LCRC - Air Corps - Around the Mountains Audux Charity Cycle 2011

LCRC_BAX · 20-04-2011 03:23PM #1

Lucan Cycling Road Club & The Irish Air Corps will be holding the annual 'Around the Mountains' Audux Charity Cycle Challenge' this year on Sunday 29th May.

The event which will cover a testing 170kms is open to all riders and will take in some of the best & most scenic roads Dublin, Kildare, Carlow and Wicklow have to offer, culminating in an ascent of the Wicklow Gap and a lap of the Blessington lakes.

The Route

Programme for the Event

0700-0830 - Registration & Breakfast at Casemount Aerodrome, Baldonnel
0900-0915 - Roll out from Baldonnel
1200-1230 - Lunch Stop in Tinahely
1700-1800 - Dinner served in Baldonnel

Full event support will be provided by the Irish Air Corps on the day, including all meals, drinks & water refills en-route; Breakfast & Dinner are provided before and after the event in Baldonnel catering centre & lunch with tea/coffee will be provided en-route. There will be motorcycle outriders providing rolling road closures & marshalling for corners, a broom wagon and a mechanic provided by event sponsor Stagg Cycles Lucan. Secure parking is available in Baldonnel Aerodrome along with hot showers afterwards.

The entry fee is €40.00 which will go towards Cheshire Homes. Entry forms & further information is available here Entries to be sent/dropped into Stagg Cycles, Main Street, Lucan, Co. Dublin. Some entries may be available on the morning - I will keep you posted.

This is the fourth year for us to host this event and with each outing it goes from strength to strength. Last year we had over 90 riders enter and the feedback was excellent from everyone. Please feel free to ask any questions and I will add more information as it become available.

Regards,

LCRC_BAX

LCRC_BAX · 21-04-2011 01:40PM

Anyone interested in joining us?

penexpers · 21-04-2011 01:49PM

Why is it called an Audux(sic) when it's actually not.

Idleater · 21-04-2011 02:10PM

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Anyone interested in joining us?

pencilled in...

NMK2008 · 21-04-2011 02:26PM

I'm in, sounds good!

Pherekydes · 21-04-2011 03:00PM

Interested.

Some stupid questions:

How fit do you have to be? (First ride of the season yesterday :rolleyes:)
What pace?
What happens if one misses the Lunch break?
Will the AC send out a chopper to pick me up from the Wicklow gap?
How many nasty ascents are there?

If it's any help, I'm 51 (yesterday) and 15 stone, but do run regularly. When I'm not injured. :rolleyes:

LCRC_BAX · 21-04-2011 03:12PM

penexpers wrote: »

Why is it called an Audux(sic) when it's actually not.

Why do you feel the need to be a smart-ar$e?

The definition of Audux: "Audax is a cycling sport in which participants attempt to cycle long distances within a pre-defined time limit. Audax is a non-competitive sport: success in an event is measured by its completion.".

This event is 170kms so I would consider that a long distance, and we would like everyone to finish by 6pm so there's a time limit.

Grow up and find something better to complain about.

daragh_ · 21-04-2011 03:17PM

Could be fun. Will begin negotiations at home.

LCRC_BAX · 21-04-2011 03:23PM

Pherekydes wrote: »

Interested.

Some stupid questions:

How fit do you have to be? (First ride of the season yesterday :rolleyes:)
What pace?
What happens if one misses the Lunch break?
Will the AC send out a chopper to pick me up from the Wicklow gap?
How many nasty ascents are there?

If it's any help, I'm 51 (yesterday) and 15 stone, but do run regularly. When I'm not injured. :rolleyes:

Hi Pherekydes,

To answer your constructive questions:

1. You would need a good level of fitness as this is a testing event. If you can ride 100 - 120 kms yourself / with a small group you will be well able for it. We have full support which will include a 'broom wagon' (a large mini-bus) so if the going gets too tough or you need a break for a few k's then you can hop in.

2. Average speed will be approx 25kph, we will re-group after the big climbs and at lunch etc so we all finish together.

3. Hopefully no-one will miss lunch (it hasn;'t happened yet) our aim is always to keep the group together as this is easier to marshall and much more enjoyable for the riders - this is not a race! Just a good steady spin.

4. Yes, but it will be an Apache Attack Chopper and you will be ordered to keep pedalling... or else

5. Worst / best (depending on your outlook) will be the Wicklow Gap, but there's plenty in there to soften the legs beforehand and the Blessington Lakes provides some rolling terrain.

Happy belated birthday and we hope to see you there - get training!

neris · 21-04-2011 03:43PM

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

4. Yes, but it will be an Apache Attack Chopper and you will be ordered to keep pedalling... or else

No wonder the countries bust. It wasnt the builders and bankers. It was willie odea

moggs1972 · 23-04-2011 02:57PM

first time poster, hi everyone. count me in on this one, did it last year and it was great and the weather was magnificent (bring the factor 50). great banter along the way, very well organised, army grub sure what more could ya ask for!

michael196 · 26-04-2011 08:52AM

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Anyone interested in joining us?

