My spin today...

mad turnip · 14-09-2020 11:41am

steamsey wrote: »

Was in Ballinastoe yesterday too. Beautiful day. Did the full official loop then a few unofficial trails. Trails riding very well and really enjoyed the new expressway which is leaning more towards a bike park trail and a good sign of things to come I hope.

Was looking for, but couldn't fine Big Vinnie this time. Without being exact, can anyone let me know where abouts it is?

My tip with bigger features is not to hang around staring at them - don't turn them into a bigger thing than they are. Have a look, see if you fancy it and if not - move on and come back to it another time - full of rage and self loathing to fuel the attempt.

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/flatliner/
Theres a right hander about halfway down this segment of the trail.

Wailin · 14-09-2020 11:59am

Edit: might have been too exact....
It's just a short loop back round to the coilte track but big vinny is surprisingly 'big' when you're not expecting it!

Wailin · 25-09-2020 4:10pm

Hit Ticknock today before the madness ensues over the weekend. Was there for about 10:30 and v busy with walkers and schoolkids on days out. The tracks weren't too bad though. Wet roots were very sketchy alright. Did the usual loops (twice) and did a few black routes (first ever) inc highline and homegrown. Deep chutes on homegrown caught be by surprise but managed to stumble through them without incident.

Really love the flowiness of skyline though.

On another note can someone recommend me a decent pair of gloves? Bought a pair of enduro mtb gloves from cyclesuperstore 6 weeks ago and falling apart at the seams already after only 10 outings...

mad turnip · 25-09-2020 4:44pm

Wailin wrote: »

Hit Ticknock today before the madness ensues over the weekend. Was there for about 10:30 and v busy with walkers and schoolkids on days out. The tracks weren't too bad though. Wet roots were very sketchy alright. Did the usual loops (twice) and did a few black routes (first ever) inc highline and homegrown. Deep chutes on homegrown caught be by surprise but managed to stumble through them without incident.

Fair play on homegrown I only did it the once a few months back and the final chute is quite steep for a beginner. Highline should really be a blue with the optional drop into that awkward gap jump.
Dickies has a similar style to homegrown and if you didn't have too much trouble comitting to the rolls it may be worth checking out, like homegrown though it does get harder the further you go down with an optional bomb hole.

If you've been falling and landing on your hands / gloves they won't last particularly long they are somewhat designed to rip to save your skin.

Wailin · 25-09-2020 6:19pm

mad turnip wrote: »

If you've been falling and landing on your hands / gloves they won't last particularly long they are somewhat designed to rip to save your skin.

Ha, that could be it alright! I haven't fallen too much though, maybe two or three times. I watched a gopro video of dickies and it looks like a really fantastic track. The bomb holes look pretty scary alright. Is it tougher than homegrown

mad turnip · 25-09-2020 7:03pm

Wailin wrote: »

Ha, that could be it alright! I haven't fallen too much though, maybe two or three times. I watched a gopro video of dickies and it looks like a really fantastic track. The bomb holes look pretty scary alright. Is it tougher than homegrown

I'd say its all easier than that final chute on homegrown besides the bomb hole which there is a chicken line around.

steamsey · 25-09-2020 10:52pm

Wailin wrote: »

On another note can someone recommend me a decent pair of gloves? Bought a pair of enduro mtb gloves from cyclesuperstore 6 weeks ago and falling apart at the seams already after only 10 outings...

Good experiences with Fox Rangers which last about 18-24 months, for about 40EUR and do the job if it's not too cold.

Or anything on this list:
https://www.mbr.co.uk/buyers_guide/best-mountain-bike-gloves-350681

Wailin · 25-09-2020 10:55pm

Thanks steamsey.

Wailin · 25-09-2020 11:13pm

Just checked the reviews for my current gloves on CRC (Endura humvee) and a lot of 1 star saying the stitching comes undone after 2 months so nothing to do with falling. Apparently it's a common issue with most endura gloves so I'll be keeping away from that brand.

Lemming · 26-09-2020 3:58pm

steamsey wrote: »

Good experiences with Fox Rangers which last about 18-24 months, for about 40EUR and do the job if it's not too cold.

I've got a pair of Fox Dirt paws (I think that's what they're called) and they're good, although the two fore finger tips are starting to go; one of them is already split. They've lasted about the 18-24 month range and were in and around the £30 if I recall. I did have a pair of Alpinestars MOAB gloves that were awesome and well suited to rougher riding but Alpinestars just seem to have backed out of that market bar a couple of token light glove offerings.

