The Wicklow 200 (2009) Thread

P20 is great stuff. I was out for 4 hours from 3pm-7pm on Monday and didn't get sunburnt at all and I swear I usually get burnt just looking at people after coming home from their holidays!

If I remember it right, I think the controversy a few years back was around disputes about P20's claim to be the 'all-day sun protection'. You had parents putting it on their kids first thing in the morning (when P20 were advising it needed 60-minute drying time before sun exposure) and then the kids were at the beach, swimming etc. and out in the sun all-day and they were getting burnt and the parents' grievance was that it said all-day protection on the tin.

I'd apply it twice if out for say more than 4 hours and have found it to be really excellent, allegedly it lets some of the non-harmful UV rays in that can give you a slight tan without the danger of full exposure. Haven't really noticed that myself but then I don't tan and I have noticed a mild dimming of the whiteness so I guess that counts.

petethedrummer wrote: »

Boots are doing 2 for 1 on bottles of Piz Buin stuff. I had the factor 50 on me on Sun and Mon and had zero sunburn.

Dont think you are going to need to much of it on Sunday if the forecast is right !!

SPINERGY wrote: »

I got one Wicklow 200 entry transfer for a friend and it arrived today. It has the name of the original person who bought it on it (the swipe card thingy). Does this matter? Can I just tell them I transferred on the day (like will they be questioning a male with a female name?) or will I have to contact the organisers in advance to get it sorted out?

There is no problem, you just have to make sure to ask them to change the name on the cert at the end if you want your own name on it. I did my first one on El Tonto's entry.

irishmotorist wrote: »

Just saw the RTE weather forecast and Evelyn Cusack is predicting 'hefty showers' for Sunday.

Sunshine it is so.:D

Looking at other forecasts though, they do mention the odd shower.

petethedrummer wrote: »

Boots are doing 2 for 1 on bottles of Piz Buin stuff. I had the factor 50 on me on Sun and Mon and had zero sunburn.

Had factor 50 on myself on Monday. Nivea have a nifty little childrens 50ml bottle,perfect for the weight weenies. Picked it up in Dunnes. After six hours in the saddle I arrived home as white as I left.:)

DrGroove wrote: »

I was hoping to update the google document that was created but couldn't find it - so if someone can post me a link - I'd appreciate it.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=rYc5-WfoA79kjreAj_MhssA

Apologies if people have posed this question a zillion times here already, I've been caught up in the wave of enthusiasm for the w200 and I'm now wondering if I could do the 200 instead of the 100 that i was planning to do?

I've only managed to do my first century (in a long time) about a week ago. I felt fine after it, but it was all flat, no hills (I live in kildare)

Due to pressures at home, my training spins have been short, evening ones - between 40-80km, but have been taking in a few hills during my last few spins, including yesterday.

I don't mind hills, as I was a frequent MTB'er until about a year ago.

I have a decent steel, audax-type bike with a brooks b17 saddle that I've finally broken in and is very comfy now.

I'm (cough) 37, fairly lightweight but skinny.

What do you guys reckon? Can I do it? Should I?

The wife is a bit concerned, thinks i'm nuts.

Itsfixed wrote: »

What do you guys reckon? Can I do it? Should I?

Yes. To both questions!

Just wondering from those in the know what kinda gear they'll be wearing bringing. Was thinking bib shorts (maybe 2cx comp tights under) base layer under short sleeved jersey, no overshoes. In light of the predicted conditions is this ok? really dont feel like wearing any of the winter gear!

estariol wrote: »

Just wondering from those in the know what kinda gear they'll be wearing bringing. Was thinking bib shorts (maybe 2cx comp tights under) base layer under short sleeved jersey, no overshoes. In light of the predicted conditions is this ok? really dont feel like wearing any of the winter gear!

Bib shorts, base layer, jersey, overshoes (white - naturally), armwarmers. Will pack leg warmers just in case.

EDIT: Also tempted by the leg shaving. But my legs are neither tanned enough nor big enough to make it look good

unionman wrote: »

40, overweight, slow on hills and easily spooked by the thought of certain descents and how many kms are left until I can stop and have a nice sit down and a cup of tea.

Doing the 200.

@Itsfixed - I seem to remember you flying off ahead of me on the Martin Earley last year, I'm sure you'll be fine. ROK ON's advice about trying as far as Sally Gap seems sound.

@rottenhat - Itsfixed's old bike is the same colour as yours too (although now TinyExplosions owns it)

44, overweight and hate hills, I have done a good few 100+ spins and have been debating on which to do, 100 or 200 and decide that if I did the 100 I would be pissed off and have to wait a year before attempting the 200, so I am doing the 200 and not worried about how long it takes.

My wife also thinks I am nuts, but nothing new there.

Itsfixed wrote: »

@ROK on That's a good tip re turning off at sally gap, thanks!

You could also turn back wherever it goes near Hollywood, and come back across the Wicklow Gap. A bit further into the distance, but avoids Slieve Maan and Shay Elliott if the legs are rebelling.