"The Pilgrimage" - ThinkBike.ie 1/2 Wicklow Way Spin

Here is possibly the last thing this year that I need to prepare for in terms of going for some nice & long spin on the mountain bike. The idea was there for a while but John at ThinkBike came up with the suggestion couple of days ago "Why not get it done?!" so we decided to give this mad spin a go before Christmas, especially because the weather is still good.

It is always cool to get involved in stuff that my club organizes so here is it again: I'm taking part of this club spin as one of group leader since I did ride this part of the mighty Wicklow Way many-many times before. The plan is to ride to the half way point and then cycle back home on the tarmac road. It is difficult to estimate but it will be a savage long mountain bike spin indeed! Can't wait! :) 

Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 - riding on dream wheels

 

I was always wondering what it's like to use some of the real high end carbon fibre road wheels on the bike. The ones I never had a chance to try until now: I was given a set of Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 carbon fibre set of wheels for testing and to see the difference myself. Now, they gave me such a nice impression and there is so much to talk about  I can only hope I don't miss anything in this post.

Little bit of a work in the workshop and the bike was ready to go

I spent my lunch time to get the bike ready for the test spin and after all the necessery changes and adjustments it was all good to go. Beside the extremely high cool factor that makes the bike look absolutely amazing the first thing was the huge weight difference of the overall weight of the bike. 

Cork brake pads to be fitted to be suitable on the carbon braking surface

 

Here is some technical talk on the wheels: 

As the name shows they are 50 mm deep carbon fibre rims (clintcher model). They are Bontrager's mid-depth wheels and the HED-designed broad rim and rounded profile provide one of the most wind-stable 50mm wheelsets on the market. With big graphics, glossy cosmetic weave fairing section and bladed white spokes, these wheels are very eye-cathing.  

Here is the front wheel...

...and the rear one

Both wheels have 16 bladed spokes. They join to the hub without any specific design and they are going through the aero deep "V" profile before they join to the rim. As a result of that the nipples are hidden.  

My first impression was when I took the bike out for the test spin that these wheels are very fast. Every time I started to accelerate and build up speed the bike responded better and it was just super easy to gain speed. Also I loved the noise that comes from the wheels as they cut through the air! It was cool! :)

I had them only for one test ride so I wanted to give them a proper try and see how do they work in pretty much every riding situation. Now, many people say that these deep profile wheels can be little bit flexible on climbs but since I am a very light cyclist I have no trouble with that. I actually think they are very good on the climbs and it seems like the rigidity is not an issue at all. Because the rolling resistance is lower they are giving completely different characteristic to the ride, however this really comes out on flat roads. 

Ready for some sweet climbing session :)

I have noticed a massive difference on flat when cruising is the name of the game. Wow, it is so amazing how easy to maintain the speed on these wheels. I was testing the wheels and also the legs so had couple of savage burst sprints and the result was surprising: maximum speed on flat road without tail wind was over 55 km/hour and the cruising speed was very close to 40 km/hour. If it is like this on my own I can't even imagine how good they could be in the bunch during road racing! :)

Now, of course there are couple of questions as well: how practical they would be for a small rider like me? I mean I can picture how serious trouble I would be in when I get hit by some of the savage Irish side winds... 

I would also worry about the quality of the road surface 'cause every time I got close to a pothole or a very bad quality patch on the road I started to sweat big time! Of course they are race set of wheels (really only for racing), they are not just for riding around but still. I just simply would worry to damage them and on their price level it would be a complete disaster though...

Just a last shot before I gave them back...my heart was broken a bit though! :(

My overall impression is absolutely great on these superb set of wheels. It was fantastic to try them out, especially 'cause I don't think I can afford them for a long time. I think a set of wheels like these bad boys would be absolutelly beneficial for anybody who is racing on the road properly! If I would get into road racing and I would have a possiblitiy to use them on the bike I would be very happy indeed. 

I'd like to say a big thank you to John Clarke at ThinkBike for lending these wheels for me to test them out. I really appreciate it!

Recovery road spin in the cold

This morning I hopped on the road bike to have a nice and easy recovery spin. I left at 8 am and I have to say this morning was the first time when I really felt the winter. Yep, winter is here for sure! 

Cold but still absolutely lovely winter morning

At some places the road was even a bit frosty...

After I struggled through the usual morning traffic mayhem (which was even more ridiculous then every other day) I hit some sweet and quiet back roads where I could finally really enjoy the ride. I was dressed up well for the 2 °C temperature but I might have mistaken when I didn't put the warmer pair of gloves on. Well, I paid the price later...

