*UPDATE UPDATE*
So... from someone who was actually at this rubbish... One side of Merrion Square closed off, nothing happening in the park. One tent for Dublin Bus, giving out timetables, Dublin Shitty Council... had a tent that housed a form where you could win a piece of shit bike... that's all... the Dublin Transport Office were supposed to have a stall, but apparently all they were giving out were balloons and when they ran out they left... A few stalls selling the obligatory overpriced food, and that's World Car Free Day! What a model of progressive thinking Dublin is really showing itself to be. I hope the rest of the world was watching that shining display and takes heed. At this rate we'll have global warming licked by next Thursday.
Once again... COWARDS...
*UPDATE*
So I tell a lie, the West side of Merrion Square is being closed to today... woo-hoo!!! Bet it's closed to bikes as well... and there's a family fun day in the park! That has a lot to do with Car Free Day doesn't it? Report here.
Once again Ireland shows its true colours by completely blanking World Car Free Day.
Apart form a bike parade and picninc happening in cork, there is nothing going on in this entire island.
This certainly puts into perspective that wonderful ride through car free streets at 9.30 am on a sunday that the government threw last week. They couldn't have waited and maybe had it today? CarFree Day? Seems to make sense doesn't it?
Check here for details of cities and countries that actually give a shit and don't just pay lip service to issues of sustainability.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Dublin City Cycle
I'm all for getting more people on their bikes in Dublin City... kinda...
I think the council and the government have got it all arseways to be honest. Suddenly throwing a few thousand more people out on to the streets on bikes without improving road conditions or providing proper training is a fucking joke if you pardon my French.
The one thing more dangerous than motor vehicle users in the city is other cyclists. I'm more scared of middle aged women on hybrids than I am of HGV's. You never know what the fuck they're going to do!
The whole attitude to cycling in the city has to be changed, and that is going to take a lot of time, maybe a generation. It has to start in schools by providing children with weekly cycling classes, getting them comfortable on bikes from an early age. There should be government subsidised adult lessons available as well, cycling with small groups around the city, with experienced city cyclists, like messengers, teaching adults how to assert themselves in traffic and stop feeling like targets. If cyclists can't look over their shoulder to check traffic and still ride in a straight line they shouldn't be riding in traffic, in my opinion.
The whole network of cycle lanes needs to be adressed as well. While there are some decent ones in the suburbs, along the canals for instance, their overall design seems to be from the standpoint of people who do not ride bikes in the city.
Drivers need to be made more aware of how the cycling infrastructure works. Bicycle traffic lights, eg. Bull Alley/Golden lane do not exist in drivers eyes. I've been nearly slammed twice recently at this intersection while following the 'cycle' green light. Bike boxes at junctions, that are there to allow cyclists to get ahead of the traffic for making turns etc. are always just sat in by cars, forcing cyclists to go beyond this and in many cases through the pedestrian area in order to make their turn. I appreciate that most of this is not due to driver negligence, but due to lack of education.
These arguments and more have been argued a hundred times on many websites, the reason I bring it up again here is because of the Dublin City Cycle that took place at the weekend.
Not only am I infuriated that the same ignorant asses that told us 'not in a million years' when we proposed our route for CMWC organise this 8km traffic free ride through the city, using part of the course we proposed (I always suspected it was because we're couriers, and I feel that has been confirmed), I'm also aggrieved that they feel that this might somehow contribute positively to cycling in the city. Why not spend the money on making the roads a bit safer or on some education, showing people what the streets are like without traffic only highlights how dangerous it is when there is traffic on the roads.
Finally, the partners for this event included the Dublin Transport Office, The Department of the Environment andEuropean Mobility Week. Can I ask why we didn't have this cycle on, say, a Saturday afternoon? Might have had more of an impact on the public consciousness. What traffic is there in dublin at 9.30 am on a Sunday morning? Cowards.
Apologies for the disjointed nature of this 'rant', but when I get emotional I can't order my thoughts very well.
I think the council and the government have got it all arseways to be honest. Suddenly throwing a few thousand more people out on to the streets on bikes without improving road conditions or providing proper training is a fucking joke if you pardon my French.
The one thing more dangerous than motor vehicle users in the city is other cyclists. I'm more scared of middle aged women on hybrids than I am of HGV's. You never know what the fuck they're going to do!
The whole attitude to cycling in the city has to be changed, and that is going to take a lot of time, maybe a generation. It has to start in schools by providing children with weekly cycling classes, getting them comfortable on bikes from an early age. There should be government subsidised adult lessons available as well, cycling with small groups around the city, with experienced city cyclists, like messengers, teaching adults how to assert themselves in traffic and stop feeling like targets. If cyclists can't look over their shoulder to check traffic and still ride in a straight line they shouldn't be riding in traffic, in my opinion.
The whole network of cycle lanes needs to be adressed as well. While there are some decent ones in the suburbs, along the canals for instance, their overall design seems to be from the standpoint of people who do not ride bikes in the city.
Drivers need to be made more aware of how the cycling infrastructure works. Bicycle traffic lights, eg. Bull Alley/Golden lane do not exist in drivers eyes. I've been nearly slammed twice recently at this intersection while following the 'cycle' green light. Bike boxes at junctions, that are there to allow cyclists to get ahead of the traffic for making turns etc. are always just sat in by cars, forcing cyclists to go beyond this and in many cases through the pedestrian area in order to make their turn. I appreciate that most of this is not due to driver negligence, but due to lack of education.
These arguments and more have been argued a hundred times on many websites, the reason I bring it up again here is because of the Dublin City Cycle that took place at the weekend.
Not only am I infuriated that the same ignorant asses that told us 'not in a million years' when we proposed our route for CMWC organise this 8km traffic free ride through the city, using part of the course we proposed (I always suspected it was because we're couriers, and I feel that has been confirmed), I'm also aggrieved that they feel that this might somehow contribute positively to cycling in the city. Why not spend the money on making the roads a bit safer or on some education, showing people what the streets are like without traffic only highlights how dangerous it is when there is traffic on the roads.
