Mountain Biking Day Out at Ballyhoura

Due to the success of the last trip (with the exceptions of Mike Shields' mishap!) the club are organising another trip to Ballyhoura on Saturday 3rd December. Details are pretty much the same as below, all are welcome.

The club are organising a day out to Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails in Cork on Saturday 5th November. For those who have never been we can assure you that the facilities in Ballyhoura are first class and you will have a hugely enjoyable day down there. If you don't own a mountain bike don't worry, these can be hired down there and the club has organised a special rate for club members of €20.

There is a choice of 5 routes which vary in distance and technical difficulty so there is a wide choice to suit all abilities. You do not need to have ever mountain biked before in order to really enjoy yourselves down there and its a great way for those of us who have been on the road all year to try out something a bit different.

• When

Saturday 5th November

• Travel Arrangements

The club is not organising transport down to Ballyhoura but would encourage you to organise the sharing of cars amongst yourselves. If anyone is stuck for a lift then please contact Pat Murray who will do his best to match you up with someone who is driving - we won't see anybody stuck!

• Cost

The trails are all owned by Coillte and are free to use. The only cost if you own a mountain bike is the €5 parking charge so the more we fit in the cars the better! If you don't own a mountain bike see next section on bike hire.

• Bike Hire

We expect that the majority of club members do not own a mountain bike so we've organised a special rate of €20 for the hire of mountain bikes from Trailriders Bike Rental. For this you will get a top of the range CUBE mountainbike with front suspension. The rental shop is located next to the main car park at Ballyhoura so its very straightforward.

The hire bikes all have flat pedals and you are advised to wear footwear thats got a grip ,similar to a trekking shoe or a light hill walking boot. If you own your own pair of spd's and shoes then you can bring these with you and they will fit them to the hire bike for you.

• What to wear

Normal cycling gear is fine and obviously appropriate for the forecasted weather. The trails are likely to be muddy and wet so you would be advised not to wear your best gear. Its also advisable to bring a rucksack or camelbak that your comfortable cycling with and have a few essentials packed such as a rain jacket (which hopefully won't be needed) and some food etc.

• What facilities are down there?

They have excellent changing room and shower facilities down there so you should have a clean dry set of clothes with you and a wash bag and towel etc in order to clean up for the drive home.

• Food and Drink

Basically bring what you would bring on a normal long cycle, a few bottles of energy drink, gels, bars etc etc. You may even want to bring a sandwich with you. Depending on what people want to do we may well stop off somewhere on the way back for a well earned hot meal.

• How do I Sign Up?
  

Anyone interested should either ring/text Pat Murray on 087 9221987 or e-mail marblecitycyclers@gmail.com to indicate your interest by no later than Friday 28th October.

Those of you wanting to hire a mountain bike at the special club rate will be also asked to pay a €10 deposit by Friday 28th October as we need to confirm numbers in advance and pay a deposit in order to secure the group discount for the bike hire.