Xmas Boardies Wicklow shin-dig 29th Dec

Kurt Godel · 16-11-2012 4:29pm #1

Where?
Glenmalure Valley/ Glenmalure Lodge

When?
Sat 29th Dec

What?
A few Xmas drinks for any Boardies who fancy a trip to one of the nicer parts of Wicklow. The idea is we meet up Sat daytime at the Lodge, run a bit of the Wicklow Way, cross over and up the zig-zag trails to Kelly's Lough, swim Kelly's Lough, and either run or Mountain Bike trails back down to the lodge. Focus is on fun rather than race.
Then have a meal and a few drinks in this brilliant pub. Anyone who wants to stay over is advised to book in advance, limited room availability (there'll be a few staying over). There's zero public transport in this area, something to bear in mind, maybe anyone coming from afar could consider carpooling with a non-drinker?

Who?
Anyone who fancies coming along to either the "race" or the drinks. There's already a core group organized, the more the merrier.

Why?
Why not?

Kurt Godel · 05-12-2012 8:41pm

Ok, so I have 6 beds provisionally booked, but from PM's it looks as if quite a few will be getting a taxi home. I'll need to confirm or cancel the beds with the Lodge, so let me know ASAP if you want a room that night (about €35-€40pp B&B).

But to confirm, there is sufficient interest and numbers to make this happen (there was a huge spike in queries after Oryx asked if clothing was mandatory for the swim;)), so it is most definitely going ahead.

Plan is: meet at the Glenmalure Lodge 1pm Sat 29th. We'll run some trails, and ascend a path that will take your breath away. Weather dependent, we should be able to traverse Clohernagh to the summit of Lugnacoille, the highest mountain in Leinster. The views to and from here are something to always remember. From there we'll head down to either Art's or Kelly's lough (again, route will be determined by the weather), swim in the lake

, and run back down the trails back to the lodge. Showers should be available, and we'll grap a table by the fire, get a bite to eat, and set into pints and merriment. I'd have liked to include bikes, but in all honesty there isn't the daylight to set up MB's beforehand. Lots of MB routes for anyone staying the night, who wants to clear the head the next day, though!

There's a good few confirmed, enough for it to happen and be fun, and if you want to turn up, please do, the more the merrier. It's a done deal though, in that the date and time are picked and as are, so there's no messy poll option; just bring yourself and your gear and your funnybone, and we'll bash a bit of Xmas cheer out of the day:D The more the merrier, all most welcome!

Abhainn · 06-12-2012 10:41am

Good man KG The Organiser
Looking forward to this

Briando · 06-12-2012 10:44am

Wow! Fair play to any hardy mofo that is gonna swim on the 29th of December

Oryx · 06-12-2012 1:19pm

Really looking forward to this. I'm currently doing sports related first aid, and will read up on hypothermia particularly, so no need to worry, we will thaw you out!

Im still considering whether to do a wetsuit proper swim or a non wet suit, turn completely blue 10 min splash.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 06-12-2012 1:23pm

I will not make this now as i am at a wedding.

Kurt Godel · 06-12-2012 10:37pm

Oryx wrote: »

Im still considering whether to do a wetsuit proper swim or a non wet suit, turn completely blue 10 min splash.

I don't think consideration will come into it. You're not hiking up a mountain the arse end of December to wuss out;)

Looking forward to this already:)

Oryx · 06-12-2012 11:12pm

Kurt Godel wrote: »

I don't think consideration will come into it. You're not hiking up a mountain the arse end of December to wuss out;)

Looking forward to this already:)

Wussing out was not one of the options!

Kurt Godel · 07-12-2012 7:50am

Oryx wrote: »

Wussing out was not one of the options!

Hmm, that's quite true, it wasn't. What is the preference, wetsuits or not? I guess if we're going to all the bother of getting up to this magical place, something more substantial than a dip is warranted.

Kurt Godel · 21-12-2012 11:48am

This is where we'll be swimming. We'll leave the Glenmalure Lodge carpark at 1:00pm, run up past the lake, dump bags/wetsuits, run up to the top of Lugnachoille (weather dependent), run back to the lake and start the swim (its about 400m long), and then back down to the lodge to get cleaned up. There's one triple room booked for those staying over, everyone else, we'll have a few drinks at the bar. Bar food is an option, although if people prefer, I can book a table in the restaurant.