A very good pitch bax, looks impressive, with great ride support, pre during and after. great facilities. Very tempting. great idea to keep the bunch together, so few manage to do that !! makes it more enjoyable.

Definitly interested .

LCRC_BAX · 26-04-2011 11:09AM

michael196 wrote: »

A very good pitch bax, looks impressive, with great ride support, pre during and after. great facilities. Very tempting. great idea to keep the bunch together, so few manage to do that !! makes it more enjoyable.

Definitly interested .

Thanks Michael,

Yes, owing to the great support we get from the guys in the Air Corps this is always a very professional and well run event. The food is very good too - a good army breakfast will set everyone up for a long day in the saddle! I can guarantee anyone thinking of riding this that they won't be disappointed.

On the climbs the group inevitably breaks up but we regroup at the summits / on the flat afterwards. The marshalls much prefer one group too - it's easier to look after everyone.

LCRC_BAX · 28-04-2011 10:45AM

BUMP!

Surveyor11 · 28-04-2011 09:21PM

Would be interested in doing this, did the KARE TdF a few weeks back and loved it - my first 100k organised event. I'm reasonably fit - cycling in and out to work every day (22k round trip, which I try to do at a reasonable pace). Also out at the weekends - solo runs of 75 - 90k, so would love the idea of this. Sounds good and anything organised with the Air Corp is going to be pretty disiplined! What's the typical age profile - I'm (nearly!) 40, so would manage 25kph, but 170k is uncharted territory for me! Any chance you'd run this into mapmyride?

Thanks, Gav

LCRC_BAX · 28-04-2011 10:43PM

Surveyor11 wrote: »

Would be interested in doing this, did the KARE TdF a few weeks back and loved it - my first 100k organised event. I'm reasonably fit - cycling in and out to work every day (22k round trip, which I try to do at a reasonable pace). Also out at the weekends - solo runs of 75 - 90k, so would love the idea of this. Sounds good and anything organised with the Air Corp is going to be pretty disiplined! What's the typical age profile - I'm (nearly!) 40, so would manage 25kph, but 170k is uncharted territory for me! Any chance you'd run this into mapmyride?

Thanks, Gav

Hi Gav,

I just checked and unfortunately I didn't log the route from last year. The age profile ranges from 18 - 60, my Dad will be riding this and he's 58. The route is challenging, but if you are capable of riding 90km solo at this stage you will have no problem riding this in a large well organised group. Most of the climbing comes towards the end of the spin, so it is important to pace yourself and keep topping up with on the bike nutrition and drink lots esp if we get a day like last year - it was a scorcher!

You're spot on re the organising, we are working with the same group of guys from the AC as the previous few years and they always do an excellent job with logistics. We should also have a good number of riders from the newly formed Defence Forces CC taking part.

Hope to see you there - if you need any more info let me know.

BAX

Lusk Doyle · 09-05-2011 01:20PM

Looks good bax. Nice warm up for the ww200!

LCRC_BAX · 09-05-2011 01:55PM

Lusk Doyle wrote: »

Looks good bax. Nice warm up for the ww200!

It's a great event in its own right Lusk Doyle - and you're right an excellent preparation for the (slightly) longer & hillier WW200.

Hopefully you can gather up a few of your gang to take part!

BAX

fat bloke · 11-05-2011 03:50PM

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

It's a great event in its own right Lusk Doyle - and you're right an excellent preparation for the W200

It is in my hole a good preparation for the W200.

I did the Lucan spin last year thinking that. Imagine my dismay when I did the W200 and realised I had no support helicopter, no mechanic, I had to cook my own breakfast, get my own lunch, change my own fcukin punctures, yield to other traffic!!! & then go home & make my own shaggin' dinner!

100Suns · 11-05-2011 06:30PM

Is this an Audax?

If not, Ill do it.

LCRC_BAX · 12-05-2011 03:04PM

100Suns wrote: »

Is this an Audax?

If not, Ill do it.

We're meeting tonight with Pat McQuaid and Sean Kelly to get their opinion on the matter - I'll lket you know 100Suns, would be great to have you along

LCRC_BAX · 12-05-2011 03:13PM

fat bloke wrote: »

It is in my hole a good preparation for the W200.

I did the Lucan spin last year thinking that. Imagine my dismay when I did the W200 and realised I had no support helicopter, no mechanic, I had to cook my own breakfast, get my own lunch, change my own fcukin punctures, yield to other traffic!!! & then go home & make my own shaggin' dinner!

