Orwell Randonee 2011

Ghosty669

Hi all,
Just giving people heads up that Orwell Wheelers Randonee is coming up on the 7th of August and online registration is now open. We've taken onboard your feedback from last year and made a number of improvements that will hopefully make it an even more enjoyable event.

For those of you that didn't take part in last years one, here's the boards link to last years event : http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055959037&page=1.

Details of the event can be found here : http://www.orwellwheelers.org/news-and-events/338-orwell-randonnee-2011.html

Let me know if you have any questions.

joker77

Entered, looking forward to it!

QueensGael

in

Granite Head

Hi Ghosty,

Can you get a one day licence on the day?

Ghosty669

Granite Head wrote: »

Hi Ghosty,

Can you get a one day licence on the day?

Yep. We'll have a signup area for those that need a license. We're just confirming the price of these licenses and I'll update the thread when I know how much.

Leroy42

Did this last year, defo be back this year.

Am interested to see what the improvements are, thought last year was handled pretty well - tip for improvements - possibly someone else to cycle my bike up the hills, its ok though I'll take the downhills:D

Will the route be the same? Haven't spotted a route map.

Ghosty669

Leroy42 wrote: »

Did this last year, defo be back this year.

Am interested to see what the improvements are, thought last year was handled pretty well - tip for improvements - possibly someone else to cycle my bike up the hills, its ok though I'll take the downhills:D

Will the route be the same? Haven't spotted a route map.

Thanks Leroy. Entry fee is less than last year, route is changed slightly to remove the Moneystown road and replaced the sit down meal with a BBQ.

Route should be up on the website now.

daragh_

Hi Ghosty

Is it possible to sign-up on the day or do I have to pay online? Not allowed near the credit card at the moment

Ghosty669

daragh_ wrote: »

Hi Ghosty

Is it possible to sign-up on the day or do I have to pay online? Not allowed near the credit card at the moment

Hey Daragh,
No problem about signing up on the day but we'd prefer to get the numbers somewhat finalized via the website to figure out how much food to order!
Thanks
Ghosty

daragh_

Ghosty669 wrote: »

Hey Daragh,
No problem about signing up on the day but we'd prefer to get the numbers somewhat finalized via the website to figure out how much food to order!
Thanks
Ghosty

Thanks. I'll be there.

Ghosty669

Granite Head wrote: »

Hi Ghosty,

Can you get a one day licence on the day?

Just got confirmation : one day licences will be 5 euro.

Leroy42

Am I right in thinking that the route has changed and we visit the foodstop in Glenmalure before we hit Shay Elliott climb, rather than last year when we did the climb from the Laragh side and hit Glenmalure afterwards?

Ghosty669

Leroy42 wrote: »

Am I right in thinking that the route has changed and we visit the foodstop in Glenmalure before we hit Shay Elliott climb, rather than last year when we did the climb from the Laragh side and hit Glenmalure afterwards?

Yep. We changed this to :

1. Take out the Moneystown road.
2. Stop the riders having to cross the road to begin the climb of Shay Elliott.

There's a few km before you hit the climb after the feedstop so it should warm up the legs enough.

Are we nearly there yet....

Signed up for this also Did this last year and was great craic. Good route around wicklow and at 135km the distance is a bit more manageable than the W200 but has a few interesting climbs. The little stinger from powerscourt waterfall back up to djouce was a gem

fergalos

I have been looking for a good challenge to do this year and from the comments so far on this thread and the ones for last year this does look like a good one - a mix of a good route and good craic. Off to register now.

g0g

Liking the look of this one and the date suits me! Hopefully the pace isn't as fast as Meath Cycle at weekend so I'm not nearly paddy last! Had a read of the previous thread - am I right in saying it's shorter this year and they've taken out the very steep hill near Djouce? From the photo it looked like there was a hill included that's steeper than the awful climb up along Lough Tay!?

Are we nearly there yet....

I think its the same distance as last time. The steep hill at Djouce was the bit they called their "wall". its only 500m long but its a real leg screammer and most seemed to cycle up it last year but there were a few bits of choice language as we passed their photographer

Its doing Shay Elliot after the lunchstop now this year They had it well run last year. food stop was good and Orwell site says thay have a bbq at the finish

Paddy The Pirate

Hi All, I'm just wondering, what kind of ability/fitness would be needed to finish the event?
Ronan

Inquitus

I like the look of this one, think I shall be in attendance!

brayblue24

Bit of a heads up, the road between Powerscourt Waterfall and Glencree has a lot of loose chippings. I went up it so speed was not an issue but I reckoned a descent could be compromised. I should be on this road before the big day so I'll update nearer the time.

BTW when I look at the route it looks like The Wall is there.

As regards fitness there were many levels last year and nobody passed any comments or heed on any others. Not that I saw anyway

Ghosty669

g0g wrote: »

Liking the look of this one and the date suits me! Hopefully the pace isn't as fast as Meath Cycle at weekend so I'm not nearly paddy last! Had a read of the previous thread - am I right in saying it's shorter this year and they've taken out the very steep hill near Djouce? From the photo it looked like there was a hill included that's steeper than the awful climb up along Lough Tay!?

