Mountainbiking Association of Dublin

Another week, another excess of cycling options to choose from…

There are a few possibilities on Saturday.

• First off, Richie will be out at the crack of dawn for a fast ride around Three Rock. Leaving Taylors at 8.30am
• Next there will be a road-training spin at about 9am. This will last around 2-3 hours at a steady pace. If anyone is planning on racing seriously next year, now is the time to start building your base fitness. Contact me for details.
• At 9.30 on Saturday, Oisin will be leading an absolute-beginners ride. This leaves from UCD Sports Centre and will be around the Three Rock area. Everyone is welcome to come along.
• Finally on Saturday, Conor will lead a spin around Djouce and Ballinastoe. Meet at the Djouce lower car park at 10am. The pace will be reasonable, but won’t suit beginners. Give Conor a call on 087 2939837

The highlight of the weekend is the new Djouce Trail Challenge which takes place on Sunday. This isn’t a race - just an opportunity to enjoy 18km of new trails in the Djouce area - fully marked and supported. We’re expecting a great turn out from MAD so I hope to see all of you there. Check the link above for further details.

Winter has arrived but for some reason it’s warmer and drier than the summer. Rather than worry about climate-change we’re just going to organise some fantastic spins to take advantage of the perfect trail conditions.

On Saturday Sean will lead a spin around Three Rock. This one will be suitable for anyone and beginners are particularly welcome. Meet at Taylors at 9.45am for a 10am start.
Alternatively, for a faster spin, meet Richie (086 8201549) at Taylors at 9am for a quick blast. Or you could head out on Rach*a*els park spin at 10am too.

On Sunday there will be a harder spin with Oisin taking charge. “The route will be up the Kilmashogue hill climb (or alternatively the standard way up Three Rock) then over to Glencullen via the wocas, along to Prince Willies and then continue along that trail above Cloon woods to the Glencree side of the featherbeds, then back along the road but cutting over the bog on the right hand side to decend down through Cruagh woods. I’d like to keep this a fast pace with minimum stopping.” Meet at Taylors at 10am for this one too.

Ok MAD
drop us a comment and let us know what ye got up to.
Graham - send me a pic of that monster dog please, that was one of the spin highlights - all 20 stone of fur and droopy eyes and wobbly jowels on him —
and the sideways face shredding hail and wind and sleet blowing us off the sleepers -
can’t wait to see that pic…
See everyone?
See the cool stuff you miss out on when you don’t go out on weekend spins??!!!
…and your week-spins too…..put them here…

Howdy all
On Thurs evening this week we’ll be joining Shane Lavelle’s gang of outlaw biking-bandits for a fun-paced spin at Leadmines.

Meet in the car park of Palmers Golden Ball pub at 7:20pm and we’ll head-off for much merriment at 7:30pm.

Any questions call Shane: 0863195936

For your delight and delectation….

Saturday:
Long spin with Fergal and Steve.
Meet at Yellow House at 8:50am as we’ll depart 9am sharp, weather is going to be good.
Pace will be fast, there will be places along the way for people to opt-out if they like.
ph:087-792-7730

Saturday:
Fun spin with Ollie, Ben and Martin.
Meet at 10am at Ballinastoe carpark
Finish: 2pm
note: Shout really loud if your coming and also if you need a lift!

Sunday:
Shane Lavelle is hosting a fun-paced spin on Sunday at 8am:

- Meeting at hellfire at 8.00am
- Starting with a quick warm up lap of Hellfire,
- Then spinning up through the back of Cruach,
- Then on to Prince Willies and Finally…………
- A quick loop of Massys, (Legs and time permitting!)
ph: 0863195936

On Tues night there will be a fast-paced spin at Leadmines.
Meet in the car park of Palmers Golden Ball pub at 7pm.

On Thursday night, weather permitting it will be a special Dixie Night Dash up 3 rock.
Race starts at 7:30pm sharp from Fairycastle, this is quite a technical route, especially at night so only really suitable for experienced night riders.

No concrete plans for the weekend yet as I may be doing the last DH NPS of the season down in Waterford, possibilities are a long spin on Sat then an afternoon-special Dixie Dash with a spin afterwards.

