Sean Downey
(2 comments, 30 posts)
This user hasn't shared any profile information
Posts by Sean Downey
KCapital Challenge

Killruddery is the opening round of the 3 race KCapital Challenge Series, www.kcapitalchallenge.com, being held on the Sunday 26th July.
Venue is Killruddery Demense, Parking and start is in the Belmont Area [old castle], which can be accessed from the Bray to Greystones road turning off at Windgates
Event will be a Mass start for all competitors at 12.00 Noon, and will be over a 35km course [2 laps], with all the flowy singletrack in Killruddery from last years Nationals as well as a big Climb up high onto the small Sugarloaf, and long descent too. As everyone is riding the same course we are leaving out ‘The ROCK’ but We’ve found something else as spectacular
We are going to run the Underage on a Mini Challenge Course, one loop, starting just after the start of the other categories.
We are having a Top 10 prize list for the 10 fastest riders overall and awards for the various categories, and the series then for the categories also.
Entry fees:
All Senior Cats €20
Juniors €15
Underage €5
**We are not running a two day event as previously planned, that idea went a bit pear shaped this year, So the Event is Sunday only. There is No pre-riding on Saturday 25th July, but you can see the course early on Sunday Morning, we will be open for sign on at 9.30, Sign on will close at 11.30am
Thanks Robin
See www.kcapitalchallenge.com for more info
For Sale – 2007 SPECIALIZED SWORKS EPIC
I’m selling my 2007 Specialized S-Works Epic. It was my race machine from last year and was built up in March 2007. I used it primarily for racing and very little for training (and if so, only in the dry!) – it’s been sitting in my bike room since the Irish Marathon Champs (except for one spin and the MAD club champs in December). The bike is the best bike I’ve ever ridden and I will be racing on a very similar one next year. The bike did me really well (see 2007 results)
I basically built up the bike from separates as closely too the Specialized Factory Team bikes as was feasible. (They use some components that are just not durable enough or that simply can not be bought). Complete bike weight is sub 10kg. In comparison – a stock 2007 S-Works built bike weighs in at 11.4kg without pedals.

The components are as follows:
- 2007 S-Works Epic Frame
- 2007 Pace RC 39XC 100mm fork. Full service from pace with new uppers and upgraded lockout cable just before the marathon champs.
- 2007 Mavic SLRs – got these at the end of April – only used for racing – very few miles on them.
- 2007 XTR drivetrain/brakes
- 2007 Selle Itallia SLR XC Gel Flow (best saddle I’ve used)
- KCNC Seatpost
- Syntace F99 Stem & Duraflite Carbon Bar
- KLC Superlight barends
It also has brand new brake pads, KMC X9 chain, XTR Cassette, cables and a choice of tires.
I have lots of photos here which includes weights for many of the individual components as well as the original article I wrote about it here and some general bits and bobs here.
This is a pro level bike with only the best components used – it cost about 6.5k to build. I’m selling it for 3,500e. I have receipts etc… for everything.
I’m out in Dundrum and can meet up at anytime to show it off.
Please email me ( forsale (at) ryansherlock (dot) com ) for more details.
Ryan
Club Gear – Last Chance Saloon!
Hi folks,
Just trying to round up any more outstanding gear orders from our outstanding 2008 range.
We are particularly short of orders for:
-Jackets
-Bibshorts
-Ladies shorts
-Bibtights
-3/4 lengths
-Leg & arm warmers
Additional charges may have to be paid if we can’t meet minimum order requirements, or we may not be able to offer the full range of gear. In order to avoid this, we need more orders!
If you think you’ll need any new cycling gear in 2008, order it now – this is your last chance!
Anyone who has already placed an order will receive a confirmation email over the weekend.
Happy shopping
Sean
2008 MAD Club Gear Order
Right folks, that time of year again when you get to update your wardrobe with the latest and greatest in cycling fashion.
Below, you will see an order form, in MS Excel. Fill it out (including any jerseys you wanted to order from Paddy) and return it to jerseys@madmtb.com and we’ll go from there.
You will see a wide variety of garments on the form. Their availability depends on meeting strict minimum quantity requirements so its possible that some items may not be ordered. You will be informed of this in good time and will have the opportunity to reassess your order.
We can’t confirm prices now, as prices always depend on quantities ordered but we can confirm that the more we order, the cheaper it becomes for everybody.
We can also confirm that we will NOT be using the same supplier as last year, so those of you with qualms about the shorts and tights should be happy.
