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

godtabh · 08-09-2016 11:53am

shootermacg wrote: »

I'd be of the impression, that you're safer in the dark, precisely because drivers notice your lights. Also if your light isn't picking out debris, you'll need a better light.

I had about 1000 lumen this morning. Not that a car passed but if they did they would have seen me.

I have one light for lighting up the road and another on flash mode.

shootermacg · 08-09-2016 12:08pm

godtabh wrote: »

I had about 1000 lumen this morning. Not that a car passed but if they did they would have seen me.

I have one light for lighting up the road and another on flash mode.

Same here, I have two set at different angles, I made the decision I'd need more, after coming down from Johnny Foxes in the pitch dark and trying to make do with a single light.

f1000 · 08-09-2016 7:50pm

First day back on a bike since July 20th after a crash. 12k commute. Had broken one wrist and fractured the other along with a fracture to my elbow from an endo. Still a wee bit sore but is bloody great to be back on the road again

Bloggsie · 09-09-2016 8:09am

totally soaked to the bone last nite, at least i didnt swallow any flies. A massive thank you to the 4 eyed(no complaints I was glasses too) muppet who just followed the car in front of her at the T-junction at Leixlip Confey GAA pitch, I was on the junction when she followed the "monkey see monkey do rule" a volley of expletives flowed in her direction.

shootermacg · 09-09-2016 11:22am

Got soaked on the way home yesterday myself, but still managed to beat a strava segment, due I suppose to the drop in temperature.

Nice spin in today, no crazy amount cars on the road as opposed to yesterday.
Even managed a PB on strava for a segment.

I'm really starting to love my friday commute.

My 2 month old Giant Defy is starting to slip gears, which I think happens to all new bikes as the gear cable stretches, so going to drop it into Kilmacud Cycles for a free service on saturday and, hopefully, take a cycle (more of a walkle really) to Johnny Foxes on sunday.

secman · 09-09-2016 8:39pm

Looking forward to heading out in the morning, will head out by Russborough house and take the left turn to Tulferris and back on to lake drive and back to Kilnamanagh. Usual Saturday spins are in wexford.

dahat · 10-09-2016 12:20pm

Far too much sport on today and fancied a day at home tomorrow so i decided to head off on a solo spin at sunrise, been ages since i did a long solo.

Clonmel to Dungarvan via Carrick then home vua Ballymac, 115.7km at 31km avg, beautiful morning if a little chilly with temperatures only rising near home but my new LS An Post Onda jersey i picked up for cheap during the week did the job perfectly.

lizzylad84 · 10-09-2016 12:27pm

Club spin. Annual local suicide support group charity cycle. 90km odd. Dundalk, carlingford , daveys, longwomans grave , ravensdale then to local bike shop for coffee and a scone or three plus a drool over the utterly stunning bianchi oltre xr4. First proper spin in a few weeks. Legs felt like led for the last 20km.

godtabh · 10-09-2016 2:07pm

80km before 8am and its when its dark that strange things happen.

Got cheer on a climb by a house party at 5:15 am.

Saw a bonfire ragging in Tallaght with what looked like a "street" party happening.

The dregs of a debs with women crying and men being macho.

retalivity · 10-09-2016 2:20pm

50k ahead of the GDBR tomorrow at a gentle 23kph. Town - Stocking Lane - Glencree - Enniskerry - back.

Saw a nice maserati in Enniskerry, gave me a wave.

https://www.strava.com/activities/707003203

secman · 10-09-2016 3:21pm

secman wrote: »

Looking forward to heading out in the morning, will head out by Russborough house and take the left turn to Tulferris and back on to lake drive and back to Kilnamanagh. Usual Saturday spins are in wexford.

Didn't go as far as Russborough, took left for valleymount and did the lake drive... grandson starting to play footy; only 4 and a half .had to back by 11.
68 km Avg 26.8 kph

Only 11 degrees at 8:30 but knew it would warm up, wore usual summer attire. Met a few groups at back of lakes coming in opposite direction, mostly in leggings and long sleeve, I'd say it got a bit warm first them .

Unknown Soldier · 10-09-2016 8:43pm

godtabh wrote: »

I got a bit adventurous this morning. Stepaside to Bray via Enniskerry. I'm not used to that darkness and was a bit nervy. Some deer ran out in front of me and scared the **** out of me.

Was lit up like a Christmas tree but still the darkness can play tricks on your mind.

