Weevil 160/100

Alek · 03-10-2017 6:58pm #1

160/100km, 3800/2500m elevation, approx. 50% gravel and fireroads suitable for cx bikes, start and finish from Marley Park. Completely unsupported.

https://www.strava.com/routes/10783437

Route pre-ride on 15th Oct, 7am.

Who's in?

koutoubia · 03-10-2017 8:15pm

Your fooking nuts. Do you know that?
But you will ,no doubt , have plenty of likewise loonies along with you!

Borderfox · 03-10-2017 8:17pm

I thought the three peaks sounded mad till this

ford2600 · 03-10-2017 8:21pm

https://youtu.be/HygeWIG4JhM

Might have stolen that.

Good training for Wales in June ðŸ˜€

iwillhtfu · 03-10-2017 8:38pm

Alek wrote: »

200km, 3000m+ elevation, 50-60% gravel and fireroads suitable for cx bikes but maybe even wide road tyres, start and finish from Marley Park. Completely unsupported.

Route pre-ride on 15th Oct, 7am.

Who's in?

(I'll post the route later tonight)

The man that recently completed an Everest on the bike invites you out for a spin :eek:

siochain · 03-10-2017 8:44pm

is the other 40% roads? hardtail 29r suitable?

godtabh · 03-10-2017 9:18pm

No thanks!

Alek · 03-10-2017 10:42pm

Muahaha!!!

Ok.

How about we make it 160km, so a mere Century?

https://www.strava.com/routes/10783437

is the other 40% roads? hardtail 29r suitable?

The rest is road - boreens where possible. Hardtail is overkill, but will be more than fine.

The man that recently completed an Everest on the bike invites you out for a spin

C'mon, I'm slow, just stubborn.

Sunsets On Tuesday · 03-10-2017 11:41pm

So I happened to be a sort of test dummy of this route. I did it on Saturday, with an elapsed time of 9h 13m and moving time of about 8h 10m.

Link to Strava here: https://www.strava.com/activities/1209084321/shareable_images/map_based?hl=en-US&v=1506795433

So it's honestly a fantastic route, while I cursed Alek at some points along the way, I came away from it feeling nothing but gratitude for such an awesome route.

I'd highly recommend doing it, But you got to know what you're getting yourself into. Progress is obviously a lot slower than on the road. A lot of the time, you're in a forest with no one but yourself to keep you company. While I loved that aspect of it, I can see why it'd put people off perhaps.

I'd say a CX/Gravel bike is perfect. MTB would work too but would take considerably longer as a lot of the route is still on roads. I wouldn't try it on a road bike to be honest.

But by all means, if you're thinking about it, give it a go. This type of cycling is dear to my and Alek's hearts, and we really wish to share it with the rest of the cycling community. It's a great day out on the bike, and the company will be great no doubt!

Alek · 04-10-2017 12:21am

I can't imagine a better test dummy Sunsets! It was your post-ride enthusiasm that made me want to make something more of it

In fairness, while I know most places included in the route, there are a few I haven't been to myself... but I can honestly vouch for the beauty of all those I know. Some climbs are murderous, surface is total shoite/great depending of how much gravel runs in your blood, but I'm sure it will be an unforgettable ride!

daragh_ · 04-10-2017 7:51am

Possibly/Maybe. Can’t do the 15th though.

smacl · 04-10-2017 8:32am

Alek wrote: »

I can't imagine a better test dummy Sunsets! It was your post-ride enthusiasm that made me want to make something more of it

In fairness, while I know most places included in the route, there are a few I haven't been to myself... but I can honestly vouch for the beauty of all those I know. Some climbs are murderous, surface is total shoite/great depending of how much gravel runs in your blood, but I'm sure it will be an unforgettable ride!

In no shape for any off road at the moment, let alone a mammoth one, but the route looks like an absolute blast, even if you were pushing the bike as much as riding it. Even on the first short bit that I have done, plenty of stiles and locked gates, so upper body will be kept active too. In good health I'd be pleased to get through half of this in a day. Looking forward to hear how you get on.

Alek · 04-10-2017 9:01am

Possibly/Maybe. Can’t do the 15th though.

Unfortunately I can't do any other weekend until November, and I'd rater avoid finishing after sunset.

even if you were pushing the bike as much as riding it. Even on the first short bit that I have done, plenty of stiles and locked gates,

You mean in the Massey Woods? There are not too many of such obstacles later on, just a few gates.

Alek · 04-10-2017 9:04am

Note if someone does not feel like taking a stab at the whole thing, the route can be shortened in Roundwood - one can skip the southern loop and make it roughly a 100km one.

smacl · 04-10-2017 10:12am

Alek wrote: »

You mean in the Massey Woods? There are not too many of such obstacles later on, just a few gates.

Yep, the section of Masseys that takes you to Cruagh has 3-4 stiles on it, and crossing the road there the gate to Cruagh was locked last time I was there so went over the metal steps. Gate to the section of the Wicklow way coming from Pine Forest road also locked last time I was on it (last year to be fair), as were a couple more on the fire road taking you the back of Enniskerry / Glencree road. No biggy really, you just need to hump your bike over a stile or gate every now and again.