Open to everyone, there's about 8 confirmed so far, the more the merrier.

[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W5fpbTK_Ats/UNQ9X5gPETI/AAAAAAAAAvo/Svfx449YgpA/s800/Screen%20shot%202012-12-21%20at%2010.35.34.png" height="531" width="800"[/IMG]

Oryx · 21-12-2012 11:52am

Showers available for the non staying frozen peeps?

And because of the skewy perspective in that photo, the lake looks tiny

BTH · 21-12-2012 11:54am

On the off chance that someone finds themselves back in the city earlier than expected after the Christmas break, where would that person find out about potential lifts to this fantastic event?

Kurt Godel · 21-12-2012 11:54am

Oryx wrote: »

Showers available for the non staying frozen peeps?

They do have showers, available to those hillwalking etc, but in case they aren't working, we have a triple room booked for those who are staying over, can use that shower I guess. Ladies first.

Kurt Godel · 21-12-2012 11:59am

Oryx wrote: »

And because of the skewy perspective in that photo, the lake looks tiny

I guestimate from the map its about 400m at its widest.

BTH wrote: »

On the off chance that someone finds themselves back in the city earlier than expected after the Christmas break, where would that person find out about potential lifts to this fantastic event?

Anyone willing/able to help out here? As it happens, I think everyone confirmed is coming from all around the country except Dublin!

ultraman1 · 21-12-2012 5:48pm

Kurt Godel wrote: »

I guestimate from the map its about 400m at its widest.

Anyone willing/able to help out here? As it happens, I think everyone confirmed is coming from all around the country except Dublin!

ill pick you up,pm were ul be

Kurt Godel · 22-12-2012 11:59am

It's going to be cold swimming, no matter what the weather, so no harm in being prepared. Loneswimmer has some very good advice on cold water swimming, well worth looking over. Also, this is a corrie pool, which means submerged rocks, so no diving and be aware (especially so when near the sides).

BeepBeep67 · 22-12-2012 1:28pm

Myself and Abhainn will be getting a Joe Maxi back to Wicklow, I'm sure we can take a detour (Roundwood or Rathdrum direction if needed).

BTW - I won't be swimming - someone needs to mind the clothes

BeepBeep67 · 22-12-2012 2:13pm

Also, if anyone's doing the Streets of Wicklow 5k, there'll be a few of us heading for pint in the Bridge about 1pm - give me a shout if anyone's looking for a shower (the get yourself clean type, not the Wicklow Tri Club

)

Oryx · 22-12-2012 2:28pm

Kurt Godel wrote: »

It's going to be cold swimming, no matter what the weather, so no harm in being prepared. Loneswimmer has some very good advice on cold water swimming, well worth looking over. Also, this is a corrie pool, which means submerged rocks, so no diving and be aware (especially so when near the sides).

Great advice in that article. How many will be used to cold water, and how many wont?

shotgunmcos · 22-12-2012 2:51pm

Oryx wrote: »

Great advice in that article. How many will be used to cold water, and how many wont?

Never swam in anything under 12 degrees so I'm suitably nervous.

Kurt Godel · 22-12-2012 3:37pm

Oryx wrote: »

Great advice in that article. How many will be used to cold water, and how many wont?

I have a drysuit, so often "swam" in the winter sea wearing it. You don't feel any cold until the water hits bare face. It's all about layers, and I've worn fleece clothing under it. Good fun, but not really good for anything approaching a proper stroke.

Beyond that, I've broken the thin ice and swam in Cavan lakes many an Xmas. Dying of a hangover, a shot of whiskey beforehand, and jump in and swim starkers. All the things loneswimmer says not to do:rolleyes: So nothing really useful for our lake swim.

I think I'll be wearing my trisuit under my wetsuit for Kelly's Lough, and at least two swim caps. I'll bring first aid and bivvy bags, and will try and get a flotation device up there beforehand. Phone coverage isn't great up there, but we can have one of the non-swimmers prepared to run up to Cloghernagh to get a better signal if we need Mountain Rescue. It's not going to come to that, but no harm being prepared.

