Sally Gap

NOVICE-REFURB

At what level would one be able to go up the Sally Gap , cycling about 6 months now and the gap is not to far away, just nervous, doing about 160k per week roughly.

Don't Chute!

If you're doing 160kms a week then you're ready now! Sally Gap is easier than you might think.

rollingscone

NOVICE-REFURB wrote: »

At what level would one be able to go up the Sally Gap , cycling about 6 months now and the gap is not to far away, just nervous, doing about 160k per week roughly.

The climbs to reach the gap are harder than the gap itself

If you're able for Cruagh Road/stocking lane then you'll manage Sally gap. it's just a matter of pacing yourself till you get there.

NOVICE-REFURB

Thanks , what would be the easier route up ? Just to get started , In Dun laoighaire
Much appreciated

smacl

The sally gap is very doable, though some approaches are easier than others, with the Roundwood - Lough Dan approach probably the hardest in my book, and the Laragh - Glenmacnass the easiest. More of an issue than the climbing can be the weather, where it is often much windier and colder than further down. First time doing it, I'd recommend looking at the forecast and picking a day without too much wind. From Dunlaoghaire, I'd probably head towards Kilternan - Enniskerry - Glencree - Sally gap - Lough Dan - Roundwood - Kilmac and home.

NOVICE-REFURB

Thanks much appreciated,

ford2600

NOVICE-REFURB wrote: »

Thanks much appreciated,

Climbing any of those hills is as much a mental thing as physical.

Stop thinking of top , break it down into chunks and tick them as you go. When really tired reach the next pole, bend or whatever.

Congratulate yourself on how much you've climbed rather than what's left to climb.

Move around on saddle to target different muscle groups, stand occasionally etc.

Enjoy it and don't mind the fast guys it's just about you and the mountain

rollingscone

This ^

My current mantra for climbing (as a hideous ogre) is "floating and breathing" just keep spinning the cranks, sit up with your fingers resting on top of the flat part of the bars and relax.

If you're turning the pedals so slowly that you feel you might stop stand up for a couple of strokes to get your momentum back up.

The visualisation stuff Ford described really works. I also find that climbs are a great time to do mental arithmetic or planning stuff for work.

I frequently think myself back up to competence for map and compass work while slowly climbing up to the military road.

Brian?

smacl wrote: »

The sally gap is very doable, though some approaches are easier than others, with the Roundwood - Lough Dan approach probably the hardest in my book, and the Laragh - Glenmacnass the easiest. More of an issue than the climbing can be the weather, where it is often much windier and colder than further down. First time doing it, I'd recommend looking at the forecast and picking a day without too much wind. From Dunlaoghaire, I'd probably head towards Kilternan - Enniskerry - Glencree - Sally gap - Lough Dan - Roundwood - Kilmac and home.

The easiest way up to the Sally gap is from the Kilbride side if you ask me.

I 2nd your route plan.

crosstownk

Brian? wrote: »

The easiest way up to the Sally gap is from the Kilbride side if you ask me.

Agreed. The last km is the steepest but doable and wouldn't present a problem to the OP.

Generally, from the Manor Kilbride side, you'll have a tail wind up the hill - not guaranteed. Although for the OP the Manor Kilbride side is probably the most awkward to get to.

From Dún Laoghaire, probably head out the R112 to the N81 and onto Manor Kilbride and Sally Gap. Plenty of options to return home down any descent depending how many kms you're up for.

ThisRegard

For a reward for yourself after the climb I think the descent into Laragh is worth it alone for the view and it's my preferred direction. Into Roundwood is a close second for the view down to Lough Tay and the crags across the way.

And of course the ride down to a coffee and cake at the bottom is literally the icing on the cake.

LollipopJimmy

I've less than 500kms of mileage up on the bike since I started cycling again but I am going to tackle this shortly enough, probably next weekend. My plan is to head up from Firhouse, up by the hellfire club, past view point and out military road. Hopefully I won't die

Let us know how you get on op

omri

If youre doing SG give me a shout I might tag along.

Brian?

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

I've less than 500kms of mileage up on the bike since I started cycling again but I am going to tackle this shortly enough, probably next weekend. My plan is to head up from Firhouse, up by the hellfire club, past view point and out military road. Hopefully I won't die

Let us know how you get on op

That's a challenging cycle, depending on your weight. But it's doable.

micar

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

I've less than 500kms of mileage up on the bike since I started cycling again but I am going to tackle this shortly enough, probably next weekend. My plan is to head up from Firhouse, up by the hellfire club, past view point and out military road. Hopefully I won't die

Let us know how you get on op

The easiest way up. Once you get to the viewing point, you've the hardest part done.

Only one real climb left but it is a bitch...short but hellish.

