It’s that time of the year again, AGM time.

Date: Sunday 13th December.

Venue: Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Knockmealdown room.

Time: 10am, should take about 1 hour.

We will be discussing the coming season, we have three NPS rounds to organise, club expenditure, taking membership for the 2010 season, If you have any good ideas, bring them with you!

Also, we will be running an 021 subsidised uplift day, starting at 12pm and going until 4pm in Cahir.

The cost will only be €10!

I hope to see a good turnout, let everyone know!

Cheers

Don’t forget to get your entry into OCTuning for their 1st birthday competition giveaway.

The draw takes place soon so make sure you ave your entry in.

We will be having a track day in Cams Backyard on Sunday the 8th Nov.

The timing poles will be setup and a track will be taped so get your race face on and get a time on the board.

It’s always a great days riding down whest with the Cornforths so we hope to see you there for the craic.

Visit the forum for more info.

There will be a FREE uplift day for all 021racing members on Saturday 17th October in Cahir to thank you all for your support and hard work throughout the 2009 season.

OCTuning will be on site for your servicing needs and hopefully to show us all up with a few runs on the track.

Richard from Southern Extreme will be open for business also, with what I hear are some fantastic offers on all of his stock.

The nights proceedings will also be open for discussion on the day so hopefully you can all make it out for a “few” pints after as well.

Hope to see every single one of you there. No excuses! This will be a great day..

We are very close to having the Sheeps Head Raid Mountain Bike Marathon sorted and it looks great. The overall length will be about 52km and 1500 metres of ascent, in one big lap, which is very similar to the figures for the brilliant Carlingford marathon.

So completion times would range from 3 to 6 hours. which is what a mountain bike marathon should be. There is one bit that needs a bit of building on it which we will sort out early next week. There are very short sections of hike a bike but these really are short and in no way disrupt the journey. So we are very close, all we need now is a lot of signs and a good few marshals, nice weather (its always sunny down here) and bobs your uncle, we will have a quality mountain bike experience in West Cork.

The course may not have the pure single track (although large sections are surprisingly very good) of the man made small forest type XC tracks but it more than makes up for that with a true mountain feeling, a raw sense of nature, varied types of riding and unbeatable scenery which means that one is always entertained, interested and motivated to press on and see what lies beyond. I would suggest that riders are prepared for all types of weather and be self sufficient so that they can manage a variety of unforeseen situations. All the usual spares, plenty food and drink (we will have a feed point) a survival blanket, sense of humour and spirit of adventure!

This is also the first one which is always a bit special. And don’t forget the Downhilling Xc race (a little up too!) the day before, the great atmosphere, super food, local camping, family riding, reasonable price and magic of the area and we have the making’s of an excellent weekend’s craic.

See you there (:
Donncha.

ALSO MOST OF THIS COURSE WILL ONLY BE OPEN TO BIKERS ONCE A YEAR, AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME. PLEASE RESPECT THIS AND WE HOPE TO MAKE IT AN ANNUAL EVENT.

Visit WestCorkBikeFest.com and keep up to date on this event

Yes it’s that time of the year again, National Championship time. This usually means the best race of the year on a tough and testing track and this year will be no different. This years National Championships is being hosted by Flow Racing on one of, if not the best track Ireland has to offer. Carrick Mountain in Wicklow is the venue, it is located at the foothills of the eastern side of the Wicklow Mountains and over looks the sea in the distance. It rises above the small village of Glenealy and from last years NPS people will remember a track resembling something only found abroad, absolutely flat out, wide open and a whole lot of fun. Nothing has changed this year except for the fact that the course is now completely bed in, faster, longer and is probably the most fun you can have with your clothes on. The track mostly consists of steep straights with long undulating corners and many different jumps and drops. Mix this with high speed and you have a track that resembles something like an american moto track sent straight down a hill, not that we’re complaining. Nothing on this track is left to chance, everything has been built to withstand any weather conditions and in the dry this track turns into a completely different monster as speeds start to get scary.

