Man Seeks Woman...

...to take part in an adventure race!

The last race of this years Irish AR Series takes place on October 1st in Fermanagh and MAD have been contacted by a team looking for a girl to make up the numbers.

If you think you can bike 40k off road, run 20k on the hills, do a short kayak section (which may include a little light swimming) and would like to give it a go, let us know.

You only have to be fit enough to survive it, a win is not on the cards. A bit of experience in mountain biking would probably help, but overall you really need to have a good attitude to teamwork and determination for a fairly tough, long day. If everybody comes back alive and still talking to each other, that's a win. Logistics of getting there, gear etc. can be sorted, so if you'd really like to give it a shot, don't let little obstacles like no car or kayak put you off.

There's no heavy lifting and you'll have the rest of the weekend off. If you think you're up for it, mail Kev Duffy for further details.

Beginner spin report – 27th august – Massey’s wood

(Thanks to Sean for the following report and steve for the videos and pic)

Sean jumping
Nigels crazy jump
Steve riding a drop


Another fine turnout today, with 8 in total; newcomers Ivan, Dan and Eamonn and regulars Nigel, Dylan, Steve, Conor and myself. With an overcast sky we climbed the road to Massey’s, some were finding it difficult going once the road pointed upwards.

Once in Massey’s, we took the singletrack climb as far as the main track at the bridge, which then provided some welcome incline-free relief. Up into Hellfire we headed, for some views of Dublin in the sunshine and some jumping practice for everyone, off the kicker beside the house, before heading down the singletrack right to the bottom. Several of the guys had a look at the bombhole, but I think some people were a little overwhelmed by the sudden drop into it, so nobody was de-virginised (bombhole-wise!).

Next, back into Massey's, for some playtime. Again, many of the guys took the opportunity to try something new, with Dylan in particular progressing quickly as he confidently tackled the big drop and followed up with some more jumping practice off a kicker on the slope down from the picnic area. Indeed most of the group had a few goes at this jump, we will have a MAD aerial display team going by Christmas!

This slope was to be the site of the best and worst moments of the spin, with me showing how to jump off the up-ramp onto it, then Nigel going one bigger (to the ooohs and ahhs of the assembled group) and (almost) landing a huge jump off it, before eating dirt (to the gasps of the group). A little scraped, he staggered to his feet.

Then Dylan offered him an anti-septic wipe and we were ready to roll again. Ivan, Eamonn, Conor and Dan looked suitably impressed, Dylan may have muttered that he wants a go next time.

One last obstacle, the steps in the garden, proved no trouble to anyone before we hit the last bit of singletrack and headed for home, with permagrins on all faces.

Hopefully we’ll see all of the group out again soon.

Videos and pictures to follow, hosting thanks to Steve.

Sean

Beginners' Day 3rd September

The response to our suggestion of a beginners day has been overwhelming, from all levels of riders - those who've been with us before, those who haven't been out for a year or so, and some people have never been offroad before. Either way, it all bodes well for the future of the sport.

In order to suit as many as possible we'll run two beginners days! We'll start with one on the 3rd of September, and another on the 10th. Both will be held in Ticknock, so we'll meet at the Yellow House at 10am or Ticknock carpark at 10:45. Don't forget, the more the merrier so spread the word and bully all your friends into coming along too! New people can check out our beginners' section for details of what they needto bring along.

Rides This Weekend

There'll be two rides this weekend. On Saturday morning, Nigel's kindly agreed to take a beginner spin to Massy's and Hellfire. This will suit newbies very well, so we'd encourage all to come along. Meeting at the Yellow House at 10:00, or Hellfire carpark at 10:30, contact Nigel (by email, or 087 9335403).

Sunday morning we're going to host another mystery spin. For those unfamiliar with our mystery spins, they're a mystery because we don't know who's going, and we don't know where. Most likely lead by Nigel or Paddy (if he can get his front wheel sorted in time!), meeting at the YH at 10 on Sunday morning. Contact Nigel (by email, or 087 9335403), or Mick (by email, or 086 6004878) for details.

Finally, don't forget that the EPIC Blast II will be held in Ballinastoe on Sunday week, 4th September. This will be a fantastic day out, and the race format suits all. This time round, there are even lifts to the top, so there's no real climbing! Those interested in coming along, please contact Mick to arrange transport. Drivers, we need you, stand up and be counted.

