Wicklow200 me a***

SetOverSet · 07-10-2008 10:27pm #1

I don't know if there's any Sorrento guys on here but I came across this report of the 2007 Paris-Brest-Paris Audax (long, but worth reading) on their website and my plans of doing next years Wicklow200 suddenly don't seem so daunting :eek:

Steeplechase · 08-10-2008 1:37am

I'm dizzy after reading that.

Fair play to those nutters.

Lumen · 08-10-2008 7:29am

SetOverSet wrote: »

I don't know if there's any Sorrento guys on here but I came across this report of the 2007 Paris-Brest-Paris Audax (long, but worth reading) on their website and my plans of doing next years Wicklow200 suddenly don't seem so daunting :eek:

I have cycled that distance in France.....in three weeks. 85 hours is completely mental. Respect!

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 8:25am

Doing the next one of them -it's only every 4 years, so another 3 to wait -will be doing London-Edinburgh-London next year though -similar distance!

blorg · 08-10-2008 10:52am

I'm planning on 2011 and L-E-L next year too; there are a few others on here considering. TBH though would probably have a bit of a preference for Boston-Montreal-Boston, mainly due to it being a bit different and better chances with the weather. Cycling on the right side of the road too, much better training for PBP methinks.

rflynnr · 08-10-2008 1:03pm

I note than L-E-L is spread over five days. How wussy would it be to aim for 280k a day but assume on grabbing 6-7 hours sleep in a comfortable bed each night? Or would such an approach massively miss the point of such a mega-Audax event?

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 1:37pm

rflynnr wrote: »

I note than L-E-L is spread over five days. How wussy would it be to aim for 280k a day but assume on grabbing 6-7 hours sleep in a comfortable bed each night? Or would such an approach massively miss the point of such a mega-Audax event?

Perfectly acceptable, and may be how I approach it!

It's over 5 days, but is a longer course...

Raam · 08-10-2008 1:39pm

TinyExplosions wrote: »

Perfectly acceptable, and may be how I approach it!

It's over 5 days, but is a longer course...

What kind of training are we going to have to put in for this one?

rflynnr · 08-10-2008 1:42pm

TinyExplosions wrote: »

Perfectly acceptable, and may be how I approach it!

It's over 5 days, but is a longer course...

Then, as God is my witness, (and quick conversation with the missus permitting), I'm officially...thinking about it.

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 1:47pm

Raam wrote: »

What kind of training are we going to have to put in for this one?

5 days in the alps helps.... (sorry, I couldn't resist!)... I'm thinking at the very least trying for a minimum of a 100k twice a week, and even a few night time rides (Sally Gap in the wee small hours anyone?)

I dunno though -doubt there'll be anything particularly structured... will also give some of the sorrento 200/400/600's a go (they run them to qualify for the PBP -thankfully LEL lets anyone in!)

The big training is for RAAM in 2010 sir -you should know that!

blorg · 08-10-2008 2:14pm

I think we should be doing the >200km randonees if we are thinking of doing this sort of thing, besides the organised stuff maybe try Dublin-Cork-Dublin or something like that (the longer randonees only get a handful of entries anyway, we could very possibly get as many ourselves.)

Raam · 08-10-2008 2:16pm

blorg wrote: »

I think we should be doing the >200km randonees if we are thinking of doing this sort of thing, besides the organised stuff maybe try Dublin-Cork-Dublin or something like that (the longer randonees only get a handful of entries anyway, we could very possibly get as many ourselves.)

I'm happy to do our own thing. Route finding is my concern. At LEL, you are expected to meet certain points and even a few surprise ones, from what I remember.

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 2:20pm

Raam wrote: »

I'm happy to do our own thing. Route finding is my concern. At LEL, you are expected to meet certain points and even a few surprise ones, from what I remember.

Then lets do Dublin-Galway-Dublin over the weekend

Raam · 08-10-2008 2:22pm

TinyExplosions wrote: »

Then lets do Dublin-Galway-Dublin over the weekend

If that is to occur, I would propose doing it in one day

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 2:34pm

Raam wrote: »

If that is to occur, I would propose doing it in one day

That's what I mean -but we should include some night riding to get used to it see

Raam · 08-10-2008 2:38pm

TinyExplosions wrote: »

That's what I mean -but we should include some night riding to get used to it see

We may have no choice in the matter!

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 2:45pm

Raam wrote: »

We may have no choice in the matter!

So, how you fixed for Nov 7/8?

Raam · 08-10-2008 2:45pm

TinyExplosions wrote: »

So, how you fixed for Nov 7/8?

Hols that weekend. Weekend after? Or even weekend of the 25th this month?

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 2:54pm

Raam wrote: »

Hols that weekend. Weekend after? Or even weekend of the 25th this month?

Graduation on the weekend of the 18th, cycling near Bristol weekend of the 25th, Motorhead on the 31st October.... that leaves this weekend, or Nov 15th...

