Laochra na Laoise: Vintage Steel Bike Ride 15th September Port Laoise

Brendan Hennessy · 22-08-2013 12:15am #1

Hi all,

Its back to Reynolds 531, cloth caps and toe clips for Sunday the 15th September. Following on from the interest in the Shay Elliott Vintage Ride in June many asked if there would be another one. So why not?!

This early message is asking you to save the date and note the location - Port Laoise. The start point will be close to the motorway for ease of access and the proposed route will have 2 distances and any amount of early return points. A mid-way point will be in Durrow, where we hope to link in with some vintage enthusiasts there.

As with the Shay Elliott event this is an informal spin: no fee, you need an old bike, training done for 50-80 miles and to obey the rules of the road.

This is also an opportunity for those l'Eroica bound to brag and train and the rest of us to draft and grumble. More details to come but in the meantime save the date. Here's a pic from the Shay Elliott event to remind you of the sunshine!

Harrybelafonte · 22-08-2013 8:31am

I still haven't sorted a steel frame BH, but I just wanted to congratulate you on taking the initiative to organise these rides, I've spoken to cyclists who share an interest in older bikes and we've bemoaned a lack of L'Eroica type spins here. Chapeau and all that!

Daithi BC · 22-08-2013 8:51am

Sounds great - really looking forward to this. Time to start practicing my downtube gear shifts.

25sean · 22-08-2013 9:10am

Was on the Shay Elliott day out, epic spin, well organised, very friendly crowd and PLENTY to talk a to bout!!

Will try to pencil this day in, fair play Brendan!

sarge10 · 22-08-2013 2:55pm

Hi Brendan,

I'm looking forward to it. I'll bring a bike that doesn't unwind its BB this time! Onwards and upwards I say!

Daithi BC · 22-08-2013 5:38pm

sarge10 wrote: »

Hi Brendan,

I'm looking forward to it. I'll bring a bike that doesn't unwind its BB this time! Onwards and upwards I say!

Epic breakdowns are all part of the fun of vintage cycling! See you on the 15th.

Daithi BC · 24-08-2013 3:50pm

I'm just working on the routes and route notes at the minute. The provisional route is available at http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/251955419. The only bit I still need to check is the second climb in the Slieve Blooms. The last time I was there, it was gravelly but passable, so I just want to make sure it's still ok. If it isn't there's a different nice climb to bring us back.

I've done up the route notes for the first 70km as well. Let me know if you think they need any more details.

Brendan Hennessy · 27-08-2013 10:07pm

Hi all,

Many thanks to Dáithí BC for all his work on route and notes. We'll be able to give the location and times shortly. I can imagine those L'Eroica bound won't have a problem with some gravel! As with the Shay Elliott cycle it'll be helpful to know the level of interest.

In the meantime here's a teaser - name the frame builder who had a connection to Cork:

Satdog · 27-08-2013 11:43pm

Holdsworth

dub56 · 27-08-2013 11:59pm

Hi Brendan,
I presume thats your new purchase of a WF Holdsworth.I think the link with Cork was that Hardings sold bikes under their name
that were built by Holdsworth on contract.
I hope to be there on the 15th on my Donaldson, just need to get kitted out .

Brendan Hennessy · 28-08-2013 12:08am

Indeedy it is - made frames for Hardings too. Few bits to be got for it by September. Time to import 'Post vintage Images of Beauty' to this thread?! At l'Eroica you can have your bike photo'd and authenticated and you receive a cert in the post.

Daithi BC · 28-08-2013 11:47am

That looks lovely, Brendan! Hope you get it up and running by the 15th.

I'm off to a pub in Durrow this evening to do a bit of "research" to see if it's a suitable stopping point for us. Will report back tomorrow (but not too early).

eoghan84 · 28-08-2013 12:26pm

this is fierce interesting! does it have to be toe straps?

Daithi BC · 28-08-2013 2:37pm

eoghan84 wrote: »

this is fierce interesting! does it have to be toe straps?

I use toe clips without the straps. I'm not confident enough of my abilities to get the straps undone in time if I need to stop. If you don't want to use a clip, then just a flat pedal would work fine as well.

eoghan84 · 28-08-2013 3:25pm

Daithi BC wrote: »

I use toe clips without the straps. I'm not confident enough of my abilities to get the straps undone in time if I need to stop. If you don't want to use a clip, then just a flat pedal would work fine as well.

thanks Daithi, so the rule is no new school cleats then?