Once you get to the gap it's plain sailing either straight on to laragh or right to Manor Kilbride.going left towards roundwood is a bitch but I love it.

cython

micar wrote: »

The easiest way up. Once you get to the viewing point, you've the hardest part done.

Only one real climb left but it is a bitch...short but hellish.

Once you get to the gap it's plain sailing either straight on to laragh or left right to Manor Kilbride.going left towards roundwood is a bitch but I love it.

FYP

route66

smacl wrote: »

The sally gap is very doable, though some approaches are easier than others, with the Roundwood - Lough Dan approach probably the hardest in my book, and the Laragh - Glenmacnass the easiest. More of an issue than the climbing can be the weather, where it is often much windier and colder than further down. First time doing it, I'd recommend looking at the forecast and picking a day without too much wind. From Dunlaoghaire, I'd probably head towards Kilternan - Enniskerry - Glencree - Sally gap - Lough Dan - Roundwood - Kilmac and home.

Lough Tay ?

smacl

route66 wrote: »

Lough Tay ?

You're right, I always think of it as Lough Dan because that's where the road walk leads you if you're on foot, but Lough Tay (or the Guinness lake) is the one visible from the road.

micar

cython wrote: »

FYP

Fixed

jon1981

Probably goes without saying op, check the weather before you head up towards the gap, can get much colder

Qualitymark

route66 wrote: »

Lough Tay ?

That's where you'll get a cuppa, in the Tay Shop.

jon1981

Qualitymark wrote: »

That's where you'll get a cuppa, in the Tay Shop.

Actually the last time I was up there (June) there was a little coffee van overlooking Lough Tay I thought it was a mirage as I was b*lloxed from the climb up!

LollipopJimmy

Brian? wrote: »

That's a challenging cycle, depending on your weight. But it's doable.

I'm heavy lol... I cycled to the hellfire club a lot when I was younger, but that was 15 years ago now. I know it's a reach for me now but I'll do it

onmebike

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

I've less than 500kms of mileage up on the bike since I started cycling again but I am going to tackle this shortly enough, probably next weekend. My plan is to head up from Firhouse, up by the hellfire club, past view point and out military road. Hopefully I won't die

Let us know how you get on op

Similar position to myself - starting back and that is my "local" route.

To the OP, it's just a hill, so nothing to be worried about. When I took my first spin back up to the viewing point after pretty much a few years off the bike, I stopped twice to put my foot down for a second to get my breath back and kept on going. Now, each time I go up, I'm getting personal best medals in Strava so I can see myself improving each time - even on my hybrid.

Aim for it, do it, take it easy and enjoy the spin and the feeling of satisfaction when you get to the top - whether you stopped for a second or not.

Thargor

Down to Killmaconague and turn right is a very easy route, down to Vartry reservoir and right again and you're there, lovely ride, downhill a lot of the way to Vartry surprisingly.

Limestone1

as per previous post go south on the n11 turn right after kilmacanaugh towards roundwood and you have 3.5km of steep climbing. From my own experience,once you can get up that, you can get up any climb in wicklow

Shep_Dog

jon1981 wrote: »

Probably goes without saying op, check the weather before you head up towards the gap, can get much colder

And maybe some front and back LEDs as visibility can drop to nil at times.

Temperature up there can be significantly less than at the bottom, so dress appropriately and bring a rain cape.

Allabaah

Shep_Dog wrote: »

And maybe some front and back LEDs as visibility can drop to nil at times.

Temperature up there can be significantly less than at the bottom, so dress appropriately and bring a rain cape.

+1 on the lights as I was up there yesterday afternoon without lights and it was dangerous! Visibility went all of a sudden with a torrential downpour.

I came from the Rathfarnham side so no help to the OP. However my only advice is to pace yourself on first trip and use the experience for the follow up spin!

DirkVoodoo

The great thing about cycling is that the route is up to you.

If it gets too hard, turn around and head back home! But you won't know until you try it really whether it's beyond you.

Best bet is to head out with a friend of similar or slightly better ability. Having someone there to motivate you is a massive boon, and if it gets too hard and you need to go back, you will have someone to shepherd you home.

This is pretty much how my first spins up the gap went! I had to get off several times on the road from Kilternan to Johnny Foxes and that was way before we even got to the gap, but I got up and getting the photo at the crossroads was totally worth it!

Fian

Stocking lane is the longest climb and probably involves the most vertical metres, but make sure you keep something in the tank because for me the toughest part is the steep short(ish!) climb up from the cottage, sometimes (most times!) I stop where the cars park and look down over the lake.

For the view you understand, not because I am dying, definitely for the view and the chance to see some falcons on the cliffs opposite *nods*

after that it is easy to the gap and the hardest work of the ride is finished. downhill back to Dublin whichever way you go from there.

Brian?