I cycled out on the N81 to Tallaght and took a left and started to climb up towards the Military Road. But I was forced to turn back and choose a different destination. I was chased by a huge dog that was loose in front of some farm on the side of the road. Now, it is funny now, but back there was not at all. He was really grumpy and I just simply didn't want to risk and serious damage. :( 

So I started to head out towards Brittas on the back roads. It was simply lovely. Still very cold though but great! By the time I got to Brittas the day was nice and very sunny. I loved it! 

Sunny morning in Brittas

From Brittas I took the N81 back to the town that made the ride home super quick indeed. The whole idea of this morning's spin was to have a relaxed bike ride. Just to have the legs turning but nothing mad. 

I have covered 45 km  of distance under 1 hour and 50 minutes which was just enough for today. After I got home the hot shower was necessery and helped a lot to get the blood circulation back to normal in my hands and feet.

I enjoyed this spin but I have to admit that I need to get prepared for all the savage and super cold times on the bike. Will be tough but hey, winter is here and it is just part of the life of the cyclists! :)

Heading towards the mountains once again

I am just back from another good road spin and since I have to admit I having difficulties to keep my hillclimb demand under control I decided to head towards the mountains this morning. The plan was to get over the Sally Gap 'cause I haven't been there for a long time. I left at 9 am from Milltown and crossed Stepaside, Enniskerry to start the climb up towards the Sally Gap.

After I got shocked (in the good meaning of the word) how many mountain bikers were up in the Ballinastoe carpark, I settled into a steady pace as I climbed next to the fantastic looking Lough Tay. That place always amazes me! :)

I just simply can't cycle by this without stopping for a second

Now at this point the weather started to turn into a bit more serious, the temperature has dropped a good bit and the whole place got more and more savage as I got closer to the top. Once I crossed the junction I started my super fast downhill towards Blessington and the N81 that leads back to Dublin.

The road surface was wet and the rain started to fall as well, so I was very careful on the way down. Now, of course I was very tempted too to get some nice speed going where I had a chance to do it safely. So I let the bike go couple of times and as a result I got the maximum speed as high as 67,3 km/hour. Sweet! ;)

Bend after bend and I was getting closer and closer to the main road that I wanted to use as my route to get back home. Thankfully the rain has stopped not long after I started my descent and of course the temperature got more friendly too.

Excellent view, isn't it?

After I hit the busy N81 I settled into some noce and steady pace and I got back to Dublin in no time. I got throuh Tallaght and Tempelogue and got home just for lunch what I really needed at this point indeed. 

Elevation and speed graph

Today's spin was excellent, I really enjoyed myself on the bike. I have done 75 km under 2 hours and 50 minutes with avarage speed of 26,6 km/hour. I am happy for this though 'cause it is good pace for me considering all the climbs along the way.

Now, I am ready to have a very relaxed afternoon at home with my wife Anett. Will watch some movies and have some gorgeous pastry that she made earlier on. What a way to spend my Saturday, hah?! I certenly can't complain! :)

Keeping up the good work on the road bike

Lately I try to spend as much time as possible on the road bike and I have to say it is so much fun so far. Road cycling is great! Now, I don't think I will get converted for good but I havin' good time on the road bike indeed. 

Yesterday I felt like I want to get to the Phoenix Park and just get couple of laps done there. I cycled out and started to get the laps done on the long loop around (still inside) of the park. This time I picked the anti-clockwise direction and it seemed like it was a lucky pick 'cause of the one-way traffic around the park caused by the current diversion that I did not know about. 

The well known route

I wanted to keep some nice and steady pace and I think I could manage it well. I have done 5 laps (9.3 km each) and I felt great on the bike. I kept comfy and steady 27-28 km/hour avarage speed during the 5 laps. The overall distance of the spin was 65 km and it took me 2 hours and 26 minutes to get the training done. It wasn't too long spin though but I think it was still good going just before I got to work.

check out this spin on Strava.