The time of Werewolves and Wamphyri is upon us.

A lot of graveyards around Dublin, sh1t loads around me

I do my best every spin never to look into the one going down Gunny hill.

Don't want to see things.

Regardless...

Did the CycleSuperStore.ie & Frameworks Cafe #2 Sportive today around roads I've done in the past. Really nice spin and the Staff couldn't have been nicer, really nice pasta at the end.

Highlight for me was the Dad(Usher?) with his two daughters doing the spin, couldn't have been more the 13/14, both on Boardman road bikes. Great to see that sort of stuff, pleasure to spin with them for a short while.

83km including to/from Firhouse with 745m @ 25 Avg. Mostly solo as I can never match speeds with people.

Probably not the best warm up for the GDBR 2016 tomorrow.

But!...I have scientifically formulated (with the help of Lidl) a precise beer consumption that will help though.

dahat · 10-09-2016 8:59pm

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

The time of Werewolves and Wamphyri is upon us.

A lot of graveyards around Dublin, sh1t loads around me I do my best every spin never to look into the one going down Gunny hill.

Don't want to see things.

Regardless...

Did the CycleSuperStore.ie & Frameworks Cafe #2 Sportive today around roads I've done in the past. Really nice spin and the Staff couldn't have been nicer, really nice pasta at the end.

Highlight for me was the Dad(Usher?) with his two daughters doing the spin, couldn't have been more the 13/14, both on Boardman road bikes. Great to see that sort of stuff, pleasure to spin with them for a short while.

83km including to/from Firhouse with 745m @ 25 Avg. Mostly solo as I can never match speeds with people.

Probably not the best warm up for the GDBR 2016 tomorrow.

But!...I have scientifically formulated (with the help of Lidl) a precise beer consumption that will help though.

2 beers 1 water, exact ratio for maximum recovery.

Plastik · 10-09-2016 10:00pm

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

Highlight for me was the Dad(Usher?) with his two daughters doing the spin, couldn't have been more the 13/14, both on Boardman road bikes. Great to see that sort of stuff, pleasure to spin with them for a short while.

Otherwise known as Fat Bloke on here. Fairly rotund you'll agree

67km on the MTB today. Leadmines, Barnaslingan, Three Rock, some of the Wicklow Way, the jump track in Enniskerry and then some more in Djouce to top it all off!

shaka · 11-09-2016 11:23am

Rebel 160 yesterday, tough day in saddle but great day

magicbastarder · 11-09-2016 12:08pm

40k around ncd today. Passed the GDBR on snowtown - going the opposite direction - and there were a few people struggling up it. Looked like a great turnout though.

ednwireland · 11-09-2016 12:18pm

Only did 30km as getting over shingles (hopefully ) nice to be out dry but a bit windy.

secman · 11-09-2016 1:40pm

Did a handy 50 km today, headed to killenagh, ballyedmund, boolavogue, ratheenduff, oulart, out on to main road and back to Kilmuckridge and home. Avg 25.5 kph.. lovely headwind on way out... and way home was way too wind assisted

retalivity · 11-09-2016 1:59pm

GDBR, 3h 58m for the actual route itself including 2.5 stops.

Delighted that I averaged over 30kph from the start to ballyboughal, then not getting food and continuing on i bonked a bit through naul and beyond. Stopped in garristown for 20 mins for a coffee and a breakfast bap, reinvigorated, I zoomed from there to blanch into that headwind, getting a tow from 4-5 lads how were bombing it home. i calculated 3h 36m moving time for the 98ish km, well happy with that I was hoping to go as far under 4 hrs as I could.

https://www.strava.com/activities/708197608

DirkVoodoo · 11-09-2016 2:01pm

Bottle of coke flew past my head as I came down the Alfie Byrne road. I couldn't quite taste the feeling, thankfully.

brianomc · 11-09-2016 2:47pm

Giants Causeway 126km yesterday, I have seen enough hills to last me a lifetime. The only flat sections were the crests and troughs. Torr Head got the better of me and I ended up turning around and taking the easy way. My legs just screamed that they had done enough and would do no more. Easy way my ass, more hills, I should have just carried on and walked some of the way up.