Neither glove mentioned is going to keep you toasty in ice-cold weather but they'll do up to that point and without getting too sweaty at the other end of the temperature scale either, the MOABs less so than the Dirt paws of course.

Wailin · 30-09-2020 6:08pm

Another good day at Ticknock yesterday trying out the new bike. Noticeably heavier and slower on the ascents as expected but nice and smooth coming down. Getting a bit more bold with the natural trails and did a number of them including red tractor, dickies, husqy(?) and others. The big bomb hole end of dickies frightened the bejaysus out of me. Made two attempts but pulled up each time. I'll do it next time!

prunudo · 30-09-2020 8:59pm

Going by that map I need to do a lot more exploring in Ticknock, really only know the Coillte stuff up there, not very familiar with the natural stuff.

ianobrien · 03-10-2020 5:41pm

Went to the Ballyhoura's today. First time there in a while. Did the Brown and then the Green (Ya, I don't know why I did them that way and didn't just do the purple!).

The rocky section before the log is gone and replaced with smooth rolling stuff. I almost preferred the old rocky section there (despite me coming off there before). However, the trail work at the start of the descent is now class. I loved it! It was smooth so plenty speed was gathered, nearly a bit too much for my capabilities

I do prefer that type of trail to the rock garden type trail

Edit, I did encounter a bit of an idiot going the wrong way on the trail on the way down. Luckily I met him at a junction rather than on the narrow single-track when I had a bit of speed up.

Wailin · 03-10-2020 7:24pm

Never been to The Gap yet lads so was wondering is there an entrance fee to use the trails there (pedalling, no uplifts) and is it open Mondays? Would like to practice jumps and I believe witches cauldron is supposed to be great for that.

mad turnip · 03-10-2020 8:43pm

Wailin wrote: »

Never been to The Gap yet lads so was wondering is there an entrance fee to use the trails there (pedalling, no uplifts) and is it open Mondays? Would like to practice jumps and I believe witches cauldron is supposed to be great for that.

Its a fiver in you sign up at the big shed.
parking is 2e I think.

Wanderer78 · 03-10-2020 8:46pm

mad turnip wrote:

Its a fiver in you sign up at the big shed. parking is 2e I think.

Don't think they're open on Mondays

Wailin · 05-10-2020 7:44pm

Ballinastoe today, mix of natural and coillte trails. Natural trails in these conditions were fairly lethal with wet roots! Some really nice ones though coming off boardwalk. I really like the one that brings you all the way down to that gully and exits on the road down from the entrance.

Lough Tay

Manky!

steamsey · 06-10-2020 11:54am

Wailin wrote: »

I really like the one that brings you all the way down to that gully and exits on the road down from the entrance.

That's a great trail. Stage 3 at the Enduro there a few times. Really burns the legs on the final section pedalling towards the gully. Then you have to hold on for dear life in that gully (which is a bit washed out now) and try not to endo.

Wailin · 06-10-2020 5:08pm

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 · 06-10-2020 5:51pm

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 · 06-10-2020 5:57pm

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?

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 · 06-10-2020 8:24pm

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.

Great tips thanks. You're right, rear tyre is maxxis rekon, front is maxxis minion. I think I'm just still a bit heavy on the brakes and it's technique more than the tyres but I'll stick with them.

Ah I probably should have went with the black version of those pedals but they are some job for grip compared to what I was used to on the hardtail.

Wailin · 06-10-2020 8:27pm

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.

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?

prunudo · 06-10-2020 8:36pm

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?

Yeah, irn bru would do that to do alright!
Not sure the true meaning but i use it to refer to when you going down a trail, thinking everything is cool, then bam, front washes out on a root you thought you had easily cleared. Like a sniper taking you out with no warning. That was my understanding of it anyway.

iwillhtfu · 06-10-2020 8:46pm

Wailin wrote: »

I see the term "sniper" roots a lot. I'm guessing they're the broken roots that protrude up from the ground?

They're the ones you don't see and end up taking you out.

Also are you not in lock down or going into a lockdown county, one or the other

:eek:

Wailin · 06-10-2020 8:54pm

Sorry, when I said next chance i get, I meant once lockdowns over....