Finally, the partners for this event included the Dublin Transport Office, The Department of the Environment andEuropean Mobility Week. Can I ask why we didn't have this cycle on, say, a Saturday afternoon? Might have had more of an impact on the public consciousness. What traffic is there in dublin at 9.30 am on a Sunday morning? Cowards.
Apologies for the disjointed nature of this 'rant', but when I get emotional I can't order my thoughts very well.
Halloween 2008
I saw a Pumpkin hat in the pound shop yesterday, so that can mean only one thing... Halloween is over 6 weeks away!
Aside from Paddy's Day Massacre, Halloween has always been one of our most successful events and hopefully this year will be no exception. There was a great turn out for last Fridays Tartancat and I think we can keep that going.
This year Halloween falls on a Friday, so that gives us a whole weekend to play with.
Friday night we'll have the traditional Halloween alleycat, prizes for best costume as always.
Here are some previous years efforts:
Details of Fridays race are still sketchy... as there is nothing organised yet. I've an idea for a race, but if anyone else wants to chip in please get in touch.
For Saturday I thought we'd take a trip back in time, to a more innocent age of messing... Anyone remember Courier Carnage from 2001??? It's basically a knockout sprint competition around a course using some of our most popular streets in the working day... it also bears a slight resemblance to the course we attempted to have for CMWC... I only just noticed that...
Anyway, this is a fun format, 3/4 rider heats running down to a 4 up final.
Hoping to book somewhere for parties on both nights, again anyone with any suggestions get in touch, about venues, dj'ing, whatever.
ALSO!!! Anyone with a logo design for posters, t-shirts, get in touch asap. As you can see from my MSPaint masterpiece above I'm a donkey when it comes to design. If you'd like to be immortalised let me know.
Peace!
Aside from Paddy's Day Massacre, Halloween has always been one of our most successful events and hopefully this year will be no exception. There was a great turn out for last Fridays Tartancat and I think we can keep that going.
This year Halloween falls on a Friday, so that gives us a whole weekend to play with.
Friday night we'll have the traditional Halloween alleycat, prizes for best costume as always.
Here are some previous years efforts:
Details of Fridays race are still sketchy... as there is nothing organised yet. I've an idea for a race, but if anyone else wants to chip in please get in touch.
For Saturday I thought we'd take a trip back in time, to a more innocent age of messing... Anyone remember Courier Carnage from 2001??? It's basically a knockout sprint competition around a course using some of our most popular streets in the working day... it also bears a slight resemblance to the course we attempted to have for CMWC... I only just noticed that...
Anyway, this is a fun format, 3/4 rider heats running down to a 4 up final.
Hoping to book somewhere for parties on both nights, again anyone with any suggestions get in touch, about venues, dj'ing, whatever.
ALSO!!! Anyone with a logo design for posters, t-shirts, get in touch asap. As you can see from my MSPaint masterpiece above I'm a donkey when it comes to design. If you'd like to be immortalised let me know.
Peace!
Upcoming Track Events
A couple of updates from the Track Association:
IVCA Track Championships and Apple Pie Event!
The inaugural Irish Veteran Cyclist Association Track Championships will take place on Saturday
20th September at Eamonn Ceannt Park on Sundrive Rd, Dublin 12.
Sign on is 10.00 - 10.30.
20th September at Eamonn Ceannt Park on Sundrive Rd, Dublin 12.
Sign on is 10.00 - 10.30.
Entry open to all IVCA and Cycling Ireland Veteran Cyclists who have track accreditation
Event 1: 500m Individual Time Trial standing start.
Age Categories 40-49, 50-59 and 60+
Age Categories 40-49, 50-59 and 60+
Event 2: Sprint including Flying 200m qualifying TT and knockout Match Sprints
over 2 laps. Age Categories 40-49, 50-59 and 60+
Event 3: 3 KM (7 laps) Individual Pursuit. Age Categories 40-49
2 KM (5 laps) Individual Pursuit. Age Categories 50-59 and 60+
2 KM (5 laps) Individual Pursuit. Age Categories 50-59 and 60+
Event 4: 20 Lap Scratch race. Age Categories to be decided on numbers of entries.
Team Event : Team Sprint. 1 1/2 laps distance (710 metres) 3 riders start, first
rider peels off after 1/2 a lap (230 metres), 2nd rider at 1 lap, last
rider finishes the last half lap on his own The ages of the 3 riders
in the team must add up to 135 years or more.
There will be medals, prizes and Apple Pie
As the programme is dependent on the number of entries in each
category it may vary from this. If you are interested in entering
please let Terry Cromer know on 087 2056740.
The day promises some very exciting racing and we hope that all IVCA
members will come along and either compete or support their fellow
members. Here is an opportunity to find out exactly how fast you can
go against the clock over the short sprint distances or how well you
can judge your pace over 2 or 3 kilometers. It is open to all members
who have accreditation to ride the track at Sundrive Rd.
members will come along and either compete or support their fellow
members. Here is an opportunity to find out exactly how fast you can
go against the clock over the short sprint distances or how well you
can judge your pace over 2 or 3 kilometers. It is open to all members
who have accreditation to ride the track at Sundrive Rd.
If you are interested or need more information please call Terry
Cromer on 087 2056740.
Cromer on 087 2056740.
It has also been decided to resurrect the Apple Pie Event so there
will be refreshments including Apple Pie and cream and a cup of tea or
coffee. For those who haven't enjoyed the experience of Track racing,
this is a wonderful introduction to exciting racing and the social
camaraderie amongst track riders and their families.
will be refreshments including Apple Pie and cream and a cup of tea or
coffee. For those who haven't enjoyed the experience of Track racing,
this is a wonderful introduction to exciting racing and the social
camaraderie amongst track riders and their families.
Please come and support this event either as participant or spectator!
TGP Duane Delaney Memorial
Track Meet – Sundrive Road
Sunday 28th September 2008
Event timetable
10.30am – 11.00am Sign on
11.15am – 11.30m Open track
Racing starts 11.30am –
TGP Duane Delaney Memorial Track Meet will be run by the Track Commission of Ireland with support of Ravens RCT accordance with Cycling Ireland.