Some lovely roads and a smashing day though. You could fly down the descents with the smooth roads and long corners. I averaged 24.2 which I am very happy with. That was the toughest sportive I've done. 1984 metres of climbing in 126km so it's still less than last weeks Reservoir Dog per km (which I didn't do). A useful goodie box at the end too, CRC water bottle, park tools pedal wrench or x-tools steel core tyre levers, CRC socks, CRC discount vouchers (only for in-store, boooooo)

As a recovery spin I did the 100km great dublin bike ride today. Flew to Ballyboughal, stopped a bit too long which was more the queue for the toilets than the food. Was happy enough on the hills, then my back which was bothering me yesterday decided to act up again. 2 stops before the sports campus and a brief stop there to stretch and then I made good time back to smithfield.

Great organisation, even though the roads were only closed to halfway between 3Arena and Alfie Byrne road I only had to stop at one set of traffic lights. Gardai and stewards kept waving us through the reds. One very unhappy motorist in Malahide giving out to the Gardai about it. Loads of people on the roads cheering us on.

Got a few PR's and 2nd's, I would have been happy to get around at 20kmph after yesterday so happy with 26.2 which is my norm for sportives.

The beer is in the fridge and the takeaway will be ordered.

https://www.strava.com/activities/707649825

https://www.strava.com/activities/708710687

P_1 · 11-09-2016 2:58pm

brianomc wrote: »

Giants Causeway 126km yesterday, I have seen enough hills to last me a lifetime. The only flat sections were the crests and troughs. Torr Head got the better of me and I ended up turning around and taking the easy way. My legs just screamed that they had done enough and would do no more. Easy way my ass, more hills, I should have just carried on and walked some of the way up.

Some lovely roads and a smashing day though. You could fly down the descents with the smooth roads and long corners. I averaged 24.2 which I am very happy with. That was the toughest sportive I've done. 1984 metres of climbing in 126km so it's still less than last weeks Reservoir Dog per km (which I didn't do). A useful goodie box at the end too, CRC water bottle, park tools pedal wrench or x-tools steel core tyre levers, CRC socks, CRC discount vouchers (only for in-store, boooooo)

As a recovery spin I did the 100km great dublin bike ride today. Flew to Ballyboughal, stopped a bit too long which was more the queue for the toilets than the food. Was happy enough on the hills, then my back which was bothering me yesterday decided to act up again. 2 stops before the sports campus and a brief stop there to stretch and then I made good time back to smithfield.

Great organisation, even though the roads were only closed to halfway between 3Arena and Alfie Byrne road I only had to stop at one set of traffic lights. Gardai and stewards kept waving us through the reds. One very unhappy motorist in Malahide giving out to the Gardai about it. Loads of people on the roads cheering us on.

Got a few PR's and 2nd's, I would have been happy to get around at 20kmph after yesterday so happy with 26.2 which is my norm for sportives.

The beer is in the fridge and the takeaway will be ordered.

https://www.strava.com/activities/707649825

https://www.strava.com/activities/708387663

It was quite hilarious seeing her rage spinning by her alright. Strangely she was the only motorist I encountered not having a nice day. Nabbed a fair few PBs myself too and Snowton didn't feel too painful.

https://www.strava.com/activities/708344287

Beaut of a day for it too which only helped.

davef1000 · 11-09-2016 3:00pm

I did the GDBR too. Loved it, but my god, that wind...

Eponymous · 11-09-2016 6:06pm

GDBR today...

https://www.strava.com/activities/708230096/shareable_images/map_based?hl=en-GB&v=1473594063

LollipopJimmy · 11-09-2016 8:16pm

Absolutely broken up today after a gruelling Hell And Back yesterday. We did it as a group of 15 which turns out makes it much harder as you're helpingand watching out for more people.

Anyway, just cycled to the takeaway this evening but went the long way to just try ease the pain and stiffness in my legs.... Went a bit too hard and managed to collect a KOM

moonshadow · 11-09-2016 9:08pm

Tor head........ on the causeway cycle it's only a few km at the end of 126 km or 186 km but oh my holy jeebus ive never seen or cycled the likes of it before !!
A wall ! A great big long and very high wall.
Great turnout with big groups from the likes of Orwell, White river Wheelers, Ardee, Castleknock , Blayney to name a few of the cross border raiders...
Did I mention Tor head...the pain was real !!

Sinbad_NI · 11-09-2016 11:12pm

TCauseway Sportive 182 km... took it relatively easy as knew Torr head was coming up at the end.