Finally, I’d just like to encourage everyone to kit out in club gear and show you’re representing MAD while out on the trails at home and abroad and participating in races. It looks great and reflects well on the club when people are proud enough to show they’re a member.
Plus you might find that its as cheap or cheaper than buying brand name gear elsewhere.
Sean
Jolly Holly Social Spin
- Wednesday 26th (St. Stephen’s Day)
Time for our traditional post-turkey special social spin again folks!
Assemble in various states of wellbeing for the usual fare of banter, laughs, hangovers, oh and some biking too…at Taylor’s Pub at 11am.
On-bike nutrition may include, but is not limited to, mince pies, Christmas pudding and dry sherry.
All are welcome.
Sean
Beginners Course Wrap Up
Well done to everyone who has attended any of the Beginners Course, I hope it was an enjoyable and insightful introduction to our club and MTBing.
I certainly enjoyed every minute of it and look forward to seeing many of you again soon. We’ve discovered some great natural talent and had lots of giggles along the way.
For those who are interested in continuing on with us, I’ll send out a mail this week regarding membership etc. If you have not already done so, add your email address to our Mailing List so you will receive this and many more informative mails (regarding spins etc) in the future.
Finally, muchos gracias to any MAD members who gave up their time to help out, guide groups around and show their collective wisdom (or lack thereof….) A special mention must go to one Mr. Ian Heald who is not a MAD member but has been on hand and showed his expertise with calmness and good humour throughout.
See you all soon,
Sean
Beginners Course – The Final Installment
After the first 3 weeks have been raining, dull and raining respectively, we’ll do a little sundance this weekend in the hope that the current fine weather lasts.
This Saturday we will be visiting the Mecca of MTBing, Three Rock.
We’ll meet at Ticknock Carpark at 10am and ride for about 2.5 hours.
Directions here
Parking available at the carpark, or at Taylors pub down the road.
This week’s Tech Talk will be on chains, specifically breaking and rejoining them.
As usual, you’ll require a helmet, gloves, rainjacket, food, water, spare tube, pump and a tool which fits all of the various parts of your bike (remembering things like spanners for bolts on wheels etc)
As ever, queries can be directed to committee AT madmtb.com
Sean
Beginners Course Round 3
Crossing the midway mark with much gusto, this weeks Beginner Course will take place in the Leadmines off the Enniskerry Road.
Directions here
We strongly advise parking at Palmers Pub and cycling out (10mins max), parking is very limited at Barnasligan Lane and the area gets easily congested with a few cars, which annoys the locals.
Even better still, you could cycle out there and leave the car at home….
We’ll meet at Barnasligan Car Park at 10am (rain, hail, sun or even shine!) and roll on from there, for about 2 hours.
As usual, you’ll require a helmet, rainjacket, food, water, spare tube, pump and tool.
If you’re under 16 years of age, you’ll need a parent to sign this form.
We haven’t yet decided what the TechTalk will cover, so we’re very open to canvassing! Post a comment or send an email if you know of anything that you’d like covered. So far we’ve showed you how to set up your bike and fix a puncture.
As always, queries can be directed to committee@madmtb.com or a direct reply to this post.
See you all Saturday,
Sean
Forthcoming NPSsssssss
With the run-in to the National Champs well underway, we’re looking at a fantastic duo of races in the next few weeks, with a bonus being that both venues are local to us.
On July 1st, EPICmtb are hosting Round 6 of the NPS in Djouce Woods, which should feature some favourite and challenging trails. More details will follow…
A week later, our IMBRC friends promote a double header of racing over the weekend of the 7th and 8th of July in a new MTB racing venue.
Saturday will see a new and innovative format of racing in Ireland – a team relay. Details of the composition requirements for the teams are being finalised, but it has been confirmed that they’ll be 3-member teams and there will be requirements on the number of elites/experts/ladies etc per team. Watch this space…
Sunday will see a return to the more traditional XCO format for Round 7 of the NPS, racing kicks off at 11am for the underage, 12 noon for Sports and U16′s and 1:30pm for everyone else.
The venue is Tymon Park in South Dublin, site of several Cyclocross races in recent times, which will guarantee fast and close racing and usually draws large crowds of spectators to the park, many of whom have not seen bike racing before.
Both Djouce and Tymon Park venues are ideal for bringing your friends/family/workmates out to cheer you on and all members who do not race should consider coming out to sample the atmosphere and adreniline of an XC raceday.
Sean




