Right..I've shut up long enough !
You know what i think if you are in EPIC..
8 feckin races in the XC NPS..
Thats a load of me Bollix !! Like the narrow categories !! We will go from a reasonable NPS to a pile of sh*te swiftly..oh yeah..
Some of us..Bob, Joe even my arch enemy Giller, we've survived 20 NPS' and we all agree , a short sharp concise NPS leading to the Nationals is the way to go.
I rarely agree with them boys out of divilment !! but on this I do..First of all, I think the XC NPS is a joke without the participation of Robin and Joe, they've been numero 1 and Numero 2 since the very beginning..
those 2 and nobody else, regardless of what people might claim..I can verify that these boys were the original mean machine..
Rory, Giller and Mac the Knife were easily better than the Bob and Joe show but chose more esoteric ways to spend their free time.
However thats just history..
6 rounds is enough..and 5 to count..
Early season should have a K Capital cup and then expand it in to a 5 race series with exactly the same format.
Classy trophies, Leaders Jerseys, dedicated website.
thats not Rocket feckin science.
Shorten the races..1.5 hours for the Elite winners..more bouncy castles and more ice Cream.
develop the event and the racing will follow.
in 2011 no XC event in Djouce..thats a laugh, we should have been begged to run one there !!
We're not because we want the Blast to be Event Number one for ever..trying to copy that is a waste of time for other Clubs !!
However , we have such quality people in EPIC and in our friends we could run another National Champs there with our eyes closed.
The XC nationals 2010 was ran by EPIC, but Robin , Joe , Mark Kenny, Ryan, Peter Buggle and several superstars were asked for their opinion..
it would not have been the success it was without their help and guidance.
This business of having the racing start with a car park a hike from the start is Amateur and stupid.
You would be burned at the stake in France for that.
No dedicated website for results and previews with half the country out of work and loads of geeks twiddling their thumbs..
right..
real racers will race around a field..but an NPS with no Commentary or no visible Commissar turns us into another Amateur sport like bog snorkelling or Pitch and Putt..
some of us have broken our bollix to raise the standard while others just hand up what they find lying there on the side of the mountain.
If all the race organisers, DH, XC, CX and others turn up tomorrow there will be no room for anybody else !!
And if they don't turn up then its a joke !!
Richie
and there we have it..the Criteria for next years XC NPS has been set..
If you are a middle aged man with no children, whose busy at work,and would like a medal for you and your friends for just entering and don't mind wheeling your bike from the car park to the start of the race, you can compare camelbacks and baggie combos.
Then Next years 8 race series NPS is for you !!
Use that chip on your shoulder to help get you through those days out you need away from your collection of Videos and magazines.
Sports and Experts will have an actual National Championship status and tea and Sambos will be served before the race !!
Elites and Masters will be removed and anybody wearing Lycra and having their legs shaved will be barred from racing..
Looks like all the real Athletes will be racing DH and CX next year !
AH but I'm actually looking forward to racing next year..the last one before I get to pick what category I will be in..
Vets senior I or A, or maybe Supervet sports B..no hold on, Accelerated Sports non Elite over 50d..
And why only 8 rounds, lets have 50 !!!
Richard, wheres that Photo of me and Geoff having a hug ?
heres the British C NPS in 2011
Round 1 - Mar 26/27 Sherwood Pines (Sunday Race)
Round 2 - April 16/17 Dalby Forest (Sunday Race)
Round 3 - June 11/12 Southern England (Sunday Race)
Round 4 - June 25/26 Margam Park (Sunday Race)
Round 5 - Sep 24/25 Newnham Park, + Newnham 60 enduro + Floodlit Cross and Team Relay
5 races..thats 5..in 2010 they had 3000 people enter their whole series..
Some of us are considering them instead of supporting the hopeless Irish NPS, this is what we have been driven to by a narrow minded parochial Commission.
If enough of us go it will show we are voting with our feet..and we'll have the craic as well !
and get to see how its really done..
"In addition to the racing, the venues offer a great environment for a weekend away with Go-ape centres, children’s adventure playgrounds, castles, deer parks and scenic forests forming part of the backdrop for 5 great holidays at home."
Now, MTB is much more popular in Poland than in here and because we happen to have the current lady Elite world champion it gets loads of publicity... but still
in addition to the Lang Grand Prix there are loads of regional secondary XC races, marathons etc...
good man Max..
