Tell us about your new improved government regulations compliant cycle part II

Luxman · 14-02-2019 10:06pm

I have had a plan for a while to tackle some of the Dublin/Wicklow mountains, not being that close to the area to frequent it more often. So drove out to Old Bawn, within 500m I punctured, quick repair and then up Cunard to the Featherbeds, then down toward Enniskerry in search of the Full Wall. Got a bit lost around Lacken forest but did find the start and baby sweet Jesus what a start. Thought the Wahoo had gone haywire as it showed 27% gradient at one point. Got to the Old Long hill and down towards Roundwood. Then up to Sally Gap and back towards Glencree and Stocking Lane. Glorious day out, windy enough at exposed points. 65K with 1500m, far too much and I am now officially knackered/shredded.

mr spuckler · 15-02-2019 2:43pm

I'd planned on heading to the mountains too but the wind and potential for ice (was meant to be down to 3 degrees at ground level last night) put me off. short 50km spin up Howth and as far as Malahide then back to Raheny instead. it really was beautiful out when not getting beaten by that headwind.

secman · 15-02-2019 4:59pm

Last night ,
Headed up Cruagh to viewing point and up old military road and down cunard, glenasmole, bohernabreena, old mill and home.
33 km , 570 meters, avg just under 21kph.
Very mild and strong enough headwind, but cold on the descent, watching out for sheep sleep walking

Group of 4 of us, met a lone soul up there, he went Glencree, Enniskerry . Lovely night spin.
Dublin looked well, all lit up .

ED E · 16-02-2019 3:03pm

120/1500 @23.

Gorgeous dawn followed by grey and rainy then back to lovely again. God bless global warming.

pjmn · 16-02-2019 3:34pm

Solo spin out west, breezy on the way back in... 62km @ 26.6kmph

https://www.strava.com/activities/2152842354

rushfan · 16-02-2019 4:45pm

Took delivery of a brand-new Cube Attain yesterday. Spent an hour or 2 fluting around with it. Just back from the inaugural spin and have to say I'm really impressed. There's some difference between it & it's predecessor, a 9 speed Raleigh Airlite. Anyway, 36km in savage crosswinds around the airport.

velo.2010 · 16-02-2019 4:48pm

Constant cross head wind, out and back, on the Mullingar greenway today. Regardless of the South/South Westerly wind, there seems to be no relief on the way back to Mullingar apart from maybe the last few kms.

Good spin anyhow.

Alexzont · 16-02-2019 6:25pm

First club spin of the year out with some lads from St Tiernan's. Great craic! They where doing a reccy of Dorey's forge for an upcoming race and I was getting in the groove for bunch riding. Had a poxy wind the whole way.

https://www.strava.com/activities/2152914691

secman · 16-02-2019 10:47pm

Had to be back early this morning for grandsons footy, so hit the road at 6:30 am, pitch dark, so had lights on board. Up embankment, down Lisheen, manor Kilbride, 3 castles, blessington, out onto n81, left turn for Valleymount, around the lake drive, 3 castles, manor Kilbride and home. 70 km 600+ meters Avg 26.2 kph. Windy enough. Only got daylight st blessington,

Obviously Solo, no takers for a 6:30 am start

16-02-2019 11:25pm

First puncture of the year near Clogherhead this morning, and had two cars stop while I was changing tubes to see if I was stuck and needed help. Good know know folk out that way are of the helpful sort. Second fella that stopped had a track pump in the boot for me and even offered me a tube !!!!! Pump was much appreciated so if that fella posts here thanks Derek.

I've being saying to myself for ages I should carry a few bits in the car in case I meet someone in need so I'll be doing so from tomorrow on.

secman · 16-02-2019 11:36pm

I've been advocating it for a while here and on Strava, I carry an old track pump , a tube, a tyre with life left in it, tyre levers in the boot of the car.

rushfan · 16-02-2019 11:52pm

secman wrote:

Had to be back early this morning for grandsons footy, so hit the road at 6:30 am, pitch dark, so had lights on board. Up embankment, down Lisheen, manor Kilbride, 3 castles, blessington, out onto n81, left turn for Valleymount, around the lake drive, 3 castles, manor Kilbride and home. 70 km 600+ meters Avg 26.2 kph. Windy enough. Only got daylight st blessington,

Christ Secman, dedication. Respect

magicbastarder · 17-02-2019 1:58pm

Fairly flat 72km this morning, real west of Ireland weather, blustery, sunny, rainy, repeat. Passed a bunch of lads near dunboyne, just as at least two of them had picked up punctures simultaneously, and possibly a third too. I managed to escape any such issues, but was travelling in the opposite direction which may have made the difference.

secman · 17-02-2019 2:56pm

Headed into Gorey, for a spin with Gorey cc touring group, Carnew, Bunclody, Ferns and back to Gorey. 83 km 840 metres Avg 27.5 kph

Cool down spin from Gorey back to house, 15 km Avg 21 kph

98km for the day.

