Easy spin in the Phoenix Park

I have been a bit ill in the last couple of days, it seems like I did catch some sort of flu or cold. I didn't feel too well and didn't ride the bike on the weekend. I just wanted to stay away from getting sick seriously just right before the season.

Today I felt better and decided to have a very short recovery type spin in the famous Phoenix Park. I think the park is a little bit under estimated by many of the mountain bikers. It is in the city, we have to deal with traffic, and let's be honest here: it isn't exactly challenging terrain. It's might be a little bit boring for mountain biking.

But in some cases this park is an ideal choice. Because it's very close to the city it is very fast to get to and back. I also really like the fields, the single tracks and the little lakes also, I like to have a nice bike ride ther from time to time.

I allways been interested to see the details of the park spin. It has lots of little up and down sections on the trails but I've had no idea about the exact numbers. The trail that goes around the park is 99% off road and it is 11km long. One full lap has 233m of total ascent, which is not too bad compare to how flat the park is. So you can actually get in a nice training spin if you cover the full lap four or fives times.

As I said it before the park isn't the most exciting location for XC spins but I think it's good idea to visit it once in a while.

Lost bike - Please help if you've seen anything!

This time I have a special post, I would like to help for one of our club member and fellow mountain biker,  Ian Kingston. I hope we can come across with some useful information about his bike.

Ian's Trek Top Fuel 9.8 full suspension mountain bike

It is a very unlucky story: the bike has been lost from Ian's car rack on the way home. He was driving on the N11 dual carriageway in the Bray area when the bike has fell off the rack. It was on the  26th of February (Saturday) between 11:30am and 12:30pm. When he realized what happened he has turned back to search for the bike but by that time the bike was gone... 

Obviously someone picked it up in the main time and took it home...

So I would like to ask for information from anyone who might have seen or heard anything. The bike is possibly in bad enough condition after the landing, so it needs to be fixed up before it can be ridden again. Please keep an eye out guys, thank you very much!

If anyone has useful information, please leave a comment on this post, or call ThinkBike in Rathmines on 01-496-53-14 ! 

Thank you!

Health tips for cyclists

I think nothing is more important then stay healthy, especially during the cold winter months. After all the training the body needs a little bit of a boost day by day. It is very important to have a proper intake from all the essential elements to keep the immune system more resistant against bacterial and viral infections. I allways try to use as many fully natural ingredients as possible beside the suppliments that you can buy in stores. 

I find them the most useful:

• Vitamin C: is an essential water-soluble vitamin that has a wide range of functions in the human body, with its primary function being a excellent antioxidant. It's also boosting immune system function.
• Zinc: is a metal. It is called an “essential trace element” because very small amounts of zinc are necessary for human health. It is also used for boosting the immune system, treating the common cold.
• Lemon: is a natural source of Vitamin C. Also lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.
• Honey: is a mixture of sugars and other compounds. Honey has been used for centuries as a treatment for sore throats and coughs and, according to recent research, may be an effective soothing agent for coughs 
• Garlic: can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Garlic should be seen as part of a healthy lifestyle - not as an alternative to it.
• Camomile:  is one of the most widely used flowers for herbal tea and has been widely used in children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions. Sometimes I drink it as tea without any additional flavouring, but mostly use camomile steam for my sinuses when they are blocked.  
• Ginger: is a native to India and China. Ginger stimulates circulation of the blood, removes toxins from the body and helps break fevers by warming up the body and increasing perspiration. 
• Rose hip: are actually the seed pods of certain types of roses. They are excellent source of vitamins A, B3, D, E and and more Vitamin C than citrus fruits do. Can be used as a home remedy in dealing with a cold or the flu. I drink it as tea without any additional flavouring.
  
  

  

  This last one is particularly special thing because it is real home made, dried rose hip prepared by my good friend Csaba's grandpa back in Hungary. The tea is excellent and I really do thing it has a  very good effect.
   (source Wikipedia)
  
  
  And of course beside all these additional things the most important to eat right. We mostly try to have freshly cooked meals from natural ingredients rather than have prepared food.