Brendan Hennessy · 28-08-2013 5:58pm

Hi Eoghan,

I have a mental image (or memory!) of cyclists tumbling over at every stop and slow down trying to undo toestraps!

So, as with the Shay Elliott event, we're encouraging people to bring their vintage gear but we're not ones for rules so nobody is going to be turned away because they have automatic pedals - as they were once called - or other such new fangled gadgetry! Sure my old white Look delta pedals are nearly 30 years old.

My experience is that once there people will just wish they did have their own steel frame and retro jersey - so you've a few weeks left to get them if you can, but no need to go to the expense of pedals etc.. Look forward to seeing you there.

Brendan

happytramp · 28-08-2013 9:51pm

eoghan84 wrote: »

thanks Daithi, so the rule is no new school cleats then?

Would seem to be. I usually ride my old bike with the straps a little loose so I don't need to do it by hand.

Brendan Hennessy · 02-09-2013 7:07pm

Hi all,

We've finalised the plans for our vintage bike run Laochra na Laoise on Sunday the 15th of September.

Assemble 9.30am to leave at 10am from Midway Food Court just off the M7 http://www.midwaym7.com/. As with the Shay Elliott spin it would be great to keep people together as a club spin till the 30 mile point at Bob's Bar in Durrow. Bob's Bar doubles as the home of the High Nelly museum. Very apt indeed! http://www.bobsbardurrow.com/

Food Stop: We are organising sandwiches & cake to be had at Bob's for the princely sum of about a fiver (drinks extra!). Of course bring your own food for the spin. It would be helpful if people could confirm their interest/attendance so we have a headcount for numbers (we estimate 30).

Routes: In the meantime Dáithí BC has been tracking the roads of Co. Laois and has created 2 great routes on good surfaces and quiet roads. The short route is shy of 50 miles and the long route just about 80 miles. The long route includes climbs of the Slieve Blooms so have your training done. The route notes (attached) include include more detail and Dáithi has put up the routes on mapmyride:

Long route: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/278099143
Short ride : http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/278099719
please note may my ride distances are miles rather than kilometers.

Bikes & Jerseys: Reynolds 531, Vitus 979, Duralinox, KAS, La Vie Claire, Molteni; you know what we mean. But, hopefully you've noticed we're not too precious about this either but do encourage people to get as much vintage gear as they can. It's up to you to ensure your bike is in good order and, according to Daithí who mapped the route, have decent brakes for the downhills!

Riders: Please do have some miles in your legs (note to self there!). As with the Elliott event not everyone knew everyone so please feel welcome to come to this - you won't be the only one who is joining in for the first time. Riders destined for l'Eroica in October must of course ride up the front and block the wind and jealous grimaces of riders behind.

Back-Up: In the golden era riders had to be able to service their bikes and do their own roadside repairs. While I'm sure we'll look after each other we do not have a back-up driver, unless of course we have a volunteer?

Photography and Photographs: It would be great to get some pics of the bikes up here in the advance and perhaps a budding photographer would be interested in volunteering on the day?

Register of Bikes: Now I'm dreaming?

Questions: Please feel free to ask

Thanks and best wishes

Brendan and Daithi BC

Daithi BC · 03-09-2013 7:52pm

Sounds good, Brendan. I've been over all the roads on the route over the last few weeks. All the road surfaces are in good order, and they've even resurfaced some of it recently. Unfortunately they didn't flatten out any of the hills.

I'll stick up a few thoughts on the climbs later in the week.

sbs2010 · 03-09-2013 10:21pm

Hi

Am wondering about footwear for my old pedals. I've got these

http://www.velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=56109256-da35-4c09-9448-af9dddacab48&Enum=109

But modern shoes for cleats. Should I take off the cleats or just go with runners?

