Wicklow 100/200 2019

Seve OB

I don't see a recent thread on this.

I was just wondering when you would realistically need to sign up by?
Does it sell out or close off?
I'm not 100% sure I can make the date yet and would be close to the time before I could fully commit.
Don't want to shell out €55 blibs if I'm not going to participate

monkeyslayer

I can't imagine it selling out anytime soon with the price they charge, if you did leave it too long and it did sell out there is nothing really stopping you from doing it on the day anyway... there are plenty of cafes, shops and service stages on the route



However, you just wont get the perks of having to queue for soggy sandwiches, lukewarm tea and have someone hand you a plate of five pieces of plain pasta and chicken paste at the end. It is well marshalled however, tho so are a lot of sportifs that cost a fraction of the ww200 price...

irishrover99

My only goal for the year is to do the Evil and W200 back to back, all things going to plan of course.
I will not be paying the 55 Euro though.
Done it a few years ago and it was 40 Euro which was a fair price and never used any of the stops, other than having the meal at the end but 55 Euro when i'd most likely do the same again is not for me.
I'd rather pay more for an event if it was going to charity.

PringleDemon

Shocking levels of food during and especially at the finish .
Not good enough for an event costing €55 . I don't really see the attraction of people going back to it year after year .
Great roads for cycling but not at that price .

terrydel

Seve OB wrote: »

I don't see a recent thread on this.

I was just wondering when you would realistically need to sign up by?
Does it sell out or close off?
I'm not 100% sure I can make the date yet and would be close to the time before I could fully commit.
Don't want to shell out €55 blibs if I'm not going to participate

A day before should be grand.

py

Have signed up for this again, will be my third time doing it. Goal is to survive and then all going good, aim for 8 hours finish time if I can get a solid 4 months of structured training in beforehand.

I didn't experience any of the food issues that have been mentioned on either of the times I participated. I was however on the road earlier both times out, starting at about 7am.

ted1

monkeyslayer wrote: »

I can't imagine it selling out anytime soon with the price they charge, if you did leave it too long and it did sell out there is nothing really stopping you from doing it on the day anyway... there are plenty of cafes, shops and service stages on the route



However, you just wont get the perks of having to queue for soggy sandwiches, lukewarm tea and have someone hand you a plate of five pieces of plain pasta and chicken paste at the end. It is well marshalled however, tho so are a lot of sportifs that cost a fraction of the ww200 price...

Well organised, well marshalled , well attended , minutes from Dublin. What other one can tick those boxes ?

It might be the only one I Do all year. And is a great incentive to hit the hills at the weekends

irishrover99

ted1 wrote: »

Well organised, well marshalled , well attended , minutes from Dublin. What other one can tick those boxes ?

It might be the only one I Do all year. And is a great incentive to hit the hills at the weekends

Orwell Randonnee and most of the money raised goes to a charity.

Euro Fred

irishrover99 wrote: »

Orwell Randonnee and most of the money raised goes to a charity.

The Randonnee is brilliant and tickets went sale already

ted1

irishrover99 wrote: »

Orwell Randonnee and most of the money raised goes to a charity.

I’ll add it to the list. It’ll be the second one I do this year, well first then ww200

terrydel

Euro Fred wrote: »

The Randonnee is brilliant and tickets went sale already

I wonder will Lord Ross show up this year?! What with his huge understanding of the nuances of cycling safety and all that.

terrydel

py wrote: »

Have signed up for this again, will be my third time doing it. Goal is to survive and then all going good, aim for 8 hours finish time if I can get a solid 4 months of structured training in beforehand.

I didn't experience any of the food issues that have been mentioned on either of the times I participated. I was however on the road earlier both times out, starting at about 7am.

I'd like to get under 7 this year, was 7:06 last year. I'm **** at taking advantage of groups.

monkeyslayer

ted1 wrote: »

Well organised, well marshalled , well attended , minutes from Dublin. What other one can tick those boxes ?

It might be the only one I Do all year. And is a great incentive to hit the hills at the weekends

I'll suggest the Mick Byrne also. Its your money, spend it as you choose, fair enough tho do it once, get the medal and support the organisers. But I guess having done the ww200 many times and seen the greedy hike in their prices as the popularity in cycling sportifs spiked, it'll be its undoing. I guess I do those roads all the time, and the route is far from a novelty, by all means if you are not from Wicklow and need someone waving a flag at every junction it's somewhat decent value, but for the food and support it's shockingly over priced compared to the welcome and quality other and quite often smaller and more charitable sportifs offer.