Fian wrote: »

Stocking lane is the longest climb and probably involves the most vertical metres, but make sure you keep something in the tank because for me the toughest part is the steep short(ish!) climb up from the cottage, sometimes (most times!) I stop where the cars park and look down over the lake.

For the view you understand, not because I am dying, definitely for the view and the chance to see some falcons on the cliffs opposite *nods*

after that it is easy to the gap and the hardest work of the ride is finished. downhill back to Dublin whichever way you go from there.

I do exactly the same thing. Pull in beside the cars in the lay by to admire the beautiful view. It'd be a shame to rush past it. The ramp just after that lay by is a bastard.

shansey

+1 on temp drop.. I almost got into some trouble last year with a spot of snow and wind..

Fian

shansey wrote: »

+1 on temp drop.. I almost got into some trouble last year with a spot of snow and wind..

Armwarmers, legwarmers, overshoes - don't forget them.

I made that mistake once, caught in blinding rain between the gap and laragh. Will never head up there after September without them again, I was genuinely scared i was going to go into hypothermia.

shansey

Fian wrote: »

Armwarmers, legwarmers, overshoes - don't forget them.

I made that mistake once, caught in blinding rain between the gap and laragh. Will never head up there after September without them again, I was genuinely scared i was going to go into hypothermia.

My own fault.. zero food, shoddy gloves and military road impassable due to snow. Turned around and wind hit me like a slap in the face, looked up and thought.. "that's very grey".

Never so happy to get home. Lessons learned.

Actually, never learned re food. Bonked on holidays there doing Sa Calobra

ozzy jr

When you do go up that way, the return journey via Manor Kilbride might seem like it's out of your way but it's pretty much down hill the whole way back.

The N81 is a little dodgy though, especially around the Blue Gardinia pub. I've had a few HGV's come very close.

blobbie

Fian wrote: »

Armwarmers, legwarmers, overshoes - don't forget them.

I made that mistake once, caught in blinding rain between the gap and laragh. Will never head up there after September without them again, I was genuinely scared i was going to go into hypothermia.

YR.NO weather forecast is one of the better ones around. Their Sally Gap forecast is at http://www.yr.no/place/Ireland/Leinster/Sally_Gap/hour_by_hour_detailed.html

I also use http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/lough_bray to double check when heading out during the winter.

crosstownk

ozzy jr wrote: »

The N81 is a little dodgy though, especially around the Blue Gardinia pub. I've had a few HGV's come very close.

I've been up and down that section of road hundreds of times and never had an issue. I know plenty of people who avoid it like the plague but it never bothers me despite all the quarry trucks, coaches and double decker busses.

That said I'll only use it when I have to. I'll get off the N81 onto quieter roads purely for the peace and quiet which adds to the enjoyment of any spin.

In fact, the only time I was almost killed up that way was on Lisheens Road on a quiet Saturday afternoon!!

LollipopJimmy

Nutrition wise what is good to carry for this kind of spin?

Thargor

Anything you like, dont make a big deal out of it or you'll make it harder. Its more of a long slog than some impossible task you have to train for.

LollipopJimmy

Thargor wrote: »

Anything you like, dont make a big deal out of it or you'll make it harder. Its more of a long slog than some impossible task you have to train for.

I was more asking what's good/easy to carry?

cormacjones

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

I was more asking what's good/easy to carry?

Bananas, chocolate, muesli bars,

OldBean

Re; yr.no
It's one of the better weather guides out there but can be a little too specific for its own good. Search a couple of weather stations along any proposed route and look at the cloud cover, predicted rain and wind on the chart (turn your phone sideways if looking on the app) and make your own decisions based on the timeline.

Qualitymark

OldBean wrote: »

Re; yr.no
It's one of the better weather guides out there but can be a little too specific for its own good. Search a couple of weather stations along any proposed route and look at the cloud cover, predicted rain and wind on the chart (turn your phone sideways if looking on the app) and make your own decisions based on the timeline.

If you want a very locally specific weather app try forecast.io, which has a (less good) app called Darksky or something like that.

smacl

OldBean wrote: »

Re; yr.no
It's one of the better weather guides out there but can be a little too specific for its own good. Search a couple of weather stations along any proposed route and look at the cloud cover, predicted rain and wind on the chart (turn your phone sideways if looking on the app) and make your own decisions based on the timeline.

I use the fiirst couple of days of the met 5 day forecast and find it reasonably good for planning cycles as you're looking at weather patterns rather than very locally specific weather. If I'm going to be catching some hills in Wicklow and it looks very windy, the old long hill, Knockree and Glassamucky all offer plenty of challenge within a stones throw of Dublin without being so exposed.

Einstein?

I did the Sally Gap for the first time around 2 months ago and I absolutely loved it. Likewise, I was dreading it.