Daithi BC · 04-09-2013 2:02pm

I used to just use a pair of SPD shoes without the cleats. They sort of looked a bit vintage and they had the stiff sole. If you can be bothered to take the cleat off the shoe, then I'd try it to make sure you'll be ok with them and that they don't slip. Otherwise, a pair of runners will do the job.

sbs2010 · 04-09-2013 10:27pm

Just to double-check the routes

The map my ride links posted the other day say:

Long Route = 78km or 48miles
Short Route = 44km or 27miles

And they go in very different directions from Portlaoise.
The provisional route posted in August looks more like it.

winterwarden · 04-09-2013 10:32pm

Hi folks, very excited to join one of these rides at some point, won't be able to make this one, but maybe the next!

Brendan supplied my own Raleigh so I owe it to him to make the effort.

It's great to see the interest in the rides, you're doing a great job, and seriously well done for the organisation. It's hard enough to get a few friends out for a short spin.

Look forward to hearing (and seeing, should a photographer show themselves) how it goes! Also looking forward to the bikeporn that might be posted in advance. Mmm steel.

All the best, Michael.

Safe cycling.

Super Freak · 04-09-2013 11:13pm

sbs2010 wrote: »

Just to double-check the routes

The map my ride links posted the other day say:

Long Route = 78km or 48miles
Short Route = 44km or 27miles

And they go in very different directions from Portlaoise.
The provisional route posted in August looks more like it.

These routes loot like our club spins from last week. I'll contact Daithi tomorrow and I'm sure he will correct that pretty quickly.

Daithi BC · 05-09-2013 11:50am

Sorry - my fault! These are the routes:

Full route: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/251955419
Short route: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/274967077

Brendan - could you please update your post in case people click the links from it.

Brendan Hennessy · 05-09-2013 10:29pm

Hi Guys

Sorry I can't edit my initial post so please all refer to post from Daithi BC for route update. I'm off to cry into my cool tissues (bought in Supervalu for those with long La Vie Claire memories)!

We're not sure of numbers (are we ever?) but please feel free to share info on the ride on your club sites and facebook etc. We don't expect hoards but a pity for people to miss it who would be interested

Best wishes, Brendan

sbs2010 · 05-09-2013 10:56pm

Thanks lads

If I make it, I think it'll be the short route for me.

sarge10 · 06-09-2013 6:43pm

As the hapless victim of the unwinding Italian threaded fixed cup on my 1950's Olmo during the Shay Elliott Vintage ride, I have decided to bring a different bike. They all have English threaded bottom brackets so that's one mishap I won't have again. Now which one of my mounts to bring. I've narrowed it down to four but can't make my mind up which one to bring. So why don't you guys give me an opinion on which one you would like to see in the flesh on the day.

Let me know what you think...

The four to choose from are as follows:

1953 Claud Butler Jubilee
http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/59239888@N06/5459219928/

1959 Maclean Featherweight
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59239888@N06/9685577819/

1982 Peugeot PH12 100 Year Anniversary
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59239888@N06/9685577633/

1986 Peugeot PGN10 Gold Special
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59239888@N06/8638467224/

sy · 06-09-2013 7:21pm

They all look fab. Colour schemes are stunning. Claude Butler if i had to pick one :-) thanks for posting

Daithi BC · 06-09-2013 8:06pm

Another vote for the Claud Butler from me. What's the gearing on it like?

25sean · 06-09-2013 8:32pm

+1 on claude butler.. like to see that front mech shifter up close!

happytramp · 06-09-2013 8:58pm

Claude Butler or first Peugeot....... but those Claude Butler tires need to go.

sarge10 · 07-09-2013 9:20am

Hi Daithi,

Thanks for the kind comments. The gearing is 1950's Cyclo Benelux. The rear mech is pull chain operated and has a 4 speed block. The front is a hand operated plunger operated mech, it's a simple highly effective changer. They both work well.

The Maclean has the Simplex versions of this type of mech.

Regards

Paul

Brendan Hennessy · 07-09-2013 10:09pm

Another vote for Claud Butler but also a request to bring the Maclean for show and tell!