This program is subject to change and will be run as a 5 event Track Meet which we hope to split into two categories as outlined below.
For further info please contact
Will Byrne on will@kingscroft.ie 086 0847839 or
Hugh Byrne on trackcyclingireland@gmail.com 086 3488708.
The Track Commission would like to thank the Delaney Family and Ravens RCT for the opportunity to host the TGP Duane Delaney Memorial.
Proposed Itenerary
Riders subject to numbers split as follows:
A : A/B/ Elite V/ and any other rider who would nomally ride in that section of our league
B: V/L/J/U16
Event 1
A: 200 m TT (Placed 1 to 8)
Winner 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2
B: 200 m TT (Placed 1 to 8)
Winner 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2
Event 2 Sprint (3 rounds)
A : Each rider gets 3 x 3 up sprints (Points 3/2/1)
Match offs for winners getting progessively harder as winners face each other,
while 2nd & 3rds are also matched to give them a shot at some points
Max points 9 (if you win alll 3)
B : Each rider gets 3 x 3 up sprints (Points 3/2/1)
Match offs for winners getting progessively harder as winners face each other,
while 2nd & 3rds are also matched to give them a shot at some points
Max points 9 (if you win alll 3)
Event 3
A: 15 lap scratch (points 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2 and 1 for participation)
B: 15 lap scratch (points 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2 and 1 for participation)
Event 4
A: 25 lap points race
B: 16 laps reverse win & out
Lap 4 Sprint for 7th & 8th places (3 points & 2 points)
Lap 8 Sprint for 5th & 6th places (5 points & 4 points)
Lap 12 Sprint for 3rd & 4th places (7 points & 6 points)
Lap 16 Sprint for 1st & 2nd places (9 points & 8 points)
Event 5
A: 500m TT (points 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2 and 1 for participation)
B: 500m TT (points 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2 and 1 for participation)
Prizes in both sections
Overall Winner can come from either A or B section
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
I guess work must be slow in London too...
Fear not! It's obviously not just Dublin that's going through slack times... although this seems to have been the longest Summer slump(without even having the sun) in many's a year, our friends across the sea seem to be suffering from a similar sort of madness brought about by hours on end sitting around doing nothing.
While peeping at the Moving Target forum I came across this peach...
Also, in news, our favourite new Scottish imports Kerr and Dave, will be throwing their 'Tartancat' this Friday. Expect funny accents, unidentifiable meats, crazy vimto and a whole host of other stereotypes...
Grand Canal, 7/8ish as is the Irish way...
While peeping at the Moving Target forum I came across this peach...
Also, in news, our favourite new Scottish imports Kerr and Dave, will be throwing their 'Tartancat' this Friday. Expect funny accents, unidentifiable meats, crazy vimto and a whole host of other stereotypes...
Grand Canal, 7/8ish as is the Irish way...
Monday, September 1, 2008
Velocity Couriers: Blatant self promotion...
Apologies for this, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do.
There's a new courier company in Dublin: Velocity Couriers.
Pedal power only.
Carbon-free.
Experienced couriers.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to give us a try, check our website out:
www.velocitycouriers.ie
Support local independent business!
( I promise I will never use this blog again for personal advertising)
There's a new courier company in Dublin: Velocity Couriers.
Pedal power only.
Carbon-free.
Experienced couriers.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to give us a try, check our website out:
www.velocitycouriers.ie
Support local independent business!
( I promise I will never use this blog again for personal advertising)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Cycling raingear...
...doesn't work when you're a messenger.
The rain in Dublin has been fucking atrocious this year (and last come to think of it), and without fail my supposedly waterproof gear has given up the ghost pretty early on in the day.
I just bought a new Endura jacket (to replace my Cyclone issue 'rain-sieve') and it got its first real test today. The thing looks beautiful, really comfortable... but waterproof??? Not a fucking chance. Check that link out and look at the reviews from the leading cycling magazines. High praise indeed. What kind of testing do these muppets do? What exactly do they call rain??? It rained solidly for about two and a half hours this afternoon and the arms had begun to soak through after one. By the time I got home I was sopping.
Are manufacturers ever going to make products that can withstand a courier? They use claims like 'durable' and 'waterproof' when in fact this is only apparently the case if you commute for 20 minutes a day, or go out riding at the weekends. How long has your last pair of gloves lasted? Fuck me, I've spent more money on gloves than I dare think about... always the same, the top of them fine, but that shitty synthetic crap they use on the palms lasts about 3 months if you're lucky. If you use long-fingered gloves and have brakes the sides of the fingers wear through in a matter of weeks. Pants.
I'm so sick of throwing good money after bad. Instead of making yet another messenger bag, can one of these talented individuals invest some of their creative energies into designing jackets and gloves that can withstand 9 hours a day, 5 days a week of working on a bike.
Please.
The rain in Dublin has been fucking atrocious this year (and last come to think of it), and without fail my supposedly waterproof gear has given up the ghost pretty early on in the day.
I just bought a new Endura jacket (to replace my Cyclone issue 'rain-sieve') and it got its first real test today. The thing looks beautiful, really comfortable... but waterproof??? Not a fucking chance. Check that link out and look at the reviews from the leading cycling magazines. High praise indeed. What kind of testing do these muppets do? What exactly do they call rain??? It rained solidly for about two and a half hours this afternoon and the arms had begun to soak through after one. By the time I got home I was sopping.
Are manufacturers ever going to make products that can withstand a courier? They use claims like 'durable' and 'waterproof' when in fact this is only apparently the case if you commute for 20 minutes a day, or go out riding at the weekends. How long has your last pair of gloves lasted? Fuck me, I've spent more money on gloves than I dare think about... always the same, the top of them fine, but that shitty synthetic crap they use on the palms lasts about 3 months if you're lucky. If you use long-fingered gloves and have brakes the sides of the fingers wear through in a matter of weeks. Pants.
I'm so sick of throwing good money after bad. Instead of making yet another messenger bag, can one of these talented individuals invest some of their creative energies into designing jackets and gloves that can withstand 9 hours a day, 5 days a week of working on a bike.
Please.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
BMXenger
A new video from our ludicrously talented comrade Donnacha.