Alternative XC NPS pick any 3 Rounds of the British or Polish NPS, and 2 of the Irish NPS that actually meet the NPS Criteria, combine it with the XC Nationals ( the what now ?) and away we go..
A dedicated Website ( I already have a man for that !!)
A Jersey for the Winners of each cat and the awards given out at the Last round !!
Bang !! Job done everybody goes home happy !
I also have sponsors already and all I had to use was my name !!
and in spring 2012 EPIC will run a 4 race series based on ability and fast short and technical..
I would have done it in 2011 but I didn't think the XC Community was going to be shafted like it was !!
I'm all for the UK Series - it's professionally run, high standard all around, you know what to expect in each race etc. They usually make a weekend out of it, with the whole family staying in the tent side with their campervan and BBQs etc. There's also always hot showers on top of the portaloos... And if you don't want to wash your bike, they've got a guy who does a great job at it for a pound or two...
I would love to see more of the Irish making a trip over - if a group is going on the ferry it'll be cheaper too.
Some courses are better than others
Round 1 - Mar 26/27 Sherwood Pines:
Flat, fast course on fireroads and singletrack, not very technical
Round 2 - April 16/17 Dalby Forest (Sunday Race)
It's the same course as the World Cup. Has some good fun technical sections and drops, rooty bits, steep climbs, switchbacks, flowy singletrack etc. great course (although Robin may disagree, some say it's trying to much and has no theme).
Round 3 - June 11/12 Southern England (Sunday Race)
- new course, haven't ridden
Round 4 - June 25/26 Margam Park (Sunday Race)
This is defo worth coming over for, and can be done by ferry from Waterford to Fishguard. Course is technical, great singletrack, tough climbs etc.
Round 5 - Sep 24/25 Newnham Park, + Newnham 60 enduro + Floodlit Cross and Team Relay
Newnham Park is great too - a lot of climb in that course, some very steep, mix of fireroads and singletrack, 2 usually fairly deep rivercrossings that will really wake you up with the cold water. Fast fun descents, but not very difficult, a few nice bombholes
Any more info needed (best airport to fly to etc), just let me know - I'm happy to answer any questions. I can recommend the series.
I also think a short 5 race series up until nationals is way better. More concise, easier to keep the momentum up and all. Then another 3 race series, possibly by those that haven't run an NPS to show that they've got it to run one maybe the next year.
Another thing I like about the British XC series is that you HAVE to do the last race (I think as long as you do at least one lap) to count for the overall and they give out the awards then and there.
the thing is , you don't have to work that hard to run a fantastic NPS..Robin managed to run several E2 events with only himself and a handful of helpers..and he did a vast amount himself !
We might have 150 members in EPIC, but we barely get enough help so I have to call on people from other clubs to help me !!
I certainly do not have an army of helpers but I have a score maybe of dedicated helpers who know what I want and want the same thing themselves.
We are able to run a 20 race Club league every single week on the same track that everybody loves without a hitch which proves beyond a doubt that its the event that matters and the show that goes with it.
F*cks sake Robin raced our Club Champs !!
"In addition to the racing, the venues offer a great environment for a weekend away with Go-ape centres, childrenâs adventure playgrounds, castles, deer parks and scenic forests forming part of the backdrop for 5 great holidays at home."
theres a f*ckin wasted opportunity if ever there was..everytime I read that I get more and more angry !!
If people from the DH Community are reading this..don't let this slip..i'll be promoting
Blast 2011 " The Warriors " the same way..its a brilliant idea !! a weekend away..watching Irelands top Mountainbikers do their thing !!
I would certainly be up for traveling to some of these races. Would be allot more economical to share ferry costs with a few others, I think it would also really motivate racers to train harder if they're committing to foreign races.
I would certainly be up for traveling to some of these races. Would be allot more economical to share ferry costs with a few others, I think it would also really motivate racers to train harder if they're committing to foreign races.
everybody who is anybody is up for this Oz..the Commission can shove their pathetic NPS up their collective hole, my apologies to the race Organisers, its not your fault !! mind you two of the organising clubs didn't even send a representative to the AGM..so they'll be two we should drop..
That leaves 6 , holy moly ..is that not what we've been asking for !!
