First Sportive. Advice needed

irishrover99

Hi all
I will be doing my first sportive( Wicklow 200) in June and i just have a few questions.
I'm concerned about what to bring along with me.
Should i bring a small back pack with rain bottoms and show covers in case the weather gets bad.
I don't want to to over pack my jersey with items and will have a small saddle bag already for tools.
I also have the choice of bikes running 25" tyres or 23". Newer bike is Giant Defy 5 with 25" or older better Trek 1.5 with 23". I'm thinking the 25's will give me more comfort for a long journey.

Also has anyone received the confirmation email from the Wicklow 200 organizers. I only have the receipt from Worldpay
Thanks in advance

Inquitus

25mm tyres will give you a slightly more comfortable ride, but not going to be a huge diff, better off picking the bike that feels most comfortable.

Bring the rucksack with you in the car and make a call on what you need to put in your jersey pockets to take with you at the start. Don't wear the rucksack, it will just contribute to neck / back pain over the course of the day.

irishrover99

Inquitus wrote: »

25mm tyres will give you a slightly more comfortable ride, but not going to be a huge diff, better off picking the bike that feels most comfortable.

Bring the rucksack with you in the car and make a call on what you need to put in your jersey pockets to take with you at the start. Don't wear the rucksack, it will just contribute to neck / back pain over the course of the day.

The Defy does slightly fit me better. Still to decide on that. would the rucksack if only a light one make that much difference.
But ill bring it along and decide that morning before leaving Greystones

nilhg

Absoloutley agree with what Iniquitus said, you need to be much closer to the day before worrying over clothing/raingear, last year it was whether you had enough suncream.....

I got a confirmation email pretty much straight away from entries@wicklow200.ie, but the important stuff will come in the post in the next couple of weeks, maybe just drop them an enquiry?

07Lapierre

irishrover99 wrote: »

I also have the choice of bikes running 25" tyres or 23". Newer bike is Giant Defy 5 with 25" or older better Trek 1.5 with 23". I'm thinking the 25's will give me more comfort for a long journey.

Also has anyone received the confirmation email from the Wicklow 200 organizers. I only have the receipt from Worldpay
Thanks in advance

What gearing have you got on each bike? (IMO, this is more important than tyre size)

Whats the "longest journey" you've done so far?

No. I've no email from WW200 yet.

irishrover99

nilhg wrote: »

Absoloutley agree with what Iniquitus said, you need to be much closer to the day before worrying over clothing/raingear, last year it was whether you had enough suncream.....

I got a confirmation email pretty much straight away from , but the important stuff will come in the post in the next couple of weeks, maybe just drop them an enquiry?

Thanks for the email address. i will get on to them.
From what i seen the weather over the last 2 years has varied greatly. Hope for a nice day to solve any issues for me

smacl

irishrover99 wrote: »

Still to decide on that. would the rucksack if only a light one make that much difference.

Everything makes a difference over 200k, I personally would avoid the rucksack and use the jersey pockets and small saddle bag. For me, I bring two full bottles and have food such as bananas and bars rather than depending too much on the food stops. YMMV.

Wishbone Ash

Don't bother with the leggings. Make a call that morning on the overshoes bearing in mind that if you decide to wear them, you'll have to keep them on for the day regardless of subsequent weather.

irishrover99

07Lapierre wrote: »

What gearing have you got on each bike? (IMO, this is more important than tyre size)

Whats the "longest journey" you've done so far?

No. I've no email from WW200 yet.

Longest so far is 80km around the Sally gap loop. Still felt like i had plenty in my legs and only the need to be home to help the misses with a new baby stopped me from doing more.
I'm doing about 40k every day Monday to Friday
Defy has 50/34 on the front and 32/11 on the back.
Trek has 50/34 on the front and i think 28or30/12 on the back.

I have the Trek longer but and it has better kit on it but i got the defy because i always taught i got the Trek was maybe 2 cm to small. I'd love to raise the handle bars on it but not sure how to go about that

07Lapierre

irishrover99 wrote: »

Longest so far is 80km around the Sally gap loop. Still felt like i had plenty in my legs and only the need to be home to help the misses with a new baby stopped me from doing more.
I'm doing about 40k every day Monday to Friday
Defy has 50/34 on the front and 32/11 on the back.
Trek has 50/34 on the front and i think 28or30/12 on the back.