Luxman

Both the Orwell and Mick Byrne get my vote, I avoided the Orwell for a few years based on the abhorrent amount of suffering reported but did it last year and was in good shape. Brilliant day on the bike. the MB is a different spin, could spend hours on your own, much more audax feel to it (but supported food wise superbly). Avoiding the W200 at all costs

Macy0161

Did both the Orwell and Mick Bryne last year. Plan to be back to the Mick Byrne (minus the personal puncture fest before Shankill last year). I would be back to the Orwell one too, but a week after L-B-L sportive/ weekend, that might be pushing things at home!

S_D

irishrover99 wrote: »

Orwell Randonnee and most of the money raised goes to a charity.

Thanks for the reminder on the Randonnee! Just booked it again,, was a good one last year, hope weathers the same :cool:

ED E

S_D wrote: »

Thanks for the reminder on the Randonnee! Just booked it again,, was a good one last year, hope weathers the same :cool:

Don't jinx it, don't want a 2017 again :eek:

py

ED E wrote: »

Don't jinx it, don't want a 2017 again :eek:

Worst conditions I've ever had on a sportive.

irishrover99

py wrote: »

Worst conditions I've ever had on a sportive.

Nothing will beat 2015.
It was that bad that we only done a 125 km course and never went near sally gap or the wall. It was the worst conditions i've ever seen and i ended up in one of those tin foil wraps at the end i was so cold.
https://www.strava.com/activities/296650148

2016 was also bad. I went up Turlough Hill as a bonus when we got up the Wicklow Gap and the snow up there made me feel like i was racing in the Giro. Ill never forget that.
https://www.strava.com/activities/560920136

I think the Orwell is the most unreliable in terms of weather but the support out on the roads is amazing.

Wishbone Ash

PringleDemon wrote: »

... I don't really see the attraction of people going back to it year after year ....

For many cyclists, it's the longest cycle they do each year. Have a look at the profiles on Strava and it's often their longest ever cycle. I suspect that a lot of people wouldn't manage a 200k cycle solo but the buzz on the day with large numbers keeps them motivated. Forget about the food. No one does a sportive just because of the food available.

The Mick Byrne 200 is a great event but spending hours on your own in remote parts of Wicklow/Wexford doesn't have mass appeal nor does climbing 1,000m in the first 40k.

Seve OB

I've done the ROK in 2012. Was my longest spin ever. Probably had got up to about 100k a few times before doing it. Haven't done anything of note since.

Need a challenge, something to work towards. Reckon at the moment I would struggle to get 20km!!

Mercian Pro

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

The Mick Byrne 200 is a great event but spending hours on your own in remote parts of Wicklow/Wexford doesn't have mass appeal nor does climbing 1,000m in the first 40k.

No need to spend hours on your own on the MB200. I had great company in 2015 & '16 and was very sorry to miss it last year

It took me a few years of doing the 100 and 160 to build up the fitness and confidence to take on the MB200 whereas many do the W200 without even completing a 100 beforehand. The easier route and buzz on the day count for a lot but, like the RoK, I won't be rushing back when there are so many other better sportives around.

P_1

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

The Mick Byrne 200 is a great event but spending hours on your own in remote parts of Wicklow/Wexford doesn't have mass appeal nor does climbing 1,000m in the first 40k.

Climbing 1000m in the first 40k is wonderful for killing a hangover/sobering yourself up though

Gerry

Mb200 was so much better than the ww200 in every way. That's the thing, it doesn't have mass appeal and they aren't trying to make a bucket of cash out of it. I felt privileged to take part in it.

maxamillius

New to road cycling but would like to get involved In Some sportives, is there anywhere that lists all sportives throughout he year so I can look at dates etc?

Cheers

mirrormatrix

Pretty sure cycling irelands website has a complete list of all sportives doe the year grouped by date

maxamillius

mirrormatrix wrote: »

Pretty sure cycling irelands website has a complete list of all sportives doe the year grouped by date

Thanks for that, will check it out!!

Takca

maxamillius wrote: »

Thanks for that, will check it out!!

Doesn't look like this years ones are up there yet, hopefully it won't be long.

Wishbone Ash

mirrormatrix wrote: »

Pretty sure cycling irelands website has a complete list of all sportives doe the year grouped by date

Not all - the Wicklow 200 for example, won't be on CI's page as it's run by the IVCA.

maxamillius

Takca wrote: »

Doesn't look like this years ones are up there yet, hopefully it won't be long.

Ye had a look and couldn’t see anything so wasn’t sure if I was in the right place or not

S_D

Whats peoples thoughts on the black stairs challange and Serc 3 peaks?

saccades

I'm slightly biased as I'm in SERC, had to marshal last year due to illness but we do get good reviews.

https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057857941/1/#post106602639

It's a great marker for the W200 as we use part of the route for two of the climbs.

AxleAddict

S_D wrote: »

Whats peoples thoughts on the black stairs challange and Serc 3 peaks?

