Shogue hillclimb 2010

Decisive move after the first steep section...

Tuesday 04 May 2010 - 15:39:25 by Dave
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GC Feb 2010 - Lord of the rings

Gran Canaria Mountain Biking - Feb 2010 from David Gill on Vimeo.

Down a track we know as Lord of the rings.... Spin details below. Pilot for this one is multiple Irish MTB champion Robin Seymour

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25559545

Sunday 07 March 2010 - 16:35:03 by Dave
Posted in Misc | Comments: 4 |          

3 Peaks Cyclocross Race 2009

In true Pulp Fiction style lets start at the end, that's me tapping down Pen-y-Ghent after the nice American chap i met at the top. Rode most of they way home together in a mixture of cramp and smiles. So i may as well do it the right way round....

The last month has been hell. No training, work pressure, research pressure, life pressure and just general feelings of malaise have meant that i am in absolute terrible condition. Light, but in no good shape.

Saturday morning, packing, packing, realising my bike is not race ready, but its in UK ahead of me. Balls. Last minute lift to the airport (thanks Andy) and getting ready to go when the phone rings, PhD supervisor on the phone...not a happy camper...instantly i'm in no mood to travel. Don't want to do anything, want to just crawl under a rock and hide. But i'm past security and they ain't going to let me out are they. It's almost as if the race is trying to mess with my head before i'm even in the country.

Hop on the plane, Simon Burnley's Cyclocross is on my lap as if i'm going to get any last minute tips to win, and mp3 player blaring Skinny Puppy in my ears, just daring a flight attendant to tell me to take them off. Plane goes up, plane goes down, spits me out of the flying bus. Meet Pauline in a total mood and head off to Decathlon to get last minute nutrition and tubes. The drive up and banter get my mood raised, find the lovely camp-site in Austwick after some food in Settle, a pint of local in Helwith Bridge and a quick scout of the drivers route for Pauline who was doing crew for me, and settle in for the night (pun 100% intended).

Sleep. Wake. Urinate. Sleep. Wake. Insert food. Drive to start of race and register. Just get my warm-up in and i'm lined up, 30 seconds later after spotting Trio the race is go. I love the road section at the start, fast, technical, and scares the crap out of the pure MTB heads. No crashes this year, even spot Twinklydave at one point on his nice new Rodwell, me likey. Nice easy average power at 280W, not to hard, but staying to the right of the pack to avoid the wind from the left side. No issues on the way to the bottom of Whernside, hit the bottom and am walking earlier than last year due to the hoards of people who cant ride up a hill, and are puncturing all over the place. Kids, cmmon, basic one, don't run 20PSI, its not actually a CX race! Shoulder and run time. Gain a few places by the time it gets seriously steep. Damn i'd forgotten just how steep Simon fell actually is. Oh well, get on with it and move. Short fast steps allow me to keep my place and move on up the hill.

Onto the moonscape that is the top in a total fog out. Bleep, and turn for the descent, see the first crash of the day guy in the boulder field below the steps off the top, looks nasty, but people are tending to him. Then the daemons arrived. No idea why, partially because i've not been on the CX bike much this year compared to last year, and partially due to nerves, but i rode the descent like a granny. Felt tight, sloppy and scared. Got to the feed grabbed my bottle off Pauline, and had to stop to put it in the pocket. 'Are you ok?' Pauline shouted, 'No' was the simple response as i pulled off onto the road section. Time down, felling low, only a third into the race.

Missed the tail of a group and ended up solo. Ok triathlon boy, lets see what you can do. TT time. Tucked up, head down and gunned it, caught the group and kept going, picked up one guy who did nothing, dropped him on the steep hill. Looks like France paid off anyway! TT...TT...TT...drink..TT...TT...eat...TT...TT Ingleborough. Rode as far as the little legs could go then hit the climb, not stopping ever was today's plan. Peak at the watch let me know i was on time for last years ride, hmm ok, well once i'm not slower. Got to the top of the never-ending staircase and started the lovely ridge ride, oh how i love this section. Descent time, no punctures are allowed, ride clean, ride fast, ride smart. Quicker than i know it i'm off the slabs and on the flatter section, passing people and descending like i am supposed to. Better, but not best. Feeling strong as we ride to the via-duct. Just about hear Pauline to get the bottle and shout a happy 'Thanks!' back. Feeling good as i hit the road, no cramps, not issues, and a big ring that works this year. TT time all the way to Horton. Hard as i can, pass a lot of riders i know will get me on the climb so i need to make as much time as i can.