He's a bit good, innit?
donnacha carroll / ireland from donnacha carroll on Vimeo.
Makes all that fixie stuff look a bit...weak...
He's a bit good, innit?
donnacha carroll / ireland from donnacha carroll on Vimeo.
Makes all that fixie stuff look a bit...weak...
Monday, August 4, 2008
ECMC 2008
The dust has settled and my liver has stopped screaming. What a weekend. Europe knows how to party and damn do those Dutch know how to throw an event! Easily the best organised messenger event I've ever been to and that includes NYC 2005 with their oodles of dirty money!
It was a last minute decision for me to go, and I'm so glad I did. The largest travelling Irish contingent since New York made it feel like a home away from home, but seeing all those faces from around Europe descend on one place had me beaming all weekend.
The main race and the majority of side events were held on the Technical University campus. Our campsite was within crawling distance of the course and we had toilets, 'prison-style' showers and running water all within reach. Hot, free breakfst in the mornings, good coffee, 1 euro beer... it brings a tear to my eye remembering it all.
Day one saw some polo action, Euro-style... which meant a much slower pace and better attitude than whatever that was in Toronto. This was a nice slow build up to the main event and provided people with plenty of time to catch up with old friends and begin the serious drinking. Basel won the polo I believe with London coming 2nd thanks to a DQ. Team Dublin 12 proudly grabbed 4th after DQ'ings.
The welcome party was also held on the campus and the messengers really showed that they know how to drink. In fact the rest of this evening is a blur to me so I shall comment no further. All I know is that I was dancing on stage at one point, and then I woke up in my tent, if anyone can fill in the blank please email me.
Of course this didn't help when I dragged myself out of bed to find that the qualifiers were actually starting on time, and that if I keep picking 102 as my race number I will keep being in the first groups to qualify... A quick breakfast of scrambled eggs, ham and cheese, and a Bailey's iced coffee, and I was ready(ish) to race.
The course was a lot of fun, I really wish I had more time on it. It was pretty complicated, and you were punished for making mistakes, which I agree with, no turning around and going back the way you came like in Toronto. It really paid to stay calm and think ahead. The loop was pretty long, and to make up for holland's renowned flatness there were a few stair sections thrown in where you had to get off and run, again I think this added to the course. Everyone I saw racing looked like they were having a good time. I had a few calamities during my heat so I didn't qualify for the final, chief among these was my saddle coming loose right in front of Vincent who was MC'ing the event. It's quite distracting having someone with a microphone giving a running commentary on you trying to fix shit. Added to this were some sweaty birthday man-hugs from Flip at the stamp checkpoint and some guerilla water bombings by Pax, oh, not to forget my own ineptitude. I really didn't care though as I rode the whole thing with a huge grin on my face.
It was so nice after this to chill out in the amazing weather, have a few beers and watch the days events unfold. Semi-naked Scandinavian girls, aggresively drunk Glaswegians, skinsuit wearing Swiss... all part of a days entertainment.
That evening the party and the roller racing moved to Area 51, a skatepark close to the campus. There were some games of footdown in the car park, and the the rain came. It didn't spoil anyone's fun though as we all piled inside for some live music and the Roller race finals. Chapeau to the Rollapoluza Crew for throwing a pro event. You can tell these guys know what they're doing and the whole evening ran without a hitch. A few more beers in the campsite later on and most of us settled in for the night to prepare for another days shenanigans.
Sunday morning and the sun was back out again with a vengance making racing conditions incredibly tough. 3 hours of racing for everyone. no cut-offs or limited manifests. Jobs were worth money and the fattest wallet after 3 hours claimed victory. The strength of the organising shone through once again at this event. There was a laptop where everyone was hanging out that had live updates of the race... yes you read that right. As people made money it came up on the screen and you could watch the race unfold. I found out afterwards that this was actually on the internet, and a few guys in Dublin were follwing the race from there! Some achievement.
Just watching the racers was hard work, it was painfully hot, and 3 hours is a very long time when you can watch a clock ticking. Thankfully there was plenty of water to be had on the course, and a couple of hoses provided welcome relief at 2 points on the course. It was great watching racers srinting throught the start/finish area trying to grab plastic cups of water from volunteers... sometimes succeeding, sometimes howling in frustration as they knew it would be a few more minutes before they could get some much-needed refreshment.
Chapeau to Austin from NYC for showing true spirit and doing the whole race with a plastic bag from the local supermarket to carry his packages!
When it all boiled down Michael ‘michi’ Brinkmann and Astid ‘azkic’ Narud emerged as male and female champions respectively. Full results can be found here.
Side event finals took place after this, sprints, skids, trackstand, circles, the usual palaver. Great to watch. Sometimes when I see all the fixie stuff I am reminded of this Shakepeare quote:
"Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing. "
That's just me... it's probably 'cos I can barely trackstand... But in all seriousness it is quite a spectacle to watch Jumbo winning everything. The guy has so much control over his bike it's ridiculous. It was also nice to see some new talent coming along. Our own Daz had a really good showing, being narrowly beaten by Jumbo in both the skids and the backward circles(I think). He's going to be a force to be reckoned with in a couple of years... oh and he is also fast as fuck.
The final party was held on the campus, with the dulcet tones of Rik Van Den Bosch chilling everyone out after the awards ceremnoy. Not for long though as people proceeded to get wasted again. At some point the beer went from €1 to free... this prompted Pax from Copenhagen to start a beer fight, I gladly missed this and managed to stay relatively dry. A group of us struggled on into the wee hours, and when my head finally hit the sack the sun was coming up again.
There is always a terrible comedown from these events, irrespective of how much narcotics you've consumed during it. Taking the tent down and watching the campsite dwindle was quite disheartening. Having to say goodbye to so many good people and maybe not see them again for another year can be a bit of a downer. But I guess that's one of the reasons these events will keep happening and hopefully keep getting stronger as this years event proved.