MAD Beginners/Learners day

We've run a number of beginners spins recently for which we've had a very impressive turnout, especially of people who are totally new to the sport, and people who are coming along very well and getting faster and more confident all the time. It is getting a little unmanageable though (in a good way) since we generally have no idea about whether any total beginners are coming out or not so tailoring the rides to suit everyone is getting quite difficult. Its also quite apparant that new people are sometimes too timid in terms of shouting out when they need a break, and worrying that they're spoiling it for everyone else by goign too slow. They're not of course ... thats why we call them beginners spins! We want new people coming out and we want to grow the sport for everyone involved, from those starting from new to those starting to race (such as me).

So, i've been thinking of having a beginners/learners day at some stage in the next few weeks. The basic idea of this would be to get as many people out as possible (especially total beginners). We'd start off messing about in the woods for a couple of hours teaching and encouraging everyone to ride all the different obstacles there are such as the bombholes, cornering on berms, rocky uphills and rocky downhills etc. Then after that we'd go back up to the top and ride down all the way and hopefully everyone will be able to clear the whole trail or at least all the bits they're comfortable with riding.

Theres two dates which look good at the moment, Saturday 3rd or Saturday 10th of September. Could anyone interested in taking part in this please let me know which of these dates they can make. We may do it both days or just one depending on levels of interest. Please mail me and let me know how this suits so it can be organised well. I'll also expect the more experinced members who are available to be there to help out. That way we can each take smaller groups which will work better.

Paddy

Saturdays Report - Woops, another one down!

We had another good group out on saturday with Piotr, Sean, Mike, Judith, Nikki, Justin, D'Arcy and someone else whose name escapes me.

Unfortunately my route choice this time was a bit dodgy since the first track was a good bit slippier than earlier in the week so caused a lot of trouble for the beginners, and more experienced alike. After that we had to head back down quickly so we could get Piotr home (see below) so didn't really get to do anything else too exciting or interesting.

Unfortunately another very experienced rider got injured today when Piotr caught his arm on a tree branch and required a very impressive 8 stitches (and 5 hours in the hospital waiting) to patch him up again. We wish him all the best in getting better soon and hope to see him back on bike again soon, dropping us all on the uphill sections!

Paddy

Rifle Range in Ticknock

Any of you that keep an eye on the message board on MTBIreland may be aware of plans to renovate the old rifle range in Ticknock Forest. Work is currently under way by the Leinster Rifle and Pistol Club to repair the range for private use.

This has serious safety implications for all users of Three Rock. MAD have launched a campaign to highlight these concerns, and we currently have the support of Cycling Ireland, Coillte, and South Dublin TDs Olivia Mitchell, Liz O'Donnell, and Eamon Ryan.

Ticknock is likely to be visited by various groups in relation to this over the coming weeks, so we'd ask you all to be on best behaviour. Remember our code of conduct - always give way to walkers, pull in and stop for horses, and show courtesy to all mountain users.

We'll keep you all posted with further developments as the campaign rolls on. Keep an eye our for media blurb, contact Mick O'Dowd (by email, or 086 6004878) for any further information.

Saturday Morning Spin

There'll be a nice easy spin this saturday morning, meeting at the yellow house at 10am or ticknock carpark at 10:30(ish).

Suitable for everyone and anyone who wishes to turn up. Again, for any complete beginners check out our wonderful beginners page for information on what you need to bring with you.

Paddy

Wednesday Evening Spin

Quite last minute I know, but if anyone fancies going for a quick spin tonight during daylight hours, Darren and D'Arcy who were out with us on saturdays beginner spin are heading up to Ticknock carpark for 7pm so you can hook up with them there.

You'll recognise them as the 2 people with more BMX style(ish) helmets on.

Tuesday Night Ride Fun (8:30pm, Ticknock entrance)

Now that the evenings are beginning to draw in, and having just received my night lights via the wondrous postal system, its time to test them out!!

So, myself and Colin are joining forces to run the first MAD night ride of the year. Details are sketchy at the moment but the one thing that has been decided is that the meeting time is 8:30 and the venue is the entrance to Ticknock forest (since anyone driving will have to leave their car there).

Anyone with proper off road lights (not the sort of thing you'd use for commuting on the road) is more than welcome to join us. We'll be taking things easy enough since we're just getting the hang of this whole pitch black forest thing, and have no wish to end up in hospital just yet.

For any further questions or anything mail me or call on 086 6087046.

Paddy

The EPIC Blast II

It's back! The EPIC Blast strikes again - September 4th, Ballinastoe Wood. Read about the race format here

Rides This Weekend

Another fairly busy weekend coming up.

Saturday, Nigel's going to take a beginner spin up Three Rock. Meeting at 10 at the Yellow House, or around 10:30 in Ticknock carpark. This will will suit everybody, so all are welcome. Click here for details on what you'll need to bring. Contact Nigel (by email, or 087 9335403) for further info.