Pen-Y-Ghent lane and i have issues. I nearly gave up at this point last year, due to a combination of cramping; tiredness; and hatred off all things vertical. Rode the whole section up to the gate. Stunned. i have no idea how i did but i did. I am taking this as my shining point from the day. Up up up we go, all the way to the top, once again the people who give us water half way up are gods among men and cyclists. I love you guys so much for not making me drink sweet carbo drink. On the final section my head started to calculate for the first time. 20 mins from the top to Helwith bridge to go under 4:30.....doable...but realistic i dont know. Descend like a daemon for the first time, feeling good, but wait is that....crap left calf starts to cramp. Ok, no jumping re-mounts. 5 mins later and the right starts to go. Damn it...descend, worry about it at the bottom.

Hit the road in a bunch of 3 look at the other lads and make the obvious statement. 'Want to go for this lads?' A resounding YES and i hit the front giving it all i have which proves to be a pathetic 290W. Turn it over to the American, and the pace stays high, not looking at the clock, keep gunning it. We drop rider number 3 and i take the front again. On the edge now as i spot the bridge and bring it home, avoid the gravel face plant add cross the line for a respectable 4:35. 5 mins outside what i wanted, but 10 mins faster than last year.

Am i happy, yes. Will i be back, yes. But am i disappointed, yes more so. I had a terrible lead up, no specific training, and little to know enthusiasm. But next year, it will be different.
[Submitted by Greg]

Thursday 01 October 2009 - 15:52:02 by Dave
Posted in Misc | Comments: 10 |          

K Capital Challenge Round 3 info

It's the final round of the 2009 K Capital Challenge. If you haven't done the other rounds don't worry you can still come along and enjoy the fantastic trails which have been purposely built for this event. Chief trail builder Luke Manning from the K Capital Challenge course design team has been out spilling blood for the last few weeks bringing you a course to remember. Race HQ for the day is Kippure house. Kippure House is privately owned and it offers quality accommodation and facilities privately set in 240 acres of mature woodland and rolling farm pastures. So if you don't fancy coming up the morning of the race why not come up the day before and avail of their special B&B rates. If you plan on bringing the family out for the day then there is lots for them to do while you negotiate the wonderful single track of the Dublin mountains. Check out the website for more information.

As with the two other rounds racing starts at midday with all riders taking to the trails in a mass start. For new racers one day license are available on the day and as with the other rounds it's a great way to get an introduction to racing without the super competitive pressure of cross country racing. For most it's a day out in the hills and discovering new trails. It's also a way to test yourself and push yourself a little further than you have done before. There is nothing like seeing a rider 50 meters ahead to make you dig that bit deeper and try and gain one more place.

For those that have done the previous two rounds the special finishers t-shirts will be given out at the finish which you can wear at the next race to let people know you 'kick ass' and finished the K Capital Challenge Series.... We'll see you all next week in what has to be one of the most idyllic settings for an off road race... if you're racing bring your camera as we would love to see your photos from the race.

K Capital Challenge Team

Directions.... download directions here


Monday 28 September 2009 - 07:36:21 by Dave
Posted in Misc | Comments: 7 |          

K Capital Challenge - Round 2

Round 2 of this years K Capital Challenge takes place this Sunday in Carrick Mountain, Co.Wicklow. Race HQ is based just outsie Glenealy and will see riders being truly tested on a totally new fantastic 30km loop. Round one saw the riders face two laps of a very technically demanding lap in Kilruddery Estate just out side of Bray in county Wicklow. In round 2 riders will be on a longer course but a less technically demanding one. That doesn't mean no fun tracks though as course desginers have searched high and low to bring you some amazing new single track most of which has never been ridden by mountain bikers before. Robin Seymour, chief course designer today described the venue by saying 'Carrick.. a secret Nirvana of biking..' Asked what did he mean he was quick to add, 'The place has tons of tracks untouched by mountain bikers..' 'We've managed to build a 30km loop which will see the riders climb up and over the near virgin soil of Carrick and enjoy some fantastic unspoiled views of the Garden of Ireland'... Worth noting also that there is a shorter loop for those riders that want to take part but feel the 30km a bit too long for them. Stuart Galloway added 'We were in two minds about having the shorter event, but after seeing how much beginners enjoyed doing just 1 lap in round one we just couldn't leave it out'... 'We want everyone to enjoy these new challenge races, so it's important to have a race that everyone can do.'

Sign on opens at 10am this Sunday. Directions can be found on the website http://www.kcapitalchallenge.com. The race itself kicks off at noon with all senior riders starting in a mass start. No bottle necks this time though as riders start their climb to the top of Carrick Mountain on a nice open fireroad.