Raam · 08-10-2008 2:57pm

TinyExplosions wrote: »

Graduation on the weekend of the 18th, cycling near Bristol weekend of the 25th, Motorhead on the 31st October.... that leaves this weekend, or Nov 15th...

Party on Friday, but it is still a possibility. What time would you propose hitting the road?

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 3:07pm

Raam wrote: »

Party on Friday, but it is still a possibility. What time would you propose hitting the road?

it's 400k, so I reckon 20hrs max would be plenty of time for it, so may suggest at 12am start time, so we can guarantee a night ride?

Vélo · 08-10-2008 3:27pm

Holy God!

There's me all happy I did just over 80km at the weekend.

blorg · 08-10-2008 3:56pm

To be honest I think if we were going to do this we would want to make sure we have adequate (front) lighting- I currently have 2x 1 watt LEDs but not sure if this is sufficient. I'd be on for heading out this evening up the mountains to give these a test go if anyone is in.

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 4:34pm

blorg wrote: »

To be honest I think if we were going to do this we would want to make sure we have adequate (front) lighting- I currently have 2x 1 watt LEDs but not sure if this is sufficient. I'd be on for heading out this evening up the mountains to give these a test go if anyone is in.

I would, but have no pedals! Left em in the suitcase along with the garmin (I think!)

blorg · 08-10-2008 4:56pm

My bike is also unassembled, I would be planning on heading up on my fixie

We can make the route light on the climbing if you like.

Chips Lovell · 08-10-2008 5:06pm

:mad:I'd go with ye, but I'm still stuck in work.

Gavin · 08-10-2008 5:17pm

blorg wrote: »

To be honest I think if we were going to do this we would want to make sure we have adequate (front) lighting- I currently have 2x 1 watt LEDs but not sure if this is sufficient. I'd be on for heading out this evening up the mountains to give these a test go if anyone is in.

You're welcome to swing by my place (in dundrum) and borrow my Fenix to try it out this evening.

Sigh - My kingdom for a road bike

Raam · 08-10-2008 8:24pm

TinyExplosions wrote: »

it's 400k, so I reckon 20hrs max would be plenty of time for it, so may suggest at 12am start time, so we can guarantee a night ride?

I can't do this on this weekend. What about next weekend? Sat the 18th.

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 9:06pm

Raam wrote: »

I can't do this on this weekend. What about next weekend? Sat the 18th.

I'm graduating! Looks like Nov 15th is a suitable date?

Just back from a quick night spin around Lucan way with Blorg -the fenix lights are the sh*t, but run outa juice fast!

Raam · 08-10-2008 9:14pm

TinyExplosions wrote: »

I'm graduating! Looks like Nov 15th is a suitable date?

Just back from a quick night spin around Lucan way with Blorg -the fenix lights are the sh*t, but run outa juice fast!

Oh yeah, short memory.
I have two good Light & Motion jobs which should do me.

Gavin · 08-10-2008 9:16pm

TinyExplosions wrote: »

I'm graduating! Looks like Nov 15th is a suitable date?

Just back from a quick night spin around Lucan way with Blorg -the fenix lights are the sh*t, but run outa juice fast!

Should last 2 and a half hours on full whack, turbo mode. 4 hours or so on high. The rechargeables in the Fenix I gave Blorg could be a bit pants.

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 9:18pm

Verb wrote: »

Should last 2 and a half hours on full whack, turbo mode. 4 hours or so on high. The rechargeables in the Fenix I gave Blorg could be a bit pants.

It was mine that gave out -I only had the batteries that came with it in it... I think a couple of them is the way to go for night rides

Raam · 08-10-2008 9:20pm

TinyExplosions wrote: »

I'm graduating! Looks like Nov 15th is a suitable date?

Just back from a quick night spin around Lucan way with Blorg -the fenix lights are the sh*t, but run outa juice fast!

Oh, and the 15th is fine for me.

Gavin · 08-10-2008 9:27pm

TinyExplosions wrote: »

It was mine that gave out -I only had the batteries that came with it in it... I think a couple of them is the way to go for night rides

Ah right, sorry. Yeah, alkalines don't really have a good capacity compared to modern NiMh batteries. You'll notice a brighter light and better duration with >2700NiMhs. The useful thing about having the various modes though is you can drop to a lower setting, medium or high when climbing and then go to turbo when descending. Should stretch them out for a bit then.

If you're buying Blorg, I'd look at the TK11 as in the other thread. Just two modes, so nice and simple, very bright with the 18650 batteries and good throw.

Ok, today has been an excessive torch/battery reading/writing day. Must return to work tomorrow.

blorg · 08-10-2008 9:59pm

Must say, night riding is the business, as are those Fenix lights- thanks again for the loan Verb, I will definitely be getting some. Actually after I left Tiny (having been humiliated in a few fixie sprints after failing to find any couriers to race) the light you lent me did go down a fair bit- to around the same as my 1W light, still plenty bright but not as crazy bright as it was out in the dark. I had it on for a good two hours at that stage I reckon.