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!

iwillhtfu · 06-10-2020 9:06pm

Wailin wrote: »

Sorry, when I said next chance i get, I meant once lockdowns over....

You were in Dublin one week and Wicklow the next so to late to be worrying about lockdown.

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!

You see that's what a lot of people think yet it's still spreading, Wicklow hills do be crawling with Dubs hiking at the weekends. I get what you're saying though but those trail centres are rammed at times and plenty of huffing and puffing up a mountain.

It's a **** situation for all and only going to get ****ter before long and to be honest I wouldn't mind having some kind of Christmas.

Just to say I'm not picking on you in particular more of a general trend I'm seeing, in that you see one person ignoring thelockdown and when you call them out on it it's usally met with but I'm just out on my own.

Wailin · 06-10-2020 9:30pm

I hear ya and while I might have a different opinion to yourself on the whole thing, i do understand your frustration. I choose to go to ballinastoe on a miserable day midweek because I knew the place would be empty, (didn't see a single soul) unlike ticknock which is nearly always busy.

Anyway, let's not let this thread descend into a covid one. It's going to be very quiet in here for a long time I'd say.

Alkers · 06-10-2020 11:15pm

I really need to get out onto some of the non-official trails again. Do people normally go out with someone else on s a spin as a guide or is it feasible to follow them on an app as you're out on a ride?

Wailin · 07-10-2020 8:02am

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.

https://www.youtube.com/c/TrailAdvisor

It's better if you can go with someone who knows the trails but, if like me, you're new and on your own, I find the above very helpful.

Wanderer78 · 07-10-2020 8:06am

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:

Some on strava also, even with all our efforts to keep ours offline, they still made it online, inevitable I guess

iwillhtfu · 07-10-2020 8:55am

Trail forks app and strava with the heat map turned on but it's best if you give a local club a shout as most will be happy to show you around.

Shotser · 07-10-2020 11:27am

The Single Tracker on youtube is very good. Does trails all over Ireland. Has the GPS on the screen so you can pop that into your favourite map to find the exact location of the trail.

Wailin · 07-10-2020 12:04pm

Yeah, was going to link him as well, his videos are fantastic.

Peter T · 07-10-2020 6:29pm

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

covey123 · 08-10-2020 6:02am

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

Is there much new stuff or is it mostly repairs?

Peter T · 08-10-2020 10:11am

Mostly repairs with a few bits added in sections to flow better

Wailin · 15-10-2020 5:57pm

Great spin this morning. Headed for Ticknock and Tibradden. Found some really lovely trails just off the Tibradden trail through some loamy forest parallel with the WW.

Back up to Fairy castle and then over to east side nice natural trails, highline, homegrown (love this one), dickies etc. Steep chute on dickies still ****tin me, no problem with homegrown!

comete · 16-10-2020 1:31pm

Another snap from the top of Coolaney last Saturday

Wailin · 19-10-2020 8:04pm

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 · 19-10-2020 8:10pm

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!

I can smell the pine needles and wet leaves. Beautiful.

Wailin · 19-10-2020 8:19pm

Kaybaykwah wrote: »

I can smell the pine needles and wet leaves. Beautiful.

What it's all about really, no one around, just you and nature...love it.

maddness · 23-10-2020 8:20pm

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!

Legends is my favourite trail in Dublin.

steamsey · 27-10-2020 11:34am

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! · 27-10-2020 9:27pm

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.

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 · 27-10-2020 9:49pm

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!

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 · 28-10-2020 11:29am

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!

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 · 28-10-2020 11:30am

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

Any decent trails on that forest you mention near Bray head?

CramCycle · 28-10-2020 11:58am

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

My young one was gutted the pump track was closed but I can see why with the crowds

steamsey wrote: »

Any decent trails on that forest you mention near Bray head?

Yes and no, there are trails but they are not overly long or technical. The trails between walking paths are nice but not very technical, very short. Sorry that not much help, if you come up the back if Bray head (from the South), you can do a bit of exploring for shortcuts, the heatmaps on Strava give a rough incication of where the near invisible routes are.

BoardsMember · 05-11-2020 10:36am

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!

Hi - wondering how you get familiar with where the trails are, and what they are called? Is it pure word of mouth, meeting others etc?

I've been up in Ticknock many times with my son. We've found a fair few trails, but haven't done anything over to Tibradden. The legends highline looks good, I'll try to use the map, and other maps on internet to find this and other trails.

My spin today...

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