Nothing good in life is ever easy..sometimes you just have to be a ******* !
and you have 4 months to sort out the ability categories..James McCluskey already has that sorted !!
fcuk me..
I'd be up for doing a few races in uk, back in my paddling days we had to go there to compete against a deep pool of quality competition, well run events, quality timing etc. I have great memories racing there, partying afterwards and feeling very ill on ferry home.
Yep, I'm looking forward to these already.
Only thing is, if we all do this juniors don't see racing at home and they won't see the fast senior guys they might aspire to be. I know they can race there too, but juniors peddling round ballinstoe need to see racing before they will want to race.
theres 3 Juniors , Andrew..I hear you but who's job is it to encourage them..if the Commission in their wisdom won't do anything then why should we as individuals..
lets contimue this conversation in the Members area away from the ****heads!!
I posted my rant on MTBIreland so everyone can see it! On the general lack of bling of the NPS itâs a no brainer that 8 races is too much. Personally the every forthnight doesnât suit me either. The commission are using the NPS as a vehicle to promote the sport around the country, but itâs quite clear the quality of the events is suffering because of this. When the infamous K-Cap races where being run I think those races had more prestige than the NPS. Thereâs nothing stopping clubs getting together and running short, sharp bling league in June, July and August that will kick the NPSâs ass.
I have being racing away from home for years itâs amazing to see the scale and passion the sport holds in Europe. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys racing. In the UK, Margam Park and Plymouth are great. No matter what event you go to you are guaranteed a race
Right..I've shut up long enough !
You know what i think if you are in EPIC..
8 feckin races in the XC NPS..
Thats a load of me Bollix !! Like the narrow categories !! We will go from a reasonable NPS to a pile of sh*te swiftly..oh yeah..
Some of us..Bob, Joe even my arch enemy Giller, we've survived 20 NPS' and we all agree , a short sharp concise NPS leading to the Nationals is the way to go.
I rarely agree with them boys out of divilment !! but on this I do..First of all, I think the XC NPS is a joke without the participation of Robin and Joe, they've been numero 1 and Numero 2 since the very beginning..
those 2 and nobody else, regardless of what people might claim..I can verify that these boys were the original mean machine..
Rory, Giller and Mac the Knife were easily better than the Bob and Joe show but chose more esoteric ways to spend their free time.
However thats just history..
6 rounds is enough..and 5 to count..
Early season should have a K Capital cup and then expand it in to a 5 race series with exactly the same format.
Classy trophies, Leaders Jerseys, dedicated website.
thats not Rocket feckin science.
Shorten the races..1.5 hours for the Elite winners..more bouncy castles and more ice Cream.
develop the event and the racing will follow.
in 2011 no XC event in Djouce..thats a laugh, we should have been begged to run one there !!
We're not because we want the Blast to be Event Number one for ever..trying to copy that is a waste of time for other Clubs !!
However , we have such quality people in EPIC and in our friends we could run another National Champs there with our eyes closed.
The XC nationals 2010 was ran by EPIC, but Robin , Joe , Mark Kenny, Ryan, Peter Buggle and several superstars were asked for their opinion..
it would not have been the success it was without their help and guidance.
This business of having the racing start with a car park a hike from the start is Amateur and stupid.
You would be burned at the stake in France for that.
No dedicated website for results and previews with half the country out of work and loads of geeks twiddling their thumbs..
right..
real racers will race around a field..but an NPS with no Commentary or no visible Commissar turns us into another Amateur sport like bog snorkelling or Pitch and Putt..
some of us have broken our bollix to raise the standard while others just hand up what they find lying there on the side of the mountain.
If all the race organisers, DH, XC, CX and others turn up tomorrow there will be no room for anybody else !!
And if they don't turn up then its a joke !!
Richie
and there we have it..the Criteria for next years XC NPS has been set..
If you are a middle aged man with no children, whose busy at work,and would like a medal for you and your friends for just entering and don't mind wheeling your bike from the car park to the start of the race, you can compare camelbacks and baggie combos.
Then Next years 8 race series NPS is for you !!
Use that chip on your shoulder to help get you through those days out you need away from your collection of Videos and magazines.
Sports and Experts will have an actual National Championship status and tea and Sambos will be served before the race !!
Elites and Masters will be removed and anybody wearing Lycra and having their legs shaved will be barred from racing..
