100Suns it looks to be getting a bit calmer towards the weekend!

Thank God! 70mph headwinds wouldn't be much fun going up the Gap

tawfeeredux

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Thank God! 70mph headwinds wouldn't be much fun going up the Gap

You could just tuck in behind Frank.


...no wait, that mightn't be a good idea actually...

velo.2010

Breakfast Order in! 3 Weetabix, 2 sausages on white bread, Tea and orange juice, oh and some Banana's. (And maybe some M&M's but not the red ones).

LCRC_BAX

Exact route here

Marked out by the lads today please note: Marking of route in yellow paint. note: where there are no markings its straight, including roundabouts(usually 2nd exit)

LCRC_BAX

Hello all,

Few final updates following our last meeting today;

*Registration is open from 0730 - 0830 in the CANTEEN - Sign on then get your breakfast.
*Event Briefing is at 0900 at the GYM - You will be directed (basically to left of main building in front of entrance gates)
*Depart at 0915
*Lunch stop approx 1200 at Tinahely (we will have a nature stop beforehand as required)
*Next official stop on top of Wicklow Gap
*ETA Baldonnel for dinner 1700 - 1800
*The Bar (subsidised) will be open for a well deserved pint afterwards and all are welcome!

I have had lots of interest from people wanting to sign up on the morning, but just to give us a better idea of numbers for food can anyone on Boards who intends riding the event please put their name down in the thread below - I'll start.

Thanks again - Bax