I've done both and I reckon the Blackstairs Challenge is definitely the tougher of the two - neither is easy, mind - but the second painful climb up Mt Leinster in the Blackstairs Challenge nearly broke me - it probably didn't help that I'd done the Donegal Bay Spring Sportive the previous day

Weather for the Blackstairs Challenge last year was not the best - wet and windy for significant portions of it - but despite this, it had a really good turnout - plenty of food at the main foodstop - although if I'm not mistaken, if doing the longest route (140km), the main food stop comes quite early in the day. Marshalling was great, despite the conditions, and you got a great plate of grub at the end. Sadly, the dates conflict with the Mallorca 312 this year, otherwise I'd be heading back to Carlow for another crack (or two) at Mt Leinster! You have the option of cutting the route short and not doing the second Mt Leinster climb if your legs are screaming at you to stop!

Macy0161

S_D wrote: »

Whats peoples thoughts on the black stairs challange and Serc 3 peaks?

Both excellent imo. The food stop is maybe too early on the Blackstairs, but then they did have water and snacks on Mount Leinster the year I did it. Massive feed at the end too. Couldn't do either last year unfortunately (was sick for the Blackstairs), and have a clash for the later already, otherwise it'd be on the list. I'd hope to make the SERC one if I can.

AxleAddict

Macy0161 wrote: »

The food stop is maybe too early on the Blackstairs, but then they did have water and snacks on Mount Leinster the year I did it.

Yeah - water stop on Mount Leinster - fair play to the guy who was marshalling up there in the mist and rain all day last year.

kavanagh_h

Does anyone have the gpx file of last years w200 and could i have it pleeease?

AxleAddict

There's a link to a RideWithGPS route on the wicklow200.ie website - from which you can export a GPX.

S_D

Ok, I've booked the SERC this morning, maybe a few more weeks cycling before thinking about blackstairs ha!

Atom Ant

Can you use an android phone and download the gpx file to follow the ww100 route? Some b****d pinched my Garmin. Besides the battery only lasted like 4.5 hrs on the 820 last year. So by the time I cycled down to the GAA for the start, it dead towards the end of my ride. The 100 not 200:D

saccades

The route is well marshaled and well travelled, you don't need a gps file tbph. Just signed up, will see if there is anything decent in the goodie bag before whinging about the price, had a post on Facebook saying early bird saver ends soon. Which made me wince.

Seve OB

saccades wrote: »

The route is well marshaled and well travelled, you don't need a gps file tbph. Just signed up, will see if there is anything decent in the goodie bag before whinging about the price, had a post on Facebook saying early bird saver ends soon. Which made me wince.

yea I saw that
first mention anywhere of an early saver, its not on their own website from what I see.
and no indication of what price will be after

Seve OB

so after a few messages in face box they replied
it will be €70 after the early bird ends!!!!


70 Bucks..... get ta f0cx will ya, not a hope i'll be doing this (with a number on my bike )

saccades

70... As much as I "love" doing the 200 that would push me to doing something else.

Atom Ant

Most defo doing the Wicklow I just hope the weather is great. This year out come my secret weapon the big cassette....for those climbs.

ted1

I’ve an entry. But will be away, Do they do refunds, if not I might be willing to donate it.

Atom Ant

ted1 wrote: »

I’ve an entry. But will be away, Do they do refunds, if not I might be willing to donate it.

All donations gladly accepted.:D A problem that I have often found with the Wicklow for me personally is getting down to the event at at reasonable hour from St Stephens Green. I have done the dart previously but you tend to be one on the last to leave for your run due to the Sunday timetable. Anyone interested in car pooling for some petrol money?

billyhead

Is there anyone doing the 200 travelling from North County Dublin that would have space for one more. I can contribute towards the petrol costs.

tc20

hi folks,

has anyone received any info re collection of entry number/goody bag?
Last year they were available from either Bray Emmets GAA club or Tallaght (iirc) the weekend before the event.
I've mailed the organisers but no word back yet other than the usual auto reply "thanks for your email etc.."

AxleAddict

tc20 wrote: »

hi folks,

has anyone received any info re collection of entry number/goody bag?
Last year they were available from either Bray Emmets GAA club or Tallaght (iirc) the weekend before the event.
I've mailed the organisers but no word back yet other than the usual auto reply "thanks for your email etc.."

From their website:

THERE ARE THREE SIGN-ON OPTIONS:

1. Friday 7th June 4pm – 8pm
CYCLE SUPERSTORE, FrameWorks Building, 31 Airton Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 AW96

2. Saturday 8th June 11am – 4pm
CYCLE SUPERSTORE, FrameWorks Building, 31 Airton Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 AW96

3. Sunday 9th June 6am – 8am
BRAY EMMET GAA CLUB, Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co. Wicklow

tc20

cheers AxleAddict, I didn't see that on the webpage - I do now

D33

Hi Folks,

Just wondering if anyone has an entry to the W200 that they're looking to offload