Looks like all the real Athletes will be racing DH and CX next year !
AH but I'm actually looking forward to racing next year..the last one before I get to pick what category I will be in..
Vets senior I or A, or maybe Supervet sports B..no hold on, Accelerated Sports non Elite over 50d..
And why only 8 rounds, lets have 50 !!!
Richard, wheres that Photo of me and Geoff having a hug ?
heres the British C NPS in 2011
Round 1 - Mar 26/27 Sherwood Pines (Sunday Race)
Round 2 - April 16/17 Dalby Forest (Sunday Race)
Round 3 - June 11/12 Southern England (Sunday Race)
Round 4 - June 25/26 Margam Park (Sunday Race)
Round 5 - Sep 24/25 Newnham Park, + Newnham 60 enduro + Floodlit Cross and Team Relay
5 races..thats 5..in 2010 they had 3000 people enter their whole series..
Some of us are considering them instead of supporting the hopeless Irish NPS, this is what we have been driven to by a narrow minded parochial Commission.
If enough of us go it will show we are voting with our feet..and we'll have the craic as well !
and get to see how its really done..
"In addition to the racing, the venues offer a great environment for a weekend away with Go-ape centres, children’s adventure playgrounds, castles, deer parks and scenic forests forming part of the backdrop for 5 great holidays at home."
Now, MTB is much more popular in Poland than in here and because we happen to have the current lady Elite world champion it gets loads of publicity... but still
in addition to the Lang Grand Prix there are loads of regional secondary XC races, marathons etc...
good man Max..
Alternative XC NPS pick any 3 Rounds of the British or Polish NPS, and 2 of the Irish NPS that actually meet the NPS Criteria, combine it with the XC Nationals ( the what now ?) and away we go..
A dedicated Website ( I already have a man for that !!)
A Jersey for the Winners of each cat and the awards given out at the Last round !!
Bang !! Job done everybody goes home happy !
I also have sponsors already and all I had to use was my name !!
and in spring 2012 EPIC will run a 4 race series based on ability and fast short and technical..
I would have done it in 2011 but I didn't think the XC Community was going to be shafted like it was !!
I'm all for the UK Series - it's professionally run, high standard all around, you know what to expect in each race etc. They usually make a weekend out of it, with the whole family staying in the tent side with their campervan and BBQs etc. There's also always hot showers on top of the portaloos... And if you don't want to wash your bike, they've got a guy who does a great job at it for a pound or two...
I would love to see more of the Irish making a trip over - if a group is going on the ferry it'll be cheaper too.
Some courses are better than others
Round 1 - Mar 26/27 Sherwood Pines:
Flat, fast course on fireroads and singletrack, not very technical
Round 2 - April 16/17 Dalby Forest (Sunday Race)
It's the same course as the World Cup. Has some good fun technical sections and drops, rooty bits, steep climbs, switchbacks, flowy singletrack etc. great course (although Robin may disagree, some say it's trying to much and has no theme).
Round 3 - June 11/12 Southern England (Sunday Race)
- new course, haven't ridden
Round 4 - June 25/26 Margam Park (Sunday Race)
This is defo worth coming over for, and can be done by ferry from Waterford to Fishguard. Course is technical, great singletrack, tough climbs etc.
Round 5 - Sep 24/25 Newnham Park, + Newnham 60 enduro + Floodlit Cross and Team Relay
Newnham Park is great too - a lot of climb in that course, some very steep, mix of fireroads and singletrack, 2 usually fairly deep rivercrossings that will really wake you up with the cold water. Fast fun descents, but not very difficult, a few nice bombholes
Any more info needed (best airport to fly to etc), just let me know - I'm happy to answer any questions. I can recommend the series.
I also think a short 5 race series up until nationals is way better. More concise, easier to keep the momentum up and all. Then another 3 race series, possibly by those that haven't run an NPS to show that they've got it to run one maybe the next year.
Another thing I like about the British XC series is that you HAVE to do the last race (I think as long as you do at least one lap) to count for the overall and they give out the awards then and there.
the thing is , you don't have to work that hard to run a fantastic NPS..Robin managed to run several E2 events with only himself and a handful of helpers..and he did a vast amount himself !
We might have 150 members in EPIC, but we barely get enough help so I have to call on people from other clubs to help me !!
I certainly do not have an army of helpers but I have a score maybe of dedicated helpers who know what I want and want the same thing themselves.