Very glad to say I made it up without having to stop, tough route, think it was ~8800 ft of climbing which is more than enough on any day.

Torr head really is a brutal beast, first bit is seriously steep then the second longer one, although not as sharp, is much longer. Tough any day, tougher after 100 miles.

Man the views up that coast are superb, even had most beautiful weather.

Sinbad_NI · 11-09-2016 11:14pm

moonshadow wrote: »

Tor head........ on the causeway cycle it's only a few km at the end of 126 km or 186 km but oh my holy jeebus ive never seen or cycled the likes of it before !!
A wall ! A great big long and very high wall.
Great turnout with big groups from the likes of Orwell, White river Wheelers, Ardee, Castleknock , Blayney to name a few of the cross border raiders...
Did I mention Tor head...the pain was real !!

So how does Torr measure up to some of the other climbs in the south, A few guys said it was a lot tougher than Mamore for example.

mr spuckler · 12-09-2016 8:52am

after all the impressive distances cycled above, mine was a much shorter spin on the old rail trail / greenway out from athlone on saturday. hit out on the cx bike with my 6 month old in the baby trailer attached to the back and my dad cycling alongside for his first spin of the year. made it pretty much as far as moate before turning around and heading back as spuckler junior was asleep and were trying to time our return home to suit his waking up.

having only cycled that greenway once last september when i joined at mullingar on my way down from dublin one weekend, i had forgotten what a brilliant amenity it is. at the athlone end it starts beside a supermarket / coffee shop which has outdoor seating, bike stands, bike hire and plenty of specific parking set aside for people using the greenway. it's well worth a look if visiting the area!

godtabh · 12-09-2016 9:38am

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Absolutely broken up today after a gruelling Hell And Back yesterday. We did it as a group of 15 which turns out makes it much harder as you're helpingand watching out for more people.

Anyway, just cycled to the takeaway this evening but went the long way to just try ease the pain and stiffness in my legs.... Went a bit too hard and managed to collect a KOM

Clearly Hell and Back wasnt that hard! My wife did it and is still alive. She went drinking after and left the car in Bray. Great excuse to collect ii via Roundwood.

LollipopJimmy · 12-09-2016 9:44am

godtabh wrote: »

Clearly Hell and Back wasnt that hard! My wife did it and is still alive. She went drinking after and left the car in Bray. Great excuse to collect ii via Roundwood.

There's 15 people in my office who beg to differ! It's really only as tough as you make it though

cdaly_ · 12-09-2016 9:51am

moonshadow wrote: »

Tor head........ on the causeway cycle it's only a few km at the end of 126 km or 186 km but oh my holy jeebus ive never seen or cycled the likes of it before !!
A wall ! A great big long and very high wall.
Great turnout with big groups from the likes of Orwell, White river Wheelers, Ardee, Castleknock , Blayney to name a few of the cross border raiders...
Did I mention Tor head...the pain was real !!

*stuffs fingers in ears...*

LA LA LA LA LA LA! I can't hear you!!!

I have to cycle over Tor head in three weeks time...

Antrim 300

godtabh · 12-09-2016 10:04am

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

There's 15 people in my office who beg to differ! It's really only as tough as you make it though

I was more referring to your KOM.

Chuchote · 12-09-2016 11:23am

mr spuckler wrote: »

hit out on the cx bike with my 6 month old in the baby trailer attached to the back and my dad cycling alongside for his first spin of the year. made it pretty much as far as moate before turning around and heading back as spuckler junior was asleep and were trying to time our return home to suit his waking up.

Reminds me of happy days with a hot little head resting on my lower back as I cycled through town!

smacl · 13-09-2016 3:05pm

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Absolutely broken up today after a gruelling Hell And Back yesterday

Did it earlier in the year, herself thought it would be a fun 50th birthday present for, and that it was as I made sure she did it with me

Usual spin up to Foxes at lunch, a bit cooler than it has been but good to clear the head after a boozey weekend.

Luxman · 14-09-2016 12:59pm

Almost 50K around NCD with 600m vertical. Followed a route a mate told me he does. I knew the roads but some were new as they were done in reverse. Had a few close passes with cars and one dog gave chase for quite a bit longer than I thought he would. I almost had the bottle out to give him a dousing. Bright morning and happy with the effort.

brocbrocach · 14-09-2016 1:05pm

Finding 600m vertical in 50k is good going in NCD. Nag's Head, Snowtown, Ardcath?

