Enduro 2 - Ballyhoura, what's it like?

Missed it last year, what is the place like? Is it run on the built trails, is it comparable to Carrick/Djouce/Ticknock? How will it hold up to rain, it a root-a-rama? Where does it come on the GnarMeter? I need to know!

It was my favourite of all the Enduros I did last year, a surprising amount of natural stuff considering the amount of trail centre they could have used. Not too much in terms of roots etc, a lot of loose rocky sections so a good strong tyre will be importnt. A few of the stages went from the top of hills, down open and very fast mountain trails. Best way to describe it is look a good old EPIC spin in Glendo on a sunny sunday and having the craic riding super fun trails. The climb to the top of stage 5 was cruel last year but the descent was worth it.

The whole course was very long and only four sections on it last year. Xc fitness very important on it. Think of how you felt after stage 1 in carrick. Like damo said, open loose fast Rocky sections, but there was a few shlompy rooty off camber bits that could ruin your stage time.

what Damo said, it was my favourite as well because I felt like we were up the Mountains..the Transitions are hard but varied and the descents were great , some really flat out sections. There was major sclomp at the bottom of one of the stages but overall i loved the whole day.

Fitness is crucial in Enduro..all the winners are superfit , a good downhiller can get through well in Carrick but the remaining rounds will depend more on fitness.

Agree with Richie on this one -a long slog on the transitions (bring plenty of energy gels / bars). I hope they replaced Stage 1 as it was just a spin down a fire road with a bit of single track start and end.

Bottom of stage 3 last year was very slompy alright, so much so that I had to stop twice to clear the muck away as the rear wheel wouldn't turn. There is a lot of climbing between stages, particularly up to stage 4 which is a horrible climb but definitely worth it. It was the a fantastic stage, 8 and a half mins of fast rocky trails, brilliant fun.. Stage 2 had a horrible fire road climb of about 500m in the middle of it so xc fitness definitely needed there.. Brilliant event though, we'll worth the trip..

It's deadly.

Stage 1 was a bit Micky Mouse alright!!!!

funny, I remember it now..it was " I want my money back " stage..only for the awesome climbs up to the tops of Mountains made up for it..but it was a complete waste of a stage to be fair !

Cheers lads, it sounds like I need to ramp the fitness up a notch or two if taking part.

thats what the club race is for..well done by the way Don, great to see you racing yesterday !