Mountainbiking Association of Dublin

In an unprecedented show of organisation we’ve already planned some spins for this weekend. We’ll be having our regular club spin on Saturday morning. This spin is open to riders of all levels. The destination this week is Masseys Wood and the Hellfire club. Leaving the Merry Ploughboy pub at 10am.

Sunday’s spin will be a bit more extreme. Leaving Kindlestown car park at 10am we’ll take in GOTD and the Sugarloaf summit. This will be technically and physically challenging spin so if you’re unsure, ask before coming along.

What with all the planning and digging and event-of-the-year running, it’s been a good while since we’ve had regular club spins. So, this weekend we’re going to kick things off again.

The first one will be in Ticknock (upper car park) on Saturday morning at 9am. I’m hoping to start and finish early so people can have the afternoon free for fun activities. There are some new trials up there you might be interested in seeing.

I guess the next question is “what level are these spins aimed at”? Well, I’d really like to see club-members who haven’t been making it out lately to make an effort to come along – particularly our new club members – you know who you are. The rides will be at a manageable pace and we’ll wait for you if you’re slow. The main requirement is enthusiasm, a willingness to put in some effort and a desire to improve your riding. These won’t be full-on beginners spins but any beginners who show up will be looked after.

Also, on the first ride there will be a complimentary Bourbon Cream biscuit for the first 24 riders! Courtesy of the MAX-XC refreshment tent!

This weeks “improvers” type spin leaves from Taylors Three Rock at 10am on Saturday. The destination – you’ll find out on the day. If you’ve been through our beginners course you’ll manage fine. Bring all the usual essentials and if you have any questions – just ask.

National Trails Days will be held on Sunday 28th September 2008 with the objectives of:

• Promoting an awareness of the recreation trails (walking and biking) and allied outdoor recreation facilities that are currently available in Ireland
• Promoting an understanding of the need to manage and resource our trails and other facilities
• Promotion and awareness of the work of all key agencies in delivering trails and other facilities

The Mountainbike Association of Dublin (MADMTB) will be hosting the mountainbike session of the National Trails Day at Ballinastoe, Co. Wicklow on Sunday 28th September 2008 and will be guiding people around the various off-road trails and providing tips and information on how to get the best out of your mountainbiking experience. (more…)

It was a beautiful day as our brave riders set out to race around 3rock for the sake of glory and physical fitness…

…and here ladies and gentlemen are the results (which I’ll leave to someone else to add to the google doc):

Pics from the day can be seen here.

-Dave “cant cycle” Carroll

The 2008 MAD Summer League begins this Wednesday. Details in the forum (members area).

Right folks, this weekend we’re changing the meeting point back to the spiritual home of MAD, The Yellow House pub, at 10am, unless otherwise stated (Directions are on the site somewhere, think of it like a test, if you can’t find it you’re not clever enough for the club!) :

Starting on Saturday with Shane (Stupidly Early) Lavelles spin around Djouce. Meeting at the lower car park at 8:30am. Call or text him on 0863195936

Later on Saturday we’ll be taking a spin around Three Rock and its surrounds for a few hours, taking in all those lovely trails we built last year and generally having a bit of craic. We should be back around 2pm(ish). This will not be suitable for total beginners, but any of you that have been on the normal club spins will be fine.

On Sunday we’re going on a long one, meeting at the same time and place, and heading off down the wicklow way towards Crone, Maulin and Djouce, maybe even sticking on a lap of the KCapital course for fun at the end. To come on this spin you’ll need a decent level of fitness as its a long way and will take quite a few hours (We should be home by 6). Bring plenty of water and food for this one. There are drop out points along the way so if you only want to come along for a bit then thats fine too.

See ye there
Paddy (086 6087046)

Howdy,

WOW a blog post from Dave? What is this you ask?

Well I realised that our illustrious leader hadn’t written about the upcoming weekends biking for a while and neither had anyone else. I’m willing to chalk it down to excitement over the k-caps and all that other racing malarkey. But for those of us who aren’t quite able for the physically demanding and epic cycling that is competitive racing I thought it’d be nice for someone to talk about a weekend of regular biking.

So without further ado (and to stop myself from rambling too much) I present to you:

DAVE’S GUIDE TO THIS WEEKENDS SPINS

*Disclaimer: There will be no desert or army related spins, also that is not me in the pic (more…)

All, A bit of race training (no long spin).

• Kindlestown
• Time: 10am Sunday
• Laps: 2/3 laps
• Attire: Lycra only no baggys

• Banned: Camelbaks and peaks on mtb helmets
• Pace: Race? lets give it a go
• Bike: HT heaven or light sus

Following a bit of exertion we can then head over to the GOTDs and do a bit of a loop or two there on star wars and the tunnel!

Again people baggies and peaked helmets will be not allowed on the spin !

The emphasis will be on how many of us feel up to sports class racing this year or higher!
I’m on for giving sports a bash this year (but the look at the mad sports racers make me fear being lapped)
Martin

PS deep fried powerbars will be on sale from my car and some energy drink i got in Poland on a business trip last week! LETHAL stuff!

Meeting Place: Crone Carpark

Time: 9.30

Day: Sunday 2nd

Route: Climb to the top of Crone, Ride the sleepers (wind permitting), Maulin, Powerscourt, Djouce and Balinatoe all in there somewhere.

Pace: Savage 4-5 hours

Steve: 0861653925