Sincere apologies fat bloke - I'll clarify - Our event kicks the W200's ar$e

Footnote to IVCA - I'm joking of course, the W200 is also a great event!

velo.2010 · 14-05-2011 06:18PM

Gave my form into Stagg's today. So, as I understand it, an Aer Corps helicopter will pick me up from Kildare(nice open field nearby for landing) and drop me to Baldonnell for the start, then drop me home later?:D

LCRC_BAX · 14-05-2011 07:40PM

velo.2010 wrote: »

Gave my form into Stagg's today. So, as I understand it, an Aer Corps helicopter will pick me up from Kildare(nice open field nearby for landing) and drop me to Baldonnell for the start, then drop me home later?:D

Correct - just bring a parachute for the way home, yes that's a bike below that dude

fat bloke · 14-05-2011 09:34PM

Seriously though. This is, hands down, the best sportive you'll ever do. The only thing better than hearing the words "free bar", is hearing the words "fully supported". This is the 5 star nursing home of sportives. Switch your brain off, roll along with a big bunch, have your punctures fixed, your mechanicals repaired, your water bottle filled, your meals made, your sandwiches and tea handed to you. All you gotta do is turn those pedals and pretend you're a molly-coddled pro-rider for the day.:cool:

And I have no vested interests, and I'm not an LRC rider.

LCRC_BAX · 14-05-2011 10:40PM

fat bloke wrote: »

Seriously though. This is, hands down, the best sportive you'll ever do. The only thing better than hearing the words "free bar", is hearing the words "fully supported". This is the 5 star nursing home of sportives. Switch your brain off, roll along with a big bunch, have your punctures fixed, your mechanicals repaired, your water bottle filled, your meals made, your sandwiches and tea handed to you. All you gotta do is turn those pedals and pretend you're a molly-coddled pro-rider for the day.:cool:

And I have no vested interests, and I'm not an LRC rider.

Thanks fat bloke - you obviously enjoyed last year. We hope to make Around the Mountains 2011 an even better event for our participants so let us know if there is anything that can be improved.

There you have it lads and ladies - get yourselves to Baldonnell on the 29th May and spread the word to your non Boards cycling friends - you won't be disappointed.

Gavb · 15-05-2011 06:29PM

Would we be:

a) crazy
b) laughed at
c) frowned upon
d) all of the above
to think about doing this on a hybrid?

We've (the Head Office and myself) done a few 70 - 100km spins and got on grand.
Sounds like a great first event to try.

LCRC_BAX · 16-05-2011 11:01AM

Gavb wrote: »

Would we be:

a) crazy
b) laughed at
c) frowned upon
d) all of the above
to think about doing this on a hybrid?

We've (the Head Office and myself) done a few 70 - 100km spins and got on grand.
Sounds like a great first event to try.

Hi Gavb,

You might be crazy but you won't be laughed at or frowned upon - that's not the way we roll

By first event - I take it you mean first 170kms event as you have done some 100kms events.

Seriously though - if you are riding a hybrid (which is fine) for your own benefit ensure the following;

* Tyres are correctly inflated 110-120psi
* Don't bother with racks or panniers etc
* Clipless pedals or at least toe straps are essential (Look Keo etc..)

The speed on the flat will be maintained at a sensible pace so your gearing should be fine you may just have to spin a bit faster on the descents!

Which particular bike do you have btw?

Gavb · 16-05-2011 10:43PM

LCRC_BAX wrote: »

Hi Gavb,

You might be crazy but you won't be laughed at or frowned upon - that's not the way we roll

By first event - I take it you mean first 170kms event as you have done some 100kms events.

Seriously though - if you are riding a hybrid (which is fine) for your own benefit ensure the following;

* Tyres are correctly inflated 110-120psi
* Don't bother with racks or panniers etc
* Clipless pedals or at least toe straps are essential (Look Keo etc..)

The speed on the flat will be maintained at a sensible pace so your gearing should be fine you may just have to spin a bit faster on the descents!

Which particular bike do you have btw?

Ah, you lost me on the clipless pedals :-) I have flat pedals.

No, this would be my first proper event, the 100k spins have been on our own.

I have a Felt QX 85.

mrbike · 17-05-2011 08:31AM

Gavb wrote: »

Ah, you lost me on the clipless pedals :-) I have flat pedals.

No, this would be my first proper event, the 100k spins have been on our own.

I have a Felt QX 85.

The Felt QX 85 is a little heavy at 12.3kg, but if you're fit you should be able for it. Clipless pedals are pretty essential for any event with lots of climbing.

I'd recommend getting the SPD type (mountain bike), as you can walk in the shoes. You can get these which are flat and SPD (you just flip over the pedal). http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5937

It's very important that the shoes are comfortable. Generally it's recommended to get one size larger than your normal size as your feet swell while cycling.

And trying all this out on the day of the event is not a good idea

Gavb · 17-05-2011 08:35AM

mrbike wrote: »

The Felt QX 85 is a little heavy at 12.3kg, but if you're fit you should be able for it. Clipless pedals are pretty essential for any event with lots of climbing.

I'd recommend getting the SPD type (mountain bike), as you can walk in the shoes. You can get these which are flat and SPD (you just flip over the pedal). http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5937

It's very important that the shoes are comfortable. Generally it's recommended to get one size larger than your normal size as your feet swell while cycling.

And trying all this out on the day of the event is not a good idea

Yeah, I was thinking that myself

Thanks for the link, I might just bite the bullet and go clipless.
I might just pencil this one in for next year :-)

LCRC - Air Corps - Around the Mountains Audux Charity Cycle 2011

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