To all the DirtXChallenge competitors it sounds like you liked the format, where else would you get so much DH in one event in Ireland? Spread the word !
To the heroic Sheep’s Head Raid Competitors who despite probably the wettest August day on record on Sunday also seemed to enjoy the course, we know we have a lot to work on for next year and will be having a debrief shortly. The good news is we will have a bigger team of organisers etc, this first event was done with a skeleton crew who did a great job in the circumstances. We are looking at making next year a 2 day stage event still based in Kilcrohane, and covering more of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula be good to get some feedback on that idea.
Result’s and pictures will be up asap, we are having some broadband problems.
Matt
If anyone is interested in helping us out with Marshalling on the Sunday please call Matt on 0877990607 FREE T-SHIRTS for volunteers!
Spectators there will be some great spots to view from we can’t publish the route because we need to keep it under wraps as it is only open for this race. Come and talk to us in Kilcrohane Sat night or Sunday morning or call Matt on 087 7990607.
So its all getting very exciting down here only days til the first ever Westcork Bike Fest. Just checked the weather and its going to be?, good, imagine that, the perfect end to a not so perfect Irish summer. The bike fest is primarily for off- road cyclists, mountain bikers, how ever any bike goes for the family fun cycle on the Sunday afternoon in Kilcrohane, on the Sheeps Head.
Maybe or rather hopfully if enough riders turn up, in years to come it will be “another West Cork bike fest, we have it dialled now, they will have a quality time”, this will only happen if people show up to the first one as we have spared no expense. For example the live timing for the Downhill Mash up on the saturday is 1700 euro!, i guess they do have to run over a mile of cable up the hill, as 2 of the runs are between 7 and 9 minutes long!, depending on what bike and ability you have. I do not know of a Downhill event on this fair isle where you get to race downhill (with a tiny amount of up) for so long, not quiet the Mega Avalanche but for Ireland? What bike? well seeing as you have a large window to make your own way to the top (untimed) for each of your runs (loads a time to walk with your heavy Downhill Bike and chat with friends) there is your answer, i do think an all mountain 5 or 6 inch bike would go over pretty well too.
Did i mention the free camping on the Friday night in Dunmanway? There is a recession on you know! We do understand (:
On to the Sunday, well it all starts at 11pm for the Xc Marathon but there is a great chance to ride on what ever bike you like, no matter what age you are, in the family fun cycle that starts at 2pm and is run on a mainly traffic free route and promises to be fun, fun, fun.
And if you want to race over the challenging and beautiful mountains that the Sheeps Head has to offer?
Well we have virgin terrain for mountain bikers and next Sunday is the only day of the year you will be alllowed ride on these Mountains. A beautiful setting, rugged, a mix of all terrains, views to the north of Beara and Bantry Bay to the south of the Mizen Penninsula. Starting and finishing in the West Cork village of Kilcrohane, you journey over goat paths, pilgrim trails, single track and dale. I rode the route a week ago and having done Trans Wales, the Scottish 7 stanes and large sections of the Trans Alps and raced at all the Irish venues i can stay that it stands up to them all. In the last week we have taken out road sections and put in unridden, flowing single track sections , we head out of Friday in what will probably be a gale to mark all 51kms of this course, in the hope that those who make the journey down to us will appreciate our efforts and above all enjoy the quality riding, craic and camaraderie that the West Cork Bike Fest has to offer.
Donncha
Both courses are now sorted and those select few that have ridden the Sheep’s Head Raid course are really looking forward to next Sunday! The Dirt X Challenge will truly be a challenge for both XC & DH riders.
CAMPING
We have free camping at Dunmanway GAA pitch for the Friday Night and Saturday there is a small camp site by the Hostel in Kilcrohane Village, a very short stagger from the local pubs.
If you want Self Catering let us know asap.
ENTRY ON THE DAY
You can enter on the day for both events but there will be a small admin charge.
It would help us if you could email your entry forms to us in advance and avoid the charge.
Send your entry forms to matt@westcorkbikefest.com
Sign on Saturday 29th 9am-10am
Stage 1: C2 (Downhill NPS 2003 track) 11-12.00
Stage 2: Motorway (DH) to middle ground (All mountain) 12.30 – 2
Stage 3: C4 (Downhill NPS 2009 track) 2.30 -4.00
Stage 4: Motorway (DH)- upper C4 (AM)- green road (XC Climb)- middle ground (AM) 4.30-6.00
Prize Giving as soon as possible after the last rider down.
So you can take your time getting to the stage finish and rag the stages
with time to spare, best combines time wins in 2 class’s senior and Junior (U-18)