I have the Trek longer but and it has better kit on it but i got the defy because i always taught i got the Trek was maybe 2 cm to small. I'd love to raise the handle bars on it but not sure how to go about that

The trek should be fine, BUT remember, you'll arrive at Slieve Mann with 100k+ in your legs and you'll have to get over Slieve Mann and Shay Elliott climbs (and the loong drag out of Avoca).
If you've never been over these climbs before, get out there and try them. If thats not possible, ride the defy on the day.

Wishbone Ash

irishrover99 wrote: »

Defy has 50/34 on the front and 32/11 on the back...

You must have been planning to do repeats of Kilmashogue Lane!

irishrover99

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

You must have been planning to do repeats of Kilmashogue Lane!

once up there is usually enough for me but i think twice up it would be a good prep for the 200

irishrover99

07Lapierre wrote: »

The trek should be fine, BUT remember, you'll arrive at Slieve Mann with 100k+ in your legs and you'll have to get over Slieve Mann and Shay Elliott climbs (and the loong drag out of Avoca).
If you've never been over these climbs before, get out there and try them. If thats not possible, ride the defy on the day.

I think the extra gears on the Defy will come in handy. Not sure ill get to climb them before the day but ill try the hills around the back of rathfarnham a couple of times on the same day

Wishbone Ash

irishrover99 wrote: »

once up there is usually enough for me but i think twice up it would be a good prep for the 200

You won't find anything with those gradients on the WW200. You'd be better doing some longer less steep climbs and long drags. 5k at 4% can be a lot more energy sapping than 1k at 8% especially if there's a headwind.

lissard

Might be worth doing a 100k+ sportive before taking on 200k around Wicklow. There's one on nearly every weekend between now an June 8th.

irishrover99

lissard wrote: »

Might be worth doing a 100k+ sportive before taking on 200k around Wicklow. There's one one on nearly every weekend between now an June 8th.[/QUOTE


TBH i'm pretty confident of handling a 100 without much hassle. That's why i have entered the 200. If i only done the 100 and went home with plenty left in me i'd feel more disappointed than having to stop at 180k after trying the 200

ford2600

irishrover99 wrote: »

Thanks for the email address. i will get on to them.
From what i seen the weather over the last 2 years has varied greatly. Hope for a nice day to solve any issues for me

As said already ride most comfortable bike. Put 25mm tyres on that bike. Fo it yourself you may get a puncture on day.

Check weather on morning, dress accordingly.

Eat food your used to eating. Go easy on gels etc unless your body is used to them.

seamus

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=77346685#post77346685

smurphy29

I would second the advice to get in a ride of over 100k in the meantime, sportif or otherwise. Covering the distance in a sportif rather than on your own will be more enjoyable and less work. Also, some of the smaller 'boutique sportifs' can be better than the big 'event' ones.

Coming home after 80k and feeling there's plenty left doesn't really tell you much. For my money there's a big difference between riding 80k and riding 120k.

These very long rides can be 'death by a thousand cuts' if you're not adequately trained. I did the WW200 as my first ever sportif ride and even though I'd done lots of long training rides, 200k is a real test of endurance. Even if you tip along slowly and do the climbs within yourself on low gears, the sheer number of hours in the saddle is fatiguing. I remember feeling great all day, even on the double climb over Slieve Mann and the Shay but the last 50k was a killer, I thought I'd never get home.

irishrover99

smurphy29 wrote: »

I would second the advice to get in a ride of over 100k in the meantime, sportif or otherwise. Covering the distance in a sportif rather than on your own will be more enjoyable and less work. Also, some of the smaller 'boutique sportifs' can be better than the big 'event' ones.

Coming home after 80k and feeling there's plenty left doesn't really tell you much. For my money there's a big difference between riding 80k and riding 120k.

These very long rides can be 'death by a thousand cuts' if you're not adequately trained. I did the WW200 as my first ever sportif ride and even though I'd done lots of long training rides, 200k is a real test of endurance. Even if you tip along slowly and do the climbs within yourself on low gears, the sheer number of hours in the saddle is fatiguing. I remember feeling great all day, even on the double climb over Slieve Mann and the Shay but the last 50k was a killer, I thought I'd never get home.

