My spin today...

prunudo · 04-01-2019 11:09am

Wanderer78 wrote: »

id accept motors over strava, fooking annoying app

Maybe needs a seperate thread but why so?

Wanderer78 · 04-01-2019 11:10am

jvan wrote: »

Maybe needs a seperate thread but why so?

it probably does, so i wont go any further

C3PO · 04-01-2019 3:12pm

Wanderer78 wrote: »

id accept motors over strava, fooking annoying app

Rubbish!

Top Dog · 05-01-2019 6:40am

Tenzor07 wrote: »

But for the price of almost €4,000 for a basic spec bike, i'll say no thanks! For now: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/vitus-e-sommet-electric-mtb-deore-1x10-2019/rp-prod170964?mx=a

I gotta ask - have you actually tried one at all?

Tenzor07 · 05-01-2019 8:13pm

Top Dog wrote: »

I gotta ask - have you actually tried one at all?

Briefly Yes.

prunudo · 06-01-2019 4:47pm

Went up to Ballinastoe earlier. Did a bit of a warm up and then a full lap of the official trail, happy how it went so think I'll give the baggy shorts Blitz a go on Feb 10th, give me a bit of a carrot to get out as much as possible.

Was surprised how quiet it was though, expected it to be a lot busier for the first Sunday after the Christmas holidays.

Big Nasty · 06-01-2019 4:55pm

Was up in Djouce. Was quite busy I thought and trails were riding great.

prunudo · 06-01-2019 5:04pm

Big Nasty wrote: »

Was up in Djouce. Was quite busy I thought and trails were riding great.

Was there during the week, surprised how dry it was for the time of year.

Top Dog · 06-01-2019 8:17pm

Went to Ballyhoura today. Don't think I've ever seen the carpark so full. The lads in Trailriders actually ran out of bikes and had to turn customers away. All sorts up there from a single-speed fixie, to older guys on ebikes. Trails were riding lovely.

Probably going to go again tomorrow.

xxyyzz · 07-01-2019 10:33am

Top Dog wrote: »

Went to Ballyhoura today. Don't think I've ever seen the carpark so full. The lads in Trailriders actually ran out of bikes and had to turn customers away. All sorts up there from a single-speed fixie, to older guys on ebikes. Trails were riding lovely.

Probably going to go again tomorrow.

I was there myself testing a trek remedy. It was a great day, weather was perfect and all the off-piste stuff was running great.

iwillhtfu · 07-01-2019 11:33am

xxyyzz wrote: »

the off-piste stuff was running great.

This is the stuff I need to find before I return to Ballyhoura. The place is great for a bit of a long spin but the main trails are very pedaly and a bit boring to be honest.

Peter T · 07-01-2019 11:50am

iwillhtfu wrote: »

This is the stuff I need to find before I return to Ballyhoura. The place is great for a bit of a long spin but the main trails are very pedaly and a bit boring to be honest.

Have you done the tech trails down there ?

xxyyzz · 07-01-2019 12:30pm

iwillhtfu wrote: »

This is the stuff I need to find before I return to Ballyhoura. The place is great for a bit of a long spin but the main trails are very pedaly and a bit boring to be honest.

Chris in trailriders will happily point you to the best stuff, most of it is used in the enduro events. The cardoor trail is located quite close to the trailhead and is a good one to start on.

iwillhtfu · 07-01-2019 7:47pm

Peter T wrote: »

Have you done the tech trails down there ?

Yeah the tech trails are a good laugh but if you want to go on a longer spin there's not really many features on them. I did see a couple of local lads branching of on the middle of the brown loop and seemed to be heading down the centre of the hill.

Peter T · 13-01-2019 10:36pm

Was down in Ballyhoura again this morning. More work done on the trails since I had been there last. Went on the brown loop today, down the first tech trail and back up for the log carrying on the rest of the brown. Was cold and windy in places, felt I wasnt up to my usual pace today but was surprised with 3 personal bests and a good few seconds for my efforts today. Was about 10 or 15 cars when I set off at 9.00 and the car park was full on my return at 11.30

bogmanfan · 13-01-2019 11:40pm

Quick lap of Ticknock this morning after a long spin in Laragh yesterday. Parking situation there is nuts at the moment. Traffic jam coming in. Cars parked all over the place, some with absolutely no consideration for others. Can't believe how busy it's become over the last year. They could do with a lot more spaces up there.