I’ll post an update before the weekend.

Get out on those bikes!!!!

Fergal

This weekends cycling menu is as follows:

On Saturday you can savour the savoury delights of Kindlestown under the leadership of Ben. This ride would suit people of any ability - the route is a loop so you can go as slowly or as quickly as you want. Meet at the Kindlestown car park at 10am.

On Sunday you can challenge your palette with the Ortolan of mtb rides. Starting at Taylors Three Rock, Tom will lead the brave riders over Three Rock and Prince Willies, through Crone, down XTC, along Benchcut and, if you have room for dessert, home on the road. Meet at Taylors Three Rock at 10am, if you dare. This is not for the faint-hearted.

We’ll have another ride around Djouce on Saturday morning. Martin now knows the trails like the back of his hand and will lead everyone to their doom. Leaving from the lower car park in Djouce at 10am - get there on time because Martin waits for no-one.

Martin passed a lot of tips on to me last week so I’m going to have a go at leading a spin myself on Sunday. This will be “awesome with savage overtones” on the MAD ride-o-meter so be prepared. I have a route in mind but there will be a bit of improvisation. We’ll leave from the Glendalough visitors centre car park at 9am (once again, be on time).

The main event this weekend is definitely the MTB Marathon Champs in Carlingford on Saturday. Read all about it here.

For those who fancy something a little less awesome, Martin will be leading a spin around Djouce on Saturday morning. Meet at the lower car park at 10am for a ride around some of the best trails in Wicklow. There’s even a snack-shop halfway along. Bring your Sealskinz as there may be a river crossing involved (only a shallow one though). This would suit nearly everyone - maybe not complete beginners though. Drop an email to the mailing list if you need a lift.

Howdy All!
Night spins are back on the calendar - bring on the night!!!

Note:
You must have been on a night spin previously, and have fully charged proper night-lights.

You also MUST HAVE a red rear light for the road - anyone not meeting these minimum safety requirements will not be permitted on the spin.
I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND people have glasses to protect your eyes from branches etc..
not only for night spins but every time you are out on your bike!

ALDI have them this week for only 4 euro! - get your self 2 pairs, don’t take chances with your vision - they’re the only pair of eyes you are ever likely to own!!!

You should also always carry your mobile with you and ensure AT LEAST 2 OTHER PEOPLE on the spin have your number so you can call them if you get injured.

ALDI have biking gear this week:
warm jackets, leggings, socks,
thermals, gloves, caps, overshoes,
lights (basic road lights) -
all at very cheap prices - kit yourself up for winter now - the stuff is great value for money.

Specific beginners night spins will be scheduled at suitable looations a later stage.

Tuesday will be SAVAGE-paced, suitable fast intermediates/experienced riders only. Venue is Leadmines - meet & park your car at Palmers Golden Ball pub at 7pm.

We’ll do some laps of the EPIC club course and a few loops of Barnaslingan forest,
might even do Catty Gallaghers….

Thursday will be an EASIER-paced spin.
Venue is 3Rock.
Meet at Taylors pub at 7pm, ~7:15 at Ticknock.

Hope to see ye out!!

Fergal

It looks like things have been a bit quiet in the club for the last few weeks, with many of us away, cycling in exotic locations. However, there are a couple of rides planned for this weekend which you should know about.

Saturday Club Ride
Taking place at Leadmines. Meet at the Barnaslingan car park at 10am. As usual, if you’re driving, park at Palmers pub and ride up the hill. This will suit regular riders and anyone who’s attended our recent beginners rides who want to keep it going.

Dr. Rob’s Introduction to Mountainbiking
Real life doctor and closet MAD member Rob Higgins of UCD cycling club is leading a beginners-level ride around Kilmashogue and Three Rock. All are welcome. Meet either at UCD Sports Centre before 10.30 or at the car park at the end of Kilmashogue Lane at about 11.15.

We hope to resume normal service shortly, with regular Saturday and Sunday rides (as soon as everyone is back, and the pains in my legs go away). It’s also time to get your night lights charged (or bought) since the night-riding season has well and truly begun.

Have a great weekend.