It is really challenging but at the same time I found it very rewarding. As the lads have said before me, there are multiple ways to get up there. Personally I found going up Glenmacnass Waterfall a nice and steady climb. Going up towards the Guinness lake I found a little bit more sharp and steep - although the scenery up there was magnificent and highly rewarding once you reach the top.

Going up to Glencree from Enniskerry is another option which isn't very steep.

In addition to what the guys have recommended before I'd like to suggest you bring plenty of water & a small snack so you don't hit rock bottom Also, I'd like to reiterate - go at whatever pace you find comfortable and enjoy it

Brian?

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

I was more asking what's good/easy to carry?

I don't eat a lot of gels. But bring gels. There's a lot of road with no shops or garages up there. It doesn't matter how much water you have, stop at the last town before climbing up into the Sally Gap if the weather is warm.

smacl

Brian? wrote: »

I don't eat a lot of gels. But bring gels. There's a lot of road with no shops or garages up there. It doesn't matter how much water you have, stop at the last town before climbing up into the Sally Gap if the weather is warm.

I wouldn't go near gels at all, and would question their worth outside of racing. Something like a couple of flapjacks or bananas will carry most people going at a steady pace further and be easier on the stomach. I find two big bottles of water covers me for about six hours cycling in this weather, or about four hours mid summer, based on having a mug of tea before heading out. There's an outside tap at the cafe in Laragh here which makes a spin like Rathfarnham - Sally gap - Laragh and back again handy enough with just one bottle. That said, better to have extra than not enough.

Brian?

smacl wrote: »

I wouldn't go near gels at all, and would question their worth outside of racing. Something like a couple of flapjacks or bananas will carry most people going at a steady pace further and be easier on the stomach. I find two big bottles of water covers me for about six hours cycling in this weather, or about four hours mid summer, based on having a mug of tea before heading out. There's an outside tap at the cafe in Laragh here which makes a spin like Rathfarnham - Sally gap - Laragh and back again handy enough with just one bottle. That said, better to have extra than not enough.

In the summer I drink about a litre an hour or there abouts. A litre every 2 hours in the winter. I'm definitely not over hydrating as I'll often go for a 4 hour spin without a whizz stop.

The reason for recommending gels is how quickly they deliver glucose to your blood. A cold day climbing can destroy your blood sugar. Especially for a beginner. Much better off having it handy for an emergency. I consider my gels emergency supplies but never go out without one.

Carawaystick

If the OP is heading up from the southside of Dublin, I'd recommend going up to the Featherbeds first, either Stocking lane, Cruagh road or from the end of Bohernabreena reservoir. As it's downhill all the way home if its too much. They'll have a good idea of how they climb, and when the are going to the Sally gap, they can go a different way up to the Featherbeds, for variety.

brownian

I was out that way last weekend. Dun Laoghaire-Cherrywood-Silver Tassie (Whelehans, these days), Kilternan, then either (a) Johnny Foxes, Tibradden, Cruagh, Feather beds, Glencree or (b) Enniskerry, Powerscourt, Glencree (S side is quieter road), then up by Loughs Bray and Kippure. This is handy enough; option (b) is a bit easier.

I wouldn't drive around in circles (e.g. to Kilbride); it's handy enough going from the East.

A nice option, if you don't mind the drive, is to park in Laragh and go up the Glenmacnass waterfall, down the Lough Tay/Guinness Gates road, and take the right hand turn near the bottom of the hill. This takes you over Old Bridge (across the stream that comes out of Lough Dan), and back to Laragh. One very sharp climb up from Old Bridge (a nice little test, but short short); the rest is lovely.

As noted elsewhere, the road between SG and Laragh is really nice. Check the forecast, and try to have a tailwind, though 8-)

cdaly_

blobbie wrote: »

YR.NO weather forecast is one of the better ones around. Their Sally Gap forecast is at http://www.yr.no/place/Ireland/Leinster/Sally_Gap/hour_by_hour_detailed.html

I also use http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/lough_bray to double check when heading out during the winter.

Qualitymark wrote: »

If you want a very locally specific weather app try forecast.io, which has a (less good) app called Darksky or something like that.

smacl wrote: »

I use the fiirst couple of days of the met 5 day forecast and find it reasonably good for planning cycles as you're looking at weather patterns rather than very locally specific weather.

The thing to remember is that all of these are direct model output and are subject to uncertainty depending on how well the latest model run behaved. In general, today and tomorrow will be close to spot on while after that there will be a greater level of uncertainty.

The "detailed lines" element of forecast.io shows this quite well where you see a dark line for the 'forecast' with grey lines showing what each of a number of models proposed. Typically, the closer to the present, the closer together the lines will be and the more certain the forecast. OTOH, as the lines diverge, the forecast becomes more uncertain.

The latest http://beta.yr.no/ looks very nice on a mobile but you have to drill down to get wind directions.