Sorry for the delay in getting back :

The route is very much the same as last year so we've kept 'the wall' in again so you won't be disappointed!

Ghosty669

Are we nearly there yet.... wrote: »

I think its the same distance as last time. The steep hill at Djouce was the bit they called their "wall". its only 500m long but its a real leg screammer and most seemed to cycle up it last year but there were a few bits of choice language as we passed their photographer

Its doing Shay Elliot after the lunchstop now this year They had it well run last year. food stop was good and Orwell site says thay have a bbq at the finish

To confirm here : the cycle takes in the Shay Elliot after the foodstop so hopefully people won't gorge themselves on sandwiches and carrot cake!
BBQ is also on where there'll be a selection of burgers and hotdogs.

Ghosty669

Paddy The Pirate wrote: »

Hi All, I'm just wondering, what kind of ability/fitness would be needed to finish the event?
Ronan

Hey Ronan, like any other cycling event, it's all about pacing yourself around the course. The first half of the randonnee will take in the bigs climbs of the day and after the feedstop, you'll tackle Shay Elliot. From there, it's not a bad return to home.

One suggestion would be to head off early and get ahead of the pack. This will allow you to hopefully relax and pace yourself better.

xz

Ghosty669 wrote: »

To confirm here : the cycle takes in the Shay Elliot after the foodstop so hopefully people won't gorge themselves on sandwiches and carrot cake!
BBQ is also on where there'll be a selection of burgers and hotdogs.

Foodstop is at Kirikee hall, for those that have never been this way, it's about 1 km to the Shay Elliot, so the trick would be,not to stay too long, or eat too much at the foodstop.

mfdc

Been meaning to sign up for this but it slipped my mind, glad this thread is around! The magic words being mentioned (carrot cake, burgers... mmm) are just the push I needed Looking forward to it!

fergalos

It is only now that I got around to register for this - looking forward to meeting everyone else.

wanderer 22

Hey all,

I'm interested in registering for this but need to know if flat handlebar bikes (with bar ends) are allowed take part? The reason I ask is that I see on their club website it says that , for club rides, "road bikes with dropped handlebars are mandatory"

Cheers.

brayblue24

colm18 wrote: »

Hey all,

I'm interested in registering for this but need to know if flat handlebar bikes (with bar ends) are allowed take part? The reason I ask is that I see on their club website it says that , for club rides, "road bikes with dropped handlebars are mandatory"

Cheers.

colm18, they were cetainly in evidence last year and nobody batted an eyelid. As it's a sportive and not competitive I'd be surprised if it was a problem

Leroy42

Colm18,

I am not part of Orwell, so can't speak definitively on the matter, but last year was no issue.

The difference is that this is not a club ride, it is an open sportive which is being run/organised by them, so that rule doesn't apply.

I have seen, although not on this event, butchers bikes, Dublin bike scheme bikes, and lots of other fanciful contraptions on sportives (even shock horror! MTB & tri).

Once your bike is safe, good brakes! properly maintained & serviced and you bring the necessary stuff like tubes, pump, tire irons etc, then you'll be fine

FrankGrimes

Hoping to do this, just need to confirm I have Sunday free first. Did it last year and it was a very well run event, website looks sharp too!

My mate that came down Shay Elliot and went up Slieve Mann before realising the food stop was left at the bottom of Shay Elliot will no doubt be double-checking the route beforehand this time .

smacl

Colm18,

Also hoping to do this on a flat bar hybrid. Once you've got the gears / legs for the climbs, you should have no problems. For myself, it also means coming in later than the roadies, and I certainly wouldn't make the wall without the granny ring on a heavy bike.


Ghosty669,

Is this event a group start, or can you head off as soon as registered on the morning? Being slower than most, I'd personally prefer an early start to have any chance of getting back for a burger at the BBQ.

Ghosty669

smacl wrote: »

Colm18,

Also hoping to do this on a flat bar hybrid. Once you've got the gears / legs for the climbs, you should have no problems. For myself, it also means coming in later than the roadies, and I certainly wouldn't make the wall without the granny ring on a heavy bike.


Ghosty669,

Is this event a group start, or can you head off as soon as registered on the morning? Being slower than most, I'd personally prefer an early start to have any chance of getting back for a burger at the BBQ.

No problem about heading away early if you so wish. However, we've got plenty of burgers and other goodies at the finish so there will be plenty to go around!

Also, no problem on the bike as well. All types are welcome!

wanderer 22

Leroy42 wrote: »

Colm18,

I am not part of Orwell, so can't speak definitively on the matter, but last year was no issue.

The difference is that this is not a club ride, it is an open sportive which is being run/organised by them, so that rule doesn't apply.

I have seen, although not on this event, butchers bikes, Dublin bike scheme bikes, and lots of other fanciful contraptions on sportives (even shock horror! MTB & tri).