I said in my post about Toronto to remember that messengers aren't event organisers... I have most eloquently been forced to eat my words. the Dutch messengers have shown the rest of Europe, and indeed the rest of the world, that it is possible for a bunch of functioning alcoholics to throw a world class sporting event. My hat goes off to them for this and I'm already counting down the days to ECMC Berlin. The bar has been spectacularly and irrevocably raised.
More photos can be viewed here and here.
It was a last minute decision for me to go, and I'm so glad I did. The largest travelling Irish contingent since New York made it feel like a home away from home, but seeing all those faces from around Europe descend on one place had me beaming all weekend.
The main race and the majority of side events were held on the Technical University campus. Our campsite was within crawling distance of the course and we had toilets, 'prison-style' showers and running water all within reach. Hot, free breakfst in the mornings, good coffee, 1 euro beer... it brings a tear to my eye remembering it all.
Day one saw some polo action, Euro-style... which meant a much slower pace and better attitude than whatever that was in Toronto. This was a nice slow build up to the main event and provided people with plenty of time to catch up with old friends and begin the serious drinking. Basel won the polo I believe with London coming 2nd thanks to a DQ. Team Dublin 12 proudly grabbed 4th after DQ'ings.
The welcome party was also held on the campus and the messengers really showed that they know how to drink. In fact the rest of this evening is a blur to me so I shall comment no further. All I know is that I was dancing on stage at one point, and then I woke up in my tent, if anyone can fill in the blank please email me.
Of course this didn't help when I dragged myself out of bed to find that the qualifiers were actually starting on time, and that if I keep picking 102 as my race number I will keep being in the first groups to qualify... A quick breakfast of scrambled eggs, ham and cheese, and a Bailey's iced coffee, and I was ready(ish) to race.
The course was a lot of fun, I really wish I had more time on it. It was pretty complicated, and you were punished for making mistakes, which I agree with, no turning around and going back the way you came like in Toronto. It really paid to stay calm and think ahead. The loop was pretty long, and to make up for holland's renowned flatness there were a few stair sections thrown in where you had to get off and run, again I think this added to the course. Everyone I saw racing looked like they were having a good time. I had a few calamities during my heat so I didn't qualify for the final, chief among these was my saddle coming loose right in front of Vincent who was MC'ing the event. It's quite distracting having someone with a microphone giving a running commentary on you trying to fix shit. Added to this were some sweaty birthday man-hugs from Flip at the stamp checkpoint and some guerilla water bombings by Pax, oh, not to forget my own ineptitude. I really didn't care though as I rode the whole thing with a huge grin on my face.
It was so nice after this to chill out in the amazing weather, have a few beers and watch the days events unfold. Semi-naked Scandinavian girls, aggresively drunk Glaswegians, skinsuit wearing Swiss... all part of a days entertainment.
That evening the party and the roller racing moved to Area 51, a skatepark close to the campus. There were some games of footdown in the car park, and the the rain came. It didn't spoil anyone's fun though as we all piled inside for some live music and the Roller race finals. Chapeau to the Rollapoluza Crew for throwing a pro event. You can tell these guys know what they're doing and the whole evening ran without a hitch. A few more beers in the campsite later on and most of us settled in for the night to prepare for another days shenanigans.
Sunday morning and the sun was back out again with a vengance making racing conditions incredibly tough. 3 hours of racing for everyone. no cut-offs or limited manifests. Jobs were worth money and the fattest wallet after 3 hours claimed victory. The strength of the organising shone through once again at this event. There was a laptop where everyone was hanging out that had live updates of the race... yes you read that right. As people made money it came up on the screen and you could watch the race unfold. I found out afterwards that this was actually on the internet, and a few guys in Dublin were follwing the race from there! Some achievement.
Just watching the racers was hard work, it was painfully hot, and 3 hours is a very long time when you can watch a clock ticking. Thankfully there was plenty of water to be had on the course, and a couple of hoses provided welcome relief at 2 points on the course. It was great watching racers srinting throught the start/finish area trying to grab plastic cups of water from volunteers... sometimes succeeding, sometimes howling in frustration as they knew it would be a few more minutes before they could get some much-needed refreshment.
Chapeau to Austin from NYC for showing true spirit and doing the whole race with a plastic bag from the local supermarket to carry his packages!
When it all boiled down Michael ‘michi’ Brinkmann and Astid ‘azkic’ Narud emerged as male and female champions respectively. Full results can be found here.
Side event finals took place after this, sprints, skids, trackstand, circles, the usual palaver. Great to watch. Sometimes when I see all the fixie stuff I am reminded of this Shakepeare quote:
"Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing. "
That's just me... it's probably 'cos I can barely trackstand... But in all seriousness it is quite a spectacle to watch Jumbo winning everything. The guy has so much control over his bike it's ridiculous. It was also nice to see some new talent coming along. Our own Daz had a really good showing, being narrowly beaten by Jumbo in both the skids and the backward circles(I think). He's going to be a force to be reckoned with in a couple of years... oh and he is also fast as fuck.
The final party was held on the campus, with the dulcet tones of Rik Van Den Bosch chilling everyone out after the awards ceremnoy. Not for long though as people proceeded to get wasted again. At some point the beer went from €1 to free... this prompted Pax from Copenhagen to start a beer fight, I gladly missed this and managed to stay relatively dry. A group of us struggled on into the wee hours, and when my head finally hit the sack the sun was coming up again.
There is always a terrible comedown from these events, irrespective of how much narcotics you've consumed during it. Taking the tent down and watching the campsite dwindle was quite disheartening. Having to say goodbye to so many good people and maybe not see them again for another year can be a bit of a downer. But I guess that's one of the reasons these events will keep happening and hopefully keep getting stronger as this years event proved.
I said in my post about Toronto to remember that messengers aren't event organisers... I have most eloquently been forced to eat my words. the Dutch messengers have shown the rest of Europe, and indeed the rest of the world, that it is possible for a bunch of functioning alcoholics to throw a world class sporting event. My hat goes off to them for this and I'm already counting down the days to ECMC Berlin. The bar has been spectacularly and irrevocably raised.
More photos can be viewed here and here.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
London's Calling 2008
The pre-event to CMWC last year was such a success the Londoners have decided to do it all again.
