Road race in the Phoenix park next Tuesday

[Morgan]

Anyone up for some shaved-leg action?

Paddy Sullivan Memorial

Tues 28-Apr Crit S1,S2,S3,V,W, J Paddy Sullivan Memorial - First event in Phoenix Park next Tuesday 28th April. Sign on at The Popes Cross. Circuit the Kyber Pass, if all works out this will be the new circuit. Racing starts at 7.30 sharp. Usher IRC Alice Sherratt 087-2929913

[Fergal]

Yeah!
I'm definitely on for this!
Who else?
Come on!

[Fergal]

oh - it's a feckin' race?
didn't see that bit, thought it was a leg-shaving competition...
feck-off so :mad:

[Morgan]

What about MAD 1989 - 2009 "20 Years Of Road"?

[Richie]

I might be there for the racing - will defo be there for the shaving. Got me one of those Fusion razors - ye are all fecked.

[Morgan]

I hear yet another committee member has fallen under the spell of tarmac too...

[paddyobrien]

Is it Cormac?

Its Cormac isn't it?

Or maybe Cormac?

[Fergal]

whoever it is is sacked!
put in a sack, with a rake of scraggly-ass cats and thrown down the side of Djouce

[diamondG]

put in a sack, with a rake of scraggly-ass cats and thrown down the side of Djouce

ye know, it could be good trainning. you'd be pretty savage after that.. or fecked, beyond all belief.

[Scrivo]

What's the story with this? Will a mtb license do? Do you sign on the evening? How much is entry? I'm gonna do it I reckon...

[ryan]

You will need more that the MTB license... I get out the 'full' one each year - about 30-40 more at the start of the year... can't remember. You may have to get a day license or just wing it, they may be happy enough to let you go...

Entry is probably €10... I have never paid more that a tenner for a road race :)

And remember, if you don't want to be dropped, try as best you can to stay towards the front of the group. Scary but fun :) Read this: http://norcalcyclingnews.com/2008/03/28/content-on-the-cheap/ then reread before you go...

[Arek]

I’ll be there as well. What are the rules? Is it 1h of racing and then a bell for the last lap? Are there any points for sprints on selected laps? Not that I’ll sprint, just good to know what’s goin on around ;)

[Scrivo]

Was hoping I'd get away with not getting caught doing the dirt but withing minutes of arriving I met Arek, Cormac and MarkG.

Wow.. That was ferocious!!!! but deadly! Signed on and did a quick lap with Arek. The lap was pretty cool with a long flat section and and then some kickers and then the long climb up by the fort. The pace was unreal. Like nothing I had ever seen before. I thought people would do a lap or two to get into things and then attack but I was way wrong. The group flew off at the start and from what I could see, never stopped. I dropped off the group almost immediately and rode a lap or two by myself before catching some more that dropped off. Them there roadies are a strange bread- they motor on the flats but I could easily hold my own in the group on the climbs. I thought I was going well getting up to 50km/h on the flat but judging by the way the elites flew by, I'd say they were easily to 60+.

Verdict: Deadly. Some savagery. Would definitely do that again. It's just so explosive! Constantly trying to catch the wheel in front or pass that person to get in someone who's quickers draft. I'd imagine it's like the last few km's of a full length road race. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed it. I wouldn't quite call it stoked but it definitely is something good!

[diamondG]

that does sound like a good buzz!

even spectating that would have been good.

[Scrivo]

Yeah seriously man- get a lend of a roadbike and give it a go! The intesnity and speed is just mental. I'd say it's good to spectate too. Especially seeing the top guys going down the flat straight at 65km/h in that cool fighter jet formation they do.

Another thing that struck me- roadies give up really easily! Was finishing the first lap after dropping off the pack and just got to the top of the climb with 5 others and they all dropped out! Couldn't believe people would give in like that just because they weren't going to win. Managed to blag the mtb license off as a road one so didn't have to pay the one day fee :)

[ryan]

Great to hear you reaction - road races really are a different thing. I must give one of those crits a go some evening.

[Arek]

Next race in Phoenix Park tomorrow! Looks like the same place and time as for the last one (sign on from around 6:30Pm, start 7:30, Papal Cross). Is anyone heading there?
Weather should stay dry!