Mountainbiking Association of Dublin

a near perfect imprint of my watch on my wrist! Seriously though, i’m very lucky as it could have been a lot worse especailly if i hadn’t worn my helmet as i landed head and face first.

Thanks for all the messages etc … will reply when i get a chance but it turns out i’m highly non ambidextrous so it’ll take some time. Paddy

*** EDIT ***
more photos now up here

The rumours are true! Paddy, MAD bean-counter extraordinaire, was knocked off his bike in an incident on his way to work last Tuesday morning.

Ticknock car park

Taylors pub

Palmers Golden Ball pub

Kindlestown

Yellow House

Gala Shop

The final round of the Winter DH league is on this Sunday. If you were spectating at the second round, i’m sure you saw how much fun it is! This round is in Cloon once again with the same course. There is nothing unrideable on this course. Although there are two jumps, both of these have chicken runs around them.

Believe me, you will never feel your heart beating so fast or as much adrenaline pumping until you are listening to your start beeps on the opening gate. It is an experience everybody has to try! Espcially in Ireland’s Premier Mountain Bike Club!

Please let me know if you want to participate and I can give you an idea of what goes on at these races. All information about the day can be found here: http://www.irishdh.com/2007news/newsfeb07winterleaguepreview4.htm
Full face helmet is compulsary to enter, however, don’t let this put you off as lenders are easy to come by.

Please let me know if your interested : stephen_scrivener@yahoo.coDOTuk - 0861653925

Really guys! Would be brilliant to see some more MAD jerseys at this, I know loads of you would love it!!

Steve

Hello MAD club members, here is a selection of delights for you this weekend.

First off Fergal will be carrying out trail repairs on Saturday, followed by some riding on Three Rock. It’s an early start for this one - 8am at the car park.

Later on, Martin’s gang of rapidly improving mountainbikers will be taking a ride over Three Rock and down to Leadmines. Despite what Martin says this won’t be suitable for beginners, it’s more of an easy/fun ride. Meet at the Yellow House at 10am.

The downhill track in Cloon is very waterlogged after the recent snow. EPIC have requested that riders avoid using the trail for practice this weekend.

On Sunday, man-of-mystery Shane Lavelle will be leading a rag-tag group of mountainbikers on a lonely quest around the trails of Ballinastoe. This will suit all of you who like a lie in at the weekend - meeting at Ballinastoe at 2pm.

Coillte, Ireland’s State-owned forestry company have recently published details of their plans to clear-fell large areas of forest in Dublin and North Wicklow. These areas will include Djouce, Slade Valley and Tibradden. You can read the proposals in detail here.

This is not only disastrous for mountain bikers but for anyone who enjoys outdoor recreation. Coillte see their mandate as being to make money through forest operations - but this should not be at the public expense and in areas of such obvious amenity value. Their operations have already been widely criticized. We desperately need a change of focus from short term profit to proper forest and countryside managment, either by Coillte or another state body.

There will be a report on this issue on RTE 6 o’clock news on Tuesday January 30th and we should all do what we can to keep this in the public eye. I encourage you to contact your local public representatives to express your concern at these developments and demand that action be taken. Being an election year we may have a greater chance of being listened to.

You can also make yourself heard by signing this online petition.

There will be a night ride this Tuesday night (30th Jan), departing Ticknock car-park at 7pm sharp.

I’ll be parking at Taylors Pub and cycling up from there at 6:45 (brisk pace) if anyone wants to join me.

Double-check your lights are charged and remember your flashy/LED style light if you are cycling on the road.
I’m open to any route options people may prefer, the DH section (near to entrance to the MAD club course)could be an option, there is also a spooky new-ish DH section near daggetts which finishes in a steep slope to the fireroad - ooerrr!

A hair-raising descent down the gully-licious rock-n-rollin’ boneshaker will likely finish-off the spin.

Hope to see ye there - weather looks dry so that’s all the more reason to get out and let rip!

Fergal
087-792-7730

Hi,
Club membership fees for 2007 are now due. All it costs to join Ireland’s Premier Mountainbiking Club is €20 (plus Cycling Ireland membership).

New club members
If you’ve been coming out on a few rides we expect you to become a full member of MAD. Please download the 2007 membership form and give it to a committee member with your €20 membership fee.

Existing club members
If you’re already a club member we don’t need another form from you (unless your contact/emergency contact details have changed) - just give your 2007 club fees (€20) to a committee member on the next spin.

Cycling Ireland / Race Licences
We require all club members to become members of Cycling Ireland. If you’re planning on competing in 2007 you must have a race licence. Even if you won’t be racing a Cycling Ireland membership is strongly advised. You can find the latest membership fees and benefits in this document. If you have any questions about this please contact the committee.

The easiest way to join Cycling Ireland is by using their online system. If you were a member last year you should use the login details provided (contact us if you can’t remember them). Alternatively you can download a membership form and pay by cheque.

Regards,
Morgan
Club Chairman

After the club AGM the new club committee for 2007 is as follows.

We’re finally ready to release details of the 2006 MAD Club Champs. This years race will be an unprecedented extravaganza of xc racing, feats of skill, reckless riding and compulsory mince-pie eating.

The race will take place in Slade Valley, scene of the MAD Dash and now with startling new additions. There is an elaborate points system in operation so the outcome of the champs is hard to predict. Like last year anyone racing in fancy dress will be rewarded, as will anyone who’s started biking in the last year. Other points will be awarded at the whim of the race organisers.

The event of the year kicks off at 10.30am on Saturday December 2nd at the Slade car park. Bring mince pies (we don’t want to run out mid-race) and festive cheer - it’s the start of the MTB Christmas Season.

***Note the change of venue for the AGM***

This years AGM will be held in Minnowbrook Terenure at 7pm. We’ll review the past year, make some plans for the year ahead, elect a new committee and most importantly raise a glass to the 2006 Club Champion, recipient of the MAD Perpetual Trophy. You can put yourself forward for a position on the committee in advance or at the meeting. We’d encourage our new club members to get involved too.