We are able to run a 20 race Club league every single week on the same track that everybody loves without a hitch which proves beyond a doubt that its the event that matters and the show that goes with it.
F*cks sake Robin raced our Club Champs !!
"In addition to the racing, the venues offer a great environment for a weekend away with Go-ape centres, childrenâs adventure playgrounds, castles, deer parks and scenic forests forming part of the backdrop for 5 great holidays at home."
theres a f*ckin wasted opportunity if ever there was..everytime I read that I get more and more angry !!
If people from the DH Community are reading this..don't let this slip..i'll be promoting
Blast 2011 " The Warriors " the same way..its a brilliant idea !! a weekend away..watching Irelands top Mountainbikers do their thing !!
I would certainly be up for traveling to some of these races. Would be allot more economical to share ferry costs with a few others, I think it would also really motivate racers to train harder if they're committing to foreign races.
I would certainly be up for traveling to some of these races. Would be allot more economical to share ferry costs with a few others, I think it would also really motivate racers to train harder if they're committing to foreign races.
everybody who is anybody is up for this Oz..the Commission can shove their pathetic NPS up their collective hole, my apologies to the race Organisers, its not your fault !! mind you two of the organising clubs didn't even send a representative to the AGM..so they'll be two we should drop..
That leaves 6 , holy moly ..is that not what we've been asking for !!
Nothing good in life is ever easy..sometimes you just have to be a ******* !
and you have 4 months to sort out the ability categories..James McCluskey already has that sorted !!
fcuk me..
I'd be up for doing a few races in uk, back in my paddling days we had to go there to compete against a deep pool of quality competition, well run events, quality timing etc. I have great memories racing there, partying afterwards and feeling very ill on ferry home.
Yep, I'm looking forward to these already.
Only thing is, if we all do this juniors don't see racing at home and they won't see the fast senior guys they might aspire to be. I know they can race there too, but juniors peddling round ballinstoe need to see racing before they will want to race.
theres 3 Juniors , Andrew..I hear you but who's job is it to encourage them..if the Commission in their wisdom won't do anything then why should we as individuals..
lets contimue this conversation in the Members area away from the ****heads!!
I posted my rant on MTBIreland so everyone can see it! On the general lack of bling of the NPS itâs a no brainer that 8 races is too much. Personally the every forthnight doesnât suit me either. The commission are using the NPS as a vehicle to promote the sport around the country, but itâs quite clear the quality of the events is suffering because of this. When the infamous K-Cap races where being run I think those races had more prestige than the NPS. Thereâs nothing stopping clubs getting together and running short, sharp bling league in June, July and August that will kick the NPSâs ass.
I have being racing away from home for years itâs amazing to see the scale and passion the sport holds in Europe. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys racing. In the UK, Margam Park and Plymouth are great. No matter what event you go to you are guaranteed a race
Right..I've shut up long enough !
You know what i think if you are in EPIC..
8 feckin races in the XC NPS..
Thats a load of me Bollix !! Like the narrow categories !! We will go from a reasonable NPS to a pile of sh*te swiftly..oh yeah..
Some of us..Bob, Joe even my arch enemy Giller, we've survived 20 NPS' and we all agree , a short sharp concise NPS leading to the Nationals is the way to go.
I rarely agree with them boys out of divilment !! but on this I do..First of all, I think the XC NPS is a joke without the participation of Robin and Joe, they've been numero 1 and Numero 2 since the very beginning..
those 2 and nobody else, regardless of what people might claim..I can verify that these boys were the original mean machine..
Rory, Giller and Mac the Knife were easily better than the Bob and Joe show but chose more esoteric ways to spend their free time.
However thats just history..
6 rounds is enough..and 5 to count..
Early season should have a K Capital cup and then expand it in to a 5 race series with exactly the same format.
Classy trophies, Leaders Jerseys, dedicated website.
thats not Rocket feckin science.
Shorten the races..1.5 hours for the Elite winners..more bouncy castles and more ice Cream.
develop the event and the racing will follow.
in 2011 no XC event in Djouce..thats a laugh, we should have been begged to run one there !!
We're not because we want the Blast to be Event Number one for ever..trying to copy that is a waste of time for other Clubs !!
However , we have such quality people in EPIC and in our friends we could run another National Champs there with our eyes closed.
