Halloween main race will take place Fri. October 31st.
Registration: Wilton Place from 7pm. (wilton park house if weather is shit)
Race starts: 8pm
€5 Entry.
Prizes for best costume.
Afterparty venue to be confirmed... (not my place...)
Friday, October 3, 2008
Halloween Race
Halloween main race will take place Fri. October 31st.
Registration: Wilton Place from 7pm. (wilton park house if weather is shit)
Race starts: 8pm
€5 Entry.
Prizes for best costume.
Afterparty venue to be confirmed... (not my place...)
Revolution
Maybe a bit short notice for this one, but I will keep my eyes peeled for tickets for the next 3 events, could be a nice weekend jaunt for the messers. Check out the site here.
Revolution Track Racing in Manchester Velodrome,
15th November 2008
Travel Details: Leave Dun Laoghaire via Stena Line on 15th at 11.30am (we are meeting outside the main door of Stena Line in Dun Laoghaire at 10.15 sharp. Return Holyhead via Stena Line on 16th at 1.45pm (arrive in Dun Laoghaire ~5.00pm). Watch racing in Revolution on Saturday night. Bed & Breakfast in Cheadle House Hotel Ph: 0044 845 136 0123.
Total costs for ALL expenses(ferry, accommodation, Sunday breakfast, event entry, bus etc):
(Cost per adult is €125)
Deposit of €70 payable to 'Track Cycling Ireland',
Please give or post to Will Byrne at 13 Haydens Park Dale, Lucan, Co Dublin.
The balance of is payable prior to departure.
For further details contact : Will 086 8047839 or Hugh 086 3488708
Limited to 34 people - 8 places left
We have received deposits from most of these, and some have already paid in full. Some places have been confirmed by e-mail and are being held pending deposits being sent, but bottom line is - deposit is required to secure place!
Revolution Track Racing in Manchester Velodrome,
15th November 2008
Travel Details: Leave Dun Laoghaire via Stena Line on 15th at 11.30am (we are meeting outside the main door of Stena Line in Dun Laoghaire at 10.15 sharp. Return Holyhead via Stena Line on 16th at 1.45pm (arrive in Dun Laoghaire ~5.00pm). Watch racing in Revolution on Saturday night. Bed & Breakfast in Cheadle House Hotel Ph: 0044 845 136 0123.
Total costs for ALL expenses(ferry, accommodation, Sunday breakfast, event entry, bus etc):
(Cost per adult is €125)
Deposit of €70 payable to 'Track Cycling Ireland',
Please give or post to Will Byrne at 13 Haydens Park Dale, Lucan, Co Dublin.
The balance of is payable prior to departure.
For further details contact : Will 086 8047839 or Hugh 086 3488708
Limited to 34 people - 8 places left
We have received deposits from most of these, and some have already paid in full. Some places have been confirmed by e-mail and are being held pending deposits being sent, but bottom line is - deposit is required to secure place!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Cycle Pathetic
With all this focus on the shortcomings in Ireland, why not have a look at some of Europe's other cycling-lane misdemeanours here.
Found through failblog.org
Found through failblog.org
Monday, September 22, 2008
Car Free Day... yeah, right...
*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.
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.
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
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