Time to get new shoes... - Diadora X-Country Comp MTB

I think if we are talking about any cycling related gear that last long we can definitely mention a good pair of cycling shoes. I think they are quiet durable and if I look after them, they will last for couple of years at least. But...sometimes it is time to get a new pair! 

This time my choice was a 2010 version of the famous Diadora X-Country Comp MTB specific shoes. I did have Diadora shoes before and they were possibly the best cycling shoes I ever had. Very comfortable and super durable shoes. 

This model has 2 velcro straps and 1 buckle, this is my favorite type. The front and the heal is reinforced for extra durability.

My old pair was kind of a DIY stuff... Originally it was a road shoes from Viper and I did have them for about 4 years now. Well, I got very good use out of it but I have to admit it: they got very serious abuse on the mountain bike. The sole is a standard plastic road sole so it did not like the surfaces of all the rocks and everything else up in the mountains. So they lasted for about a year and a half on the mountain bike and then they gave it up... 

The result is: broken and disconnected sole (both of them)...

To be honest: I am not surprised!

XMTB McConvey Cycles - Spring League coming up

Great to see the 2011 XC season is really just around the corner. At least it's time to race after the long winter months and all the preparation. And the good weather makes me even more excited about the upcoming races. 

My next race is the XMTB McConvey Cycles Spring League Rnd. 2 on the 6th of March. The location is a little bit far: Ormeau Park, Belfast but on the M1 motorway is pretty quick to get up to the North. I have raced in Belfast before and the race was organized by XMTB. That race was great, so I am looking forward to ride their event again, it is ment to be good.

It is still early enough to race but this race is ideal to check my progress before I start the NPS races within just couple of weeks time. 

Morning spin on Threerock and more camera testing

This morning I went up to Threerock with my friend Csaba to have a nice morning XC spin. We have heard the new section of the new trail system has been finished, so it was time for us to have our first test run on it.

After we reached the upper carpark we have decided to climb up on the lower section of the new trail that leads up to the beginning of the Bone Shaker. The climb was lovely, I really enjoyed it. 

But the fun was still ahead of us: the new trail that goes towards to the far side of the mountain is brilliant! I think it is very fast and lots of fun to ride! I am still testing the GoPro camera and it was a perfect opportunity to record some nice XC trail riding. 

My first decent on the new stage of the trail.

for better quality YouTube video click here.

It was so much fun we have done it 2 times before we started to head back home. This morning's spin was 2 hours and 30 minutes long and we've had great time up there once again. But it's not a surprise: this is why Threerock is one of my favorite place to go for a decent bikeride.

Wicklow Way - special goal for 2011

I like to have goals for myself. It keeps me moving and it is great to look back and say: "...It's done!..." This time it is a big goal for me: I would like to ride the whole Wicklow Way in one day. Kind of like a long XC marathon, start in the early morning and ride all day long with minimal stopping along the way.

Now, it has been done many times and as far as I know the current record is under Ryan Sherlock's name with 8 hours and 9 minutes which is amazing time for sure. My attempt is not a record attempt or anything, it is target that I have set for myself. If I am able to do it I will be very happy. 

It is a very long bike ride, I never done anything like this before. I have raced many marathon races before back in Hungary and here in Ireland but the longest one was "only" 65km long. After a quick calculation: it is still only the half way... So it will open up new dimensions for me: longest off-road bike ride and probably the longest time spent on the bike in one day. Let's rise for the challenge!

The Wickow Way is long-distance walking trail that begins in Marlay Park (Dublin) and  goes accross the Wicklow mountains to finish in Clonegal. The lenght of the trail is 130km with 3900m climb, so it is pretty epic on the bike I think. 

Wicklow Way map

 for more information click here. 

So, if I would like to get the goal done, it is time to start the preparation. My plan is to get the stages of the trail done step-by-step. Now, if I will follow this idea the second half of the distance will cause some problems, I think (ride and then get back home - or as an alternative get some accomodation). We will see how it goes. I'd like be a bit more famailiar with the trails and pick a nice day in the summer for the big bike ride. The date still needs to be decided.

As a part of my preparation I will ride the first section of the trail and see how it goes. I am sure I will see lot of familiar places on my way. Can't wait!