I had a great time on the bike and even if the park was brilliant last morning but I am sure I wont be back there for a while. I need some place with a little more action! Let's head towards the mountains again this weekend! :)

Winter road miles spiced up with some climbing

Lately I trying to spend more time on the road bike and get some valuable winter miles into the legs. Of course I still ride the XC bike as well but the majority of the training will be on the road bike for the next couple of months. Because of this plan I started to get used to the road bike and have fun on the road more and more every time I am out on the bike. :)

On the top of the Kippure

So, yesterday I wanted to sweeten up the usual routine a bit and decided to get some climbing done. I turned towards the Wicklow mountains and to be exact I targeted a nice and high point: the Kippure. At 757 metres (2,484 feet), it is the highest mountain in South Dublin so to get there through the hills and to climb up to the top I had to do good bit of work. Was absolutely great! :)

The map (out and back on the same route)

On Thursday I was working so I wanted to take the simple, straight forward route and the same to get back home to be sure I wont be late from work. I left at 8 am in the morning and started to head out towards Stepaside and Enniskerry. After the village I got to the Powerscourt Waterfall and kept going up towards the Military Road. After I hit the climb towards the Sally Gap I was at the bottom of the Kippure in no time.

Now, up to this point the weather was pretty all right with very wet road surface but mostly sunny sky and luckily no wind. But shortly after I started to settle into the climb on the bold side of the Kippure the mountain has changed his face. I entered the thick cloud that was just sitting on the top like some sort of higher power and started to feel the rapid drop of the temperature too. The whole place was amazing: very limited view caused by the heavy fog/cloud, cold and wet road and steep gradient. The only thing that I had in my head was the rythm of the music from the earphones and the fact I love what I am doing. Then and there the whole thing felt little bit more special. I loved it!  :)

After the long climb I got up to the peak but since the weather was pretty savage up there and I did not see much either I turned back and started the fast downhill. Lucky enought but when I got back to slightly lower altitude the weather got back to normal and the way home was lovely. 

The elevation graph of the spin

I did ride 71 km under 3 hours and ended up with 1235 m of total climbing. 

The pace was nice and calm, did not do any jumpy stuff at all. When I got back home I felt good and I think all these road spins will help me to get more fit for the next season.

Got home, quick shower, 2nd breakfast and off I went to work, what a way to start the day, hah?!  Can't wait for the next time! :)

Excellent day for running

During my winter training running is pretty important to build up general fitness and stamina and I also like to go for a run when I have less time and can't get out on the bike long enough. So the progression is there, I am building up my running sessions week by week to reach a proper level by the end of this month.

Getting ready

This morning the weather was super mild and bright so the whole thing was very enjoyable indeed. I love to run in cold weather in general but of course I wont say no to be outside on a day like we have today! :)

The map of my running session (Milltown - Ranelagh - Rathmines - Milltown)

At this point I've increased my running time up to 35 minutes and within this time I run 6.7 km in total. The pace was nice and steady with the avarage pace of 5:04 min/km.

I really enjoyed today's running session and I finally started to feel better during running. I set my mp3 player to play my favourite Eminen album and just enjoyed the weather & the pace out there. I'm already looking forward to my next time when I will push the time up to 45 minutes constant running. Will be sweet! :)

BBB HighPower Rechargable Night-light set

I generally wasn't too much into night-ride spins in the past but I have tried this unique type of mountain biking couple of times in the last one year and my point of view has changed about the whole thing. 

At the moment I don't own any proper set of night-lights but last time I did get a set from John Clarke (at ThinkBike) to be able to get out with the lads on the ThinkBike Spook Halloween night-ride spin. 

The lights he gave me are the next: BBB HighPower rechargable night-lights. It has quiet nice and compact size with light weight aluminium shell and pretty light battery too. The whole system can be fitted on the bike in very short time and it would not add any serious weight to the bike either. 

The set comes with a small velcro strap that helps to get the battery fitted on the bike and because the bottom of the battery has a tiny rubber panel built in the whole pack sits nice and still on the frame. The clamp can be fitted on oversized handlebars too which is definitelly good thing to have and the light clips on and off. This makes the fitting easy. 

The light itself comes with 3 high power LED and been designed to have 3 modes: continuous normal, continuous high-power and flash mode. The casing is aluminium and the rubber enclosed water-resistant switch provides direct and responsive activation. 

I did get a double set fitted on my bike for our last night-ride spin and the light power was perfectly enough to be able to see the trails even in very dark conditions. Now, these light are not the most powerful ones out there but they are definitelly bright enough and good quality ones on they price level. I am planning to get a set of my own in the near future and I am sure I would go for them for sure 'cause they did cover all my needs. 

And once I will have my own set I will be a regular night-rider up in the mountains for sure. Night-ride is fun,  pitch black trails: bring it on! :)