The section around Clara bridge looks great, been meaning to tackle some of the Coilte tracks around there for a while now.

wanderer 22 · 04-10-2017 10:25am

Looks cool. Not in any condition to do the whole thing but I'll tag along as far as Roundwood.

Weepsie · 04-10-2017 10:48am

How sketchy would descending be for someone who is not great at descending. I'm weird, I prefer the uphill part.

Would Schwallbe Land Cruisers be an acceptable tyre for it?

I've 37 Vittoria Hypers on one bike that I imagine wouldn't be okay unless it was fairly wet.

Alek · 04-10-2017 11:24am

Yep, the section of Masseys that takes you to Cruagh has 3-4 stiles on it,

When I think of it now, I may change the route to go via the easy Massey path, exiting near Hellfire. The current one is maybe better suited for MTB, plus the stiles...

[edit]

Done

Alek · 04-10-2017 11:29am

Would Schwallbe Land Cruisers be an acceptable tyre for it?

More than good. I'm doing it on file thread...

I've 37 Vittoria Hypers on one bike that I imagine wouldn't be okay unless it was will kill me if its anything close to "fairly wet".

Fixed this one for you

:p:p

How sketchy would descending be for someone who is not great at descending.

I'm largely the same

Descending will be fine if your brakes are in good condition. Just don't lean too much when cornering on gravel... and try to use the rear brake more than the front on loose surface.

rollingscone · 04-10-2017 1:18pm

The heart wants but not sure the bod could cash this cheque...

Alek · 04-10-2017 1:35pm

Go. For. It.

Sunsets On Tuesday · 05-10-2017 12:55am

Alek wrote: »

When I think of it now, I may change the route to go via the easy Massey path, exiting near Hellfire. The current one is maybe better suited for MTB, plus the stiles...

[edit]

Done

Ah what a shame ;-) But I understand, massey's wood is really nice, But v tough on a bike!

daragh_ · 05-10-2017 9:21am

Shame - that weekend is totally full for me. Would love to have a crack at this on the cross bike.

If anyone else wants to give it a lash on a different day let me know.

TooObvious · 05-10-2017 12:15pm

Wow - that is a fantastic route - I'm sure I've ridden a lot of the gravel roads at some time or another, putting them altogether is a great idea! What a great spin that would be.

The Noble Nudge · 05-10-2017 12:28pm

Excuse 1.....I dont have a cross bike

Anyone doing it on an MTB?
Excuse 2.....Im not 100% after sickness just yet..
Excuse 3.....Sundays is usually a day of rest...Let me check at home.

Post up the updated route and I will scratch my smig for a bit

Macy0161 · 05-10-2017 12:51pm

The Wicklow Way from below the Pier Gates to over the Roundwood side of Lough Dan is also doable on a cross bike. I've done it on a road bike with cross tyres. Just as an alternative to Ballinastoe - Annacarter Cross - Roundwood Village route. Either from the top of Ballinstoe near the Malone Monument carparks, or back up the hill from Annacarter if you wanted to be particularly cruel.

Spins like this make me wish I had a cross bike (currently n+3!). Most of the stuff around Roundwood I've done on a road bike with cross tyres actually, and have done the Reservoir Trails on road tyres with the children, albeit the commuter with marathon plus! N+1 was going to be full suss - 29er hard tail just come back into the running after looking at this!

Alek · 05-10-2017 2:00pm

Thanks Macy - ill take a closer look on the route again tomorrow at work.

NobleNudge, no problem doing it on mtb, its not a race or anything... More like a social adventure spin :-) the route linked in the first post is the current one.

Sunsets On Tuesday · 06-10-2017 1:01am

TooObvious wrote: »

Wow - that is a fantastic route - I'm sure I've ridden a lot of the gravel roads at some time or another, putting them altogether is a great idea! What a great spin that would be.

It truly is a great spin. Usually gravel is just a small part of one's cycles, But this route has like 50-60% gravel (it seems anyhow). And for a 160k spin, that's a lot!

Alek · 08-10-2017 10:33pm

Test cycled most of the main loop this morning. Got lost a bit in Djouce woods (in pitch black at 6am) so still not too sure if there is an easy exit from the south side of it... Also took all the wrong turns in the Coillte park near Greystones, and the result was more MTB than anything! Very technical stuff, cx doable but barely. The rest was more than fine, perfect for gravel bike in fairness. One word about Vartry lakes - the path is flat and seems easy, so encourages to pick up some speed while enjoying the view... Wrong! I had a high speed spill when front wheel weny into a hole of some sort (torn bibs, nettles in ear... ;-) ) and many serious wobbles on loose deep gravel there.

Another thing: there are many blind turns on the route, often going downhill (Red Lane area!) - be very very careful when going there, dont hesitate to stop completely if in doubt.

Other than this, I had mighty fun doing this today! Can't wait till next Sunday.

daragh_ · 08-10-2017 10:42pm

Alek wrote: »

Note if someone does not feel like taking a stab at the whole thing, the route can be shortened in Roundwood - one can skip the southern loop and make it roughly a 100km one.