If i had the time to do a smaller sportive first i would but with work and 2 young kids getting out for 1 day is hard enough. I'm packing in more than 40K a day training so i'm building miles up gradually and i've been doing that for more than a year.

smurphy29

irishrover99 wrote: »

If i had the time to do a smaller sportive first i would but with work and 2 young kids getting out for 1 day is hard enough. I'm packing in more than 40K a day training so i'm building miles up gradually and i've been doing that for more than a year.

You're preaching to the converted there irishrover, I try to juggle kids, racing, work and life in general and it's hectic.

40k a day will definitely help to build fitness, but try and get out one saturday morning between now and the WW200 for a 100-120k ride if at all possible. The mornings are bright, get out the door at 6am and you'll be back by noon. Your body will thank you on the day.

07Lapierre

smurphy29 wrote: »

You're preaching to the converted there irishrover, I try to juggle kids, racing, work and life in general and it's hectic.

40k a day will definitely help to build fitness, but try and get out one saturday morning between now and the WW200 for a 100-120k ride if at all possible. The mornings are bright, get out the door at 6am and you'll be back by noon. Your body will thank you on the day.

160 would be better..

Wishbone Ash

smurphy29 wrote: »

..These very long rides can be 'death by a thousand cuts' if you're not adequately trained. I did the WW200 as my first ever sportif ride and even though I'd done lots of long training rides, 200k is a real test of endurance. Even if you tip along slowly and do the climbs within yourself on low gears, the sheer number of hours in the saddle is fatiguing. I remember feeling great all day, even on the double climb over Slieve Mann and the Shay but the last 50k was a killer, I thought I'd never get home.

....and throw inclement weather into the pot also.

On a recent 200 I did (actually 217km as I took a wrong turn) it rained for the first 4 hours and that was into a headwind too!

smacl

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

....and throw inclement weather into the pot also.

On a recent 200 I did (actually 217km as I took a wrong turn) it rained for the first 4 hours and that was into a headwind too!

Wicklow 200 three years ago, strong winds, bitter cold and driving rain pretty much all day, leading to flooded roads and topped off by thick fog on the Sally gap to make the Kilbride descent treacherous. The food stops looked like refugee encampments.

Bloggsie

irishrover99 wrote: »

Hi all
I will be doing my first sportive( Wicklow 200) in June and i just have a few questions.
I'm concerned about what to bring along with me.
Should i bring a small back pack with rain bottoms and show covers in case the weather gets bad.
I don't want to to over pack my jersey with items and will have a small saddle bag already for tools.
I also have the choice of bikes running 25" tyres or 23". Newer bike is Giant Defy 5 with 25" or older better Trek 1.5 with 23". I'm thinking the 25's will give me more comfort for a long journey.

Also has anyone received the confirmation email from the Wicklow 200 organizers. I only have the receipt from Worldpay
Thanks in advance

hello irishrover99
I have been training for a 130km spin thats on this saturday heading from Dublin to Kilkenny, the route we are taking while not flat would hardly be called tough or hilly, what is going to kill a lot of the pace this weekend is the 25-30kmh headwind we will be going into, All the training will stand to you for the distance & climbs but if you get a headwind it will destroy your legs, its like trying to go through treacle.
I would 2nd the advice of getting a longer spin in on a 100k sportive prior to the event, other commitments not withstanding.
good luck with the rest of the training and the event.

irishrover99

Bloggsie wrote: »

hello irishrover99
I have been training for a 130km spin thats on this saturday heading from Dublin to Kilkenny, the route we are taking while not flat would hardly be called tough or hilly, what is going to kill a lot of the pace this weekend is the 25-30kmh headwind we will be going into, All the training will stand to you for the distance & climbs but if you get a headwind it will destroy your legs, its like trying to go through treacle.
I would 2nd the advice of getting a longer spin in on a 100k sportive prior to the event, other commitments not withstanding.
good luck with the rest of the training and the event.