Oryx · 22-12-2012 4:28pm

Its a long time since I did the total immersion that is Tough Guy, but I'm hoping that experience will stand to me. At least I know the symptoms of hypothermia..... And I still have my neoprene hat and gloves.

My biggest problem wont be in the water, it will be getting changed afterwards, that after drop thing loneswimmer describes hits me hard! But its gonna be great craic. Just make sure you fast runners wait for this plodder!

griffin100 · 22-12-2012 4:56pm

Oryx wrote: »

Its a long time since I did the total immersion that is Tough Guy, but I'm hoping that experience will stand to me. At least I know the symptoms of hypothermia..... And I still have my neoprene hat and gloves. My biggest problem wont be in the water, it will be getting changed afterwards, that after drop thing loneswimmer describes hits me hard! But its gonna be great craic. Just make sure you fast runners wait for this plodder!

Don't worry, I'll be sitting on your rear

Oryx · 22-12-2012 4:57pm

griffin100 wrote: »

Don't worry, I'll be sitting on your rear

Ah, now. Noone told me it was a piggyback race.

Slogger Jogger · 22-12-2012 6:33pm

I'll probably tag along but could bike up on the mountain bike. I could carry gear for people of you like. Must pack a hip flash

There was a piece on the RTE news recently about a Dingle lady who is heading to Russia to take part in sub zero swims. She trains by immersions in ice baths at the local fishery and there was a lovely camera shot of her swimming in a mountain like up around the Conor pass, which is as cold as they come down in the Kerry.

Kurt Godel · 23-12-2012 9:33pm

Good to see at least one bike Mick, it will help make it a proper Tri excursion!

I was doing a recce today, the zigzags are easy to ascend, but the area from the top of them to Kelly's lough is very damp. I'd like to include the views from the zigzags, so we'll probably ascend along drier forest trails via WW to the lake, (weather dependent ascent to Lug and back), swim, and descend getting our feet wet by the zigzags. Back to the Lodge for ales and food.

If anyone is interested in a map, EastWest mapping (based in Clonegal) have a very good map which includes this area, Lugnaquilla & Glendalough. Superb detailing, and a must for hillwalkers/runners, they usually get orders delivered in a couple of days.

*Edit* Actually now that I think about it, anyone who wanted to make a proper "off-road" tri of this could. Mountain bike the trails up to the lake, run to Lug and back, swim the lake, MB back down. Options there if more than one are interested I guess.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 24-12-2012 12:37am

Given the location its ideal for hitting both Slieve Mann & Elliot climbs on the bike. From memory take right out of the car park of Glenmalure Lodge and then left to go up Slieve Mann or take right for Elliot. I like both climbs, an hour should see you good for descending and ascending both sides of Slieve Mann and Elliot.

shotgunmcos · 24-12-2012 12:49am

Ill bring mtb and wetsuit for this. What time will we meet?. I've a circa 3 hour drive

Kurt Godel · 24-12-2012 5:47am

It'll be getting dark around 4:30, so I'd say we'd want to be leaving the carpark at 1pm sharp, so meet at 12:45 or so at the carpark?

Slogger Jogger · 24-12-2012 12:35pm

Kurt Godel wrote: »

It'll be getting dark around 4:30, so I'd say we'd want to be leaving the carpark at 1pm sharp, so meet at 12:45 or so at the carpark?

Do you ever sleep?

BeepBeep67 · 24-12-2012 1:35pm

Prepare for unlikely circumstances, I'll bring a backpack with some essentials in it.

ultraman1 · 24-12-2012 2:30pm

i know one fella who organised a sneaki run similar to this,u cant go anywhere now without him askin ye for 50 quid....

griffin100 · 24-12-2012 9:30pm

Kurt Godel wrote: »

Beyond that, I've broken the thin ice and swam in Cavan lakes many an Xmas. Dying of a hangover, a shot of whiskey beforehand, and jump in and swim starkers. All the things loneswimmer says not to do:rolleyes: So nothing really useful for our lake swim.