Edit anyone else having a problem uploading to Strava today ?

magicbastarder · 17-02-2019 3:02pm

Yep, they're reporting issues.

secman · 17-02-2019 7:11pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

Yep, they're reporting issues.

Any one else having a problem uploading to Strava ?

magicbastarder · 17-02-2019 7:17pm

garmin connect is now having issues. i had to import my ride manually to strava.

Daroxtar · 17-02-2019 7:20pm

Did the Ray Crinion spin today. Hell for leather most of the way. Last year I had a spill in Kilucan and the weather was utterly miserable so I abandoned as I passed the house. This year was much better. Nice bright dry day, stayed upright. The breeze was a blessing and a curse, headwind kept things fairly civil for the first 20-30 km from Trim to Ballivor and on through Kilucan but once we got back out onto the dual carraigeway near Mullingar things took a step up in pace. That held to Coralstown then on to Kinnegad, only slowing a little bit when we swing a bit more into the wind from there past Clonard.
I was in the front bunch all the way to Moy valley but there's only so far a young lad like me can hang on for once the big boys come out to play. Rode solo from Mother Hubbards through Longwood and into Trim with a good tailwind.
Lovely baked potato with beans and cheese, cuppa, biscuits and then a smack in the face with that breeze slaughtering me and 2 clubmates all the way back to Longwood. Finished with 109 km in 3.14.48 @ 33.1kmh with the sportive itself coming in at 76 km@35.9kmh.
Cobwebs well shook off!!

https://www.strava.com/activities/2155614244/segments/54362139638

ED E · 17-02-2019 7:21pm

secman wrote: »

Any one else having a problem uploading to Strava ?

https://status.strava.com

shaka · 17-02-2019 9:48pm

Donal Crowley spin in Blarney today, grand 97 km. Bitch of a wind for last 40 km

secman · 17-02-2019 10:34pm

ED E wrote: »

https://status.strava.com

Saying now it's fixed but I still can't load an activity today to Strava that I can see on Garmin, pain in the was

Edit, manually uploaded the spin to Strava, thanks to a bit of help, thanks Derek.

positron · 17-02-2019 10:47pm

Went for short ride around south of Drogheda today, first spin this year and first activity of any sort after coming down with flu and the tailbone pain that just won't go away. Felt great though - beautiful day, lovely views (Drogheda-Duleek-Julianstown-Laytown-Mornington-Drogheda) and felt like a new person.. well it's starting to wear off now, and looking forward to some good rides this year. (Hoping to do day riding Galway-Drogh, and if stars align right - huge IF - m2m over 3/4 days).

secman · 17-02-2019 11:18pm

secman wrote: »

Saying now it's fixed but I still can't load an activity today to Strava that I can see on Garmin, pain in the ass.

Managed to manually upload it to Strava, thanks to help ftom both guys i pestered

mr spuckler · 18-02-2019 11:22am

Deleted User wrote: »

First puncture of the year near Clogherhead this morning, and had two cars stop while I was changing tubes to see if I was stuck and needed help. Good know know folk out that way are of the helpful sort. Second fella that stopped had a track pump in the boot for me and even offered me a tube !!!!! Pump was much appreciated so if that fella posts here thanks Derek.

I've being saying to myself for ages I should carry a few bits in the car in case I meet someone in need so I'll be doing so from tomorrow on.

secman wrote: »

Saying now it's fixed but I still can't load an activity today to Strava that I can see on Garmin, pain in the was

Edit, manually uploaded the spin to Strava, thanks to a bit of help, thanks Derek.

at this rate of soundness I'll call my next born Derek

:pac:

Alanstrainor · 18-02-2019 11:25am

Brutal headwind this morning coming into town from North Dublin. I was down to a crawl for the most part, lowish blood sugar not helping matters either! It was good resistance training however, I do feel I need a bit of a kick into gear I've been slacking!

mr spuckler · 18-02-2019 11:39am

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Brutal headwind this morning coming into town from North Dublin. I was down to a crawl for the most part, lowish blood sugar not helping matters either! It was good resistance training however, I do feel I need a bit of a kick into gear I've been slacking!

I'm always ok with that cruel headwind into work as long as I get the evening time payback! a strong headwind on the way home regardless of how it was in the morning is another matter :mad:

not yet · 18-02-2019 7:12pm

20k home after work into a whore of a headwind, The sofa ever felt so good..

