Round 2, Limerick Blitz

More info here, www.biking.ie/limerick-blitz

Directions
GPS Coordinates 53.107217, -6.217489

From Kilmacanogue (on the N 11) take the R755 to Roundwood. After approx 9 km, turn right at Djouce Golf Club and continue for 1km to the next junction. Take a left turn and continue for 100 meters. The trail and car park is on your right hand side.

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.

• 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.

This will also be the first of 3 beginner-specific courses that the MADMTB club will be running in the Autumn.
The subsequent 2 sessions will likely be run on Saturday 4^th October and Saturday 11^th October but be sure to checkout www.madmtb.com for the latest details.

The mountainbiking session will start at 11am and finish at approx 2pm.
All participants are request to arrive in good time and to ensure they have helmets and their bikes are in full working order.

People should also bring a bicycle pump and spare tube, a drink and a small snack (eg; muesli bar etc..). A rain jacket may also be needed but hopefully the weather will be kind!
Directions to Ballinastoe are on the Coillte Outdoors website
Map also posted on the MADMTB website
Looking forward to seeing you there!
MAD MTB Committee

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)

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

Saturday 29th

Dave’s Spin of DOOM – 3rock

Time: 10.00am (Leaving at 10.15am)
Place: Taylor’s Carpark
Pace: Easy/Annoyingly Slow

Admittedly this spin will be a lot less doomfull then the title suggests but should be a bit of craic anyways.

Sunday 30th

Shane’s Sunday Morning Spin – Larragh/Scarr/Glendalough

Time: 8.45am (Leaving at 9.00am?)
Place: Larragh Triangle
Pace: Moderate/Achingly Slow

Scarr is tough but fun and if you don’t mind being up at about 6 to get there then this is the spin for you!

Mel’s Ladies/Beginner Spin – Ballinastoe

Time: 1pm

Place: Ballinastoe
Pace: Nice & Easy

Well ladies and gents that’s it from me, my first and possibly last blog-post depending on how YOU the public think I did.

Have a good weekend,

Dave