Maybe i will have to leave one of the days at 6am to get one done. Hopefully get it done this weekend if all goes well

Leroy42

As was mentioned previously, it is not just the length of the course, its the time on the bike that can be a killer. If you are used to doing 2 hours or whatever, then you may not be ready for the additional issues that arise from 6+ hours.

Simple things like the shorts starting to chafe, arms getting tired, shoes starting to become uncomfortable. Not anything to do with training but something to consider.

Eating wise there is a big difference between a 3 hour and a 7 hour ride. A 3 hour you can get by with a good feed before and some gels etc. 7 hours normally requires some solid foods.

It's all personal preference really and can only be known through doing it and seeing what works.

On the issue of tyres, I have only ever used 23's so can't comment on 25's but while some of the roads are pretty crappy after 200k I reckon it won't make much difference. If you prefer the 25's simply change over the tyres, or the cassette.

SMacX

Long term forecast: Summer is over at the end of May. It will probably be wet in June, up on those hills it will be wet and windy - Source Exacta

Recommended list of things to bring:

Wet forecast:
1. Light rain jacket
2. Long sleeve Jersey
3. Bib tights
4. Spare socks - roll them up, wrap them in plastic and rubber bands. You will finish the second half better with dry feet
5. Shoe covers - don't expect them to keep your feet dry, just warm
6. Plain food - If you haven't been using gels and bars, don't on the day - bananas, nutri-grain bars are good, plain water X 2 bottles
7. Dioralyte - can be bought in sachets at the chemist. Two sachets in one bottle for the second 100k. Helps with cramping. You will cramp.
8. Money and Phone - Don't use your phone to track the ride unless the charge is going to last for 8 hours or more. Put your in case of emergency contact on the first screen, just in case.
9. 2 tubes, instant patch kit, 2 tyre levers, multitool, CO2 canisters if you use them - Don't buy a CO2 setup and use it for the first time during the W200 - Bring a pump if you have not used the CO2 before.

Layers are all important. You will not believe how cold you can get the longer you spend in the saddle on a wet/windy/cold day. I wear two base layers, one long sleeve, one short sleeve, my jersey and a gilet with a rain jacket in my back pocket. If needs be, I will stop in a shop and buy/get a newspaper to wrap around me under my jersey to try and keep warm (has saved me on too many occasions).

Gloves are important. Long finger gloves vs. short finger is a personal preference. I have a pair of SealSkin long finger gloves I bought in a sailing shop in Dun Laoighre and they are awesome! No cold or wet... hmm...

The use of chamois cream is important. A lot of chaffing goes on when you are in the saddle for that length of time. If it rains heavily, you will get water running down your chest into your shorts/tights at he crotch level. A wet crotch, loose chamois and water coming up from your tyres = painful cotchal area. Chamois cream from any bike shop is worth it. A tube and you can carry it to replenish later in the day.

All of the above will fit into your jersey pockets/saddle bag. A few bulges in the jersey will not slow you up as much as a rucksack.

My €0.02c

irishrover99

Have mapped out for Sunday morning if all goes well. 113k's give or take a few from me not doing the lines correct. Early 6am departure from the house around Rathfarnham if anyone is going to be out and about themselves

runningmap.com/?id=718139

07Lapierre

irishrover99 wrote: »

Have mapped out for Sunday morning if all goes well. 113k's give or take a few from me not doing the lines correct. Early 6am departure from the house around Rathfarnham if anyone is going to be out and about themselves

runningmap.com/?id=718139

Nice...how many laps you doin?

I'd add in Slieve Mann and Shay elliott climbs to that route as your passing through Laragh.

irishrover99

07Lapierre wrote: »

Nice...how many laps you doin?

I'd add in Slieve Mann and Shay elliott climbs to that route as your passing through Laragh.

Think ill stick with the one lap for the moment.
Ill check it out see if i can get both those climbs in while still keeping the mileage.