That would be the lesser of two Weevils...

Macy0161 · 09-10-2017 4:32pm

Nearly had a pass in my hand for Sunday, only to have it snatched away... Anyway, still might CX tyres on my disc brake defy and have more of an explore at some point!

alcyst · 11-10-2017 1:55pm

To confirm; this Sunday, 7am, College Rd/Grange Rd intersection (south east corner, Marley Park). Open to all, as long as you have a suitable bike, gear, & hope?
Sounds tempting

Alek · 11-10-2017 2:13pm

Confirmed!

On a side note, after spending 2 nights in hospital with the older son and the younger one getting a high grade fever last night, and myself feeling and infection coming, I can only hope I'll be fine by then myself!!

Re: low gearing, I'd consider 34x28 minimum, and 34x32 comfortable for this ride.

Alek · 13-10-2017 3:35pm

The weather forcast looks quite good for Sunday - not much lazy sunshine, but no hurricane either*! More importantly, it will be dry.

*This is coming mid-Monday.

cdaly_ · 13-10-2017 4:00pm

Alek, Would you consider extending this to 200k and then proposing it as an off-road audax route?

Alek · 13-10-2017 4:14pm

Yes, I was thinking about it! The problem is that it would be extremely hard to navigate it with turn-by-turn directions... if possible at all. I believe all Audax routes need to have a cuesheet - am I wrong?

cdaly_ · 13-10-2017 5:03pm

You're probably right. I suppose it depends on whether the off-road bits include hard to spot, unsigned 'road less travelled' junctions and such. A bigger issue would be choosing controls to eliminate the numerous shortcuts available in the route.

Alek · 13-10-2017 7:52pm

Thats impossible... Too many loopy loops. As a permanent maybe?

Resoguy · 14-10-2017 6:55pm

Going to give this a go, looking forward to it, see you in the morning

Alek · 14-10-2017 7:03pm

The more the merrier! In fairness I feel like a piece of shoite today, but will be there for sure - my body will tell me later for how long :-)

Sunsets On Tuesday · 15-10-2017 9:30pm

Hi all,
So Alek and I completed the Weevil 170 -bar the last climb up Three Rock. It was too dark and we couldn't be bothered.
In the end I spend 12h 20m out on the bike, with 10h of that moving.
It was a great day, with its ups and downs, rain, sugar filled foods etc.
I'm sure Alek will fill you guys in too when he sorts out his Strava!
Cheers also to the other boardsies who came out with us till roundwood. You guys were great company.
Funny thing -I left in the morning in the dark, and came back in the dark. Weird!
Cheers Alek for organising :-)

(EDIT) Forgot to give the data. 170km for me with 3,930m elevation. The most I've ever done!

Link to my ride here:
https://www.strava.com/activities/1232098592/

Alek · 19-10-2017 1:05am

Also link to my strava log

smacl · 19-10-2017 7:12am

Excellent video, looks awesome.

ford2600 · 19-10-2017 7:25am

Nice looking spin.

How would it compare to MB200, tougher at a guess?

You should check with Paul, Andreas or the like of Audax Ireland (or ask via Google group) as to whether you could put up as a permanent.
I don't provide any route sheet for permanent but I'm not certain I don't have to.

In reality trying to do a route sheet for this or similar wouldn't be possible.

There is certainly an appetite for this type of route.

Well done on ride even if you did seem to get dropped all the time

Alek · 19-10-2017 9:14am

I was *allowing* to be dropped only to take a strategic filming position!

I find it much tougher than MB200 in fairness, due to difficult terrain / surface. Some of the short climbs are insanely steep too

On the other hand, I wasn't in my best form on the day, just out of a cold of sorts.

***
I'll talk to Paul about making it a permanent.

Resoguy · 19-10-2017 12:10pm

Great video Alex, thanks again to yourself and Sunsets on Tuesday for setting it up and the the ride as far Roundwood.

Alek · 26-10-2017 11:57am

Thinking of changing the route slightly: does anyone know if there is open access through Kilpedder Rifle Range near Greystones, leading to Altidore hill?

Weepsie · 26-10-2017 12:15pm

Alek wrote: »

Thinking of changing the route slightly: does anyone know if there is open access through Kilpedder Rifle Range near Greystones, leading to Altidore hill?

A rifle range doesn't seem like the best place to be cycling

Alek · 26-10-2017 12:19pm

I know, but it seems the road only enters the range and then veers out to the right....

https://www.komoot.com/plan/@53.1160138,-6.1395121,15z

smacl · 26-10-2017 2:12pm

Weepsie wrote: »

A rifle range doesn't seem like the best place to be cycling

Usually not an issue, in that there are signs up if the range is closed. Only downside is that your re-route might get you a bit lost or take longer, as I found out on a spin last year on my third visit past Fenton's where my planned route was here.

Macy0161 · 26-10-2017 4:06pm

Weepsie wrote: »

A rifle range doesn't seem like the best place to be cycling

Surely we're used to being target practice from being on the roads?

Just incidentally, the dirt road in trooperstown is due to be surfaced.

Weevil 160/100

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