"Carrick Mountain is located in the eastern foothills of the Wicklow Mountains in the Republic of Ireland. It rises directly above the village of Glenealy on the R752, midway between Rathnew and Rathdrum. The mountain is, bar a few large rocky knolls, completely covered in forest. There is a network of forest roads on the hill, with long straights, steeps slopes, hair-pin bends; the forest roads, with their sand and gravel surfaces, ascend to within 100 m of the summit."

Carrick Mountain Hill Wicklow County
Height: 381 metres OS 1/50k Mapsheet: 56 for top
Grid Ref: T23263 94064 Latitude: 52.983460 Longitude: -6.165459
ITM: 723185 694099 Prominence: 174m Isolation: 6.8km

Monday 17 August 2009 - 18:09:56 by Dave
Posted in Misc | Comments: 7 |          

One lap wonder

If you\'re in two minds about racing because you\'re worried that the34km race might be too long well then there is no need to worry. On Sunday there will be a one lap race category so everyone will get to ride the fantasssstic new trails in Kilruddery. The one lap race won\'t have any categories and riders will get to start at the same time in the mass start with all other riders. If you have ever raced in Kilruddery before you will know how good the trails are there. This year though we\'ve had to find a course that is nearly three times as long as the normal loops in the estate. To do that we\'ve had to go bigger and bolder than ever before and riders will be treated to a tour of the little Sugar Loaf on trails never ridden before by man or beast.

Main race Categories

2 Laps - total 34km\'s

Senior 19-29
Master 30-39
Veteran 40+
Women
Junior 16-18

Race 2

1 Lap - total 17km\'s

All riders regardless of age, sex or preference for baggy shorts

Underage

small loop

Under 16
Under 14
Under 12

Cash Prizes for top 10 across the Line regardless of Category, open to everyone in main race!
Race and Series Awards in Each Cat,
T-Shirts for all who complete the three rounds.


http://www.kcapitalchallenge.com for more info






Monday 20 July 2009 - 18:51:00 by Dave
Posted in Misc | Comments: 10 |          

K Capital Challenge...is it for me?

Why should I ride the K Capital Cup Challenge...?

Well.... where to start. The K Cup Challenge series is aimed at many types or riders. If you're the hardened cross country rider and love going head to head with the competition then you won't be dissapointed. If you're the Sunday warrior who likes to go out with his mates but are not really into the XC scene then this is also perfect for you. Get out on your bike, enter the race and get around the course just to finish or beat one of your mates. What about the first time racers? The guys who get out and ride every weekend but have never really thought about racing at all. The Challenge is perfect for you. This is your chance to get out and ride in some new places, find some new tracks, and while you're at it just put your head down and ride with other like minded people.

With the mass start, its long loops, it breaks all the rules of XC racing. Don't forget that every rider who finishes all three rounds will get a special edition t-shirt which will only be worn by the best of the best on the Irish mountain bike scene. Last but not least we all get to enjoy three fantastic courses designed by the Godfather of Irish Mountain Biking Robin Seymour. A man with such passion for good trails that no stone will be left unturned or unmoved to make sure we have the best trails around for you to ride on.

The K Capital Challenge Team

Wednesday 15 July 2009 - 16:01:52 by Dave
Posted in Misc | Comments: 21 |          

K Capital Challenge 2009

Sunday 05 July 2009 - 19:19:38 by Dave
Posted in Misc | Comments: 8 |          

Transrockies 2008 Video

Transrockies 2008 from David Gill on Vimeo.

Team-WORC and Team-WORC masters trip to Canada all the way from Ireland to compete in the TR 2008.

TW finished 13th in the open mens and TWM finished 5th overall in the 80+.

What a race...everyone should go and do it..

Saturday 20 June 2009 - 08:33:01 by Dave
Posted in Misc | Comments: 9 |          

Club League Round 4

Race will start shortly after 7 at the lower car park in Djouce, we will ride a pre lap at about 6.40

Basically, going to leave the car park climb to XTC, turn left onto flat fr, down bulldog, right at the bottom onto green ledge, drop down/join main fr climb and climb to and turn left into Bench Cut, do the 2nd part, then climb back up the main fr again[figure of 8] to car park for one lap.

i'll see how long this takes, maybe 2 laps will be enough, be 4 times up the forest road which would be enough for sure.

Everyone welcome.....

Monday 18 May 2009 - 17:14:35 by Dave
Posted in Misc | Comments: 8 |