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Thursday September 09 , 2010
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Prohibited Trails
Posted By Taz:
Howdy. I read your pieces on some international trails..well i have ridden in a fair few places over the years and there are a few that stick out in my mind. I started mountain biking in Glen of the Downs (Wicklow, Ireland for those not familiar) many many years ago and once I got hooked I travelled all over the country racing and riding in different counties. Due to study commitments I moved onto the trails in Scotland, near and around Glasgow, including the west highland way and up into Fort William...the trails there are just like here in Ireland, except the scenery is on a larger scale, but all the same colours and landscapes, and now their purpose build trails are helping the landscape hold up to more trashing, but these are manicured trails where as I come from a more natural mtb background, so i much prefer riding straight up or down or across a mountain.
Published in International Trails
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Posted by Rob53:
So back from Whistler now two weeks and have to say that the riding over there is just phenomenal! The trails are so well put together and flowy that you really dont wanna come off the mountain even after a full days downhill. It was the first time I'd ridden DH in about 5yrs and when I did it was on a DMR trailstar so a hardtail.
Rented a Norco Shore and it was as if the trails and the bike were designed as a joint effort. I did three runs on the green trails to get myself into it. Not only are they pretty much for people who are completely new to riding of any discipline but they involve alot of pedalling which isn't good on a 7-incher. Two runs on the famous 'Crank it Up' and I was smiling ear to ear, its the smoothest, more confidence inspiring, show boating trail I have ever seen or heard of, you hit jumps you would normally not consider trying to walk over and just sail through the air at ease until the landing. Everything about the trail is just incredible.
Published in International Trails
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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
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These two forests areas together make a true gem in my opinion. I love this area. Great views and the general area is of historic interest. Having said this, The actual area covered is very small, so you may need to do a few laps. Know locally under a number of names, 51281 is has a prominent is landmark. There tends to be a large amount of walkers in the area so if you do mountain bike in this area, please bear this in mind. Busiest times for walkers are Saturday and Sunday afternoons especially if the weather is good. You will also come across horse riding in the area. The walkers tend to use 51281a more frequently. 51281a faces out towards the coast where as 51281 B is further inland. So if we take them one by one, we will start with 51281 A.

Published in Prohibited Trails
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portumna forest trail

Portumna Forest Park is located on the northern shores of Lough Derg and formed part of the Clanrickarde family estate which was purchased by Coillte in 1948. The park offers walking trails, nature trails, Views of the lake and the opportunity to see deer and other wildlife. The Portumna mountain bike trails are almost identical. They are a bit different to the usual Coillte trails, in that they are shared with walkers.

There are three mtb trails in Portumna Forest Park, Bonaveen & Rinmaher mountain bike trails run for 10.5 km and are graded moderate. Bonaveen is marked red, Rinmaher is green. Woodland is the blue trail and it is only about 10 min long and perfect for children.

Published in Coillte Trails
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Derroura MTB Trail is probably our favourite Coillte mountain bike trail for a few reasons. There is the un-spoilt countryside, the natural feel of  the trails, nice mountain climbs, gentle descents, miles of north shore, and of course the sheep!(after all it is an Irish Trail) We met up with a father and son from Blarney and a local from Oughterard when we rode the trail here, so we rode a good bit of the trail with them. While we preferred Derourra, they were fans of The Ballyhoura trails. So you can take your pick really.
Published in Coillte Trails
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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
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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
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