New event on the 2006 MTB race calendar

The course is now complete and we'll be marking it on Saturday morning. It will be open for practice laps from around 1pm.


The Mountainbiking Association of Dublin is running an open XC race in Slade Valley, Co. Dublin on the 9th of July. This will be the last race before the National Championships so it's a final opportunity to improve or maintain your race pace.

Location
Slade Valley is located near Brittas, a short drive from Dublin City and easily accessible from the M50 motorway

Directions
Take the Tallaght exist off the M50 and follow the N81 towards Blessington. Continue along the N81 (don't take the N82 towards Saggart). After climbing The Embankment take the right turn signposted "Slade Valley Golf Club". If you reach Brittas you've gone too far. The route will be signposted on the day.

Sign on will be at 10.30am with the first races beginning at 12 noon
Race entry is €10, free for underage riders

This is an official Cycling Ireland event so race licences will be required. Day licences will be available at the race.

Plans for the weekend 9th/10th June

Hello all,
There will be two spins this weekend. Both leaving the Yellow House at 10am.

Saturday's spin will be an easy jaunt up to Fairy Castle, club course yada yada yada..... There will also be trailbuilding out in Slade Valley on saturday afternoon. If you can offer a lift then leave some contact details in a reply email or sort yourselves out tomorrow morning. plan to be out in slade around 2.30/3

Sunday's spin will be a cycle out to Slade Valley to bed in the track that the lads have been working on.

Nigel
087 9335 403
poloholemint

MBI Formation and Membership

Dear Mountain Biker

We are writing to you regarding the formation of a new organisation called Mountain Biking Ireland.

MBI aims to be at the forefront in dealing with issues related to mountain biking in Ireland, with particular emphasis on the development of recognised, sustainable trails for recreational mountain bikers.

MBI was created to give an organised structure through which mountain bikers can voice their opinions and concerns to land owners and managers such as Coillte, National Parks and county councils so as to best develop access and minimize conflict and disputes.

Already MBI have entered into negotiation with Coillte to develop a previously unauthorised trail in Kindlestown, Co. Wicklow and it is planned that this initial pilot project will be the first of many in all parts of the country.

MBI plans, within a set timeframe, to become an Irish branch of IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association and will be working with local clubs throughout the country to ensure proper regional representation in all parts of Ireland. The current committee is temporary and the constitution provides a framework to ensure that the organisation will be democratic and fair.

In order for MBI to progress further it is essential that we can show that we represent the whole mountain bike community, both recreational and racer and therefore need as large a membership as possible.

We need YOUR support NOW!

All we want from you for now is basic contact details so that we can build up a membership database. Membership will be free initially after which a nominal membership fee will apply to cover basic costs. As a member you will be kept up to date with MBI activities such as trail building projects and workdays, training workshops, biking events etc.

Please don’t ignore this initiative, leaving it to others to join – gaining a significant membership will give us the authority to best represent your interests.

Sign your name on the membership form and return it by post or e-mail to the address provided.

Thanking you in anticipation of your support,

Justin May, Acting Chairman, MBI.

Membership form

The Wicklow 200

This isn't strictly mountainbike related but the Wicklow 200 takes place this weekend. For the first time in ages it doesn't clash with the POG Challenge (NPS #4) so people can take part in both events. The full route is fairly tough, with four major climbs and 2500m of climbing. There's also the option of doing a shorter 100km routh which is a bit more manageable. A few of us will be there on Sunday - let us know if you're coming too.