The XC nationals 2010 was ran by EPIC, but Robin , Joe , Mark Kenny, Ryan, Peter Buggle and several superstars were asked for their opinion..
it would not have been the success it was without their help and guidance.
This business of having the racing start with a car park a hike from the start is Amateur and stupid.
You would be burned at the stake in France for that.
No dedicated website for results and previews with half the country out of work and loads of geeks twiddling their thumbs..
right..
real racers will race around a field..but an NPS with no Commentary or no visible Commissar turns us into another Amateur sport like bog snorkelling or Pitch and Putt..
some of us have broken our bollix to raise the standard while others just hand up what they find lying there on the side of the mountain.
If all the race organisers, DH, XC, CX and others turn up tomorrow there will be no room for anybody else !!
And if they don't turn up then its a joke !!
Richie
and there we have it..the Criteria for next years XC NPS has been set..
If you are a middle aged man with no children, whose busy at work,and would like a medal for you and your friends for just entering and don't mind wheeling your bike from the car park to the start of the race, you can compare camelbacks and baggie combos.
Then Next years 8 race series NPS is for you !!
Use that chip on your shoulder to help get you through those days out you need away from your collection of Videos and magazines.
Sports and Experts will have an actual National Championship status and tea and Sambos will be served before the race !!
Elites and Masters will be removed and anybody wearing Lycra and having their legs shaved will be barred from racing..
Looks like all the real Athletes will be racing DH and CX next year !
AH but I'm actually looking forward to racing next year..the last one before I get to pick what category I will be in..
Vets senior I or A, or maybe Supervet sports B..no hold on, Accelerated Sports non Elite over 50d..
And why only 8 rounds, lets have 50 !!!
Richard, wheres that Photo of me and Geoff having a hug ?
heres the British C NPS in 2011
Round 1 - Mar 26/27 Sherwood Pines (Sunday Race)
Round 2 - April 16/17 Dalby Forest (Sunday Race)
Round 3 - June 11/12 Southern England (Sunday Race)
Round 4 - June 25/26 Margam Park (Sunday Race)
Round 5 - Sep 24/25 Newnham Park, + Newnham 60 enduro + Floodlit Cross and Team Relay
5 races..thats 5..in 2010 they had 3000 people enter their whole series..
Some of us are considering them instead of supporting the hopeless Irish NPS, this is what we have been driven to by a narrow minded parochial Commission.
If enough of us go it will show we are voting with our feet..and we'll have the craic as well !
and get to see how its really done..
"In addition to the racing, the venues offer a great environment for a weekend away with Go-ape centres, children’s adventure playgrounds, castles, deer parks and scenic forests forming part of the backdrop for 5 great holidays at home."
Now, MTB is much more popular in Poland than in here and because we happen to have the current lady Elite world champion it gets loads of publicity... but still
in addition to the Lang Grand Prix there are loads of regional secondary XC races, marathons etc...
good man Max..
Alternative XC NPS pick any 3 Rounds of the British or Polish NPS, and 2 of the Irish NPS that actually meet the NPS Criteria, combine it with the XC Nationals ( the what now ?) and away we go..
A dedicated Website ( I already have a man for that !!)
A Jersey for the Winners of each cat and the awards given out at the Last round !!
Bang !! Job done everybody goes home happy !
I also have sponsors already and all I had to use was my name !!
and in spring 2012 EPIC will run a 4 race series based on ability and fast short and technical..
I would have done it in 2011 but I didn't think the XC Community was going to be shafted like it was !!
I'm all for the UK Series - it's professionally run, high standard all around, you know what to expect in each race etc. They usually make a weekend out of it, with the whole family staying in the tent side with their campervan and BBQs etc. There's also always hot showers on top of the portaloos... And if you don't want to wash your bike, they've got a guy who does a great job at it for a pound or two...
I would love to see more of the Irish making a trip over - if a group is going on the ferry it'll be cheaper too.
Some courses are better than others
Round 1 - Mar 26/27 Sherwood Pines:
Flat, fast course on fireroads and singletrack, not very technical
Round 2 - April 16/17 Dalby Forest (Sunday Race)
It's the same course as the World Cup. Has some good fun technical sections and drops, rooty bits, steep climbs, switchbacks, flowy singletrack etc. great course (although Robin may disagree, some say it's trying to much and has no theme).
