2008 MAD Club Gear Order

Right folks, that time of year again when you get to update your wardrobe with the latest and greatest in cycling fashion.

Below, you will see an order form, in MS Excel. Fill it out (including any jerseys you wanted to order from Paddy) and return it to jerseys@madmtb.com and we'll go from there.

You will see a wide variety of garments on the form. Their availability depends on meeting strict minimum quantity requirements so its possible that some items may not be ordered. You will be informed of this in good time and will have the opportunity to reassess your order.

We can't confirm prices now, as prices always depend on quantities ordered but we can confirm that the more we order, the cheaper it becomes for everybody.
We can also confirm that we will NOT be using the same supplier as last year, so those of you with qualms about the shorts and tights should be happy.

Download form here

Finally, I'd just like to encourage everyone to kit out in club gear and show you're representing MAD while out on the trails at home and abroad and participating in races. It looks great and reflects well on the club when people are proud enough to show they're a member.
Plus you might find that its as cheap or cheaper than buying brand name gear elsewhere.

Sean

Jolly Holly Social Spin

- Wednesday 26th (St. Stephen's Day)

Time for our traditional post-turkey special social spin again folks!
Assemble in various states of wellbeing for the usual fare of banter, laughs, hangovers, oh and some biking too...at Taylor's Pub at 11am.

On-bike nutrition may include, but is not limited to, mince pies, Christmas pudding and dry sherry.

All are welcome.

Sean

The Leadmines Beginners Ride - At Last!

After months of pressure from JP the Leadmines beginners ride video finally comes to light. Surely the product of a diseased mind. Where are all these guys? I'm expecting to see most of you in Ballinastoe this Sunday...

Cyclocross National Champs

Our good friends over at IMBRC are running the Cyclocross National Championship this (next?) year in Tymon park. For more details of this bizarre event click here.

Santa Cruz Blur Classic For Sale

The time has come to sell my Santa Cruz Blur. This bike climbs and descends amazingly well - it just floats over everything. Very plush suspension back and front but totally bob-free once set up for your weight (stable platform valving on the shock and fork).
The specs:

• Santa Cruz Blur Classic, Gold, size large - new sealed bearing kit installed - cosmetic scratches from use. Would probably suit riders 5'10" to 6'2".
  
• 5th Element Air Shock - completely overhauled by TF Tuned - new shaft and internals
• Manitou Minute fork - 100mm travel, air sprung, SPV platform damping, one of the nicest forks I've used
• Hope XC/Mavix 317 disc wheels
• Shimano XT Shifters
• Shimano XT rear mech
• Shimano XT Octalink crankset - with Middleburn Slickshift Hardcote rings
• Shimano Deore Front Mech
• Hope Mono brakes (180mm front, 160mm rear)
• Titec seatpost and stem
• Fizik Gobi saddle
• Easton Monkeylite carbon bars - some scratches here but nothing too scary

You can see more photos here.
Price €1250! Contact Morgan for further details.

Night biking...

..and heavy Rock n' Roll...the ideal combination for winter nights!

The MAD Christmas Lash

The last and greatest event of the MAD 2007 social calendar is happening this Friday. The MAD Lash commences in the Bull and Castle, Christchurch, between 8 and 9pm. Come and meet your mtb heroes, or become a legend yourself on the night.

We're also having a pre-Christmas spin on Sunday, riding the new trails at Ballinastoe. The pace will be Christmassy and everyone is welcome to come along. Starting cycling at 10am.

There will be a spin on St. Stephens day too - details to follow.

NPS Slade Valley - The Lost Video

MADmtb - The best videos - the worst music.

Mountainbike Skills Course

Hi All,

Martin has booked a date in February for a one day skills course for MAD in Newry with First Tracks Guiding

He's hoping to get a minimum of 8 people to head up to the one day course. There is a fee, not much, which will cover a full days riding and coaching.

The course is ideally for riders which have started mtbing in the last year and are looking to gain more confidence on the bike and get tips from the professionals on trail riding, uphill and dh skills (http://www.firsttracksguiding.com/guides.html).

If successful, there will be follow on courses and they may even come to Dublin for larger groups / coaching for the more experienced lads.

Cost is about €200 for five people (€40 each) if we get eight it will only cost €25.

Yes, we will need cars to get there and its about 1.30min from Dublin in Big Wood (original name) Newry (jut across the border) so if you can volunteer to car pool please do.

So far three people have signed up.

If anyone is interested please contact Martin and if you can car pool would be great.

If the demand is high I can book 2 coaches to take more out.

Mr. Ketchup Wins Club Champs

Things are finally getting back to normal after the MAD Club Champs 2007. My hands have stopped shaking and the double-vision is nearly gone. After talking with the committee and piecing together our fragmented memories the following results emerged:

Steve "Ketchup" Scrivener took first place in the Champs, finally winning the MAD Perpetual Trophy which he's coveted for so long.

Former club champion Sean Downey took silver, showing that despite his advancing years he's still a force to be reckoned with.

The bronze medal went to Shane Geoghegan whose strong racing form during the year is really paying off.


A number of other awards were also presented at the AGM. Conor Coneff received the award for Greatest Contribution 2007. Without his great trailbuilding efforts during the year this years event wouldn't have been possible.

The Best Newcomer award went to Ollie Castle for getting so involved with the club in the short time he's been with us and taking an active role in organising activities.

Ryan Sherlock took the well-deserved Most Awesome Racer award after his 2007 NPS Series Elite victory, numerous podium finishes and his foray into international XC and marathon racing.

Finally the Dirtiest Rider award went to Tom "Thong" Heavey who reminds us all that if you can't be a good example you should at least be a terrible warning.


The 2008 club committee was also elected at the AGM - stay tuned for full details...

2007 Bicycle Christmas Party

The 2007 Dublin's Cyclists' Christmas Party is the biggest seasonal party ever held for the capital's cycling crew. Fabulous venue - The POD at Harcourt LUAS stop, great entertainment - music for all ears, fine food and fab company.......all for a fiver. Special prizes for those who decorate their bicycles in the most festive fashion.

Come along and meet your cycling campaigning colleagues, the messengers who keep the city centre businesses bustling, lots of commuters, tourers, racers, mountain-bikers...........they will all be there. Politicians and figures from the Councils and government departments with responsibility for transport are also invited so this is your chance to charm or corner them over a pint and explain how it all should happen. The fun starts at 7pm. Fabulous area for bikes in off the road so your steed will enjoy the evening as much as you do.

Bring your family and friends - in fact, anyone who cycles, used to cycle, might cycle in the future, or just wants to hang out with all of those fit cyclists for an evening. Spread the word - extra posters downloadable on www.dublincycling.ie Look forward to seeing you there. The Dublin Cycling Campaign Social Committee.