Luxman · 14-09-2016 1:13pm

Garristown from Ratoath, Ardcath, Cromwells bush, Snowtown and home via Springhill and Curragha

DominoDub · 14-09-2016 3:35pm

I see lots of people going back to enjoy the GDBR 100km route.

I am planning to doing the same myself ..loved those descents:D , but maybe not going as fast given the roads would be fully open to traffic.

I would also like so see how much a factor that bloody WIND was on the return leg.

brocbrocach · 14-09-2016 4:55pm

Luxman wrote: »

Garristown from Ratoath, Ardcath, Cromwells bush, Snowtown and home via Springhill and Curragha

Cromwell's Bush says you. I must check it out!

P_1 · 14-09-2016 5:02pm

Decided to add in Irishtown Park and Poolbeg Lighthouse on the commute home. Bloody hell the Bull Wall is rough on a cheap rigid MTB.

Wishbone Ash · 14-09-2016 5:54pm

P_1 wrote: »

... Bloody hell the Bull Wall is rough on a cheap rigid MTB.

Just as rough on an expensive road bike!

P_1 · 14-09-2016 6:08pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Just as rough on an expensive road bike!

You're a braver man than I so. Went down that way yesterday with the road bike, tried a bit of the surface and a swift u-turn was done!

Miklos · 14-09-2016 6:41pm

140kms across the Sally Gap, shrouded in mist, to Laragh -> Rathdrum -> Redcross -> Avoca -> Brittas Bay -> Rathnew -> Etc...

Got overtaken by a classic and sports car run going over the gap which was pretty cool. Triumphs, Porsches, Ferraris, Morris Minors..

Currently having trouble uploading the file to Strava so not sure if it actually happened or was it all a dream?

LollipopJimmy · 15-09-2016 12:07pm

Some aul lad on the canal took exception to being overtaken by me, I caught up to him on Davitt Road and when I went to pass he put the hammer down and tried to squeeze me out. Anyway I pressed on and got by, he then tore across the Luas line at Suir Bridge, breaking the red and making a Luas blow it's horn. I went on green and duly caught up again and as I went to overtake he again put the hammer down. He's probably in work now with aches in his legs from his arseholery. Other than that my usual commute was grand, I was expecting it to be nuts given the bus strike and good weather

Chuchote · 15-09-2016 12:52pm

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Some aul lad on the canal took exception to being overtaken by me, I caught up to him on Davitt Road and when I went to pass he put the hammer down and tried to squeeze me out. Anyway I pressed on and got by, he then tore across the Luas line at Suir Bridge, breaking the red and making a Luas blow it's horn. I went on green and duly caught up again and as I went to overtake he again put the hammer down. He's probably in work now with aches in his legs from his arseholery. Other than that my usual commute was grand, I was expecting it to be nuts given the bus strike and good weather

Probably a bus strike cyclist who will now tell everyone how awfully effortful it is to cycle.

shootermacg · 15-09-2016 1:44pm

Took a whole 2 minutes extra today to get to work. With so many cars and walkers out today, I made a mental note to be extra careful.

I've never seen such a range of knackered cyclists / bikes, bloody hilarious stuff, but hopefully some of them will give cycling a go. The first day is always the worst.

15-09-2016 1:46pm

Miklos wrote: »

140kms across the Sally Gap, shrouded in mist, to Laragh -> Rathdrum -> Redcross -> Avoca -> Brittas Bay -> Rathnew -> Etc...

Got overtaken by a classic and sports car run going over the gap which was pretty cool. Triumphs, Porsches, Ferraris, Morris Minors..

Currently having trouble uploading the file to Strava so not sure if it actually happened or was it all a dream?

Nice route. Just out of interest what amount of food did you consume along the way?

ted1 · 15-09-2016 1:48pm

shootermacg wrote: »

Took a whole 2 minutes extra today to get to work. With so many cars and walkers out today, I made a mental note to be extra careful.

I've never seen such a range of knackered cyclists / bikes, bloody hilarious stuff, but hopefully some of them will give cycling a go. The first day is always the worst.

Took 2 minutes less, clear bus lanes on the N11 all the way into Stephens Green.

Alanstrainor · 15-09-2016 2:01pm

Can't say I noticed much different this morning on my commute from Killiney to Fairview. I did just miss rush hour, so we'll see how I fair on the return journey at 5.

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

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