Wishbone Ash

SMacX wrote: »

1. Light rain jacket
2. Long sleeve Jersey
3. Bib tights
4. Spare socks - roll them up, wrap them in plastic and rubber bands. You will finish the second half better with dry feet
5. Shoe covers - don't expect them to keep your feet dry, just warm
6. Plain food - If you haven't been using gels and bars, don't on the day - bananas, nutri-grain bars are good, plain water X 2 bottles
7. Dioralyte - can be bought in sachets at the chemist. Two sachets in one bottle for the second 100k. Helps with cramping. You will cramp.
8. Money and Phone - Don't use your phone to track the ride unless the charge is going to last for 8 hours or more. Put your in case of emergency contact on the first screen, just in case.
9. 2 tubes, instant patch kit, 2 tyre levers, multitool, CO2 canisters if you use them - Don't buy a CO2 setup and use it for the first time during the W200 - Bring a pump if you have not used the CO2 before.

Layers are all important. You will not believe how cold you can get the longer you spend in the saddle on a wet/windy/cold day. I wear two base layers, one long sleeve, one short sleeve, my jersey and a gilet with a rain jacket in my back pocket. If needs be, I will stop in a shop and buy/get a newspaper to wrap around me under my jersey to try and keep warm (has saved me on too many occasions).

Gloves are important. Long finger gloves vs. short finger is a personal preference. I have a pair of SealSkin long finger gloves I bought in a sailing shop in Dun Laoighre and they are awesome! No cold or wet... hmm...

The use of chamois cream is important. A lot of chaffing goes on when you are in the saddle for that length of time. If it rains heavily, you will get water running down your chest into your shorts/tights at he crotch level. A wet crotch, loose chamois and water coming up from your tyres = painful cotchal area. Chamois cream from any bike shop is worth it. A tube and you can carry it to replenish later in the day.

All of the above will fit into your jersey pockets/saddle bag. A few bulges in the jersey will not slow you up as much as a rucksack.

My €0.02c

Just a couple of point from personal experience:

Arm warmers are better than long sleeves as they can be removed/put back on when required.

Spare socks are useless if your shoes are soaked through - they just become wet in seconds.(Avoid wearing heavy socks as they take longer to dry if the sun comes out).

Carry a couple of pairs of surgical examination gloves. When your ordinary gloves get wet through, they can be worn under them and will keep hands exceptionally warm. (They take up hardly any room in the saddlebag and are also useful if you have an oily mechanical).

07Lapierre

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Just a couple of point from personal experience:

Arm warmers are better than long sleeves as they can be removed/put back on when required.

Spare socks are useless if your shoes are soaked through - they just become wet in seconds.(Avoid wearing heavy socks as they take longer to dry if the sun comes out).

Carry a couple of pairs of surgical examination gloves. When your ordinary gloves get wet through, they can be worn under them and will keep hands exceptionally warm. (They take up hardly any room in the saddlebag and are also useful if you have an oily mechanical).

SMacX wrote: »

Long term forecast: Summer is over at the end of May. It will probably be wet in June, up on those hills it will be wet and windy - Source Exacta

Recommended list of things to bring:

Wet forecast:
1. Light rain jacket
2. Long sleeve Jersey
3. Bib tights
4. Spare socks - roll them up, wrap them in plastic and rubber bands. You will finish the second half better with dry feet
5. Shoe covers - don't expect them to keep your feet dry, just warm
6. Plain food - If you haven't been using gels and bars, don't on the day - bananas, nutri-grain bars are good, plain water X 2 bottles
7. Dioralyte - can be bought in sachets at the chemist. Two sachets in one bottle for the second 100k. Helps with cramping. You will cramp.
8. Money and Phone - Don't use your phone to track the ride unless the charge is going to last for 8 hours or more. Put your in case of emergency contact on the first screen, just in case.
9. 2 tubes, instant patch kit, 2 tyre levers, multitool, CO2 canisters if you use them - Don't buy a CO2 setup and use it for the first time during the W200 - Bring a pump if you have not used the CO2 before.

Layers are all important. You will not believe how cold you can get the longer you spend in the saddle on a wet/windy/cold day. I wear two base layers, one long sleeve, one short sleeve, my jersey and a gilet with a rain jacket in my back pocket. If needs be, I will stop in a shop and buy/get a newspaper to wrap around me under my jersey to try and keep warm (has saved me on too many occasions).