Top Dog · 13-01-2019 11:59pm

Peter T wrote: »

Was about 10 or 15 cars when I set off at 9.00 and the car park was full on my return at 11.30

You were probably just finishing as we were starting. Was bitter in parts up the hill. Found some of the rock gardens (particularly on Tech 1) very slippy. Has me decided that I need a grippier front tyre at the very least as I didn't have much faith at all in it today. Good fun, but no performance to write home about.

Gerry · 14-01-2019 12:00am

Yup it's good to see Ticknock and djouce being so popular, but I saw in djouce today loads of cars parked outside - I know vans can't make it under the barrier but not bringing your car in is the height of ignorance. I'd imagine the farmer there is very annoyed with being almost unable to get through the gates to his land.

Tenzor07 · 14-01-2019 12:52am

Gerry wrote: »

Yup it's good to see Ticknock and djouce being so popular, but I saw in djouce today loads of cars parked outside - I know vans can't make it under the barrier but not bringing your car in is the height of ignorance. I'd imagine the farmer there is very annoyed with being almost unable to get through the gates to his land.

I’d say he’s more than annoyed about the parking, dozens of vehicles parked along the grass verge at the side of his cattle shed.
As well as all the cars parked at the entrance to his field and the carpark.

In fairness a lot are families out waking who don’t want to pay the admission charge to enter the waterfall by car.

Also at Ticknock it was crazy, people were almost parking on top of each other around the biking.ie hut. Very few at the top as you start to go downhill and exit.

The majority are all out for walks, hopefully things will get back to normal at the end of the month.

steamsey · 14-01-2019 1:09pm

Tenzor07 wrote: »

I’d say he’s more than annoyed about the parking, dozens of vehicles parked along the grass verge at the side of his cattle shed.
As well as all the cars parked at the entrance to his field and the carpark.

In fairness a lot are families out waking who don’t want to pay the admission charge to enter the waterfall by car.

Also at Ticknock it was crazy, people were almost parking on top of each other around the biking.ie hut. Very few at the top as you start to go downhill and exit.

The majority are all out for walks, hopefully things will get back to normal at the end of the month.

Even with the bad start to the weather yesterday, got to Ticknock at 1.30pm and it was jammers. What's it going to be like over the summer / when kids are off school etc? Not so many mountain bikers - a few alright but the overwhelming majority were walkers. There is no way a fire engine (who can sometimes respond first) is getting up there. Possibly an ambulance but there's no guarantee - all it takes is one of two bad park jobs.

Just stuck to the Coillte trails yesterday - trails in good nick but they are not enough on their own anymore since they were revamped.

Have been trying to keep an open mind on the updates to Metro (bottom loop) and the finish of Metro 2 / Euroservices and have settled on the fact that they've ruined them. They've taken all the challenge out of those sections - and the bottom loop / Metro - while faster, is a whole lot less fun. I tried to like them. Hoping for some reclamation of the old trails that got blitzed when the harvested the east side of the hill (GAP land). Was looking at some old vids of Ticknock and it's a shadow of it's former self now.

The Coillte trails are great for beginners - and this is deliberately done - but why can't they leave the old trails alone and build dedicated beginner ones instead of smoothing out the old ones to make them easier?

C3PO · 14-01-2019 1:15pm

steamsey wrote: »

The Coillte trails are great for beginners - and this is deliberately done - but why can't they leave the old trails alone and build dedicated beginner ones instead of smoothing out the old ones to make them easier?

Cost, I suppose? The Coillte trails in Ticknock were always intended as beginner trails.

