Wicklow 200

potters ground

Hi all

I've been offered an entry to this but am dubious whether I'd be able for it or not... would anyone have the strava route for it please..

I've tried searching for it but all i can find is the older route for it..

Thanks

68 lost souls

Theres a veloviewer route and a downloadable GPX that you can upload to Strava or Garmin etc and create your own route

https://wicklow200.ie/wicklow200/

https://veloviewer.com/routes/3187350342388046796?a=1

loyatemu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058348618/wicklow-200

there's a 100 as well which you could do. The 200 route is tough, lots of hills.

grouchyman

Haven't posted anything in a while and apologies if I'm nhijacking this thread. I'm entered for the wicklow 200. The website says the spin has start time of 7am and a finish time of 6pm. Does anybody know if you can start before the official 7am start time. Another question - would you still get a medal if your finish time was after 6pm? Cheers Grouchy.

monkeyslayer

If you're registered you can start whenever.

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122155109#Comment_122155109

Unofficially, you can start any time (public roads) but there will be no support etc. outside of the official hours. Also, if you start very early, the first food stop may not be open when you get there. If you finish after 6pm, there will be no one at the finish giving out medals.

grouchyman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122155661#Comment_122155661

Thanks WA. I'm confident that I can do the course. But I don't think I would do it within 11 hours (allowing for breaks). And although completing the spin is the important thing to me, it's nice to get the medal too.👍

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122155804#Comment_122155804

I generally don't take sportive medals but I'll take it and can send it to you if you don't get one. (That's assuming I get around without incident!)

padyjoe

How long would it take to complete the 200? I think of 25km/h average, that's 8 hours without any stops. 9-10 hours in the saddle is a long day and I carry 92 kgs plus bike along. I did 160k solo and 200k in a group. If it's a decent day, it might be ok but I can't see myself chugging away on a rainy day.

godtabh

i arrived after 6 last year as they were taking down all the gear. I just about got a medal. I think it was by chance only

padyjoe

But at least you made it! The sense of achievement is worth lot more.

I have to make my mind up soon, that 3500 m elevation looks plenty when you're on your own.

lissard

Leave at 7am and get back around 5pm. My advice, treat it as a day of touring and don't look at the clock. Way more enjoyable doing it that way. The first time I did the W200 I tried to chase a time all day and it's just way too long a day to be dealing with that sort of nonsense. Also take it easy for the first 100k - taking on the backend of the W200 with empty legs is a horrible experience.

billyhead

Agree about pacing yourself. If you do the first half too fast you might suffer in the last 25km. It's like a marathon where you hit the wall and bonk. It's not a race. It's all about enjoyment so don't get caught up in an adrenaline at the start and try and keep up with faster cyclists.

OnTheCorner

I’ve signed up for the 100 with a colleague and his mate. Do you have to pick up your pack at the cycle superstore the day before? I thought you could just sign on on the day of before? Or am I misremembering? It says you can do it on Sunday but between 5.30 and 6.30 but as we’re only doing the 100 we won’t be there that early.

DrumcDub1

I have a discounted entry if anyone is after one!

Arthurdaly

Did they change the route? Looks like its down the main road to Baltinglass / Hacketstown now? I think it was previously the quiet road into Donard and over Glen of Imaal?

grouchyman

They changed it all right. Got an email a week or so ago. No reason given.

casse121

If anyone has an entry that they are not using I'd love to take it. Thanks

Macy0161

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122221642#Comment_122221642

Could be road condition or road resurfacing. Not sure what it was like last year, but when I did that road a couple of years ago it was very broken up in spots.

grouchyman

I’ve done a bit of cycling in Wicklow recently. Made three separate trips. Two of those were to do the 100km loop and the third was a loop starting and finishing in Laragh which brought me over the Slieve Mann and Shay Elliot.

Based on these three spins I reckon it’ll take me about 13 hours to do the 200kms. Add in one hour for stops (it’ll probably be more in reality) I’m looking at 14 hours all in. hope to be on the road by 5.45 which I estimate will help me make the cut-offs.

Based on my two previous spins I’d expect I’ll be past the Sally Gap cut off by 8 am ish and including the Valleymount stop I should make Hollywood by the cut off.

I’d reach the Valleymount food stop after 68 Kms which would be at about 10 am (I expect the food stop is open at that stage). Give the stop about 30 mins and all going well I’ll make Hollywood by 11am. The Hollywood to Laragh section is the section that will make or break me. It’s about 85 kms in length and includes the two big climbs. This will take me I reckon about 5.25 hours to do. So, If I’m leaving Hollywood at about 11am I would hope to make Laragh at about 4.15. With a bit of luck, the food stop would still be open at that stage. But if it isn’t I’ll use the local shops.

