Racing 795

David Conway and David Furlong set off for Three Rock last Sunday morning for the XC NPS 7 presented by MAD. The weather looked a bit shaky at first but skies were clear and conditions were dry as we arrived at the race venue.

Registration. Lunch. Then dressed for battle in our 795 kit, we rode to the start. It was to be another classic DF/DC battle.

Mind games were played

DC to DF –  “You must be in prime condition from your private training sessions on the other side of Mount Leinster. I, on the other hand, am tired and emotional after a week of partying in the Italian sun.”

DF to DC – “You must be all rested and carbed up after your relaxing holiday in Italy. I, on the other hand, am worn out from all that climbing up Mullaun.”

Finally it was Race time – The race commissaire was none other than the putative King of Irish Mountain Biking, Richie Byrne. Richie marshalled the age cats into postion. Our group, Masters, was last to start.

DC was away first but only led for 500 metres up a short but deceptively cruel rocky climb before DF outstripped him on the long fire road which connected 2 long singletrack sections. At the top of the fire road the racers dropped into an open rocky section with gorse bushes on either side, then into the woods and what seemed like black darkness after the brilliant sunshine. Eyes adjusted quickly and the singletrack went on and on, switchbacking tightly down and down, then up, then down, then the truly savage climb back up to the 2-way fireroad to speed back down the fire road to singletrack section 2. Loads more downhill singletrack with the odd nasty kicker and a nasty climb toward the end before emerging back onto a short fireroad section to complete the lap.

DF extended his lead throughout the first two laps in the heat and dust, using his strong fire-road climbing form to good effect.

Then came the rain. What had been a fast dry course was fast becoming treacherous. Previously unnoticed roots suddenly became serious hazards. Concentration was suddenly at a higher premium that ever, just when physical and mental reserves were running low.

On the third lap, DC began to eat into DF’s lead, gaining significantly on the savage technical climb up out of the first singltrack section. DF pulled away again on the fast fire-road descent, but DC gained again in singletrack section 2.

Suddenly, minutes from the finish and with DC on his wheel, DF’s front wheel was wobbling. Amid terrific cursing he jumped off to tighten it. DC took his chance and passed on the right. The repair was fast- just a loose quick release, and DF was back in the saddle chasing hard. DC spun out on a steep kicker and jumped off to push the bike up. DF spied his chance and went for glory but was cruelly felled by crippling cramps as he put down power to pass DC. Oddly DF was laughing hysterically at this stge. DC pushed on, now lauging hysterically as well, mounted again, and struck out for the line. DF overcame his cramp and gave chase but it was too late and DC crossed the line, 29th in Masters race but a winner in the real race. DF finished seconds later in 30th.

Great racing, great course. great day out. Well done and thanks to MAD for all the hard work.

Full results here

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3rd May 2009

All roads led to the North East for the third round of the XC MTB National Points Series, and four 795’ers made the long journey; David Conway, Jim, Paddy and David Furlong.

First up was Paddy, and having moved up to Under 12s this year, faced a tough lap on part of the big boys’ course. This technically demanding lap was handled admirably by Paddy, who finished in 6^th place.

Next up was Jim, competing in the 3 lap Vets race for the first time, and the two David’s lining up in Masters for a 4 lap race. The race started at a furious pace up a tarmac road, and by the first technical section the field was already strung out. This didn’t bother Conway though as to roars of “Rider Up” (and some not-so-polite utterings) he carved his way through the back end of the field. In hot pursuit was DF with JF getting to grips with his new steed close behind. DC and DF proceeded to have their now customary two- man battle with DC pulling away towards the end of a tough + 2:30 race.

The race was a real lung-busting, energy sapping 30k marathon. JF finished at +1 lap with DC in 28^th place and DF in 29^th on his NPS and Master’s debut. The course itself was very enjoyable, with some cracking singletrack and of course the compulsory heart-breaking fireroad climb. There were also apparently some very nice views!

Thanks to Helen and Robyn and Paddy for manning the feed station – much appreciated!

Results

Paddy Furlong 6^th (Under 12’s)

Jim Furlong +1 lap (Vets)

David Conway 28^th (Masters) 2:35:07

David Furlong 29^th (Masters) 2:39:46

Full results here: http://www.mtbireland.com/news.php?readmore=72

Pics here: http://www.imbrc.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=26&g2_itemId=19889

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A travelling contingent of five 795-ers, with one supporter, lined out in  Djouce today for the Djouce “not a race” Trail Challenge organised by Team WORC.

The sun was shining, you could almost hear the trails drying out. It was going to be great. And it was!

Paddy Furlong added to his growing collection of silverware with 2nd place in the under 12 race. The underage course took in some pretty serious switchbacking singletrack, including the famous Ecstacy. He was presented with his medal by Robin Seymour, Ireland’s XC Olympian. Great stuff Paddy. Make sure your auld fella gets you a jersey for the next day!

The elder lemons had a mixed day. Yours truly got swept up in the frenzy at the start and was quickly fooled into believing it was a race. Judging by their sedate pace, the other 795-ers were under no such illusion.

Oddly, despite my commanding lead, D Furlong was first home. Turns out he was led astray by a herd of poor sign-readers. Others less charitable than I would call this a short cut, but it appears to have been a genuine mistake.

Later, much later, James was gravely insulted when he was invited to take the easy route home because the organisers wanted to take the marking tape down. Should we seek redress for this affront. Perhaps a duel of some sort? Perhaps not. James wasn’t too worried anyway as he broke out the Irish(?) stew and vino.

The course was nothing short of superb, hats off to WORC. Our own recent trailbuilding efforts really paid off as we put into practice skills honed on Rock’n’Roll and Courtown. Some savage climbs too. We need to work on climbing, but where’s the fun in that?

All told this was a good day for the club which has really whetted appetites for a summer of racing in all disciplines.

Video and Results from mtbireland.com

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