Trail route for 20 kids near Dublin

mobfromcork

As per the title, I am looking for a trail route for a school group of about 20 boys aged about 11/12 which is in or near Dublin if anyone has any suggestions please?

They are currently doing a bike-skills course with Cycle-Ireland in conjunction with the local Gardaí which is due to finish around Christmas time. I think it would be great to get them out on a trail to put their skills into practice, have a healthy day out and introduce them to an element of cycling that few of them would have experienced before. About half the kids have mountain bikes and half have BMX style bikes. Their general level of fitness would be quite good.

I have experience on the first two Ballyhoura loops but I think that style of linear track with technical elements might be beyond some of the lads. Is there anything that would have a few bits of good trail, turns etc. but that would be manageable for a group of beginners. I'm also looking to minimize the chances of faces being smashed into trees.

Any suggestions appreciated.

kumate_champ07

sundrive velodrome is another idea, kids seem to love it and it develops awareness skills that transfer onto the road. you can rent bikes too, prob should contact someone at trackcycling.ie, Hugh Byrne would give you the right info

Harrybelafonte

What about the BMX track in Ratoath? or Phoenix Park has been used before for beginner MTB sessions?

Lumen

Ticknock is good for kids.

mobfromcork

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into all of them during the week. The Phoenix park is the closest and handiest to get to and probably has a few hills etc up near the Furry Glen end of it.

Ticknock might be a runner too. I'll try and get up there myself over the next few weeks for a look. Haven't been up there yet after nearly 2 years living in Dublin. Lazy me.

Thanks again

Roadtoad

Donadea in Kildare, and print off a few maps. The divers would enjoy the park too.

http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/?id=53&rec_site=5