By all accounts this was a great weekend and I'm sure the experience gained form organising last year will stand them in good stead to make a good event even better.
I'll post the link to their website in the 'Upcoming' box to the right of the page as soon as it goes online.
Friday, July 4, 2008
24 hours of pain
The annual 24 hour race in Holland is coming up in Spetember, and it seems the Irish have made an impression... here be a forwarded mail from the organisers:
Tomas
I'll post some more info about registration etc as soon as I can track it down.
Just writing to inform you that the 24 hours race is on again.
Since we love you Irish warriors' participation we all hope thatyou'll be back this year.
Date is september 6th.
This years route gonna be a circle, Start and finish in Amsterdam.
Hope to see you again!
Cheers,
I'll post some more info about registration etc as soon as I can track it down.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Bike lanes
Bike lanes are...
broken glass magnets
extra car parking spaces
loading/unloading spaces for van couriers
motorbike highways
extra undertaking space for cars, who also need not signal when using
a safe place for you/your pram/your grandmother to stand while attempting to cross the road
exactly the same size as an open car door, especially when they are placed right by a taxi rank
pedestrianised zones if placed on a pavement
incomprehensible to road users if they happen to be contra-flow
shit
I fucking hate bike lanes
broken glass magnets
extra car parking spaces
loading/unloading spaces for van couriers
motorbike highways
extra undertaking space for cars, who also need not signal when using
a safe place for you/your pram/your grandmother to stand while attempting to cross the road
exactly the same size as an open car door, especially when they are placed right by a taxi rank
pedestrianised zones if placed on a pavement
incomprehensible to road users if they happen to be contra-flow
shit
I fucking hate bike lanes
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
CMWC 2008
I've finally recovered enough to be able to gather my thoughts and try to recount the epic week that was CMWC Toronto.
For those that don't know, well, tough... it's the Cycle Messenger World Championships, figure it out.
I started writing a blow-by-blow account of the weekend, but quickly realised this would be very tedious to read if you weren't there, so i'm just going to recount some of the highlights.
Meeting old friends is always a huge part of messenger events, and this was no different. It was great to see Navid again, picking us up in the airport, then seeing Luk, Porno Steve, Kai Hawaii, Pascal, and a bunch of other Euro heads. All really good people. Martin Banana, Andy Duncan, the DC crew, April, Kim, AZ. The Trackstar crew, good friends... the list is endless, but there were a lot of hellos and a lot of sad goodbyes at the end. New people hang out with, The Finnish, Paulus, Paavo and Olli. Good drinking companions. Brian from Ottowa, polo guru. too many faces to remember them all, but all good people who contributed to a great time.
The racing is, of course, the most important part to a lot of people. Personally I don't take it too seriously and have been DQ'd from every event I've entered before this one. Yes, I was DQ'd in NYC 2005 for missing a turn by about 5 feet and running back to make the corner... sound familiar? Anyhoo... the course was a lot of fun in Toronto, 2 way racing made for some spectacular viewing, and one or two spectacular collisions, but not nearly as many as I thought there would be... turns out messengers know how to ride bikes after all! I took the race slow and steady completing qualification in 1hour 25. The fastest time was 1hour 2minutes, Shino methinks. I only found out I'd qualified for the final on Sunday afternoon, on the way to the Islands with a bag full of liquor. The race was nearly ready to start when we got over so I decided qualifiactaion was enough for me and got wasted instead. Fair fecks to 25 Sean for stripping down to his lycra and getting his race face on, he came 16th in the end. Chapeau!
when it all boiled down it was the usual suspects at the head of the pack: Jumbo, Austin, Porno(well done that man), and the world's fastest messenger(TM) Shino. I was so delighted to see him win, the Japanese messengers are always so nice, and turn up to every event, great ambassadors for the messenger community, and Shino is fast as fuck. You could really see his delight when he saw he'd won. Sets things up rather nicely for Tokyo next year. Will anybody be able to beat Shino on his home turf???
Speaking of future CMWC's, the open forum was an interesting one this year. Berlin put a bid in, but a non-present Mo somehow managed to stick his oar in and remind us about the huge divides in the community in Berlin. While his point may have been valid I think if he wanted to make it at an open forum he should have shelled out the cash and turned up in person to voice it, not put Martin in the unenviable position of being mouthpiece for him. I don't think that is right or proper.
Hamburg also had a bid, in the trusty figure of Kai Hawaii. This got my vote as I know he would throw a great event. However, he was beaten to the punch by a curious entry from Nadir of La Carrera cycles, with the backing of Andy Zalan. Guatemala... that's right, Guatemala. Nadir has organised the Gran Premio de Guatemala in the past, so I think we can trust he knows how to organise an event. I'm still on the fence about this one. Part of me thinks it's a great adventure and that it's about time we as a community looked further afield, but another part of me thinks that CMWC's should be held in cities with working messenger communities, like Hamburg, and organised by the local messengers. I also don't think this vote would have gone Guatemala's way if it had been taken in any other city than Toronto. But, the die has been cast, and I will support Nadir all the way. It's going to be an interesting journey, and it will only succeed if everyone pulls together to make it happen.
There was also a reshuffling of the IFBMA council, with 3 new members, Navid, Doddy from Australia, and I'm proud to say that I will be on the council for the forthcoming year as well. Andy duncan remains president and Porno Steve, Martin Banana, Jacob from Boston and Justin from Calgary all remain on the council. If anyone has any questions for the council feel free to mail council@messengers.org.
Side events are always a popular turn at CMWC's, this year the weather(again) didn't really co-operate so a few events got shelved. From what I can remember Jumbo won the trackstand, narrowly beating AZ. Pascal Brodard won the skids, although i'm not sure if that has been confirmed by the organisers. Ali from DC won the circles with 149 or something ridiculous like that, he can go forever. Jumbo came 2nd with a really impressive 113 I believe. I didn't see who won the sprints, but I can confirm that they were wearing full lycra, this is one event for me that looks less and less like a messenger event every year.