Tenzor07 · 14-01-2019 1:16pm

steamsey wrote: »

Even with the bad start to the weather yesterday, got to Ticknock at 1.30pm and it was jammers. What's it going to be like over the summer / when kids are off school etc? Not so many mountain bikers - a few alright but the overwhelming majority were walkers. There is no way a fire engine (who can sometimes respond first) is getting up there. Possibly an ambulance but there's no guarantee - all it takes is one of two bad park jobs.

This happens every year around the Xmas holidays and to the end of January, the place is overrun by people in gym gear and trainers going for walks up to fairy castle.

Although in Djouce yesterday I was cycling along near the fence at the top of the forest beside the road to come across two walkers with all the waterproofs, walking poles the lot, who stepped aside, stopped walking just to let me pass, on a wide unmarked clearing?

You can tell the real walkers from the couch to 5k gang, who walk across the trails/fireroads 5-a-breast and with the dog(s) on a long lead or running free... Whereas the all year round walkers will have the dog on a short leash and will walk 2 a breast in a line...

ianobrien · 14-01-2019 10:30pm

Tenzor07 wrote: »

This happens every year around the Xmas holidays and to the end of January, the place is overrun by people in gym gear and trainers going for walks up to fairy castle.

Although in Djouce yesterday I was cycling along near the fence at the top of the forest beside the road to come across two walkers with all the waterproofs, walking poles the lot, who stepped aside, stopped walking just to let me pass, on a wide unmarked clearing?

You can tell the real walkers from the couch to 5k gang, who walk across the trails/fireroads 5-a-breast and with the dog(s) on a long lead or running free... Whereas the all year round walkers will have the dog on a short leash and will walk 2 a breast in a line...

On the real walkers, myself and a mate were heading up a climb yesterday and encountered a walking club. All were walking 2 abreast and even though we were nowhere near an approved "MTB Cycling" forest and on a walking trail, all they said was "Keep going, you are almost at the top!"

Then again, when ever we encounter walkers or other users, we slow the feck down. We don't want to annoy other users.

Edit, oh, almost 500M climbing over 16km, touched 60kph coming downhill. That was fun............

Peter T · 21-01-2019 10:04am

Was down in ballyhoura again yesterday. Just a quick dart around the brown loop again. Happy with my progress though, getting faster every time I'm out and nearly got PR's for all sections on the second half. Gave the rebound on the front fork a tweak too and felt much better and smoother over most sections. If I get out this weekend I'll tackle the white to build up the mileage in the legs. Nothing major to report trails wise.

xxyyzz · 21-01-2019 10:11am

Peter T wrote: »

Was down in ballyhoura again yesterday. Just a quick dart around the brown loop again. Happy with my progress though, getting faster every time I'm out and nearly got PR's for all sections on the second half. Gave the rebound on the front fork a tweak too and felt much better and smoother over most sections. If I get out this weekend I'll tackle the white to build up the mileage in the legs. Nothing major to report trails wise.

You also have the option of parking in the other carpark at Ballinaboola https://goo.gl/maps/etCg4WCN8eG2 which is right on the white loop. You can skip the brown loop altogether.

Peter T · 21-01-2019 10:21am

Nice alternative, I'll keep it in mind

Biopace · 21-01-2019 11:18am

Peter T wrote: »

Nice alternative, I'll keep it in mind

Just be careful of that upper carpark at Ballinaboola, cars have been broken into, I usually park down at the road entrance.

There are fab natural trails off that side too.

Peter T · 21-01-2019 11:55am

Cool thanks. I could just leave the car in ballyhea and pedal on up from there too. Give the legs a warm up on the way

Gerry · 21-01-2019 7:37pm

Had an eventful spin yesterday at the GAP and then ticknock. We got a few uplifts, I wasn't riding very well so maybe should have reigned in a bit, we went up into ticknock and did a few trails starting with the tractor trail which I made a bags of, then went up metro 2 ( top metro ). It was fun as I am fitter than the last time I went to top metro, then we went down old turfsurfer. Unfortunately while I have cleaned this trail before it seems it has been washed away a lot ( it was 2 years ago ), I was going well enough but probably far too slowly, so I had no momentum to pick the front up. Near the bottom the drops have gotten a lot less rollable... I went OTB and just about got away without any injury. phew. I'm sure there's a lesson there somewhere

saccades · 21-01-2019 8:21pm

Let go of the brakes!