TinyExplosions · 08-10-2008 10:15pm

blorg wrote: »

after I left Tiny (having been humiliated in a few fixie sprints after failing to find any couriers to race)

I didn't humiliate you, just showed you what a sprint really looks like

rflynnr · 09-10-2008 10:11am

Ummm...if I may be so bold: could I tag along if you do do the D-G-D on Nov 15th? The idea of the night ride is very appealing. To give fair warning though: I've never cycled that distance in a single go before. I did pop out by myself a couple of weeks back and did 160k in about 7 hours (with a 30 min break for lunch) largely to make sure my current gear setup would permit climbing Slieve Maan. I felt pretty ok at the end but even so, if anyone felt I'm likely to slow things down, I'll withdraw, feelings intact.

Raam · 09-10-2008 10:13am

rflynnr wrote: »

Ummm...if I may be so bold: could I tag along if you do do the D-G-D on Nov 15th? The idea of the night ride is very appealing. To give fair warning though: I've never cycled that distance in a single go before. I did pop out by myself a couple of weeks back and did 160k in about 7 hours (with a 30 min break for lunch) largely to make sure my current gear setup would permit climbing Slieve Maan. I felt pretty ok at the end but even so, if anyone felt I'm likely to slow things down, I'll withdraw, feelings intact.

I've never done more than 220 myself.
Question: if one of us bonks big-style and can't continue, then what?

Chips Lovell · 09-10-2008 10:22am

Raam wrote: »

Question: if one of us bonks big-style and can't continue, then what?

An immediate infusion of mars bars and sweeties???

rflynnr · 09-10-2008 10:23am

"This man needs Snickers, stat!"

rflynnr · 09-10-2008 10:25am

Anyway, worst case scenario, one can always hop on a train back.

Raam · 09-10-2008 10:30am

el tonto wrote: »

An immediate infusion of mars bars and sweeties???

What kind of sweeties?

TinyExplosions · 09-10-2008 10:35am

Raam wrote: »

I've never done more than 220 myself.
Question: if one of us bonks big-style and can't continue, then what?

They get laughed at and ridiculed by the others in person, and on this forum, and are forever known as 'bonkin betty'

Seriously though, we should be close enough to civilisation to get a cab or a bus or a train, or a bed to sort us out.

Sweeties will also help.

rflynnr -you're more than welcome to join us -the more the merrier!

rflynnr · 09-10-2008 10:39am

Thanks Tiny. If anyone's interested, here's a link to a route which largely avoids national routes and motorways:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Dublin&daddr=53.420582,-7.288742+to:R348+to:Galway&hl=en&geocode=%3B%3BFXglLQMdtIN9_w%3B&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1,2&dirflg=ht&sll=53.382304,-7.246857&sspn=0.150925,0.30899&ie=UTF8&ll=53.271168,-8.980122&spn=0.075659,0.154495&z=13

(It is 210k each way though so strictly speaking it'd be over 400k.)

blorg · 09-10-2008 11:15am

Excellent job on the route rflynnr. When I cycled down to Waterford with Raam I had the route programmed into my Garmin and it did a very good job directing us without having to stop to look at maps etc.

My own max is around the 230-235km mark although that was a hilly one, I would be confident that I'd be OK up to 300 at least

After that I don't know, I can only hope.

If anyone bonks, the remaining cyclists will feed on their flesh and complete the ride.

As for sweeties, it will have to be niceonetom's jellies.

TinyExplosions · 09-10-2008 11:18am

blorg wrote: »

As for sweeties, it will have to be niceonetom's jellies.

Oooer missus!

Depends on if the gentleman joins us though -you up for it niceonetom?

How about we do it on fixies?

Raam · 09-10-2008 11:19am

TinyExplosions wrote: »

How about we don't do it on fixies?

Fixed that there

blorg · 09-10-2008 11:20am

rflynnr wrote: »

Thanks Tiny. If anyone's interested, here's a link to a route which largely avoids national routes and motorways:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Dublin&daddr=53.420582,-7.288742+to:R348+to:Galway&hl=en&geocode=%3B%3BFXglLQMdtIN9_w%3B&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1,2&dirflg=ht&sll=53.382304,-7.246857&sspn=0.150925,0.30899&ie=UTF8&ll=53.271168,-8.980122&spn=0.075659,0.154495&z=13

(It is 210k each way though so strictly speaking it'd be over 400k.)

"about 3 hours 52 mins" - there's a target to aim for :pac:

blorg · 09-10-2008 11:21am

I wouldn't necessarily be averse to doing it on my fixie; I reckon it's quite flat, I'd want to up the gear a bit.

TinyExplosions · 09-10-2008 11:32am

blorg wrote: »

I wouldn't necessarily be averse to doing it on my fixie; I reckon it's quite flat, I'd want to up the gear a bit.

And so the seed is planted.... Race Across America on fixies....

Raam · 09-10-2008 11:34am

TinyExplosions wrote: »

And so the seed is planted.... Race Across America on fixies....

NO!

Wicklow200 me a***

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