Tut tut, I've think you've upset the LoneSwimmer with that comment. He's given it a whole post on his website. I suspect thought he did misread it.

Kurt Godel · 24-12-2012 10:12pm

griffin100 wrote: »

Tut tut, I've think you've upset the LoneSwimmer with that comment. He's given it a whole post on his website. I suspect thought he did misread it.

:eek:Jeez! I'm baffled, I can only suspect that once again the "roll-eyes" emoticon is somehow taken up the wrong way. Its worth saying that I never asked his permission to link his article, which was only ever linked to point out its good advice. I'll take down the link if he likes.

I've replied to his comments on his site, but just in case it isn't clear, NO-ONE will be taking any alcohol before this swim!!! The mountains are not the place to get into trouble, especially so if you are mixing cold water swimming, so the emphasis, while on enjoying ourselves and enjoying the freedom of OW swimming, will 100% be about safety. The last thing I'd want is for Mountain Rescue to be called (although we will provide for this phone call scenario just in case).

Kurt Godel · 24-12-2012 11:11pm

Phew! Got it sorted out, it was crossed wires.

griffin100 · 24-12-2012 11:58pm

I assumed it was a misunderstanding. Fair play to him, he's changed the web post straight away to admit he made a mistake.

On a slightly different note if anyone doesn't read lone swimmer on a regular basis then they should start now, it's a fantastic site!!!!!!!

Kurt Godel · 27-12-2012 3:37pm

Saturday, 29/12/2012
Time Forecast Temp. Precipitation Wind
00:00–06:00 8° 0.3 – 0.9 mm Strong breeze, 13 m/s from southwest
06:00–12:00 5° 0 – 0.1 mm Fresh breeze, 10 m/s from southwest
12:00–18:00 4° 0.1 – 1.5 mm Moderate breeze, 9 m/s from southwest
18:00–00:00 2° 0 mm Moderate breeze, 9 m/s from southwest

There's Saturday's forecast- it'll be very windy, with falling temperatures as the day goes on. We can decide on a Lug ascent once at the lake, depending on conditions. Trail shoes if you have them. Meet up at the carpark at the lodge from 12:30, we'll leave for the run from there at 1pm. One way or another, the run will be passing the lake, so we can dump wetsuits there if we are going higher.

Kurt Godel · 27-12-2012 6:10pm

How many will be taking their bikes? Is there any desire to bike up to the lake, run to Lugnachoille and back to the lake, swim, and then bike back down? Don't want to place too much emphasis on what everyone does, but if there's enough for two groups (one with bike, one without), that's an option too.

I guess anyone who fancies mountain biking, just bring 'em along.

Slogger Jogger · 27-12-2012 9:47pm

Seen as a kind hearted soul has offered me a lift I'll leave the bike at home and attempt to run

Have you decided on the route up? Looking at the map theres an option of the shorter run along the Wicklow way before branching off north. Or, staying on the Wicklow way for twice as long and heading towards Corrigasleggaun. The latter being a much wetter option I'd expect. Theres the zig zag / Clohernagh route too but that involves road running (;)).. so looks like option 1 to me?

Kurt Godel · 27-12-2012 10:19pm

Here's the proposed route. Its all trail running to the lake, so even if people only wear road runners that would do. Pretty wet everywhere else, though. The spur to Lug summit is weather dependent. I'd like to come down via the zigzags for the views, but again if the mist and rain is down we can descend the way we came up. I'm using the brilliant EastWest map.

[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fw1maQvL4zI/UNy6PgUAT5I/AAAAAAAAAxo/1F7gfVh5wxI/s800/Glenmalure%20route.jpg" height="590" width="800"[/IMG]

Slogger Jogger · 27-12-2012 10:55pm

Cool thanks. Yeah, like those maps. I've spent lots of time pouring over them looking at names of the various features. I'd be interested to know what sources all combined to provide same.

BeepBeep67 · 27-12-2012 11:09pm

Today Thursday 27th December 2012 mountain rescue were contacted by An Garda Siochana at 16.50hrs for a party of 5 lost on Lugnaquillia Mountain.

