Mini Evil 2020 July 18th

magicbastarder · 24-06-2020 11:03pm

well, that gave me a chuckle.

godtabh · 25-06-2020 12:10am

magicbastarder wrote: »

well, that gave me a chuckle.

That’s the drinking time after

godtabh · 25-06-2020 12:11am

magicbastarder wrote: »

well, that gave me a chuckle.

That’s the drinking time after

irishrover99 · 25-06-2020 7:03pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

well, that gave me a chuckle.

Is that your moving time? Looks like you are already to go this weekend.

Weepsie · 25-06-2020 10:03pm

I may try this sometime between the 19th and 26th if I can get off work.

at1withmyself · 26-06-2020 2:20pm

I think I'm in, well I have an airport drop that morning so will be in Dublin so why not!

Is there an 'official' start time and location? Also anyone recommend somewhere close by I could leave a car for the day?

irishrover99 · 26-06-2020 2:59pm

at1withmyself wrote: »

I think I'm in, well I have an airport drop that morning so will be in Dublin so why not!

Is there an 'official' start time and location? Also anyone recommend somewhere close by I could leave a car for the day?

Usually we meet about 7 but I think this year we can leave at 8 as it’s only a mini evil. The meeting spot/start location is the Luas bridge in Dundrum so you could park many places nearby in estates or I don’t live too far away you could park on my road if needed. Lamb Doyle’s pub car park has been used by a few before I believe. Many choices around there.

Wishbone Ash · 26-06-2020 4:24pm

We're going to be fairly restricted with food stops. Roundwood and Laragh are about the only places that will have a shop open.

I'm presuming that, if the Glenmalure Inn is open, it will be by booking only which won't be practical for us.

I don't fancy a day eating out of my pockets.

irishrover99 · 26-06-2020 9:18pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

We're going to be fairly restricted with food stops. Roundwood and Laragh are about the only places that will have a shop open.

I'm presuming that, if the Glenmalure Inn is open, it will be by booking only which won't be practical for us.

I don't fancy a day eating out of my pockets.

Good to hear that you will be there on the day.
I usually only ever use the shops or cafe in roundwood or laragh so I think we will be fine.The only other shop I know around there is the one in Rathdrum but we will be a few K’s from that.

Anyone been to laragh yet, I can imagine that spaces will be limited in the coffee shops there.

Wishbone Ash · 26-06-2020 9:30pm

irishrover99 wrote: »

....Anyone been to laragh yet, I can imagine that spaces will be limited in the coffee shops there.

There's also the filling station. I use it when I'm not in the mood to be sighed at in the hippy cafe.

Weepsie · 26-06-2020 10:35pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

There's also the filling station. I use it when I'm not in the mood to be sighed at in the hippy cafe.

Brooke lodge in Macreddin isn't a huge diversion? They're doing take away food in some of their places, and their pub does good food. Another few km and aughrim would have 2-3 places (stonecutter, grainstore) also on Saturdays they have a market

The Noble Nudge · 27-06-2020 11:12pm

irishrover99 wrote: »

Good to hear that you will be there on the day.
I usually only ever use the shops or cafe in roundwood or laragh so I think we will be fine.The only other shop I know around there is the one in Rathdrum but we will be a few K’s from that.

Anyone been to laragh yet, I can imagine that spaces will be limited in the coffee shops there.

All the indoor seating has been removed and outside as was....(its been 2 weeks since my visit) lots of bikers around owner was concerned understandably about social distancing so not sure if the outdoor seats remained...

Mercian Pro · 06-07-2020 9:17pm

Had a nice lunch in Glendalough Green today. The menu is more limited than it used to be and all vegetarian I think. Enough seats outside for the numbers today but I would imagine it's a lot busier at weekends.

A bit worried by all this talk of diversions to other places that aren't even on the route! Is it not long enough already?:p

retalivity · 06-07-2020 10:49pm

Saturday week? May be tempted if im back in dublin...

brownian · 07-07-2020 3:58pm

Weepsie wrote: »

Brooke lodge in Macreddin isn't a huge diversion? They're doing take away food in some of their places, and their pub does good food. Another few km and aughrim would have 2-3 places (stonecutter, grainstore) also on Saturdays they have a market

As a fallback, the Daybreak store opposite the Stonecutter has a decent enough 'we make you a sandwich' setup, and a coffee machine. Lots of steps across the road for sitting on, too.

