Wailin wrote: » Yeah the natural trails at ballinastoe are a great introduction for beginners compared to the ones at ticknock and djouce in particular. Not too steep, lots of stone rather than wet roots which I'm finding treacherous in the wet! Any tips steamsey on the wet roots?
mad turnip wrote: » Good choice of trail Wailin, its one of my favorites that one. nearly always hit it when I'm up at Ballinastoe. Is that a Maxxis Reckon on the back tire of your bike? Used one for most of last year, can be a bit treacherous on the roots, its great on the rocks though. Swapped to a hans dampf and so far so good. The reckon hasn't really got big enough knobs to grab the roots and likes to just slide around and I found it would just fly out from under me more than it really should. I'd say the biggest thing to avoid with the roots is braking on them, do it before and do it after, keep in mind the roots will slow the bike down also. There's usually a correct speed and angle for most roots depending on there size and how they are positioned. Bike is looking well with the red pedals.
prunudo wrote: » Yeah, thats where I started dipping my toe into natural trails, but there's plenty of sniper roots lurking as I've found out over the years. There's plenty of variety in Djouce though, both in steepness and surface so don't give up on it. I'd actually go as far as to say the trails in Djouce drain better than Ballinastoe.
Wailin wrote: » I think djouce frightened the bejaysus out of me when i pottered down Irn Bru not knowing what was in store for me on a hardtail with a saddle that wouldn't drop. You live and learn! Will be giving that another go on the new bike next chance I get. Edit: I see the term "sniper" roots a lot. I'm guessing they're the broken roots that protrude up from the ground?
Wailin wrote: » I see the term "sniper" roots a lot. I'm guessing they're the broken roots that protrude up from the ground?
Wailin wrote: » Sorry, when I said next chance i get, I meant once lockdowns over....
Wailin wrote: » But seriously, I do get the whole seriousness of the situation, but a single chap on his own in isolation in the middle of nowhere is zero threat to anyone. Edit: Once the countrywide level 3 begins, that will put a stop to it all anyway with checkpoints popping up everywhere!
Wailin wrote: I use the trailforks app which shows a lot (not all) of the unofficial trails. But I also watch YouTube videos of trails near me before I attempt them so I know what I'm getting myself into! I find this guys videos very good:
Peter T wrote: » Managed a spin in ballyhoura yesterday. Some lovely work going on. The return loop home will be great crack, some nice flowing sections worked in with berms and some chances to catch some air. Was a detour in place half way on the boardwalk so looking forward to getting back when I can to see the rest. Some won't like it because its taken the suffering out of it but theres plenty more trail for that lark
Wailin wrote: » Got in what's probably the last outing for the next 6 weeks (although might go again tomorrow!). Ticknock to Tibradden. Did a lovely trail called legends highline at Tibradden, very long natural trail with some rooty sections but very nice. Legends Highline Back to Ticknock and natural stuff, satellite run, bungle jungle, red tractor. Very wet and windy but thoroughly enjoyable day. Red Tractor Just to confuse everyone, map is turned sideways!
Kaybaykwah wrote: » I can smell the pine needles and wet leaves. Beautiful.
steamsey wrote: » Was up Kindlestown and Glen of the Downs in Wicklow yesterday. Pretty busy at both with walkers and a few bikers around too. Kindlestown is really just one decent trail but it's a pretty good one and glad to have it within the 5KM. Was up there a lot at the first lockdown and was great to have somewhere to climb up a hill, then rip down. I'd say less than 15 mins up to top and back down. Glen of the Downs has some steep trails with switchbacks over exposed roots - so some good technical bits. Thanks to the bikers who showed me that trail.
Don't Chute! wrote: » Have you tried Belmont? Might be a bit tame for you but something different during lockdown. Could even link up GOTD Kindlestown Belmont and Bray Head if you’re feeling good!
CramCycle wrote: » Back way u Bray head and down through the forest is still quiet but Belmont was mobbed the other day. I have never seen so many people there. Its rideable but the area around fatbikes and the coffee shop are like a musical festival. had straight over to the path up to Kilruddery if you are going there
steamsey wrote: » Yup - have been there a few times. Grand for a spin but IMO their target audience is families, not much there for non-beginners in terms of trails but a nice spot al the same with cafe, pump track (currently closed) etc
steamsey wrote: » Any decent trails on that forest you mention near Bray head?