Brendan

Daithi BC · 09-09-2013 2:39pm

I'm meeting the caterer tomorrow to confirm numbers. Current plans are for sandwiches and chocolate biscuit cake, so let me know if you have any other requests. Eroica-style red wine will be available from the bar after 12:30pm!

eoghan84 · 09-09-2013 3:37pm

Daithi BC wrote: »

I'm meeting the caterer tomorrow to confirm numbers. Current plans are for sandwiches and chocolate biscuit cake, so let me know if you have any other requests. Eroica-style red wine will be available from the bar after 12:30pm!

hi Daithi, Im planning on coming too. Just have to double check the bike a few times. Planning on doing the rebel tour the day before but on a different bike, have the jersey ready

Brendan Hennessy · 09-09-2013 9:02pm

Daithi BC · 10-09-2013 12:24pm

I'm happy to say that I've just sampled the chocolate biscuit cake for Sunday, and it meets my very high standards!

Thought I'd put up a few thoughts on the routes. The "short" route (http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/274967077) is generally flat, so anyone with a 42-15 bottom gear will be fine. There are two steep, but very short hills (probably 600m in total), and you can even avoid the first and steepest one of those if you want. After the food stop in Durrow, it's more or less completely flat all the way home.

I'll stick up a preview of the climbs in the Slieve Blooms later on in the week. If you're going to head up there, you'll need good brakes and low gears or strong legs!

Brendan Hennessy · 12-09-2013 6:42pm

Hi all,

Sunday is fast approaching (9.30 @ M7 Mid-Way food stop, Junction 17) and hopefully this small vintage event will grow to bigger things in the future. Daithi has recced a few optional routes and further stops for the longer route if meteorological conditions require it. But remember vintage bikes don't get their genuine old look patina without a little rain (nor our men & women of steel reputations)!

Dermot Illogical · 12-09-2013 8:36pm

Weather conditions, eh?

http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/united-kingdom-ireland-wind/17649125 :eek:

The tax man · 12-09-2013 10:20pm

Hmmm...... I'll be keeping a close eye on the weather for this one.

Daithi BC · 13-09-2013 1:40pm

I just watched the BBC forecast. We're not going to get sunburnt, but I don't think it's as bad as the original forecast I saw. The short route is pretty sheltered all the way around, so I suspect we may end up skipping the Slieve Blooms and just doing the 80km route, but if it's not too bad, there is a shorter and less exposed route through the mountains as well.

Forecast from yr.no (who I find pretty good for a 48 hour forecast): http://www.yr.no/place/Ireland/Leinster/Portlaoise/ - if they're right it's about 25 to 32km/h winds (8 to 9 m/s).

Despite the warning on their homepage, Accuweather are only giving 18km/h winds with gusts up to 26km/h for the Portlaoise area (http://www.accuweather.com/en/ie/port-laoise/210189/daily-weather-forecast/210189?day=3).

Even the met.ie 5 day forecast (http://www.met.ie/forecasts/5day-ireland.asp) is only giving about 28km/h (15 knots) and the rain doesn't look too bad either.

I would definitely bring some non-vintage rain gear with you, but after that, I think we should be ok.

Brendan Hennessy · 13-09-2013 2:19pm

Thanks Dáithí,

Let's go for it! I'm just going to check if I have a spare set of Bluemel mudguards!

Here's the video from last weeks event in Utrecht - all double dutch to me, but I'm sure I understood someone was saying I'd just love to go to Laois! The pic at 11minutes speaks to me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyrxEegHtHM

Brendan

eoghan84 · 15-09-2013 6:29pm

Hi Brendan and Daithi, I didn't manage to make it mainly because I did the Rebel Tour yesterday and I was a bit wrecked today. Hope you had a good time!

Daithi BC · 15-09-2013 8:11pm

eoghan84 wrote: »

Hi Brendan and Daithi, I didn't manage to make it mainly because I did the Rebel Tour yesterday and I was a bit wrecked today. Hope you had a good time!

Hi Eoghan. No problem. Hope you had a good day yesterday. You missed an epic battle this morning! Lots of wind and rain until the food stop, but then it brightened up, and we had sunshine until the finish.

Thanks to everyone who turned up, and hope you enjoyed it. Thanks also to Bob's Bar in Durrow who provided free tea and coffee for everyone and to Marie Delaney for the catering.

Super Freak · 15-09-2013 10:10pm

Jaysus lads weren't ye fierce unfortunate with that shower of rain

Very sorry I had to rush off, The company was good but the CAKE :eek:

A motley crew if there ever was one...........................