Mercian Pro · 10-07-2020 8:46pm

Not sure if this will be useful or not but I have copied the route into Garmin Connect as I find it works better for me than Strava. It's at https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/37249656

If anyone spots any errors, let me know. I was rather puzzled by the finishing point and its proximity to Mount Venus Cemetery. Is there something that I should know? :eek:

irishrover99 · 10-07-2020 11:29pm

Mercian Pro wrote: »

Not sure if this will be useful or not but I have copied the route into Garmin Connect as I find it works better for me than Strava. It's at https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/37249656

If anyone spots any errors, let me know. I was rather puzzled by the finishing point and its proximity to Mount Venus Cemetery. Is there something that I should know? :eek:

I just put that as the end as it gives people the option to go home in various directions or possibly do more with all the other climbs around i.e kilmashouge ðŸ˜¦. There is no point really going back to Dundrum, especially as there will be no medals or pasta waiting.

godtabh · 10-07-2020 11:52pm

irishrover99 wrote: »

I just put that as the end as it gives people the option to go home in various directions or possibly do more with all the other climbs around i.e kilmashouge ðŸ˜¦. There is no point really going back to Dundrum, especially as there will be no medals or pasta waiting.

Wait what no medals? I’m out

Wishbone Ash · 11-07-2020 10:09am

irishrover99 wrote: »

.. There is no point really going back to Dundrum...

For some of us, it will be on our route home.

Mercian Pro · 11-07-2020 10:16am

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

For some of us, it will be on our route home.

I note you didn't say that the car would be parked there

Wishbone Ash · 11-07-2020 10:20am

Mercian Pro wrote: »

I note you didn't say that the car would be parked there

Dear God no - a recovery ride has to be factored in.

irishrover99 · 11-07-2020 1:03pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

For some of us, it will be on our route home.

I thought you guys would be going back through harolds cross.

magicbastarder · 11-07-2020 1:46pm

knowing WA, he'll probably detour through macroom on the way home.

Wishbone Ash · 11-07-2020 2:54pm

irishrover99 wrote: »

I thought you guys would be going back through harolds cross.

Yes, apologies - if ending at Mount Venus it would be home via Ballyboden, Rathfarnham, Harold's Cross.

magicbastarder wrote: »

knowing WA, he'll probably detour through macroom on the way home.

I think those days are well behind me.

Daroxtar · 11-07-2020 3:12pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I think those days are well behind me.

Yeah, sure

at1withmyself · 11-07-2020 6:00pm

at1withmyself wrote: »

I think I'm in, well I have an airport drop that morning so will be in Dublin so why not!

Is there an 'official' start time and location? Also anyone recommend somewhere close by I could leave a car for the day?

Flight cancelled so afraid can't make this one but like the route so might set it as a goal later in the year.

Enjoy every one who does go for it

at1withmyself · 11-07-2020 6:00pm

at1withmyself wrote: »

I think I'm in, well I have an airport drop that morning so will be in Dublin so why not!

Is there an 'official' start time and location? Also anyone recommend somewhere close by I could leave a car for the day?

Flight cancelled so afraid can't make this one but like the route so might set it as a goal later in the year.

Enjoy every one who does go for it

Weepsie · 11-07-2020 9:20pm

Anyone planning on doing it at all over the next week? I'm hoping to give it or an old route a go from the 19th-26th

Wishbone Ash · 12-07-2020 10:12am

Weepsie wrote: »

...I'm hoping to give it or an old route a go from the 19th-26th

Finishing the 2016 route is still on my bucket list. I wimped out on the day about 80% of the way into it. (I think daragh was the only one to complete it that year).

https://www.strava.com/activities/672812717

burger1979 · 12-07-2020 9:25pm

Well folks, today I took my first ever attempt at the Boards Evil route. Mini it might be but sweet jebus. For anyone who has completed the previous routes, full distance, I salute ye, mad people.