Half an hour for food in Laragh and I’ll be heading back to Bray at about 4.45. Based on my previous two trips from Laragh back to Bray and the days cycling already done, it’s going to take me the guts of 3 hours to finish meaning that I should be back in Bray about 7.45. A long day but hopefully achievable. I have the legs for the distance it’s the elevation that will kill me.

Also, I’m not a great descender. Based on what I’ve done before my speed going downhill will be about 35 kms an hour and it will be less on the Slieve Mann and Shay Elliott as I’ll go slower to take the bends in the road.

Many thanks WA for the offer of taking a medal for me, but there's no need, I’ll be chuffed enough if I finish it. I’ll have it on Strava.

Best of luck to everyone taking part.

MangleBadger

Friend has a ticket for the 200 going if anybody is looking.

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122221634#Comment_122221634

Just to clarify - is the route on their web page incorrect or has it been updated?

maryemmas

I am looking for a spare ticket for this year for a friend if anyone knows!

grouchyman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122224209#Comment_122224209

I think the ridewithgps link has the updated map.

maryemmas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122222929#Comment_122222929

yes please!

werenotthere

What's the story with parking at it? Will the spaces in the gaa club fill up early?

Arthurdaly

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122224209#Comment_122224209

The strava route on the website was updated. I am not doing the event on Sunday as these are all my local roads but I did fancy riding it with some mates on the Saturday instead.

Previous route into Donard was a nicer route with less traffic.

hollowlands

The new strava route they've uploaded seems to have been saved as a running route. Not sure if this will have any effect when uploading it to bike computers, as in with showing climb profiles etc.

grouchyman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122225607#Comment_122225607

Yeah, I saw that. I just saved/renamed the route onto my strava and it allowed me change the route from running to cycling.

hollowlands

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122225621#Comment_122225621

I tried that, but when I changed it, it added 12km on to the route. Probably because of road surface. Maybe I did something weird, must try it again.

Arthurdaly

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122225714#Comment_122225714

Same with me, when I changed to "Ride" it changed the route.

loyatemu

Strava have some sections that they seem to think you can't cycle through - sometimes it's quite a big road, they used to think you couldn't cycle from Rathnew to Newcastle without going via Ashford. I've hit this issue creating routes before, that's probably why the WW organisers have marked it as a run.

beggars_bush

Was offered a ticket for this yesterday. What's the weather looking like, from those used to cycling in Wicklow hills. I'm rarely up that way

FixdePitchmark

Guys / girls

I'm doing the 100 for first time - any tips for bike equipment - I have basics - but should I get a new pouch for food etc ?

Any bike bag recommended / bars / food ?

Thanks

MojoMaker

For 100k?

Just enjoy the food stop, nothing additional is needed.

FixdePitchmark

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122233899#Comment_122233899

Thanks - how many are there ?

FixdePitchmark

sorry 1 last question - can you listen to music on these things ?

shamrocka330

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122234411#Comment_122234411

Check the rules, many of these events don’t allow it as you won’t be able to hear instructions from the marshals or cyclists around you. Many cyclists do listen to music though.

Regarding your question about food - don’t change things at this stage, just stick to what you have been using during your training. You may be tempted to stock up on energy bars and gels but if you haven’t used them before they may not agree with you - finding this out going up Sally Gap tomorrow won’t be a nice experience.

Pace yourself tomorrow, the first half is quite hilly and will sap your energy so be prepared for this. The second half is relatively easier, IF you have eaten and hydrated well, and didn’t burn yourself out in the first half!

Good luck and enjoy it!

07Lapierre

For those on the 100k Route. I'll be stationed at the top of Glenmacnass waterfall up to 11am. I'll have a trackpump,some chain lube and a multitool with me…watch out for the flashing Orange beacon!

Note: this is a STEEP descent (which is why Marshals will be there to advise you to "Proceed with Caution")

Enjoy the day and stay safe!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CDh8yRmUAfiWxUfz8

07Lapierre

Don't listen to music..

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122234411#Comment_122234411

Why would you register for what is essentially a large social event and then want to listen to music? Can't get my head around that.

Wishbone Ash

Edit

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122235428#Comment_122235428

You should have looked for a posting on the 200k route so you could meet your clubmates! 😀 (Don't think any of us are doing the 100k).