Once your bike is safe, good brakes! properly maintained & serviced and you bring the necessary stuff like tubes, pump, tire irons etc, then you'll be fine

Thanks for the replies guys, It's a moot point now though as I've just today got myself a Boardman Team Carbon bike
Now off to sign up for sunday, see yous there

jimm

Hi Ghosty669

Hoping to do this on Sun. next.

One quick question.

Is a vets (IVCA) licence acceptable instead of a CI licence? As a member of the IVCA I have insurance cover with it.

manafana

thinking of signing up, but cycling down to sandyford on top of the actual ride might be pushing it anyone travelling down going past redcow-walkingstown area?

Inquitus

manafana wrote: »

thinking of signing up, but cycling down to sandyford on top of the actual ride might be pushing it anyone travelling down going past redcow-walkingstown area?

I am probably driving round the M50 from Swords, with bike carrier on the back, could prob nip off at the red cow exit to pick you up. Need to get final signoff from the missus tonight.

manafana

Inquitus wrote: »

I am probably driving round the M50 from Swords, with bike carrier on the back, could prob nip off at the red cow exit to pick you up. Need to get final signoff from the missus tonight.

hey,

yeah sure pm me if the missus gives the all clear, and i might sign up going be struggle for me, havnt broken 100km in while hoping riding as group will make it easier.

G rock

manafana wrote: »

thinking of signing up, but cycling down to sandyford on top of the actual ride might be pushing it anyone travelling down going past redcow-walkingstown area?

thinking of riding out (slowly!) from kilmainham to this, can go up past walkinstown if you want some company.

FrankGrimes

Registered today. See y'all Sunday so, have 2 or 3 mates going along two, hope you get the turnout and we get the weather!

reidzer

Hi guys,
Is there a minimum speed on this event?
If so what is it...

Cheers

Are we nearly there yet....

Reidzer

Dont think theres any time limits. There were a few guys struggling at the back of the group towards the end of the cycle last year and their support van stayed with them to get them back to the finish. Lots of support and encouragement along the way and the last man home got the biggest cheer of the day as he crossed the line

AstraMonti

Seems that I won't be able to do it as I am going on holidays after all. Is the entry transferable?

Keep_Her_Lit

AstraMonti wrote: »

Is the entry transferable?

AstraMonti, if you want, I'll take that off you if Ghosty669 gives it the all clear.

Weather looks a bit dodgy for Sunday, unfortunately. Don't really fancy wet, gravelly descents on 23C's so may opt for the commuter MTB instead. I guess I'll hide in amongst the other flat barred outcasts.

Went up The Wall on Sunday just gone. Its steepest section sure is tough and cost me a spoke in my rear wheel. Sensible gearing advised for anyone who hasn't done it!

manafana

does anyone have link for full detail of the route so can print off to stick in the pocket.

smacl

manafana wrote: »

does anyone have link for full detail of the route so can print off to stick in the pocket.

From the event site;
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/39933136/ and
http://www.orwellwheelers.org/news-and-events/338-orwell-randonnee-2011.html

Ghosty669

smacl wrote: »

From the event site;
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/39933136/ and
http://www.orwellwheelers.org/news-and-events/338-orwell-randonnee-2011.html

Hey folks, we'll be making this info available on the day. When you sign on, you'll get a sheet that contains this info.

Ghosty669

jimm wrote: »

Hi Ghosty669

Hoping to do this on Sun. next.

One quick question.

Is a vets (IVCA) licence acceptable instead of a CI licence? As a member of the IVCA I have insurance cover with it.

No sure on this but will find out for you. We'll be making one day licenses available on the day so if you're not covered, it'll be easy to get sorted.

Ghosty669

Keep_Her_Lit wrote: »

AstraMonti, if you want, I'll take that off you if Ghosty669 gives it the all clear.

Weather looks a bit dodgy for Sunday, unfortunately. Don't really fancy wet, gravelly descents on 23C's so may opt for the commuter MTB instead. I guess I'll hide in amongst the other flat barred outcasts.

Went up The Wall on Sunday just gone. Its steepest section sure is tough and cost me a spoke in my rear wheel. Sensible gearing advised for anyone who hasn't done it!

No problem folks with the transfer. Drop me a PM and I'll update the entry list.

BTW: if the weather is wet on Sunday, we'll reroute the cycle and take out the wall as it'd be a nightmare getting up there.

daragh_

Ghosty669 wrote: »

BTW: if the weather is wet on Sunday, we'll reroute the cycle and take out the wall as it'd be a nightmare getting up there.

Pray for rain so

thereturn

Is the wall the tough bit after about 30km?

smacl

Ghosty669 wrote: »

if the weather is wet on Sunday, we'll reroute the cycle and take out the wall as it'd be a nightmare getting up there.

No sure how much a part the weather plays in that particular nightmare; it's not exactly dreamy on a sunny day either. Did it from Onagh bridge a few months back and reckon I coughed up both lungs and part of my stomach by the time I hit the old long hill.

Nice route by the way, a few sneaky little ramps thrown in. All you need to do is throw in the Devil's Elbow on the way back from Enniskerry to make it positively evil