Is it safe to cycle home this evening...

fillup · 17-11-2015 02:16PM #1

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/wind-warnings-in-place-as-country-braced-for-storm-barney-1.2433190

Orange Alert this afternoon with some councils advising:

"Members of the public are advised to remain indoors where possible during the storm"

So is it safe to brave the gusts in Dublin this evening?

well spoken man · 17-11-2015 02:19PM

I got no choice tonight....ginna be good fun....

easygoing39 · 17-11-2015 02:22PM

Its supposed to be dry but very very windy from 7pm onwards.If it aint raining I'll be out for a 90 minute training spin.Dont see a problem to be honest.

seamus · 17-11-2015 02:38PM

Status Orange I'd generally give it go. Status Red I'd give it a miss.

Play it by ear. Better to get home 15 minutes late than not at all - so that might mean changing your route to take you through quieter/more sheltered residential streets or whatever. And just generally don't be stupid about it - if you're getting pummelled, turn around, go back to work, lock up your bike and take an alternative home.

Beasty · 17-11-2015 02:38PM

Everyone - cut out the abuse. This is your first and final warning

17-11-2015 02:39PM

Put your headphones on. You be fine!

fillup · 17-11-2015 02:40PM

think i'll be dismounting going over the East Link this evening so - Thanks lads!

The Sidewards Man · 17-11-2015 02:41PM

I would use the granny cog to cycle against the wind.

seamus · 17-11-2015 02:44PM

fillup wrote: »

think i'll be dismounting going over the East Link this evening so - Thanks lads!

Not sure of your route, but assuming you're going south to north, that whole road up to the bridge will be a bit of a nightmare to cycle on in this weather. I would suggest going through Ringsend and the turning up Thorncastle Street. At the end of that street you can walk through the gap in the wall onto the East Link. It won't be a huge diversion, but it'll be way more sheltered.

Beasty · 17-11-2015 02:44PM

Used to think nothing about braving the wind. Think on a couple of occasions I commuted when the gusts were being recorded at over 90 km/h. I have (and had) the advantage of a bit more ballast than most, but there's no way I'd risk it nowadays

fillup · 17-11-2015 02:45PM

The Sidewards Man wrote: »

I would use the granny cog to cycle against the wind.

Singlespeed for the commute so no easier gear options i'm afraid!

TBH it's not the extra effort that prompted me to start this thread - it's the steering in the gusts that's the issue

fillup · 17-11-2015 02:48PM

seamus wrote: »

Not sure of your route, but assuming you're going south to north, that whole road up to the bridge will be a bit of a nightmare to cycle on in this weather. I would suggest going through Ringsend and the turning up Thorncastle Street. At the end of that street you can walk through the gap in the wall onto the East Link. It won't be a huge diversion, but it'll be way more sheltered.

That Ringsend route up to the hole-in-wall is part of my home commute alright Seamus. Thanks for the advice

Beasty · 17-11-2015 02:50PM

fillup wrote: »

it's the steering in the gusts that's the issue

There are a couple of bridges over the M1 around Swords that really catch it when the wind is strong. There's a definite funnelling effect, although it tends to be reasonably predictable in those scenarios. I do find though that you really can get a bit of a blast through gateways and other gaps in hedges if the wind is in the "wrong" direction

Wishbone Ash · 17-11-2015 02:53PM

QuelleSuprise wrote: »

There are 77mph gusts promised for Dublin. That is an extreme speed. If you are on a light bike there is a very good chance of getting a few KOM's

FYP

godtabh · 17-11-2015 02:53PM

Beasty wrote: »

Used to think nothing about braving the wind. Think on a couple of occasions I commuted when the gusts were being recorded at over 90 km/h. I have (and had) the advantage of a bit more ballast than most, but there's no way I'd risk it nowadays

I'd be the same. Been out in some windy conditions when I didnt know any better.

fillup · 17-11-2015 03:00PM

Beasty wrote: »

I do find though that you really can get a bit of a blast through gateways and other gaps in hedges if the wind is in the "wrong" direction

yeah i've encountered a few nasty blasts coming up East Wall over the years from the side streets. Deffo ones to watch if you don't want to end up being pushed into traffic

sconhome · 17-11-2015 03:10PM

fillup wrote: »

"Members of the public are advised to remain indoors where possible during the storm"

So is it safe to brave the gusts in Dublin this evening?