Polo was a huge draw this year, hat's off to Brian from Ottowa for organising a tremendously successful event. Over 60 teams registered and when the dust settled one of the teams from NYC with Zak, Doug and someone else walked away victors. I was delighted to see this event be so popular, but I just don't know if it should be part of CMWC. There were a hell of a lot of people there just for the polo, on polo bikes, not messengers. I felt it detracted from the main event somewhat. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the sport and love playing it. I just think if it is that popular maybe it should have its own event.
Messengers know how to party, rain or shine, and this was put to the test as there were a lot of thunderstorms over the weekend. We're a hardy bunch though, so the resourceful found shelter and the drunk just took their clothes off. Navid's goldsprint qualifiers were a case in point. Just as everything was set up and ready to go an electrical thunderstorm knocked out the equipment and the heavens opened. This didn't deter anybody though. The tunes kept coming, the beer kept flowing and people kept smiling.
Apparently the offical welcome party got shut down by the cops for underage drinking. Hardly the organisers fault, but I'm glad I stayed under the stage in Navid's that night. The closing ceremony was supposed to have beenheld on the islands, but the storm ruled that out and a hasty venue change led us to Sneaky Dee's, a popular messenger hangout. We got to hear some local music before the awards could take place, one kid with a ginger afro was particularly good. There were some really sweet prizes on offer, frames for the main race winners. For some reason, alcohol induced no doubt, I thought it would be a good idea to take the stage after the prizegiving and thank the organisers... I don't think many people heard me though, so I think I got away with it.
There seems to be abit of a backlash brewing on the messenger mailing list at the minute, I guess it's inevitable that some people are disappointed, we certainly had our fair share last year. I guess people assumed that Toronto would be far better organised than it was. A lot of infighting among the organisers led to rifts in the community and as such some of the event suffered. I really don't want to get involved in this argument 2 years running, but I think the organisers did a good job. I had a great time, is that not enough? Not for some people. I guess cultural differences have something to do with this as well. The Japanese are thankful for everything, the Swiss are not happy if everything doesn't run on time, The Celts and the Finns don't give a shit as long as there's enough alcohol. Broad generalisations I know, but the underlying point is there... when you travel to another country don't expect everything to be like it is in yours, and don't mistake messengers for event organisers.
Ok, enough, I just hate to see this wonderful community fighting with each other when all I saw for that weekend were people from all over the world with big shit-eating grins on their faces.
Thanks Toronto! See you in Tokyo!
Uniformity
Apologies for the lack of posts... been away at CMWC Toronto and then ridiculously jet-lagged getting home. I'm only getting over it now. A full report on CMWC will follow, but first some breaking news on the Cyclone front...
It appears that the call has gone out from Cyclone (Dublin's best loved and most hated courier company) for a new design for the jerseys they are forced to wear. Before the mangement have a chance to pass the buck and simply rehash the old design with added yellow, as has been their policy for the last few years, I thought it would be only right and proper to put the call out for some real, talented people, to come up with a design that a human being would actually like to wear day in and day out.
It appears Cyclone are offering a 'cash' prize to the winning design. Now whether this involves €5 and a pat on the head, or something substantial is beyond me, but I think the honour of making 40+ couriers look less like a swarm of angry bees with eyes in their chests should be incentive enough.
. (apologies to Fergus)
If anyone feels like having a go, feel free to mail me your ideas and I will pass them on with full credit for the design. If anyone just feels like taking the piss, also get in touch and I will post your scorn on this very page.
So, the criteria are: " any colour, format, design, style or medium which is printable can be used. The use of the word cyclone is not necessary" ... these are Cyclone's words, not mine, so take from it what you will.
Please, unleash your talent on this worthy project.
It appears that the call has gone out from Cyclone (Dublin's best loved and most hated courier company) for a new design for the jerseys they are forced to wear. Before the mangement have a chance to pass the buck and simply rehash the old design with added yellow, as has been their policy for the last few years, I thought it would be only right and proper to put the call out for some real, talented people, to come up with a design that a human being would actually like to wear day in and day out.
It appears Cyclone are offering a 'cash' prize to the winning design. Now whether this involves €5 and a pat on the head, or something substantial is beyond me, but I think the honour of making 40+ couriers look less like a swarm of angry bees with eyes in their chests should be incentive enough.
. (apologies to Fergus)If anyone feels like having a go, feel free to mail me your ideas and I will pass them on with full credit for the design. If anyone just feels like taking the piss, also get in touch and I will post your scorn on this very page.
So, the criteria are: " any colour, format, design, style or medium which is printable can be used. The use of the word cyclone is not necessary" ... these are Cyclone's words, not mine, so take from it what you will.
Please, unleash your talent on this worthy project.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Horrific crash in Mexico
I find it hard to look at this image, but is serves as a gruesome reminder of how dangerous it can be to ride a bike.
This was during a sanctioned bike race in Mexico, only about 15 minutes into it. The driver was apparently drunk and asleep behind the wheel. One of the riders was killed and at least 5 more were seriously injured. It's a miracle more people didn't die.
The picture speaks volumes, nothing more needs to be said.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Random kindness of caravans
As I'm doing the Wicklow 200 next weekend (although I'm now leaning more towards the 100), I thought it would be a good idea to actually do some training that involved a bit more climbing than riding up Bridge street twice a day.
Avoiding the booze on Saturday night, I managed to get a good kip and rise early enough to get a good run at the day. It's been a while since I've gone out on the road in the mountains, but the route came back pretty quickly: Out through Templeogue to Stocking Lane where the road begins to climb. I found myself running through my gears at a rapid rate and soon had nowhere to hide and had to grind my way past the Hellfire club and Massey's Wood on my way to the viewing point.
By the time I reached the viewing point my heart rate was off the scale and I was having serious doubts about my fitness. I took a few minutes to savour the unparralelled view of Dublin, it actually looks pretty from up there, took a few more swigs of water, sucked it up and forced myself to continue climbing. Thankfully the gradient was a bit less punishing from here and I was able to cruise for a while and get my legs back.
Over the Sally Gap and on towards Kippure, and here my sense of direction got very fuzzy. There may be only one road, but I had no idea where it led... a quick phone call to Chris had me on my way to the crossroads past Kippure where I had to make the decision... right towards Blessington, left to Roundwood or straight to Glendalough. I went for the middle ground, distance-wise, and headed towards Roundwood.