Top Dog · 21-01-2019 10:35pm

xxyyzz wrote: »

You also have the option of parking in the other carpark at Ballinaboola https://goo.gl/maps/etCg4WCN8eG2 which is right on the white loop. You can skip the brown loop altogether.

I only discovered that about 2 weeks ago

Must try using it as a start point some time.

plodder · 31-01-2019 12:24pm

Spent Saturday afternoon on the red trail at Kilbroney near Rostrevor Co. Down for my first experience of MTB with a few mates (all 50+ non or occasional road bikers). We rented hardtail bikes and got the uplift. As an introduction to mountain biking, I thought it was awesome. Can't compare the location to anywhere else, but it was exactly what I wanted. A trail that was easy to follow, no terrifying downhills, but still technically challenging for a beginner, and incredibly scenic. We arrived in afternoon so couldn't complete the loop, but I willd definitely be back there to do it again, as the place is so accessible from North Dublin.

Peter T · 10-02-2019 10:07am

Down in Ballyhoura yesterday. Went off and did the white loop so basically almost double the distance I've gone previously. Have to say I really enjoyed it. Some spots are a bit rough on a hardtail but I'd imagine a bit more speed would help. Plenty of climbing, didn't help that I went up the fire road at post 18 to skip that nasty section only to find them tree felling at the other end. Detour all the way down and back up the hill following the green trail and home. All done in reasonable time and wasn't in bits at the end so a happy man.

xxyyzz · 10-02-2019 10:33am

It'll be great when the new loop goes in at Ballyhoura, I think it's a 12km loop and is going to be more technical than what is currently there. It's badly needed because the brown loop is a pure slog once you go past the log.

saccades · 10-02-2019 3:29pm

32 km and a bit over 800m of climbing around glendalough.

Cool to start but the wind had dried most of the trails out so a lot more grip than expected on the roots and stuff.

Some ace fast flowing trails up there.

Still running the tyres with too much pressure, wide but soft rims so I drop a few psi before each spin as I'm finding that sweet spot.

Also having to change how I cycle, the bike is set up for a lot more weight over the front wheel and I'm having to up the brave pills as years of hanging off the back of the bike have to be ignored.

Now to paint the bedroom

Peter T · 10-02-2019 4:20pm

xxyyzz wrote: »

It'll be great when the new loop goes in at Ballyhoura, I think it's a 12km loop and is going to be more technical than what is currently there. It's badly needed because the brown loop is a pure slog once you go past the log.

Be nice to have a shorter trail packed with more action alright.

maddness · 10-02-2019 6:11pm

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Big Nasty · 10-02-2019 7:03pm

Did the Blitz in Ballinastoe this morning.

Cool & dry, plenty of grip.

maddness · 10-02-2019 7:25pm

Big Nasty wrote: »

Did the Blitz in Ballinastoe this morning.

Cool & dry, plenty of grip.

Was there a good turnout?

Big Nasty · 10-02-2019 7:31pm

maddness wrote: »

Was there a good turnout?

Yeah, flat out.

125 in baggy shorts alone.

covey123 · 10-02-2019 11:15pm

Quote: xxyyzz
It'll be great when the new loop goes in at Ballyhoura, I think it's a 12km loop and is going to be more technical than what is currently there. It's badly needed because the brown loop is a pure slog once you go past the log.

Be nice to have a shorter trail packed with more action alright.