The group started their walk from the Glenmalure side of Lugnaquillia Mountain and had become disorientated due to fading light and visibility.

Members of the Dublin/Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and the Glen of Imaal Red Cross Mountain Rescue Team liaised with the group and using the technology “Sarloc” developed by Russ Hore from Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team. Mountain Rescue were able to locate the group who were in the Impact Zone of the Military Artillery Range.

The group who were in good spirits were asked to remain at that location due to the dangerous nature of the impact zone which they had strayed into and await the arrival of mountain rescue and the army range wardens to assist them safely off the mountain.

The group were located safe and well and all 5 were walked safely off the mountain and transported back to Glenmalure where they had began their days walk.

Mountain Rescue would like to thank the army ranger staff for their assistance with this callout.

Let's not become Sunday's Fish and Chips wrappers

Abhainn · 28-12-2012 12:48am

Kurt Godel wrote: »

How many will be taking their bikes? Is there any desire to bike up to the lake, run to Lugnachoille and back to the lake, swim, and then bike back down? Don't want to place too much emphasis on what everyone does, but if there's enough for two groups (one with bike, one without), that's an option too.

I guess anyone who fancies mountain biking, just bring 'em along.

I was thinkin of biking from Wickla to lodge but taxi man may not like idea of taking it back

Kurt Godel · 28-12-2012 1:58am

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Let's not become Sunday's Fish and Chips wrappers

Too true, and I have history from the top of Lug myself (turned second place in a race into a two-hour excursion), so we'll keep a good eye on the weather if we are to ascend it. Horribly easy to get disorientated once the fog and soup roll in.

Oryx · 28-12-2012 9:26am

Serious question: am I too slow to do this with you guys? Don't want to hold anyone back.

Kurt Godel · 28-12-2012 10:03am

Oryx wrote: »

Serious question: am I too slow to do this with you guys? Don't want to hold anyone back.

Serious answer: you're currently a faster runner than I am- and I'll be holding the map. Going up we'll stay as a group, going down , anyone who wants to stretch the legs can go for it. This is all about a good day out somewhere beautiful, and your presence will provide at least 50% of that beauty.

Oryx · 28-12-2012 10:32am

Kurt Godel wrote: »

Serious answer: you're currently a faster runner than I am- and I'll be holding the map. Going up we'll stay as a group, going down , anyone who wants to stretch the legs can go for it. This is all about a good day out somewhere beautiful, and your presence will provide at least 50% of that beauty.

There aren't enough rolleyes in the world for that.....

Kurt Godel · 28-12-2012 10:39am

Oryx wrote: »

There aren't enough rolleyes in the world for that.....

I was laughing as I typed it, its very pukey all right. I couldn't just take your bait and say you're a fast runner, now could I?

shotgunmcos · 28-12-2012 2:32pm

I've a shiny new OS map for that part of the world in the bag. You just never know*.

So I'll aim to be at the lodge for 12:30 ish. Trail runners and wetsuit ready. Decided to leave the mtb at home. Weather promises to be sh!tty and I'd rather stay with the gang for this occasion. Plus I haven't been on a bike in 3 months or mtb in 6 and fear my handling skills have regressed

*secret hopes of getting hopelessly lost with a certain hoochie...

nerraw1111 · 28-12-2012 3:17pm

Enjoy. Looks like a lovely route for the run.

Can't make it myself, due to A) work and

crippling myself for a few days trying to help Africa by running a mile on Christmas day.

Maybe stick some rocks in your backpacks given the windy forecasts.

Kurt Godel · 28-12-2012 4:47pm

See everyone tomorrow at the carpark from 12:30. Forecast is for high winds, so what we do on the day will be based on ground conditions. At the very least we will run to the lake (6.5km from the carpark). Lug summit is another 3.5km from the lake. The lake should be ok to swim in, but we can truncate if it is looking unsafe. Bring as much gear as you think will be needed, especially dry clothes for post-swim. We'll be running back down straight away afterwards so that should help warm everyone up. Look forward to seeing you all there, it should be a great days sport in the hills, and evening in the pub

Xmas Boardies Wicklow shin-dig 29th Dec

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