Track Description

The track now starts further up the hill than last year. Off the start ramp there’s no messing about as you’re thrown off a 7foot high step down off a rock, this is where the nightmare begins for any sort of braking system. From here the speed and gradient completely go off the scale as you shoot down a long straight, through the ferns into a large ski jump style take off that wouldn’t look out of place in a snowboard video. Hit this fast enough and figures of 40ft plus are easily achievable. From here you pelt into an open loose right hand corner and straight down into a stupidly fast left hand berm which sends you out onto a small fire break, hard on the already glowing stoppers into the trees and speeds maintain the whole way, again this shoots you out onto the rocky firebreak and the track swings off left to ‘The Chute’. This consists of a large compression sending you up a blind bank and over into the rocky chute, a few more corners and you’re back out onto the rocky firebreak where speeds suddenly start to get a little scary. The fast approaching forest ahead is roughly the half way point, you drop into the forest onto the off camber and into a series of berms and corners which you could ride all day. Speeds pick up again as you arrive into the ‘Vegas’ section, this supercross style woops section is unique to the track and sets you up nicely for the road gap. Float over this and you’re shot into the Eucalyptus forest, resembling a more Australian landscape this section is super high speed with long flat corners, usually resulting in the back end kicking and drifting like there’s no tomorrow. After this section you drop out onto the fire road and drop back into a massive valley with the track carved into the banks. Here gradient really starts to tilt towards vertical and only the berms and ruts keep you from ending up in the river. Over the last big step down sees you out of the forest once again and into the finish.

And yes, it is as much fun as it sounds…
Timetable

Saturday: Sign on is from 9am-3pm
Practice is from 10am-4pm, uplifts will be running.

Sunday: Sign on from 9am-10am
Practice 9am-11am, Racing is from 12pm onwards.
Entry

This is a pre-entry event only and the entry form can be downloaded by clicking on the link below:

Champs 2009 Entry Form
Elites/Senior/Sports/Masters/Ladies €50
Junior/U16/U14 €35
Day licenses €15

Uplifts

Uplifts will be provided on both Saturday and Sunday. Riders are reminded that they need to have a race number before they ride the course. Any rider caught riding the course without a number plate will be disqualified from the event. NO sign on means NO number board, NO uplift, NO authorised course use and NO MEDICAL COVER!
Accommodation

There is one Bed and Breakfast in Glenealy

The nearest big town being Ashford, Rathnew, Rathdrum, there are several bed and breakfast’s in these towns, which can be found using Google.

If any further information is needed please feel free to put a post on the forum where we’d be only willing to help with as much information as possible. In the meantime, see you in Carrick.

Directions

From the N11 take the Rathnew turn off head into Rathnew. When you get to the stupid small roundabout (little white one painted on the road). Take a right and head for Glenealy. When you get to Glenealy there is a right turn signposted for Ashford. Take it Go up the road about 200m and there is a GAA Club on the left park there for now unless its the race weekend. There will be other parking available then. Get your bike ready and then start to pedal back towards Glenealy there is a small road/lane on youre right which will bring you to the forest entrance. Go to the very end you will end up in the driveway of a house its a right of way so just head straight on into the woods. The track is fairly easy to find.

The race will be sign posted from the N11 exits in both North and South directions.

Round # 4 of the Irish Downhill NPS returned to the same venue as Round 1, Scarragh woods, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.

 

Again for the third time in four races, 021racing were the organisers at this popular venue.

 

Riders were treated to a new course designed by Greg O’ Keeffe and they weren’t dissapointed.  At over two minutes long, it was fast and technical with very little pedalling.  The course started at the top of the mountain above the tree line with some amazing views across the Galtee mountains.

 

A big field of over 160 racers signed on, wanting to experience what the new track had to offer.  The weather couldn’t have been better and riders enjoyed a great deal of sun and dusty conditions, which isn’t your typical Irish weather.

 

Irish races are looking more professional as each race passes, with more campers, motorhomes and technical support than ever before.  Red Bull were on hand to make sure all the riders had plenty of energy.

 

So on to race day and with the sun shining, good tunes and Dave Barrett on doing the commentary, everything was set for a great days racing.

 

 

Starting as ever with the young guns, the U14s.  Series Leader Cameron Cornforth from 021racing suffered a nasty fall on his 1st run and this left his younger brother Luke into the hot seat.  Cam got patched up and just pipped his brother by .2 of a second to take the win.  Angus Fyfee took 3rd.

 

The U16s saw another upset.  Favourite for the series Dan Sheridan crashed and this let 021racings Stephan graef take a well deserved victory.

 

The junior category was dominated by 2stage bikes Greg Callaghan, who beat his Irish team mate Davey Graham by nearly 5 seconds, finishing with a great time of 2.12.

 

Sean Herlihy from Epic got onto his first podium of the season with a fine 3rd place, European Master Silver medalist Micheal Cowan finished in 2nd and Chain Reactions Dale McMullan took a fine win.

 

Carl Young took the win in the Vets category with a fine time of 2.31.