It may be silly in light of the warning to go out unless it is absolutely necessary.

Gusts and side winds on the bike are no joke especially in traffic. But the higher risks of flying debris taking you off the bike can't be predicted. Lot of hazards and if there is rain involved.....

Can you get a bus home instead?

sconhome · 17-11-2015 03:12PM

Literally as I wrote that, traffic cones went sliding up the road in front of me causing cars to jam on.

tigerboon · 17-11-2015 03:15PM

fillup wrote: »

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/wind-warnings-in-place-as-country-braced-for-storm-barney-1.2433190

Orange Alert this afternoon with some councils advising:

"Members of the public are advised to remain indoors where possible during the storm"

So is it safe to brave the gusts in Dublin this evening?

It's called Barney FFS!!! .

Taxuser1 · 17-11-2015 03:17PM

Slightly off topic but has anyone compiled a readily available list of strava sections for use tonight ?

pm me

Darkglasses · 17-11-2015 03:18PM

Wexford is missing the worst of the wind I think. I have had to terminate a commute because of strong winds before - if you don't feel safe, why bother. Certainly not worth impressing people online if you don't feel you can ride safely.

rubberdungeon · 17-11-2015 03:26PM

From the Wicklow Weather Facebook Account:

UPDATE #4 STORM BARNEY 1330HRS)

AREA: MUNSTER, STH CONNACHT, LEINSTER.

RISK: ***SEVERE***

TIMELINE: THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

This is our final updated advisory for Storm Barney. We will however post updates for nowcasts, travel disruption etc.
Potentially violent storm force gusting to hurricane force for a short period of time along the County Clare coastline this afternoon. Do not travel unless its absolutely necessary in West Munster.

Further afield and anywhere in a line south of Meath to Mayo expect winds to reach (125kmh) damaging storm force gusting to violent storm force by the afternoon and tonight in particular Dublin, Wicklow. Leinster sea areas 130kmh+
Expect power outages in Leinster, Munster and travel disruption to commuters and air travel.

Be aware of fallen tree's and damage to buildings. Avoid secondary rural road networks if at all possible even in inland area.

***Do not use motorbikes, pedal bikes**** and high sided vehicles this evening and tonight.

Plastik · 17-11-2015 03:34PM

23k commute home ahead of me on my single speed heading south into a south westerly. Will be in the drops!

fillup · 17-11-2015 03:35PM

Thanks for the feedback guys – and yes AKW I can get the bus but this evenings of all evenings wouldn’t suit due to busy schedule

I’ll make a call at 16:00

Stay Safe out there Folks!

fillup · 17-11-2015 03:36PM

AKW wrote: »

Literally as I wrote that, traffic cones went sliding up the road in front of me causing cars to jam on.

i hope you weren't driving/cycling and posting at the same time!

tunney · 17-11-2015 03:37PM

fillup wrote: »

think i'll be dismounting going over the East Link this evening so - Thanks lads!

just came from there its a slightly higher than normal gust

sconhome · 17-11-2015 03:38PM

fillup wrote: »

i hope you weren't driving/cycling and posting at the same time!

Standing in a shop looking out

cdaly_ · 17-11-2015 04:24PM

QuelleSuprise wrote: »

There are 77mph gusts promised for Dublin.

Oh and actually, according to the Beaufort scale any wind over 73mph is hurricane force.

rubberdungeon wrote: »

From the Wicklow Weather Facebook Account:

Potentially violent storm force gusting to hurricane force for a short period of time along the County Clare coastline this afternoon.

<pedant mode>
For info, the Beaufort scale refers only to sustained mean wind speeds and not to gusts. It is therefore incorrect to use the term 'gusting to hurricane force'.
</pedant mode>

topcat77 · 17-11-2015 04:41PM

If in doubt don't.
If you haven't the experience don't

Or

Start cycling and if you don't feel comfortable you can walk with it.

I'm in Galway and will be cycling home tonight but I've my heavy all weather bike, plenty of experience and a cycle path the majority of the way and only 5k to cover.

mcgratheoin · 17-11-2015 04:48PM

I'm going to leave a bit early (before the traffic really starts) and take it handy - I may modify my route if it's really bad although I don't have that many options.

The Ging and I · 17-11-2015 04:56PM

fillup wrote: »

think i'll be dismounting going over the East Link this evening so - Thanks lads!

Been there - don't that !

Is it safe to cycle home this evening...

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