07Lapierre

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122235799#Comment_122235799

I know! i've been on the 200k route every other year.

saccades

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122225172#Comment_122225172

There are plenty of spaces, but there will be a backlog trying to get in. 45mins from the N11 last year.

Roberto_gas

This has to be the lowest turnout on a cycling event i have been in last 2-3 years..even Beara was crowded than this in lashing rain..Why so?

Roberto_gas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122233955#Comment_122233955

Just one😜😜

dahat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122237705#Comment_122237705

Entry fee?

FixdePitchmark

First time Wicklow 100,

So for last 3 months have had an injury - so my build up to this was far far from ideal . Came close to not going a few times - but a friend of mine encouraged me. As I got closer I started looking up the profile of race much closer - my reference being Howth head - Jaysus it is a completely different ball game. Wicklow mountains are a good trip for me - but I would never ever do anything like it again without doing actual course training.

The whole car parking is very well organized and in general full event is very professional - could do with more loos - but what can they do when so many people need them at start line.

The first 30 KM - is ridiculously tough , maybe more experienced cyclists can talk about the pros and cons - but it is very very steep - unfortunately had to get off the bike twice - but I can't really stand on the bike yet with injury. And you need to

Would think a thing that caught out a good few people was the weather - it has been an odd year in Ireland , but it was truly unseasonably cold. I'm so delighted I went for leggings as I went out the door - didn't get gloves - and think I would have liked them.

Besides the difficulties I has in the first 30 - the route after that on the 100 , is unreal , stunning and a pure joy - as it was rolling hills i was able to manage the hills way better and got a 2nd wind after food - even if the wind was a bit harsh in that open plain section.

I haven't done an event like this in a good 15 years - but a few interesting observations (from my perspective) - there was a bit of banter , a few characters - perhaps it is just that the task is so tough. But in the years that have passed , there seem a bit less comradeship amongst competitors - I recall in triathlons in the 2000s , much more support for each other and interaction - "come on lad" - maybe cycling is a bit different - particularly long distance. I don't know , maybe I'm wrong - people at limits very little time for a smile or banter.

I know you are dealing with a different beast with guys doing the 200 - and many of them were flying up hills - basically above my average for the race. But I have nothing but admiration for the 200 guys - pure madness in a way - and looking out, weather very mixed in 2nd half of the day - but maybe they are so fast they got in before me (lol)

I've decent enough handling skills - so enjoyed last 50 immensely and finished relatively strong.

The Stewards and Garda were immense , the cars (mostly) , the home owners on the roads.

I haven't done anything like this in a long long time - so don't know standards - but if you used the food stations - the quality was very good - so you did get value in the overall entry , but yes - like everything in Ireland , costs are daft.

In general the event is safe - but you can see how things go wrong - at the end of the day you are on open roads - and you need to stay concentrated for 5 hours - slight lapse and things can go very wrong quickly.

On Friday night , I practically couldn't walk - and was very close to pulling out. So to finish at all - without being able to stand in bike is a reasonable achievement for me. My friend from college guided me all the way - to his own detriment - but I know him over 25 years. What a bloke and friend.

When I got home from a nightmare M50 - it was hard to walk - a shower and a bath run by my wife. A cup of tea from my own house was a joy.

I wouldn't ever go to that event again - without being 15 KG lighter and without on course practice - particularly that torture of the first 30 K.

I'll have a few reds tonight and reflect on it all - Wicklow , what a place - but that tiny bit too far for a cycle. I might do it again - I'll go off and dream it all up again. But not that bloody 200 , headcases all of you.

Fix.

PS (Thanks for all the help on here over the years - particularly Lapierre lad) - he is the sort of lad I associate with endurance events in the past , a genuine passion for his sport - but even more for anyone else he comes across that wants to join in.

Time 5hr 40 mins - not great , but a few issues.

Beasty

There were some road closures in the area due to a rally, which may have accounted for the late change in route.

I was stationed about 2/3rds around the 200 (135km or so). The first rider was through at 10:54, and a number had clearly started early. By the time I clocked off at 1pm around a thousand riders had gone through, with another 3 hour slot for the guy who replaced me. I actually thought the numbers were more than in prior years, albeit spread out with a couple of major climbs still to come

Roberto_gas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122238599#Comment_122238599

there were not many in 100km..i reg last week and my reg num was just 273..u can see size of food stop at 50km reflecting small number.

And there were just not many on the road ! May be 200km was higher