So first off a massive thanks and "$@!!"" to the course creator Irishrover99. Some of the climbs I had done before and most i hadnt, especially at the start of the route before we reached Laragh for the first time.

Even though this was my first attempt at the event, I was unable to do it all, even though it was the 'mini'.......I hand my head and bike in shame and all abuse of not completing it is welcome. Coming out of Laragh towards Glenmacnass waterfall I cramped in both thighs on the way up. I have never bitten my handlebar tape harder whilst I unclipped and waited for the pain to pass.

If i get another TR form filled out and passed I may try again this year. Fantastic day out on the bike. Wicklow was full of us today, although the cars around Wicklow gap was a joke and Mr. Garda was there handing out tickets like confetti.

I will post some pics later when i get them. My cycling companion sends them onto me, he cycled around with me on 4hours sleep......madman.......

Strava links:

https://www.strava.com/activities/3753342688

https://www.strava.com/activities/3753343115

irishrover99 · 12-07-2020 10:19pm

burger1979 wrote: »

Well folks, today I took my first ever attempt at the Boards Evil route. Mini it might be but sweet jebus. For anyone who has completed the previous routes, full distance, I salute ye, mad people.

So first off a massive thanks and "$@!!"" to the course creator Irishrover99. Some of the climbs I had done before and most i hadnt, especially at the start of the route before we reached Laragh for the first time.

Even though this was my first attempt at the event, I was unable to do it all, even though it was the 'mini'.......I hand my head and bike in shame and all abuse of not completing it is welcome. Coming out of Laragh towards Glenmacnass waterfall I cramped in both thighs on the way up. I have never bitten my handlebar tape harder whilst I unclipped and waited for the pain to pass.

If i get another TR form filled out and passed I may try again this year. Fantastic day out on the bike. Wicklow was full of us today, although the cars around Wicklow gap was a joke and Mr. Garda was there handing out tickets like confetti.

I will post some pics later when i get them. My cycling companion sends them onto me, he cycled around with me on 4hours sleep......madman.......

Strava links:

https://www.strava.com/activities/3753342688

https://www.strava.com/activities/3753343115

Great post. Well done and glad you enjoyed the route. For the few years I have “created” the route, I have always said that even if you do not finish the full course, it will be harder than the Wicklow 200 so nothing to be ashamed of as you still had over 3000 meters of climbing.

godtabh · 12-07-2020 10:38pm

About time to start looking at the weather

Saturday
18/07/2020 01:00–07:00
Fair. 15° 0 mm Light breeze, 3 m/s from west-southwestLight breeze, 3 m/s from west-southwest
07:00–13:00
Partly cloudy. 15° 0 mm Light breeze, 2 m/s from southwestLight breeze, 2 m/s from southwest
13:00–19:00
Cloudy. 17° 0.4 mm Light breeze, 3 m/s from southwestLight breeze, 3 m/s from southwest
19:00–01:00
Partly cloudy. 18° 0.2 mm Gentle breeze, 4 m/s from westGentle breeze, 4 m/s from west

Looks ok so far

Wishbone Ash · 13-07-2020 5:14am

Well done burger1979 - you got great weather for it.

burger1979 wrote: »

... although the cars around Wicklow gap was a joke...

Sally Gap? (Wicklow Gap isn't on it this year).

Wishbone Ash · 13-07-2020 5:19am

godtabh wrote: »

About time to start looking at the weather

Saturday
18/07/2020 01:00–07:00
Fair. 15° 0 mm Light breeze, 3 m/s from west-southwestLight breeze, 3 m/s from west-southwest
07:00–13:00
Partly cloudy. 15° 0 mm Light breeze, 2 m/s from southwestLight breeze, 2 m/s from southwest
13:00–19:00
Cloudy. 17° 0.4 mm Light breeze, 3 m/s from southwestLight breeze, 3 m/s from southwest
19:00–01:00
Partly cloudy. 18° 0.2 mm Gentle breeze, 4 m/s from westGentle breeze, 4 m/s from west

Looks ok so far

I was just looking at the long range forecast on Yr yesterday for 'County Wicklow' - they are giving some light rain during the day also.

Wishbone Ash · 13-07-2020 5:21am

irishrover99 wrote: »

... I have always said that even if you do not finish the full course, it will be harder than the Wicklow 200....

