Awesome Weekend Ahead

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.

Night Spins this week: Tues 25th and Thurs 27th (7pm)

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

We Want Your Bike Light Reviews

Every year, about this time, people start to ask for advice on which lights to buy. I've put a page on the website giving an overview of the technologies available - but we need your help. We'd like you to review your own lights and send us your honest opinions - what's good, what's OK and what should be avoided at all costs.

I expect to AT LEAST hear back from Oliver, Martin, Ronan, Fergal, both Steves and Paddy.

Please send on the following details:

Light System	Manufacturer and model
Reviewed by	You!
Duration Used
Price Paid	Including any delivery costs
Burn-time
Good points
Bad points
Rating	Out of five

I've added a review of my own to get things started:
http://www.madmtb.com/night_rides.html#reviews

Weekend Happenings

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.

2007 Marathon Champs Details

The 2007 Irish MTB Marathon Championships will take place on Saturday September 29th in Carlingford Co. Louth. The course, laid out by Cuchulainn CC, follows a 55km route through some spectacular scenery alongside Carlingford Lough. A shorter route will be available for Junior riders.

Sign on is from 8am at the Foy Community Centre and the race begins with a mass start at 10am. Day race licences will be available.

Showers and changing facilities are provided and accommodation is also available (www.carlingfordbeds.com).

Contact phone numbers:
Johnny McCabe 087-8105919
Aidan McDonald 087-6262998

This event was a lot of fun last year. Just make sure to pay close attention to the course markings (someone always goes astray) and bring plenty of energy food/drinks. There will be a feed stop along the course where you can arrange to pick up your extra bottles/food. It would be within the abilities of most MAD riders as long as you pace yourself properly - it's a greater test of stamina than speed. I hope to see many of you there.

Saturday Spin and drinks in town after

Afternoon all,

Saturday will be my last MAD spin for the guts of a year so I'm organising a spin to Kindelstown, Glen of the Downs and The Sugarloaf. We will meet at 10 - 10.15am at Kindelstown carpark and start with a couple of laps before heading on to Glen of the Downs and then to The Sugarloaf for some fun. This is suitable for all levels and it would be great to see a big crowd out! There are opt-out points after each destination so there's no problem if you need to leave early etc. We will be finished in K'town at 1130; GOTD at 1; Sugarloaf at 230. If you can offer a lift then e-mail the group :)Bring the usual gear - food, water, minitool, pump, tubes, HELMET. A rain/wind-proof jacket would be handy for The Sugarloaf.


On Saturday night Tom has kindly organised the MAD-Lash Part Deux. We're meeting in Hogan's pub at 8pm. Who knows where this will lead...


Hopefully there will be a spin on Sunday too so keep an eye on your mails and the website.

If you have a question then contact us at committee AT madmtb DOT com

Nigel
0879335403

MAD Dixie Dash Round 3

Ok Dix and Dixettes,
A generous amount of destruction and bloodshed was visited upon 3rock last week,
so it's time for some more cheap fast thrills - be at Fairycastle at 7:15 pm Tues 4th Sept- race starts sharp at 7:30.
Bring your lights as it's getting dark in some of those forest sections.
I'll post the route map later tonight - this week we won't be taking the descent at the edge of the forest,
we'll be heading straight across from 2 rock to the path, turning left then heading in the direction of the aerials
We'll likely be doing a full run of the new MAD club course, and out of there and into the freeride zone
and the usual finish down the fast ferny trail which has up-ended a few of us in the past so hopefully more of the same.