 

Flow Racings Tom Sheridan was the only Super Vet to go under the 3 minute mark, taking the win with a time of 2.57.

 

 

The Ladies was won by the new European Masters Champion Maeve Baxter, Epics Natalie Jedda was 2nd and Chain Reactions Michelle McMullan in 3rd.

 

Seniors was won by Epics Sketchy Ed Smith.

 

The Elite race was probably the closest in recent history with the top 3 riders only separated by .4 of a second, with all three riders finishing with a time of 2.09!  KTMs Colin Ross finished in third, followed by Jamie McCullogh in 2nd and 2stage Bikes Gareth McKee took his first win of the season.

 

So a great weekends racing was enjoyed by all and next stop for the Irish Series is Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry, see you all there.

 

 

021racing is proud to bring you round four of the 2009 Irish Downhill National Points Series, to be held just outside Cahir, Co. Tipperary.

Race Track

The race will take place on a new track which is rough, technical and seriously fast. Starting on top of the hill with great views of the surrounding countryside the track travels down the hill through a series of bends and embedded rocks then over a bridge into the woods where you will have to carry your speed over tough rollers and through a series of bends before you get to a sweeping corner with a nice rock garden on the exit this leads to a jump into an open area which the track slaloms through before crossing over the wall and then its across the first fireroad down towards the gorse section, a flat-out, rough section with some tricky corners leading into some nice berms and a small roadgap to throw you into the bottom section of the course which winds down to the finish through tight trees with a few jumps and drops, you will finish off your run over a lovely tabletop jump into the finish area.

 

Event

As usual with an 021 event we will have catering, live timing and uplifts.

Timing will be provided by NACC.

Redbull will also be on board for the event bringing their arch, wigwam, the lovely ladies and of course free redbull…

There will be toilet facilities available

Uplifts

Uplifts will be running on both the Saturday and Sunday. No race number = no uplift.  Riding the course without a number over the course of the event will jeopardise the event since you are not covered under the events insurance or medical support.

Venue Considerations

021racing would like to remind all riders and spectators that the race is on Coillte land. Downhill racing relies heavily on the kind support of Coillte for race venues and it is important that the positive relationship that has been built up by 021racing is not jeopardised by leaving litter in the forest or causing tension with locals through inconsiderate behaviour. You are also reminded that mini bikes and the like are not permitted under any circumstances.

Parking

Parking is at a premium so please park your vehicles sensibly and allow local traffic easy access so that the event doesn’t unnecessarily attract the attention of the Gardai or cause issues for Coillte or local residents.
The larger car park area at the bottom of the track is restricted to campers and larger vans – please co-operate with the race organisers on this matter so larger vehicles are not parked on the road causing blockages. Please park your car along the side of the forest road just after the camper/van carpark.

Directions

Link to location -       Click to see

From Tipperary Town
As you approach Cahir, just before the new motorway flyover (overhead) take the right hand turn. Drive up the hill and past the houses and make a left turn at the next junction. Continue on past a number of other houses and go straight through the staggered crossroads and on to the parking area..

From Dublin –         Click to see

From Cork     –          Click to see

There will be signs put up on all routes leading to the event.

Entry Fees and Categories
Entry fees
Elites/Seniors/Masters/ Vets/Super Vets/Sports/Ladies – €50
Juniors/U16/U14 – €30

Guidance on age categories –
Elite/Senior/Sports (aged 18+) Masters (30+ in current year) Vets (40+) Super Vets (50+)

Race licence (day) €15 or £15 (price set by Cycling Ireland)
If you intend to race regularly consider an annual licence – it can work out cheaper, particularly for younger riders. The licence fees are available on the Cycling Ireland website.

Schedule

Saturday

Sign on 9.30 – 15.00

Practice 10.00 – 16.00

Sunday

Sign on 9.00-10.00

Practice 9.30-11.30

Race 12.00 approx onwards

Podiums 16.00

Accommodation -
You can use this website – Click to see

Round 3 of the Irish Downhill NPS took place in very popular venue that is Rostrevor in Northern Ireland, the event was oraganised by the CRC crew.

The course was the same as the one used for the 2007 National Championships, when the Athertons turned up.  Onlly difference was how much rockier it was!  It’s a great track that broke a lot of bikes and bodies!  021racings Damien Daly was a victim from practice.

15 021 riders made the trip up North, everyone happy to be riding there bikes instead of organising!

Saturday was a wet and wild day, with plenty of spills and mechanicals, mainly rear mechs and punctures were the order of the day.  James from OC Tuning was kept very busy.