Easy spin and the 1st GoPro off-road camera test

I went up to Threerock for a short and easy recovery spin this morning. It was only a 1 hour and 40 minutes spin and because the intensity was low, it was a perfect chance to mess around a bit with the new camera I got for recording some nice cycling clips.

The first step has been done already: the bracket was fitted properly on my old helmet. Just one last check, after let's go! I was so excited about the first proper off-road test, I didn't even worried about the bad enough weather. 

I have recorded good few clips but the first thing I've had to realize was the fog was too thick in some places. There wasn't enough light from time to time to have a nice and clear picture. I also had a little issue with the angle of the camera, so that needs to be adjusted. 

I also having a problem to cut and convert the recorded material, and save it in good enough quality but not too big file size. I am working on the issue...

But I was able to capture and prepare a short clip: this is the way down from the top, back to the upper car park. 

Well, the result of the first test is pretty good and I am sure after some fine adjustments I would be able to record some sweet clips. The next thing I'll try out is to get the camera attached on the bike. That would be cool!

GoPro helmet camera

I really like the good photos and videos about cycling and any kind of other sports. Especially the ones from special angles and unique point of views. So I have to say I was super happy when I opened up my birthday present last night. My wife Anett, my friend Csaba and his wife Dori got me a GoPro helmet camera as a present.

The box was full of brackets and attachments to be able to fit the camera on the helmet, bike or even on vehicles. In my case the best option is going to be the helmet and the bike.

My helmet setup

The camera is able to record 56 minues of videos to the optional 2 Gb SD card, or take 1000's of single photos. There is also a mode that takes photos in every 3 or 5 seconds, I think that's gonna be cool to get some sweet action photos up on the trails. The recorded material can be viewed on TV or can be edited on PC. 

Thank you very much guys, it was brilliant choice for me! I can't wait to go out tomorrow morning and test it! I'm really looking forward to use the camera!

Over the clouds up on Threerock

When I've seen the weather this morning I thought it would be just another cold and wet winter spin. It was cold enough with fog and very heavy traffic when we left at 7:30am to head up to Threerock. The way up through Dundrum was actually not too bad even it was the peak time for the commuters morning madness.

After the regular climb up to the top we've seen something great: the thick and heavy fog was over the city and only few hight points were sticking out from it. It was very cool to see Dublin like this way and was so hard to find the border of the fog and the sky. We couldn't see the bay at all but Howth was kind of pushing through the fog. Fantastic!

The best of all was the sun was so bright and the temperature was warmer also it made the spin more enjoyable for sure.

From the top we had a quick run on the new trails just for fun and then we climbed up to the top once again. After another fast decend on the same trail we got on the end of the MAD trail that leads back to the lower carpark. This bit of pritty difficult I think but when it's wet you really need a good bit of concentration to ride it. It was super slippery this morning.

Unfortunately it was time to get back home. It was amazing to feel the drop of the temperature and see the thickness of the fog on the way back to Milltown. We still didn't believe the difference!

This morning's spin took 2 hours and 45 minutes and I have to say it was one of the nicest for a long time. Normally I don't see weather conditions like we have seen up there so I really enjoyed it.

Some photos:

Sugar Loaf

Howth in the fog

On the MAD trails

The bikes

Savage winter spin around Howth

The view from Howth in February

I think Howth is under estimated if we talking about good locations for XC mountain biking. Yes, of course the total climb is quiet minimal out there but the singletracks are brilliant. Now, we have to admit it: sometimes they are very-very close to the edge of the cliffs but if you are careful enough everything is gonna be all right. Of course if you are not comfortable with hights these trails are not the best choice then. 

This morning the weather was bad again... Cold enough temperature with very strong wind and rain all morning.

The water was angry this morning (Bull Island Bridge)

I was a little bit slower than normally because I got the head wind all the way along the coast. It was serious! When I got to Howth I have decided to get up on the single tracks but I've had doubts about that... And it seem like I was right: the wind was super-strong on the top of the cliffs, so I made my choice. I've turned back because I didn't find the weather safe enough for the off-road spin. 

The single tracks

So I cycled back home, unfortunately I didn't ride the single tracks this morning. I need to go back some other time when the weather is going to be a little bit more friendly. On the way back the rain got very heavy as well and with the strong wind it was savage spin all together. I have spent 2 hours and 10 minutes on the bike as my morning spin just before I get to work. 