Cunningham road felt endless.

Type 17 · 21-02-2019 9:31am

It was warm in Dublin yesterday (13/14 degC) - went out with shorts and short-sleeve jersey for the city centre to Howth loop - bring on Spring!

I wasn't cold at all TBH, but got some stares from others who were all wrapped-up.

magicbastarder · 21-02-2019 9:34am

yep, this morning was the first morning for me in short sleeves and fingerless gloves. lovely morning for it, and traffic was lighter than usual, i guess because of the schools.

mr spuckler · 21-02-2019 11:10am

I should've gone down that path but instead was just a ball of sweat when I got in to work

Alanstrainor · 21-02-2019 11:13am

Yep, short sleeve for me today and it was beautiful. Warm, bright blue sky and a bit of a head wind to keep the heart rate up. I don't want to get too excited given what happened last year in March, but fingers crossed!

mr spuckler · 22-02-2019 4:44pm

quiet week at work so headed up the mountains this morning.

Raheny to Cruagh, Featherbeds, Sally gap, descended towards Manor Kilbride then turned right at Kippure estate to take me up past the Kilbride army camp, down Ballinascorney and home.

84km and I'll blame the wind and my complete lack of fitness for the 22kph average

the wind was awful at times too though, up past the featherbeds was torture!

I did top out at 85kph on a descent just before Ballinascorney

secman · 22-02-2019 9:09pm

mr spuckler wrote: »

quiet week at work so headed up the mountains this morning.

Raheny to Cruagh, Featherbeds, Sally gap, descended towards Manor Kilbride then turned right at Kippure estate to take me up past the Kilbride army camp, down Ballinascorney and home.

84km and I'll blame the wind and my complete lack of fitness for the 22kph average the wind was awful at times too though, up past the featherbeds was torture!

I did top out at 85kph on a descent just before Ballinascorney

Just saw it on Strava, fair play, good solid spin,

mr spuckler · 23-02-2019 9:53am

secman wrote: »

Just saw it on Strava, fair play, good solid spin,

I was wondering who that was! Wind aside it was a lovely day to be out.

secman · 23-02-2019 1:07pm

Spin with Noble Nudge this morning, out to blessington, on to Hollywood , up the drag and on to the lake drive, , Lacken, three castles, manor Kilbride and home. 76km, 800m , avg 26kph.

Good company, made Hollywood and around lake drive fly in

Windy but mild and dry

pjmn · 23-02-2019 3:08pm

67km this morning - strong westerly, but dry roads and very mild out... averaged 27.8 kmph

https://www.strava.com/activities/2169109768

Weepsie · 23-02-2019 5:38pm

As ever went out later than planned. Knew it was to rain a bit at 12 or so. Headed for Naul, via Airport, Garristown and Snowtown. Stopped for a coffee and Scone and to see if I could see a suspiciously rich local dolling out their euromillions win. Alas no cash to give. I had 65 km done by then, but it was only 26 to home, so turned off the R122 and headed for the R130 to add an extra few km. It wasn't quite enough so ended up doing an up and down around Santry to get those last 3 km!

Legs started to groan at me for having got up Ticknock yesterday

Roads were very mucky. Most of it is from farms, which is grand, but the hill into Naul, it's all from the building site and they're making no effort to clean it.
100 km at 25 kmph in under just 4 hours.

https://www.strava.com/activities/2169619281

23-02-2019 6:45pm

Went out for an hour early this morning after feeding and changing the baby, uneventful 25km until I got back into town and came across the fire brigade tending to the thatched cottage beside The Thatch pub on Donore rd. Opted for a bunny hop over the hose as I didn't fancy riding over the little ramps they have over it for cars.

I didn't stop to rubber neck, but from what I saw passing it'll need about a 4x3m section of the thatch roof repaired. New roof was only finished a while back too having being near ruin for a long time.

North of 32 · 23-02-2019 7:10pm

I was supposed to do 88km but got lost and ended up doing 111km. I have no idea how I finished it.

It was also my first ride using my new bolt. Good fun looking at the numbers afterward and strava.

rushfan · 23-02-2019 10:56pm

Weepsie wrote:

Roads were very mucky. Most of it is from farms, which is grand, but the hill into Naul, it's all from the building site and they're making no effort to clean it. 100 km at 25 kmph in under just 4 hours.

I was out on Thurs & Fri, roads very clumpy around Ballyboughal, dried clumps of luck from the fields. A bit like cycling over stones at times.