Lots of downhill here but up ahead I could see what looked like some punishing climbing. At this stage my legs were feeling good and I was looking forward to the challenge. Thankfully the gradient was deceiving and I managed to climb prettty comfortably to a stunning view of the lake by Lugalla, really just an exceptionally beautiful place. What goes up must come down... this was the steepest descent yet, nearly all the way into Roundwood. My new computer showed a max of 64.2km/h coming down here... that was fucking scary, but of course exhilarating. The only problem was I was going to have to climb back up here later...
Roundwood provided me with a bench and some much needed sustenance. Rather than taking the ugly route back through kilmacanogue and civilisation I felt I had the legs to head back uphill and tackle my route in reverse. Hitting that climb in reverse really nearly killed me, I was pleading with my bike for a few extra gears, but there were none to be had, of course this only added to the sense of satisfaction when I made it to the top.
Another quick breather and I headed for the next descent. Confident from my high speed descent earlier I blasted down, this time though I hit a small stone in the middle of the road, at 55km/h! Back tyre blew out but thankfully the front held and I was able to stop without too much drama. Being the experienced tube-changer I am I quickly managed to break the vale in my one spare tube... and had no patches with me... uh-oh.
I had called in the cavalry and press ganged Dotc into rescuing me, rather disappointingly a couple of roadies cruised by without so much as a sideward glance, but then a saint in a caravan stopped and came to my aid. He had a hybrid in his car and happily gave me the tube from his front wheel to keep me rolling. That just made my day! The guy would accept no money for the tube and was just glad he was able to help. There are some good people left in this world.
With a light heart and 2 fully inflated tyres I set off with a renewed sense of purpose: I had to give it my all now to justify that act of kindness, as if by pushing myself that little bit harder i was somehow showing my gratitude from a distance. I don't really remember much of the return journey, I just put my head down and pushed all the way home.
It's such a disappointment to ride back into Dublin, to reacquaint yourself with traffic lights and tailbacks. Quite depressing actually, I just wanted to turn around and climb back into the wild, peaceful beauty I'd come from. But I really needed a coffee, so I thought better of it and went home.
The reason I'm writing about a small journey(75km) that many people will have done countless times, is that I personally had forgotten how much beauty we have access to on 2 wheels so close to Dublin. The simple joy of cresting a hill and having the landscape unfold beneath you is something I don't think I will ever tire of, and doing it under your own steam makes it all the more rewarding. Far more rewarding than riding up Bridge Street twice a day.
Avoiding the booze on Saturday night, I managed to get a good kip and rise early enough to get a good run at the day. It's been a while since I've gone out on the road in the mountains, but the route came back pretty quickly: Out through Templeogue to Stocking Lane where the road begins to climb. I found myself running through my gears at a rapid rate and soon had nowhere to hide and had to grind my way past the Hellfire club and Massey's Wood on my way to the viewing point.
By the time I reached the viewing point my heart rate was off the scale and I was having serious doubts about my fitness. I took a few minutes to savour the unparralelled view of Dublin, it actually looks pretty from up there, took a few more swigs of water, sucked it up and forced myself to continue climbing. Thankfully the gradient was a bit less punishing from here and I was able to cruise for a while and get my legs back.
Over the Sally Gap and on towards Kippure, and here my sense of direction got very fuzzy. There may be only one road, but I had no idea where it led... a quick phone call to Chris had me on my way to the crossroads past Kippure where I had to make the decision... right towards Blessington, left to Roundwood or straight to Glendalough. I went for the middle ground, distance-wise, and headed towards Roundwood.
Lots of downhill here but up ahead I could see what looked like some punishing climbing. At this stage my legs were feeling good and I was looking forward to the challenge. Thankfully the gradient was deceiving and I managed to climb prettty comfortably to a stunning view of the lake by Lugalla, really just an exceptionally beautiful place. What goes up must come down... this was the steepest descent yet, nearly all the way into Roundwood. My new computer showed a max of 64.2km/h coming down here... that was fucking scary, but of course exhilarating. The only problem was I was going to have to climb back up here later...
Roundwood provided me with a bench and some much needed sustenance. Rather than taking the ugly route back through kilmacanogue and civilisation I felt I had the legs to head back uphill and tackle my route in reverse. Hitting that climb in reverse really nearly killed me, I was pleading with my bike for a few extra gears, but there were none to be had, of course this only added to the sense of satisfaction when I made it to the top.
Another quick breather and I headed for the next descent. Confident from my high speed descent earlier I blasted down, this time though I hit a small stone in the middle of the road, at 55km/h! Back tyre blew out but thankfully the front held and I was able to stop without too much drama. Being the experienced tube-changer I am I quickly managed to break the vale in my one spare tube... and had no patches with me... uh-oh.
I had called in the cavalry and press ganged Dotc into rescuing me, rather disappointingly a couple of roadies cruised by without so much as a sideward glance, but then a saint in a caravan stopped and came to my aid. He had a hybrid in his car and happily gave me the tube from his front wheel to keep me rolling. That just made my day! The guy would accept no money for the tube and was just glad he was able to help. There are some good people left in this world.
With a light heart and 2 fully inflated tyres I set off with a renewed sense of purpose: I had to give it my all now to justify that act of kindness, as if by pushing myself that little bit harder i was somehow showing my gratitude from a distance. I don't really remember much of the return journey, I just put my head down and pushed all the way home.
It's such a disappointment to ride back into Dublin, to reacquaint yourself with traffic lights and tailbacks. Quite depressing actually, I just wanted to turn around and climb back into the wild, peaceful beauty I'd come from. But I really needed a coffee, so I thought better of it and went home.
The reason I'm writing about a small journey(75km) that many people will have done countless times, is that I personally had forgotten how much beauty we have access to on 2 wheels so close to Dublin. The simple joy of cresting a hill and having the landscape unfold beneath you is something I don't think I will ever tire of, and doing it under your own steam makes it all the more rewarding. Far more rewarding than riding up Bridge Street twice a day.
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