On Sunday, we'll do a longer spin. This will be local, we'll head up Cruagh and Tibradden over to Three Rock. Energy permitting, we'll then do a u-turn and go back the way we came. This will be a reasonably long spin (~4 hours), and there won't be much waiting around, but there are plenty of opportunities to bale out. Meeting at the YH at 10, contact Mick (by email, or 086 6004878) for further details.

Stay posted for details of more rides next week. With the evenings closing in on us, we'll be planning a few night rides soon for the brave and bold.

August Ride Schedule

Date	Destination	Meeting Place	Contact
6-Aug-05	Easy beginners ride - Kilmashogue and Fairy	Yellow House, 10am	Paddy
7-Aug-05	Crone and The Wall	Yellow House, 10am	Paddy
13-Aug-05	Beginners ride	Yellow House, 10am or Ticknock 10.30am	Nigel
14-Aug-05	Sunday spin	Yellow House 10am	Mick
16-Aug-05	Night ride (winter here already?)		Paddy
21-Aug-05
28-Aug-05

Weekend of new people!

Lots and lots of new people out on this weekends rides so welcome all and we hope to see ye out again soon.

Saturday saw 9 people out for the beginners spin, with new people Katherine, Brian, James and Mark as well as guest EPIC rider Andrew, and regulars, Nigel, Judith, Sean and myself. Everyone handled the road climb to Ticknock really well. Katherine was struggling off road at first unable to get any grip, but a few tips on gear selection later she was flying along, even being held back by the guys pushing their bikes at some points. Up through Kilmashogue and around to the back of, and up to the top of fairy castle for a well deserved rest before heading back down. Some quite nervous moments for the new people going downhill, but i think everyone rode the bombhole in the end whihc will be good for the confidence.

Sunday saw another 9 people show up for the long spin including new people Stefan and Sasha, plus Thomas, Eddie, Phil, Dylan, Nigel, Mick and myself. Sunday also saw gorgeous weather, which was perfect for cycling. Stefan showed us all how unfit we are on the road spin up to Ticknock, leaving us all for dead! We headed up Kilmashogue and along the Wocas where i went ahead so as to get some good photos of people jumping. Found a nice spot, settled in, here comes the first person, and ... damn camera bettery died :-( So we all tore down the wocas with everyone getting some good air along the way. One minor incident and a bloody elbow for Mick and we were soon climbing up prince willies. The forest descent caused the next casualty of the day, Phils newly repaired bike which now has a bent rear derailleur meaning he lost most of his gears and so was struggling to keep up for the rest of the trip. Some slightly overgrown trails followed where the ferns have grown up above eye level making it a struggle to see where we were going, i.e. much more fun! On we headed with a few people attempting a river crossing with Thomas being closest to making it across. After this Phil had to head off to get his bike home in one piece, and we all struggled up the final climb to ride The Wall and a few other little tracks on our way back down. After that it was just the long road ride home after raiding the shop in Enniskerry (sadly it will be closing for good this week so now we'll ahve to go all the way into Enniskerry for our supplies. Well done to all the lads for whom this was their first big trip. Dylan, Eddie, Phil, and Sasha ... its great to have so many people capable of these big rides around.

Roll on next weekend.

Weekend Rides (6th and 7th)

Last nights spin unfortunately turned out to be a bit quicker than initially imagined after poor Dylan broke his shiny new bike halfway down through the hellfire wood so we had to head for home, freewheeling all the way since he no longer had a chain or gears on his bike. Hopefully Eddie and Phil made it through the rest of the spin without any incidents.

Anyway, back to this weekend. On Saturday we will have a beginners / whoever turns up type of spin. Suitable for everyone and anyone, we'll be meeting at the yellow house at 10am or ticknock carpark at 10:30 (ish ... depends on how long it takes us to get up the hill). Again, for any total beginners turning up, check out the beginners section of the website for advice on what to bring with you.

On Sunday we'll again be meeting at the yellow house at 10am for a much longer spin down towards Prince Willies and Djouce. Bring lots of food and water as we won't be back till 4 or 5 in the afternoon probably. This is for the more experienced and fitter people only (and Colin, since we miss him so much!).

Any problems, requests, issues, enquiries eihter send me a mail or call me on 086 6087046.

Paddy

Midweek Spin

This week's mid-week effort will be a quick spin up Hellfire and Massy's. Meeting at the Yellow House at 6:30 tomorrow evening (Wednesday), should be out less than 2 hours.

Contact Paddy for further information (by mail, or 086 6087046).

Stay tuned for info about the weekend. We're planning to have another beginner spin on Saturday, followed by something a bit longer on Sunday.