The  Sun came out on race day, this was 3rd sunny NPS in a row, hopefully it will continue for Cahir next month!

The U14s was once again dominated by 021racings Cameron Cornforth, winning by a massive 18 seconds!  His brother Luke had one of the rides of the day, taking 3rd spot on his single speed hardtail!

The U16s was won by Kyle Rimmer in the absence of Dan Sheridan.

Ladies was won by Revolutions Maeve Baxter.

Super Vets was won by Flow racings Tom Sheridan.

The Vets category was won by CRCs Stevie Davidson with a great time of 2.42, 021racings Antony Cornforth slid into 11th spot.

Sports was won by Rob Lane, with the sandbagger Gareth O Reilly in 2nd!

The Seniors was won by PS Cycles Will Jones who made the trip from Wales, Epics Adam Tynan took 2nd just ahead of Colin O Leary from Athlone.  021racings new man Bobby St Ledger took a creditable 9th place, Kev Ryan suffered with mechanicals all weekend took 26th, followed by Bigman in 27th spot.

Masters was once again dominated by CRCs Mick Cowan,  021racings Johnny T, another man plagued by mechanicals finished well in in 9th place,  Ian Kennedy kept it between the tape to finish 16th.

Juniors was won by the ever improving Davy Graham from Bike Tart, its good to see Davy in form ahead of next months European Championships.

The fastest man of the weekend was KTMs Colin Ross, who set a blistering time of 2.19, Jamie Turkey Mc Cullogh finished in 2nd with a great run time of 2.20, 2stage bikes Gareth McKee rounded off the podium in 3rd.  021racing didn’t fair to well, Darren Quille was best of the 021 lads in 12th place, Tom power had a few big crashes, 14th, Dave Egan continued with the crashing theme in 18th, 19th spot was filled by Rory O’ Keeffe and Rob Davis punctured on both runs to finish 21st.

So lots of room for improvement needed for NPS 4 in Cahir.

Despite the results everyone enjoyed a great weekends racing.

Round 2 of the Irish National Downhill Points Series, took place at Irelands most southern venue, Clashnacrona Woods, Dunmanway in Co. Cork. The race was organised by 021racing.

After much speculation on what course was going to be used, the organisers opted for the older NPS track with a few nice new additions, to keep everyone on their toes.

With this being the start of summer and a long weekend, riders travelled from all over the country and from Wales to take part in what promised to be a great event, it was great to see the lads making the trip across the Irish Sea!

The weather did its best to make sure no one got to dirty and for the second race in a row stayed sunny and dry for practice and race day, which makes racing so much more enjoyable and creates a great atmosphere.

Talking of creating an atmosphere, 021racing’s Rob Davis took on the responsibility of being commentator for the race, after a slow start and six cans of Carling later, Rob was giving it loads and did a great job keeping the spectators and riders entertained!

The U14s got the racing started and it was the Cornforth brothers riding for 021racing who took the top two spots, Cameron taking 1st, closely followed by luke on his hardtail! Angus Fyffe rounded off the podium in 3rd.

The U16s was won by Christopher Mc Glinchey from CRC, 2nd place went to Trailriders.ie’s Eoin Grant, and 3rd to Paul Smith

The Juniors was won by Davy Graham from Biketart, followed by Greg Callaghan, both lads will be representing Ireland at the European Championships in Slovenia next month. 3rd place went to the ever improving Gavin Carroll.

The ladies was won by Natalie Jedda with CRCs Michelle McMullan in 2nd.

In the Vets Steven Graham took the win with Carl Young very close behind and Joe Jackman taking 3rd spot.

The Super Vets was won by Flow Racings Tom Sheridan with CRCs Derek Cowan in 2nd.

The Masters was dominated by CRCs Micheal Cowan, with Mark Tiernan and Dale McMullan taking 2nd & 3rd respectively.

The Senior Category was won by Ed Smith, Conor Duffy taking 2nd and 021racings Sean Murphy rounded off the podium in 3rd.

Fastest man on the day was Flow Racings Ger Wolfe taking the Elite win ahead of OC Tunings Ewan Doherty and Dan Wolfe did well in 3rd after snapping his chain on the start line.

Once the racing was over the after party kicked off in Skibbereen and went on well into Monday morning and a few stragglers in Audi estates were spotted only leaving West Cork at 3pm on the Monday, no doubt with a few sore heads!

Results are available from NACC’s results archive HERE

Thanks to Ebor for the photos.

Next up is Round 3 in the very popular Rostrevor in Northern Ireland on the 23 & 24th of May, see you all there.