Round 3 - June 11/12 Southern England (Sunday Race)
- new course, haven't ridden
Round 4 - June 25/26 Margam Park (Sunday Race)
This is defo worth coming over for, and can be done by ferry from Waterford to Fishguard. Course is technical, great singletrack, tough climbs etc.
Round 5 - Sep 24/25 Newnham Park, + Newnham 60 enduro + Floodlit Cross and Team Relay
Newnham Park is great too - a lot of climb in that course, some very steep, mix of fireroads and singletrack, 2 usually fairly deep rivercrossings that will really wake you up with the cold water. Fast fun descents, but not very difficult, a few nice bombholes
Any more info needed (best airport to fly to etc), just let me know - I'm happy to answer any questions. I can recommend the series.
I also think a short 5 race series up until nationals is way better. More concise, easier to keep the momentum up and all. Then another 3 race series, possibly by those that haven't run an NPS to show that they've got it to run one maybe the next year.
Another thing I like about the British XC series is that you HAVE to do the last race (I think as long as you do at least one lap) to count for the overall and they give out the awards then and there.
the thing is , you don't have to work that hard to run a fantastic NPS..Robin managed to run several E2 events with only himself and a handful of helpers..and he did a vast amount himself !
We might have 150 members in EPIC, but we barely get enough help so I have to call on people from other clubs to help me !!
I certainly do not have an army of helpers but I have a score maybe of dedicated helpers who know what I want and want the same thing themselves.
We are able to run a 20 race Club league every single week on the same track that everybody loves without a hitch which proves beyond a doubt that its the event that matters and the show that goes with it.
F*cks sake Robin raced our Club Champs !!
"In addition to the racing, the venues offer a great environment for a weekend away with Go-ape centres, childrenâs adventure playgrounds, castles, deer parks and scenic forests forming part of the backdrop for 5 great holidays at home."
theres a f*ckin wasted opportunity if ever there was..everytime I read that I get more and more angry !!
If people from the DH Community are reading this..don't let this slip..i'll be promoting
Blast 2011 " The Warriors " the same way..its a brilliant idea !! a weekend away..watching Irelands top Mountainbikers do their thing !!
I would certainly be up for traveling to some of these races. Would be allot more economical to share ferry costs with a few others, I think it would also really motivate racers to train harder if they're committing to foreign races.
I would certainly be up for traveling to some of these races. Would be allot more economical to share ferry costs with a few others, I think it would also really motivate racers to train harder if they're committing to foreign races.
everybody who is anybody is up for this Oz..the Commission can shove their pathetic NPS up their collective hole, my apologies to the race Organisers, its not your fault !! mind you two of the organising clubs didn't even send a representative to the AGM..so they'll be two we should drop..
That leaves 6 , holy moly ..is that not what we've been asking for !!
Nothing good in life is ever easy..sometimes you just have to be a ******* !
and you have 4 months to sort out the ability categories..James McCluskey already has that sorted !!
fcuk me..
I'd be up for doing a few races in uk, back in my paddling days we had to go there to compete against a deep pool of quality competition, well run events, quality timing etc. I have great memories racing there, partying afterwards and feeling very ill on ferry home.
Yep, I'm looking forward to these already.
Only thing is, if we all do this juniors don't see racing at home and they won't see the fast senior guys they might aspire to be. I know they can race there too, but juniors peddling round ballinstoe need to see racing before they will want to race.
theres 3 Juniors , Andrew..I hear you but who's job is it to encourage them..if the Commission in their wisdom won't do anything then why should we as individuals..
lets contimue this conversation in the Members area away from the ****heads!!
I posted my rant on MTBIreland so everyone can see it! On the general lack of bling of the NPS itâs a no brainer that 8 races is too much. Personally the every forthnight doesnât suit me either. The commission are using the NPS as a vehicle to promote the sport around the country, but itâs quite clear the quality of the events is suffering because of this. When the infamous K-Cap races where being run I think those races had more prestige than the NPS. Thereâs nothing stopping clubs getting together and running short, sharp bling league in June, July and August that will kick the NPSâs ass.
I have being racing away from home for years itâs amazing to see the scale and passion the sport holds in Europe. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys racing. In the UK, Margam Park and Plymouth are great. No matter what event you go to you are guaranteed a race