....and harder than the Mick Byrne 200.

daragh_ · 13-07-2020 10:15am

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Finishing the 2016 route is still on my bucket list. I wimped out on the day about 80% of the way into it. (I think daragh was the only one to complete it that year).

https://www.strava.com/activities/672812717

That was a really stupid route. Never again.

I won't be out on Saturday. Going to a friend's 40th the night before so I'll be in no fit state. Good luck all.

magicbastarder · 13-07-2020 10:30am

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Finishing the 2016 route is still on my bucket list. I wimped out on the day about 80% of the way into it. (I think daragh was the only one to complete it that year).

https://www.strava.com/activities/672812717

to be fair, you *did* fall off a cliff at the 114km mark.

fat bloke · 13-07-2020 12:01pm

Is it only Strava paid up subscribers can export routes to Garmin devices?

burger1979 · 13-07-2020 2:16pm

Cheers wishbone ash and irishrover et all. Havent done the WW200 in a few years, from reports it jusy seems too many riders to enjoy. But did MB200 last year (second time), I think the Evil is out on its own in terms of enjoyable pain and gain. The MB is has got as much or a little more that mini evil, but its just getting around that adds onto the distance.
But any cycle is as enjoyable as you make it.
For those doing it this year, enjoy.

Mercian Pro · 13-07-2020 2:25pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

....and harder than the Mick Byrne 200.

Even the Mini has more climbing!

fat bloke wrote: »

Is it only Strava paid up subscribers can export routes to Garmin devices?

I'm on the free version and have an "Export GPX" option just below the route title. Once you save this, you can normally copy & paste it into your Garmin. In post #67 I have included a Garmin Connect version of the route and that should give you a "Send to Device" option that may be simpler.

Been checking out a few food options in Laragh (2nd time) as I don't fancy attempting Shay Elliott, Brown Mountain etc. on a full stomach. The Wicklow Heather will have their lunch menue available in a covered outdoor area without reservations, Lynhams have a BBQ option in front of Anne's Cafe which is closed. They may also have a lunch menu in the hotel lobby. In Glenmalure the Coffee Box in front of the Lodge have coffee, croissants, rocky road (!) and caramel squares but for anything more substantial indoors you need to book. The Stonecutter in Aughrim is closed.

fat bloke · 13-07-2020 3:30pm

Mercian Pro wrote: »

Even the Mini has more climbing!

I'm on the free version and have an "Export GPX" option just below the route title. Once you save this, you can normally copy & paste it into your Garmin. In post #67 I have included a Garmin Connect version of the route and that should give you a "Send to Device" option that may be simpler.

Been checking out a few food options in Laragh (2nd time) as I don't fancy attempting Shay Elliott, Brown Mountain etc. on a full stomach. The Wicklow Heather will have their lunch menue available in a covered outdoor area without reservations, Lynhams have a BBQ option in front of Anne's Cafe which is closed. They may also have a lunch menu in the hotel lobby. In Glenmalure the Coffee Box in front of the Lodge have coffee, croissants, rocky road (!) and caramel squares but for anything more substantial indoors you need to book. The Stonecutter in Aughrim is closed.

Nice one thanks, I was only looking at the strava app.

Strava is good for an overview, but it's not clear to me when there's a loop - in which direction the loop is tackled. That' doesn't matter so much with the lower loop and I presume anyway it's elliot, maun, then around and back through glenmalure and back over elliot, but I'm not sure what's happening there around the dublin mountains.

I do a Saturday spin over the gaps ever saturday with a quartet of lads and I'll see if I can migrate them over to doing some or all of the evil this saturday. If ye had a set start time then I could hazard a guess as to when ye'd be hitting Cruagh Rd there, just up from the Merry Ploughboy and that would be the easiest place to join ye up.

Wishbone Ash · 13-07-2020 11:53pm

fat bloke wrote: »

... If ye had a set start time then I could hazard a guess as to when ye'd be hitting Cruagh Rd there, just up from the Merry Ploughboy and that would be the easiest place to join ye up.

If we start at 8am, we should be at the junction above 'The Merry Ploughboy' around 8.30am.