To give an idea of how wet it was here's Daithi wringing out his socks at the half way point...... Notice the bright sunshine in the background. The sky opened to give the heaviest rain in months about 10 min before this pic was taken.

Again, apologies for having to rush off but I got a shot of Brendan just as I was leaving (Who was slightly behind the arrival of the main bunch).

Super Freak · 15-09-2013 10:16pm

The Machines

And Finally, Bobby Campion. Proprietor of the best bar in Laois, home of Bob's bar and cycling museum. A true gentleman in every way. (although The Fishermans inn in Vicarstown comes in a very close second place).

happytramp · 16-09-2013 4:21pm

Yeah it was a great ride. I was too wrecked last night to actually comment on it but the whole thing was fantastic, well done to DathiBC and Brendan. The first half was quite the epic struggle in torrential rains and gales force winds but after the food stop it all got much more pleasant. I'll defo do it again if it's on next year and look forward to seeing some of the guy's at L'Eroica in two weeks.

Daithi BC · 16-09-2013 4:46pm

I'd like to run it again next year, preferably with better weather! The addition of the Slieve Bloom circuit would make it a good tough day out. Hope to see you at L'Eroica as you power past me on a strada bianca hill.

sbs2010 · 16-09-2013 9:15pm

Great spin - big thanks to Daithi and Brendan. And to Bob and the lady who did the food.

The chocolate biscuit cake alone was worth the trip.

Spin from Durrow straight back to Portlaoise on my own was grand - don't think it was 20km but it was long enough to more or less dry out.

Sean.

Brendan Hennessy · 16-09-2013 10:14pm

Quick response and report from me: first, thanks to all above, not to omit Super Freak's photos.

Nine souls turned out for this first l'Eroica inspired Laochra na Laoise spin, only six returned. Dramatic pause.

The weather forecast should really have put us off, as it did quite a few, but maybe we are more hardy than fools. The route was fantastic, climbs manageable (in my case on 48x24), the roads both quiet and good quality. No doubt beyond the low mist were panoramic views of the Sliabh Blooms and of otherwise unknown Irish landscape for many. A route highly recommended for anyone who finds themselves in the midlands.

Shortly after reaching the summit of the long [not 200 meters Daithi BC] country climb (remember that water colour of Roche and Delgado?) we lost a man who smashed a bottle, of wine, against his frame. Maybe French wines are not meant for Italian bikes. Personally I would have waited till the contents were warming my toes, but in this case, and in that deluge, the run off will have inebriated the good folk of Timahoe. Alas John was never seen again. 1 down.

Shortly after that Sarge lost his head....set! All of those who voted Claud Butler voted for the frame and not the componentry. 2 down, but thankfully he was rescued and deposited in Durrow by this time riding a Peugeot centenary special.

Colm. Disappeared on a Donaldson. 3 Down.

Between Timahoe and Durrow the group fractured, splintered, near drowned and was flailed by highwinds and foliage. It was only as I followed behind, broom wagon style, and spluttering falling leaves from my mouth, did I realise this was a classic. Then the sun shone. I remembered that scene from The Perfect Storm with trepidation. My 700x19 lost traction on the incline, but I was never in as much danger as George Clooney's boat.

Finally in Durrow the remaining assembled, patiently waiting for yours truly. Finally too, we were able to enjoy and reminisce about the retro gear that had been hidden under rain jackets and gilets. Of the bikes Tax Man's Colnago and Happy Tramps A.J. Rickert(?) took the spoils. Durrow will be visited again. Bob's Bar is the perfect venue. Not only does Durrow deserve respect, so does Bob. He treated us most generously despite our small numbers and the pool of waters that collected around our feet. Thankfully his floors are not carpeted.

The route home was about getting home. Hopefully next year we'll get to ascend to the high hills of the Midlands and behold all Laoise offers. And for those of us who rode Laochra na Laoise this year, we know we did it classic style, be that the Falling Leaves of Laoise, or Laoise Bastogne Laoise (as a clubmate commented).

Best wishes to those who soon set off for l'Eroica, especially Ferdia on his trek on a Raleigh Ritmo - as someone said it's all downhill from Switzerland. Hopefully you'll all have found this - a vintage spin.

Brendan

Laochra na Laoise: Vintage Steel Bike Ride 15th September Port Laoise

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