Gloves are important. Long finger gloves vs. short finger is a personal preference. I have a pair of SealSkin long finger gloves I bought in a sailing shop in Dun Laoighre and they are awesome! No cold or wet... hmm...

The use of chamois cream is important. A lot of chaffing goes on when you are in the saddle for that length of time. If it rains heavily, you will get water running down your chest into your shorts/tights at he crotch level. A wet crotch, loose chamois and water coming up from your tyres = painful cotchal area. Chamois cream from any bike shop is worth it. A tube and you can carry it to replenish later in the day.

All of the above will fit into your jersey pockets/saddle bag. A few bulges in the jersey will not slow you up as much as a rucksack.

My €0.02c

Geez, I hope we don't get the weather you two are preparing for!

Another option is to get the other half or a friend to meet you at the Rathdrum stop with a full change of clothes..that's what allowed me to complete the WW200 3 years ago.

bedirect

your gears are fine, perfect for this type of sportif. Just watch the forecast, dont get caught up racing at the start as you need strength to get out of Avoca, bring a light rain jacket that fits into your back pocket, they are in ALDI now for 15 euros

Bloggsie

SMacX, the words of a seasoned one who has done enough long spins and has either been caught short or has witnessed those who were caught short and struggled.

H.E. Pennypacker

Would bib tights really be needed for a wet 100 or 200? I'm getting worried now...

cheerspal

If its wet I would prefer to cycle in bib shorts that full length tights. If you're wet you're wet!

smacl

H.E. Pennypacker wrote: »

Would bib tights really be needed for a wet 100 or 200? I'm getting worried now...

I just use leg warmers which seem fine.

irishrover99

So i took all your advice and went out yesterday on a longer cycle. I got 114 k in and still felt pretty good after it. No pain today but might need to use my Bontrager saddle instead of my Giant saddle for the 200.

It also taught me a couple of things that will come in handy if the weather is as bad as yesterday. Left the house at 6 a.m and it never stopped raining until i got to Enniskerry on the way home where i had my first stop for refreshments.

Got over the Wicklow Gap and Sally Gap without any issues other than the weather.
TBH it was the worst weather i have cycled in and i'm including the storms that we had in Jan/Feb when it was terrible in the Dublin Mountains. I was amazed by the wind and rain up there and nearly came to stop once or twice on both climbs.

Average speed of 24.1 and i'm pretty happy with that due to the weather and a bit of navigation around the Blessington road as it was my first time cycling up that way. I reckon i could have take at least 45-1 hour of that time in better conditions.

I had to go really slow coming down fro the Sally Gap to Enniskerry as i couldn't pull the brake lever due to fingers being purple from the cold. Fingerless gloves were not a good idea on the day and i actually got a bit freaked coming down seeing my fingers that color. Hot tea sorted that out quick enough

strava.com/activities/139826173

Battery went on my Iphone at 101k in Enniskerry

turbodiesel

irishrover99 wrote: »

So i took all your advice and went out yesterday on a longer cycle. I got 114 k in and still felt pretty good after it. No pain today but might need to use my Bontrager saddle instead of my Giant saddle for the 200.

It also taught me a couple of things that will come in handy if the weather is as bad as yesterday. Left the house at 6 a.m and it never stopped raining until i got to Enniskerry on the way home where i had my first stop for refreshments.

Got over the Wicklow Gap and Sally Gap without any issues other than the weather.
TBH it was the worst weather i have cycled in and i'm including the storms that we had in Jan/Feb when it was terrible in the Dublin Mountains. I was amazed by the wind and rain up there and nearly came to stop once or twice on both climbs.

Average speed of 24.1 and i'm pretty happy with that due to the weather and a bit of navigation around the Blessington road as it was my first time cycling up that way. I reckon i could have take at least 45-1 hour of that time in better conditions.

I had to go really slow coming down fro the Sally Gap to Enniskerry as i couldn't pull the brake lever due to fingers being purple from the cold. Fingerless gloves were not a good idea on the day and i actually got a bit freaked coming down seeing my fingers that color. Hot tea sorted that out quick enough

strava.com/activities/139826173

Battery went on my Iphone at 101k in Enniskerry

Well done on getting that long spin in. At least you've a better idea of what to expect from the body and as others have said it's the small things like saddle choice and short/long fingered gloves that will be exagerated in the second half of the 200k.