Wishbone Ash · 14-07-2020 12:00am

Mercian Pro wrote: »

...Been checking out a few food options in Laragh (2nd time) as I don't fancy attempting Shay Elliott, Brown Mountain etc. on a full stomach...

You might have to wait for me then as I certainly have no intention of doing Brown Mountain and Shay Elliott (twice) without eating.

(...and I never eat on an empty stomach).

irishrover99 · 14-07-2020 12:40am

I think 8.30 will be fine, I think it’s the rockbrock school just at that junction up from merry ploughboy.

As WA said, meeting from 7-30 am onwards and starting at 8.am from the luas bridge area in Dundrum.

themighty · 16-07-2020 5:38pm

I'm going to try join you guys for this. My first ever Evil, even if it is just the mini ðŸ˜. I'll park in Lamb Doyle's and spin over.

themighty · 16-07-2020 5:42pm

burger1979 wrote: »

Well folks, today I took my first ever attempt at the Boards Evil route. Mini it might be but sweet jebus. For anyone who has completed the previous routes, full distance, I salute ye, mad people.

So first off a massive thanks and "$@!!"" to the course creator Irishrover99. Some of the climbs I had done before and most i hadnt, especially at the start of the route before we reached Laragh for the first time.

Even though this was my first attempt at the event, I was unable to do it all, even though it was the 'mini'.......I hand my head and bike in shame and all abuse of not completing it is welcome. Coming out of Laragh towards Glenmacnass waterfall I cramped in both thighs on the way up. I have never bitten my handlebar tape harder whilst I unclipped and waited for the pain to pass.

If i get another TR form filled out and passed I may try again this year. Fantastic day out on the bike. Wicklow was full of us today, although the cars around Wicklow gap was a joke and Mr. Garda was there handing out tickets like confetti.

I will post some pics later when i get them. My cycling companion sends them onto me, he cycled around with me on 4hours sleep......madman.......

Strava links:

https://www.strava.com/activities/3753342688

https://www.strava.com/activities/3753343115

I think I might have met your cycling buddy on Monday (Gary?) - was getting the bike sorted for this. He was telling me he'd given it a shot over the weekend.

Wishbone Ash · 16-07-2020 6:52pm

Looks like most of the rain will fall overnight Friday. We might have a damp start but looking ok after that.

irishrover99 · 16-07-2020 8:13pm

themighty wrote: »

I'm going to try join you guys for this. My first ever Evil, even if it is just the mini ðŸ˜. I'll park in Lamb Doyle's and spin over.

Great, see you between half 7 and 8 am under the Luas bridge in Dundrum

godtabh · 16-07-2020 8:46pm

irishrover99 wrote: »

Great, see you between half 7 and 8 am under the Luas bridge in Dundrum

Can we say that we set off at 8 sharp? Its going to take me long enough and I'll likely only see people from 7:30-8 but I think that's enough

fat bloke · 16-07-2020 9:01pm

Don't think Saturday is going to suit so I went elevation hunting today myself. - I don't like figure-of-8-looping hills so near the city on a long spin cos the temptation always is to go naff off home, so I hit out for featherbeds, glencree, powerscourt rd for the full wall and up to Djouce, lugalla, sally gap, laragh, elliot, maun - u-turned then to go back over maun, elliot, back to Laragh, up Wicklow gap to Turlough hill, back to Laragh, and then home Glenmacnass, sally gap, featherbeds and descend to the front door. - 157k ish and 3300m climbing.

It really struck me how hard it is to amass meterage in elevation on our (relative) molehills. Shay Elliot is a hard climb (from Glenmalure) but it's barely 250m gain in ascent. Sliabh Maun isn't much better. The Elliot/Maun x2 leg barely netted 1100m I'd say - The best bang for buck by far was Glendalough to Turlough hill- about 500m.

Anyway, all's I know is I was frickin' toast coming in the door. -Nice day for it though. Warm but not hot. A fair old headwind going up Wicklow gap and coming back over the Featherbeds but other than that you actually wanted the wind to pick up on the Elliot/Maun climbing legs because the flies could be a right pestilence when it was calm.

Enjoy the day anyway. Forecast is good.

Mini Evil 2020 July 18th

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