Any word on the plans for the new trail and what it might feature?

smacl · 16-02-2019 5:11pm

Took the old hack up to Ticknock today, following the track on the first cul de sac just past Lamb Doyles. I thought the paved bit was steep until I got to the unpaved bit which was way beyond my ability to cycle for the most part. Was well pleased to find the official MTB trails which were altogether more manageable. Total novice when it comes to MTB and was a tad nervous on some of the rocky bits descending, but enjoyed it thoroughly. Hitting 54 next week, so leaving it a bit late to get into this lark, but you can only start from where you're at.

maddness · 16-02-2019 6:42pm

smacl wrote: »

Took the old hack up to Ticknock today, following the track on the first cul de sac just past Lamb Doyles. I thought the paved bit was steep until I got to the unpaved bit which was way beyond my ability to cycle for the most part. Was well pleased to find the official MTB trails which were altogether more manageable. Total novice when it comes to MTB and was a tad nervous on some of the rocky bits descending, but enjoyed it thoroughly. Hitting 54 next week, so leaving it a bit late to get into this lark, but you can only start from where you're at.

One of the best in our club is over 60 so you’re grand at 54!

saccades · 17-02-2019 9:03pm

smacl wrote: »

Took the old hack up to Ticknock today, following the track on the first cul de sac just past Lamb Doyles. I thought the paved bit was steep until I got to the unpaved bit which was way beyond my ability to cycle for the most part. Was well pleased to find the official MTB trails which were altogether more manageable. Total novice when it comes to MTB and was a tad nervous on some of the rocky bits descending, but enjoyed it thoroughly. Hitting 54 next week, so leaving it a bit late to get into this lark, but you can only start from where you're at.

Madmtb run intro/beginner spin on the last Saturday of the month.

Ace way to get some tip, skills like line choice and weight placing etc, linking trails together and have a bit of a natter.

You're well able to pedal so its like a turbo trainer for mtb.

Peter T · 18-02-2019 10:08am

Got my last whip in around ballyhoura yesterday before the blitz this weekend. All good and got around in a time that wasn't bottom of the barrel on last years results so happy out and expecting to pull in a few minutes on the day so looking forward to the day out. The detour is still in place with tree felling going on. After this weekend I'll be heading for some other trails for a change. Nagle mountains is close so might take a look up around there

steamsey · 27-02-2019 11:47am

Was at Djouce on Sunday for the first time since the Enduro last year. Really enjoyed it. Not sure of all the names but did 4 of the 2018 Enduro stages. Trails were riding very well - and plenty of bikers about. It's such a great place to ride - some very technical bits plus jumps all over the place and then a few short but flat out sections. Always forget how steep it is at Djouce.

We found a fecking see saw in one place - looks like it was built for a bike. Good fun. Anyone else see this? It's pretty well built and clearly put there for bikers.

prunudo · 27-02-2019 1:52pm

steamsey wrote: »

Was at Djouce on Sunday for the first time since the Enduro last year. Really enjoyed it. Not sure of all the names but did 4 of the 2018 Enduro stages. Trails were riding very well - and plenty of bikers about. It's such a great place to ride - some very technical bits plus jumps all over the place and then a few short but flat out sections. Always forget how steep it is at Djouce.

We found a fecking see saw in one place - looks like it was built for a bike. Good fun. Anyone else see this? It's pretty well built and clearly put there for bikers.

I think Djouce is a great place, it has something for everyone, plenty of options with a mixture of mellow enough trails, steep stuff and handy climbs between them (bar the red road). Always feel like I've had a good workout after a spin there.

QueenMTBee · 27-02-2019 4:32pm

steamsey wrote: »

We found a fecking see saw in one place - looks like it was built for a bike. Good fun. Anyone else see this? It's pretty well built and clearly put there for bikers.

That seesaw is great fun except when it's all wet and slimy and you skid off the sides!!!!

jvan wrote: »

I think Djouce is a great place, it has something for everyone, plenty of options with a mixture of mellow enough trails, steep stuff and handy climbs between them (bar the red road). Always feel like I've had a good workout after a spin there.

The red road is an absolute killer. I always feel like I'm going to die two thirds of the way up it but I love the trails that run from the top so its a necessary evil.

Gerry · 01-03-2019 7:19pm

See saw needs to be hit at the right speed, too fast can make a harsh landing. Too slow.. not pretty either

leads into a great trail

saccades · 03-03-2019 7:25pm

K Capital Cup Rd1 - typical Seymour tech course, enjoyed it but I need to race instead of plod.

Bit cold.

My spin today...

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