Beginner Spin

MAD haven't had a beginner spin in a while, so this Sunday there'll be a beginner spin to the Leadmines. This will be a relatively short spin, about 2 hours, at a relaxed pace.

We'll meet at the Yellow House at 11am Sunday, or across the road from the Kilternan Country Club Hotel carpark at 12. I don't think there's parking here at the moment (it's a building site right now), but there's parking about 1k down road outside Palmer's pub, or in the Scalp carpark (Barnaslingan Lane, next left after Palmers as you approach from town).

Contact Mick for further information (by mick_o_dowd @ hotmail.com, or 086 6004878).

Ride to Crone

As expected, last Sunday was a scorcher. There were just four out for the ride to Crone - Thomas, Piotr (aka Polish Peter), Paddy and Peter (aka Irish Peter).

After climbing Three Rock, Paddy headed for home, the rocks proving too much for an injured thumb. The rest of the MAD army continued South though, through Prince Willie's towards Djouce. The Peters kept a good balance, according to reports, with Polish Peter going nuts on the downhills, Irish Peter taking the more level-headed approach to matters.

Polish Peter was forced to head for home by this time, due to a long diminished water supply. Thomas and Irish Peter kept going however, and we can only assume that they've since returned home...

Pics from the day are available in the Gallery.

Sunday's Kindlestown Ride

Last Sunday saw 10 riders out in Kindlestown for a day of super sunshine, and even better mountain biking. Welcome to newcomers Phil, Dave and Tadhg who were on their first outing with MAD.

The trails around Kindlestown and Glen of the Downs were superb. A looping singletrack snaking through the woods, with gentle, rooty climbs, fantastically built corners to hold speed, and occasional drops and jumps thrown in for good measure. Conditions were perfect, the ground was dry, but not too hard. The loops are also not too long, so this is a great place every level of rider.

After having a wonderful start here, we headed across the N11 to the Jaysus Gully. This is a (very) steep, (very) narrow track, with a surface of scree and loose stones, and gorse either side. There's no real way to start or stop mid way, so either you're riding it, or you're not. Needless to say, most of us didn't. Well done to Shane and Andy, who probably had the best shot at it, having made their way down without rotating either wheel.

After this, some of the group headed off, while the rest decided to give the Sugar Loaf a try. This involved another serious climb (in the sweltering heat). The climb was worth it though, with a very fast singletrack twisting down the south side of the mountain.

Memorable moments from the day :
1. Mick stopping dead and falling off a 5 foot ledge into the bushes...
2. That pitch black tunnel in the middle of GOTD : point at the light and pedal!
3. Andy haring round the whole lot in flip-flops(!)
4. The drop by the road in GOTD : well done to all with the guts to ride it
5. The pint in Kilmacanogue afterwards...

Trip to Wales

MAD will host a trip to Wales towards the end of July. It'll be over a weekend, and should be great fun. Travel and accommodation will be provided, all you need to do is load up your bike and come along.

We'll need to get some idea about numbers well in advance, so please contact Mick or Judith if you're interested in heading along.

Stay posted for further information. In the meantime, feast your eyes on what we have in store : www.mtb-wales.com.

The EPIC Blast

Well done to all MAD riders that took part in the inaugural EPIC Blast. Of over 100 riders out on the day (!), we had six to represent MAD - Morgan, Paddy, Nigel, Shane, Thomas and Mick. A superb day was had by all. Congratulations to Thomas who did MAD proud, coming second in the 'Fast Lad 5' final, just ahead of Paddy who was subsequently forced to retire due to injury. Click for results.

Special thanks to Bella, Czech Peter and his girlfriend who were on hand to lend support on the day. There are a few pictures on the Gallery, more to follow later. Other pictures taken on the day:

 Cycle Superstore
 Gareth Maguire
 Reac Photography

This event was a new phenomenon in MTB racing, with a more leisurely format geared towards maximum enjoyment. The racing was mostly downwards through Ballinastoe Woods, with some nicely challenging XC sections to avoid giving DHers too much advantage. This meant that there was very little actual climbing in the race, so people weren't too exhausted. Well done to EPIC for organising such a great event, we look forward to the next Blast!

Pog V Report and Results

There's a race report and results listing on Cycling Ulster. They have a slide show too. There are also some very strange photos of a lonely man in the woods (and some mtbers too) here (login required).

Bank Holiday Weekend Rides

The bank holiday weekend holds something for racers and non-racers alike.

The POG Challenge takes place on Sunday in Ballinastoe Woods, near Roundwood, Co. Wicklow. Racing starts with the kiddies off at 12:00, everyone else at 13:30.

For those not planning to race, Nigel has kindly agreed to take a local spin. Meet Sunday morning, 11am at the Yellow House. For further information contact Nigel (by email, or 087 9335403).

There's nothing arranged yet for Saturday or Monday, but keep an eye on your Inbox just in case.

June Ride Schedule

Date	Destination	Meeting Place	Contact
5-Jun-05	The POG Challenge (NPS 4)	Ballinastoe, Co. Wicklow	Morgan
12-Jun-05	The EPIC Blast	Ballinastoe, Co. Wicklow	Morgan
	The Wicklow 200	The Wicklow Mountains	Morgan
19-Jun-05	Kindlestown / Glen of the Downs	Yellow House, 9.30am	Mick
26-Jun-05