Wicklow 200 2011

I've only done it once but for what it's worth -

It's not a race, so don't waste your energy trying to keep up with riders who are stronger and faster than you. Riding in a group will make the miles fly by as Seamus says. If you flag and are on your own don't worry, there will be another group along in a minute.

Don't stress about the hills, take your time and save some gas for the bit after Rathdrum.

Have fun.

"It's pretty much flat after Shay Elliot".

Those words still haunt me.

smacl wrote: »

My cunning plan is to take it easy all the way through, enjoy the day, try to finish with a smile on my face, and re-hydrate on ample pints of the black stuff that night.

I'll leave the teeth gritting / HTFU stuff to those trying to make a reasonable time. Maybe next year, this year is just about getting around for me.

+1, substitute beer for Guinness though. I've already made arrangements to have a pint handed to me as I cross the finish line

Lumen wrote: »

"It's pretty much flat after Shay Elliot".

Those words still haunt me.

:pac::pac::pac:
like **** it is, I'm glad I've done that part already so know to expect it, the climb out of Avoca is pretty severe as is that short steep sneaky one after Redcross

Most definitely not, sally gap comes pretty early during the ride and you will most probably find it the easist of the three climbs. On their own merits I would always find Slieve Mann the toughest climb and this is only compounded by the fact it comes 120 kms into the cycle.

Last year was my first ww200 and I ignored some advice re not getting involved with racing stronger guys, will I did and I got the bonk on Slieve Mann as a result. Keep well watered and fed for the entire ride.

Getting close now, all the training is complete and looking forward to it!

I'm going to go on a spin tomorrow but am wondering is a shorter intense spin more beneficial to a 140 k or so at a lower rate. I guess it's mentally more beneficial doing a longer one. On the tapering end think it's a case of taking it easy for the week. Maybe a few flatish runs or so

Have heard that the food stops are a bit of a nightmare. better geing water at shops on route or the food stops? Not worried about getting food as I,ll carry my own stuff in my jersey

I have heard the same thing about the foodstops.Im planning on bring money and buying food and water along the route in local shops when my 2 water bottles and jersey pockets empty!

Beasty wrote: »

I think the main issue with foodstops has been the queues.

However there were lots of complaints in both the 2009 and 2010 threads and suggestions that people stop at local shops or bring their own food

That little shop on the corner as you come into Donard cleans up.... they only open 2 days a year.... the day of the W200 and the day after to count the takings....but fair play to him shop loaded with fresh stuff and always a hot cup of scald at the ready .....

Anyway ENJOY the day everyone and try to stay calm in those queues.

Christ,that long range forecast looks painfull!!:eek:

There will be loads of WW200 entrys for sale this week due to the ugly weather predicted on Sunday.

I'll be out in new kit - red Specialized.:)

I'll be in what remains of my Boards Jersey. Black PX. Sweaty red face, runny nose, probably crying halfway up a hill somewhere along the route or stuck headfirst in a ditch.