mtblogo.png
Friday July 30 , 2010
Font Size
   
Subscribe to this RSS feed
Prohibited Trails

Now we know you know this one. Riding down hills at high speed? Correct! Downhill is specifically about using DH bikes. The frame geometry of these bikes lends itself to descending and definitely not hill climbing. Usually the biker is dropped at the top of the descent and off they go. Typically this type of event is used at off-season ski resorts. The riders are carried to the top using the ski lifts. The course includes huge drop-off's of tens of feet and extreme inclines. Full body armour is worn with full face helmets.

When most people hear the word term mountain biking they think of downhill. Don't forget half the fun in mountain biking is uphill.

Published in Definitions
Read more...

This unattractive hilltop is everything urban. Some great views of the coast but that is about it as far as the landscape goes. It is a busy spot and is never quiet at any time. It is rugged and patchy where the forests have been ripped out of the landscape. However it is a much needed recreational resource in this part of the country. Unfortunately It is very underdeveloped in that regard. The terrain is hard and rugged. Unlike the rolling green hills that you see in Wicklow for example, this mountain just stands there like Arnold Schwarzennegar.

Published in Prohibited Trails
Read more...

ballyhoura mountain bike trail

Colour coded brown, the Mountrussell loop is considered by our forum members to be the best Coillte MTB trail to ride in Limerick. The Mountrussell loop takes about 2hrs to ride at a relaxed pace.

The five Ballyhoura MTB Trails begin at the car park and turn back individually at various points to form individual loops. The Mountrussell loop is the second shortest loop and we measured it at 15km. It is an easy trail to cycle because the ground is well compacted and smooth.  However there are some technical areas which may not be suitable for beginners. The total climb is 162m this compares to 210m for Ballinastoe MTB Trail over a similar distance.

Published in Coillte Trails
Read more...
Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trail
After over 20 years of mountain biking in Ireland, the first of five Coillte mountain bike trails is now open. Ballinastoe mountain bike trail is well designed. Each section of single track is designed to keep speed under control. The trail is marked with posts and a red MTB icon displaying an arrow. However, due to the need to have the single track merge at the correct angle with walking trails, it is quite easy to miss the entrances to the single tracks. The map is also difficult to read. We spoke to other people up there who had the same problem. Leaving this aside, it is great fun.
Published in Coillte Trails
Read more...

Mountain biking is a fabulous pastime. It is challenging, it gets you fit, It is exhilarating, fun and awe inspiring. There are two basic components for mountain biking. Fitness and skill. Some riders are super fit others are super skilled. If you have these two attributes then mountain biking is for you. Most of us have the these capabilities to varying degrees and they can compensate one another. They can both be developed in order to master the sport. The important thing, I think is to have these skills enough so that you are having fun, and enjoyment.

Published in Beginners
Read more...