OldVelos

.......a bicycle is not just for Christmas

Vintage International Classic

17th September 2016

KellyDunloe

Welcome

The 2nd annual Oldvelos Vintage Classic celebrates our cycling heritage. Open to steel racing bicycles (see bicycle rules) the event celebrates the golden age of Irish cycling on a scenic route that recalls the iconic stage of the ‘Nissan’ that went through the Gap of Dunloe, Co. Kerry.  The event takes place on Saturday 17th September in Killarney and there will be a exhibition of bicycles in Randles Bros Nissan Dealers from 5 o’clock on the Friday evening and all day Saturday. The ‘sign-on’ will start at 5 o’clock in the same venue. We will adjourn for refreshments to Kaynes Bar (across from Randles) at 9 o’clock.

Sponsors and Supporters

Oldvelos would like thank our sponsors and supporters without whom this event could not happen

  • Events Services Ireland (ESI)
  • Randles Brothers Nissan Dealership Killarney
  • iBike Bicycle Shop Killarney
  • FloGas

Timetable:

The Routes (60/75miles)

Our route starts at Randles Bros Nissan Dealers in Killarney and takes us out through Beaufort and past Kate Kearney’s Cottage.  Climbing through the Gap of Dunloe and descending (with care) down to the Black Valley.  We then pass the turn off for Moll’s Gap and through the hidden valleys of the Kerry mountains.  Riding on to the Sneem road for a few hundred yards we then turn to climb up toward Bealach Béime, descending again (with care) to Glencar.   At Glencar we will stop and celebrate getting this far!

Gap 001

The 60 mile route (click here)                         The 75 mile route (click here)

Moving on from Glencar cyclists can opt for the straighter route back to Killarney on the Board of Works road, but many will opt for the beautiful miles that take in Carragh Lake before before reuniting at Glencar.

The Concours d’Elegance.

The decision of the  judges for the  Concours d’Elegance will be announced on Saturday morning before the ‘roll out’. By popular demand this competition has been expanded this year and there will be prizes for:

  1. Best restoration. This category is for the bicycle that the judges select as being the most faithful restoration project to the original bike in terms of paint and componentry.
  2. Best original. This category is for the best un-restored bike, obviously allowances will be made for components that may have been replaced due to ‘wear and tear’.
  3. Best of show. This category is for the bike that the judges deem to be the most outstanding in the show.

If you want to enter your bike into this competition the entry form is here.

Vintage Cycling

Vintage cycling events try to find the most beautiful routes on lesser used roads, but what about the bikes?  Modern Bike to Work schemes have reunited many the rider with their love of cycling and the memories of their glory days, haring around their local roads on the bike they really cared for.  This is the opportunity to dust down that bike or acquire the bike you once loved or the one you always wanted.  Not to forget the woolen jerseys, leather cycling shoes and peaked caps of your favorite rider, trade team or club.

DSCN0006

Bicycle and gear rules:

You don’t bring a modern car on a vintage car rally – but what bike can you bring on a vintage spin?  In general the rules for vintage bikes are quite simple:

  • Steel frame (with the exception of Vitus or Alan aluminium frames)
  • Downtube or bar-end levers
  • Non-aero brake levers, i.e. revealed cables
  • Toe-clips

If you have a query about the eligibility of your bike please contact us.  Entrants are required to register their bikes ahead of the vintage exhibition so we can create a gallery of bikes and maybe even find a winner for the Concours d’Elegance.

 Cyclists are required to wear woollen/retro jerseys to complete the look.  Hard helmets are required for the cycle as per Cycling Ireland rules.

 

Bike and Rider Registration & Rules

Cyclists can register themselves and their bikes by completing the the. Cost of entry is €25.  Entrants agree to abide by the event rules including road safety, insurance, bicycle safety, appropriate bicycle and dress. Hard helmets are required for the cycle as per Cycling Ireland rules.

 

Rules

  • Cyclists must be registered for the event
  • Cyclists must be insured with Cycling Ireland or take out day membership on the day
  • Hard helmets are required for the cycle as per Cycling Ireland rules
  • Cyclists must obey directions from event organisers, marshalls and Gardaí
  • Cyclists must obey the rules of the road
  • Bicycles must be roadworthy with particular care for wheels/tyres and brakes
  • Bicycles must fit vintage classification (exception may be sought by permission of organisers)
  • Riders are required to wear vintage/retro clothing

 

Vintage Exhibition.

 Randles Bros Nissan Dealers on 16th – 17th September

140500 Group

Bring your vintage bike and yourself to the Oldvelos Expo in Randles Bros Nissan Dealers, Killarney on Friday the 16th and Saturday the 17th of September.

 

 

Where to get your vintage gear

 

There is a host of ways to get your vintage bike and gear. A good place to start is our Forum. bike-mechanicThis is also a good  resource if you need advice before you force your French threaded Lyotard pedals into that beautiful TA chainset you just bought on eBay, (they are both French so they should fit, shouldn’t they?)

First rule is know what you want?  Do you want what you had or is there a bike you always wanted?

Second rule is know what you want as bicycle dimensions have changed over the years.  The key difference is the lenght of the seat tube.  A small vintage bike would be 21.5” (54cm), medium 22.5” (57cm) and large 23.5” (59cm). Extra large 24” is 60cm plus.

Third rule, know your budget.  Building a bike might be your goal, purchasing a bike might be more cost efficient.

Fourth, know where to look and ask.  There’s a lot to be said for asking around and asking your local bike shop.  Established shops may have stock or leads. Ebay.ie is obvious, but also ebay from other countries.  A very good source can found by clicking here Steel Vintage . In Ireland websites such as adverts.ie, boards.ie, buy and sell, donedeal.ie and gumtree.ie not to mention local ads and posting wanted ads.   Gumtree UK also brings you to bikes in Northern Ireland.  Some shops are also stocking vintage bikes and retro gear.   Oldvelos may also offer a rental or purchase option.