The tired, wet and cold cyclist after the spin

Now, after a hot bath the only thing I need to get myself back together is a lovely hot mug of ginger and lemon tea. The best thing ever!

Life Cycles

"This isn't a bike movie. This a movie about the bike. Big difference..."

If you like to watch mountain bike movies and you like the nature also I think the film called Life Cycles is the perfect choice. It is more like a freeride type of film but even so it has a very specific point of view, not like the other let's say typical mountain bike movies. 

The quality of the film is amazing: it is recorded in full HD with very professional crew. The other very important thing is that the makers of the film put the nature as a priority through the progress of making the movie. 

If you like brilliant shots and amazing moments of the nature I am sure you'll really like this film. And of course the music is brilliant as well!

They go through all the seasons and the "life cycle" of the bike itself from the manufacturing to the end, when it's not in use anymore...

I really did enjoy the movie, I have watched it many-many times since I have it. I think it is a very good thing to have in your collection for sure. 

You can order it from here.

Saturday spin out in Ballinastoe

Finally we have the warmest and brightest day today for a long time. It seems like the real spring is here. Sunny, clear sky, no wind and clouds at all and 10°C temperature. It is might be only for a day or two but as long its here, we need to appreciate it! Nothing else is better to do so than a lovely spin in Ballinastoe.

We have arrived to the place quiet early, so the carpark has offered plenty of parking spots. After a quick preparation we were on the move with my friend Csaba. 

The mountain biker dudes! :)

The trails were wet and muddy but that was actually all right. The biggest issue was the fire roads were in very poor condition with very deep tyre marks and super deep mud in some places due to forest works. Sometimes the biggest challenge was just to cross the fire road from one side to another. You should see the place! Crazy!

We have spent 2 hours and 30 minutes on the bike today and finished 1 big loop and 2 small ones on the trails of Ballinastoe. It was such a nice spin, finally we could enjoy the taste of the spring for a little while.

The fire road - or whatever left behind the trucks...

Ready, steady, go! - Lets try to cross here...

The longer north-shore section

The end of the slippery surface

Lovely little drop at the end

Coming out from the forest

The last stop before we finished our spin for today

Thank you for my friend Csaba Horváth for the nice photos, good stuff!

Catlike Whisper Plus helmet

It was time to get a new helmet for myself and I've had my eyes on the Catlike Whisper Plus for a good while now. I think the priority is to have a safe and comfortable helmet, that is also light in the same time. And also important: you must like your helmet. It is a personal taste but the visual details (shape, color, design) are there as a secondary thing to think about when you buy a new helmet.This time the Catlike was my choice.

There are 3 different sizes available: S, M, L, and based on the size of my previous helmet (Specialized Decibel) I got the size S model. From many colors I've picked the green-black one. It came in a nice box with a spare insert panel which is very handy I think because sometimes they needs to be replaced. Saves me time and hassle for the future.Cool!

 

The weight of this helmet is 260g and it has 39 air intakes for the perfect ventillation. I think in Ireland I don't need to worry about the hight temperature but it should be cool to have air flowing through the shell at all times. The In-Mold technology is pritty normal with all the modern helmets but there is something else: Crash Energy Splitter design.

"This design is based in the conctrete location of the air intakes, so that any impact will share more than one nerve, splitting the crash energy among many points and absorbing the most efficient way."

The helmet has also a Low Nape Protection design that gives more protection to the back side of the head.

So it seems like this helmet is a very nice choice for both road cycling and mountain biking. It fits very well, I find it very comfortable for sure. But still let's trust in the best: I hope I will never need all these fancy designs to save my life...

Time to do interval training

In November, December and January I was training on the bike and also been running and did weight training as a part of my winter preparation for the racing season. But it is February now and it's time to focus 100% on the bike and start to do interval training to build up the strenght and climbing ability for the upcoming months.

This morning I picked one of my favorite tarmac climb that suits perfect for the planned interval training. This climb is the Ticknock climb. The start point was the bottom of the road (M50 bridge) and the finish was the top of the mountain where the road ends. I like this road because it's quiet enough with very little traffic. 