AndrewJRenko · 24-02-2019 11:05am

rushfan wrote: »

I was out on Thurs & Fri, roads very clumpy around Ballyboughal, dried clumps of luck from the fields. A bit like cycling over stones at times.

Good luck with that.

magicbastarder · 24-02-2019 1:48pm

similarly clumpy around bellewstown/the mall etc. this morning.
and quite misty too.

for some reason my earworm this morning was 'stutter rap (no sleep till bedtime)'. i have not got a clue why, i haven't heard it in years.

Luxman · 24-02-2019 3:43pm

Club spin brought us to Brew in Ballyboughal, and for the second time in about 4 weeks they ran out of scones, I even mentioned on the club WhatsApp last night (they'd better have enough). Luckily I had some homemade cookies with me to get me over Bellewstown a few times. Placed was packed but I'm beginning to wonder why.

ED E · 24-02-2019 4:47pm

Luxman wrote: »

Club spin brought us to Brew in Ballyboughal, and for the second time in about 4 weeks they ran out of scones, I even mentioned on the club WhatsApp last night (they'd better have enough). Luckily I had some homemade cookies with me to get me over Bellewstown a few times. Placed was packed but I'm beginning to wonder why.

Lifes to short for that kinda messing, we blacklist places like that.

Eg the Wicklow Heather, called the day before to say there'd be a good few of us turning up. Still had to wait while they microwaved frozen scones....now we go to Ann's even if she can be a grouch at times.

rushfan · 24-02-2019 5:51pm

We badly need a new thread here "Tell us about your scones today!"

secman · 24-02-2019 7:40pm

Spin with Gorey cc this morning, Killenagh, Gorey, Ferns, took a right turn in Ferns, out towards Kilteally ?, and eventually Enniscorthy and back to Ferns , lads were heading back to Gorey, I took right turn in Ferns for The Harrow, Boolavogue, ballyedmund and home. 100km Avg 27.6 kph, 810m.

Absolutely destroyed today, thick thick fog, roads were filthy, Sunny South East !

dahat · 24-02-2019 7:58pm

124km for me today with a buddy who started me out on the bike plus dragged me around the roads when I was awfully slow etc.

As Secman says the mist & fog were bad at times but we plugged away and when he tied up I was able to repay the favour and get him home. Overall a really decent day on the bike with chats about times gone by.

Sometimes we all need that help to get home.

magicbastarder · 24-02-2019 8:22pm

it was weird cycling in that mist; it was like cycling in a bubble about 200m in diameter, especially when i was on roads around bellewstown for a bit which i've not been on before and had no familiar visual references.

shaka · 24-02-2019 9:02pm

85 km with the club, very slow avg today. 1200mtr climbing, hit a few new nasty climbs

positron · 24-02-2019 9:22pm

I climbed Slieve Donard (on foot of course) in that mist / fog / cloud this morning. Visibility was down to 20 meters or so the whole way up and most of the way down. Saw absolutely nothing. Good walk though, I will have to try again on a summers day.

I cycled up to Newcastle yesterday (from Drogheda). It went smoothly up until past Dundalk, but the wind was howling as I turned south to go to Greenore to get Carlingford ferry. Got the 10:30 service, which had grand total of 1 car & 1 bike (mine), and the wind was like nothing I have experienced. Even the crew was looking surprised how quickly the tide was coming in, and it was freezing, especially since I was wearing bib shorts for the 11-12 degree weather forecast going for Drogheda in the morning. Greencastle to Kilkeel to Annalong to Newcastle - some against the wind, some with the wind - it went alright overall, enjoyable given the time of the year and wrong choice of clothing, and it was dry. Nice pool and facilities at Slieve Donard at the other end made it even better.

Approx 93k, not much of elevation (340m) and a ferry crossing.

Fun bit of the ride was just after Kilkeel or so, a cyclist overtook me and shouted something, probably a hello I thought, he was going at a very good clip. A minute later I see a car with orange lights overtaking me. Hmmm, that looks a lot like a lead car.. or is it? Half way into that thought, I hear someone shouting over my shoulder and this ginormous peloton buzzes by me - I was probably doing 22-23 kmph slight uphill and it felt these guys were just zipping past in a blur - in a tight pack knees-elbows-wheels all so close to each other. I have never ridden in a peloton or even in a large group to have any experience of this, and to see what is actually going on in there was incredible. Off they went into distance, and soon I was being overtaken my smaller groups - 4 to 5, then a couple, couple more, and an odd person fighting it out just like me. Looking at Strava flybys, it was West Town Wheelers sportive - 100 km coastal run. They don't hang about clearly.

Tell us about your new improved government regulations compliant cycle part II

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