Bloggsie

turbodiesel wrote: »

Well done on getting that long spin in. At least you've a better idea of what to expect from the body and as others have said it's the small things like saddle choice and short/long fingered gloves that will be exagerated in the second half of the 200k.

oh god yes full fingered gloves, i was part of a group that did a spin on Saturday just gone from Dublin to Kilkenny, I have never seen rain like what we got in Carlow. I could have sworn Noah passed us in his Ark! 2 of our group had no gloves & fingerless & the shade of blue/purple they both were displaying was alarming!

some of the group changed to dry gear from our stop in Carlow for the last 40 kms but after a few mins were soaked again. we had a 30km head wind the entire 120 oddkms & it took its toll

sore today. will get back out again in a few days, still while I wont ever forget the pain and having to stop & get in the broom wagon it was worth it. Roll on next year

Happy trails.

irishrover99

Bloggsie wrote: »

oh god yes full fingered gloves, i was part of a group that did a spin on Saturday just gone from Dublin to Kilkenny, I have never seen rain like what we got in Carlow. I could have sworn Noah passed us in his Ark! 2 of our group had no gloves & fingerless & the shade of blue/purple they both were displaying was alarming!

some of the group changed to dry gear from our stop in Carlow for the last 40 kms but after a few mins were soaked again. we had a 30km head wind the entire 120 oddkms & it took its toll

sore today. will get back out again in a few days, still while I wont ever forget the pain and having to stop & get in the broom wagon it was worth it. Roll on next year

Happy trails.

Its not a nice feeling when your fingers are like that, especially when descending i couldn't pull the brakes hard. It also proves to me that there rain gear is not much good if it gets like that.
It was my first time using my leather Endura shoe covers in conditions like that and my feet still were soaked when i got home although not cold.

smurphy29

Well done on the spin irishrover. Pity about the conditions, that should be one of the most enjoyable routes in the country but it was probably pure unadulterated misery. Try and get out for a long spin on any weekend you can, maybe even up the distane to 130-140k if you can manage it (timewise!).

By the sounds of things you are strong and capable and should really enjoy the WW200. Best of luck with it.

NeedMoreGears

Fair play for completing a tough spin. It sounds like you're well on the way for the 200.

The weather on the W200 can be variable (2011 - lashed down all day, 2013 beautiful sunshine). I usually bring a few extra layers to the start with me and decide what to actually wear having looked at the forecast and talked to a few other participants. A small rear mudguard is useful if it's going to be raining a lot. Personally I can put up with a lot if my feet are warm so shoe covers tend to feature if it's wet.

irishrover99

smurphy29 wrote: »

Well done on the spin irishrover. Pity about the conditions, that should be one of the most enjoyable routes in the country but it was probably pure unadulterated misery. Try and get out for a long spin on any weekend you can, maybe even up the distane to 130-140k if you can manage it (timewise!).

By the sounds of things you are strong and capable and should really enjoy the WW200. Best of luck with it.

Really looking forward to the 200 now. TBH only for my hands being so cold and painful, the weather being so bad made it more challenging for me and i enjoyed that. It was good prep for the 200 and at least ill be prepared for if it happens again

irishrover99

NeedMoreGears wrote: »

Fair play for completing a tough spin. It sounds like you're well on the way for the 200.

The weather on the W200 can be variable (2011 - lashed down all day, 2013 beautiful sunshine). I usually bring a few extra layers to the start with me and decide what to actually wear having looked at the forecast and talked to a few other participants. A small rear mudguard is useful if it's going to be raining a lot. Personally I can put up with a lot if my feet are warm so shoe covers tend to feature if it's wet.

Ill fill my car with gear and decide before setting out on what i need. I think i can manage without rain trouser but i'd bring shoe covers if the weather looked bad.

I just got a small mudguard today. Its called the ass saver. Bought from ebay and looks the business. Folds away when not needed

smurphy29

You're right, forget rain trousers, you don't want anything flapping around when you're on the bike. Keep it tight and slick! Your plan is bang on; bring plenty of options on the day and you can decide at the startline what's best.