I have decided to do this climb 3 times in a row without any stop. And my secondary goal was to get the whole training done on the big ring (42T) on the front. I have changed to double chainring set up on the front not too long time ago and it still takes a bit of time to get use to the different gear ratios. 

Distance: 3.50 km 

Elevation: 350m
Total training: 10.5 km climb with 1050m ascent 

The profile of the 3.5 km climb from the M50 bridge up to the top.

So I have done the climb 3 times as it was planned and I could stay on the big ring for the whole time. I have spent 1 hour and 50 minutes on the bike this morning (including warm up, interval training and the way back home) and I have covered the distance of 35km.

I really enjoyed the spin and I can't wait for the spring with good weather and many-many XC racing! 

Biking Blitz Rd 1. (Wicklow Blitz) race report

When I looked out the window this morning I thought: "...this is gonna be a savage day..." The weather was very bad with extremely strong wind and rain. The temperature was nice and warm at least but I wasn't sure that would be enough for a good race day out in Ballinastoe.

I've arrived to the place well in time so I parked close to the start/finish area and collected my racing number. Little bit of preparation and it was time to get to the start line. 

I have entered the super pro category. We had to ride 1 big lap and 1 small lap around Ballinastoe trails. The start/finish area was right on the bottom of the fire road. It provided a great chance to settle into postition on the wide road before we hit the first technical decent.

12 o'clock sharp - START!!! 

I was lucky to start from the 2nd line so on the fire road climb I could get into my own comfortable pace and get ready for the first downhill section. We were doing a good speed and got the big lap done quiet quickly. 

The fire road was actually all right but the trails were very wet and muddy. All the rocks and roots were very slippery. Nice!

It was great to get closer and closer to the start/finish. There was this big old truck with proper music. The atmosphere was fantastic there! I could hear the music louder and louder in every second. Once I got to the finish line to start my second (small) lap I got brilliant cheer from my club mates (thanks to Adrian, Dave, Henry and John).

After I have passed them everything went quiet for a while again. Just the noise of the wheels in the mud... We have finished the second lap quickly as well and before I realized I was at the finish line. It's done! Great!

Distance: 20km

Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Result: 22nd out of 90 riders (full results)

Great turn out from the club, well done guys!

Thank you for Niall Davis and The Biking.ie for all the effort that takes to run an event like this. Very well organized!

                                         The riders before the start

                                    

Biking Blitz Round 1 coming up

The first off-road event of the year is just around the corner so it is time to get ready!

"The Biking Blitz spring series kicks off the 2011 bike season with events taking place nationwide. The series is set to offer a real challenge for all bikers with two categories to choose from; Baggy Shorts or Super Pro! Youth races will take place on the morning of each event. The course has been specially designed by international experts to challenge and thrill. So saddle up for the first time or put your winter training to the test at the 2011 Blitz."

Find the full details here.

It should be a great event to start the season with so I will see you there.

Map My Tracks - OutFront

I would like to introduce a very useful application for iPhones, it's called Map My Tracks - OutFront. I use the app for a couple of weeks now to track all the running trainings and the spins on the bike. I don't own any of the advanced navigation systems such as Garmin but I still prefer to know many additional information.

The app uses the phone's GPS service to locate the position and to calculate all the information in relation of the activity. It works with simple "Start - Stop" function and everything is recorded in between. It is quick to find your location and once it's done you can start the training. 

There is a long list of activities to choose from to be able to keep record in the future. I allways use the running - cycling - mountain biking modes but there is plenty more for everybody.

Recorded data:

- distance             - elevation start/finish

- duration              - total ascent/decent

- avarage pace      - map 2D/3D

- avarage speed   

- top speed

- fastest pace

- elevation gain/loss 

Other functions: 

       - real time activity playback (on map)                 - share activity (via e-mail)

I think this app is very useful thing to have on the iPhone and I am surprised a bit how good it is. I've had doubt about it for the first time but it's gone since I started to use it. The only little issue is if you are out for a long spin it will use most of the battery power so the phone has to be fully charged before you go.  

There is a free and paid version from the application store. I use the free version and it's more than perfect for my needs.