Off road cycling

Off-road cycling is the fastest growing sector of cycling world-wide and at a local level all aspects are catered for:  These include:

• Mountain biking (MTB XCO) - Usually held in forests, woods or abandoned quarries these races offer a wide variety of terrain from fast, flat courses through trees and undergrowth to short, sharp climbs and steep downhills.  The surface is normally gravel, concrete, pine needle, tree roots, rocks, and/or occasional mud and MTB "knobbly" tires would be recommended.  These races do cater for all types of rider, with the full selection of junior levels: 
• Under 8, 
• Under 10, 
• Under 12, 
• Under 14 and 
• Under 16
  
  and for the adults the categories are: 
• Sports (which is the beginners level or "fun" level - age 16+), 
• Expert (for better riders aged 16 - 30), 
• Masters (for riders aged 30 -40), 
• Vets (40+) and 
• Super Vets (50+).   
  
  
• Trailquest (MTB TQ) - This is off-road adventure, where you work as a team and try to complete a series of "quests" to locate markers left in certain out-of-the-way places cleverly dreamt up by the organisers.  At least one of your party should be able to read a map and the winners are those who complete the "quest" in the shortest time.  Normally held during the winter, these trailquests are a great way to stay in shape and socialise with like minded people.
  
  
• Downhill (MTB DH) - For the more daredevil rider, this disciple is simply about how fast you can complete a downhill course.  You get two runs and the fastest rider wins.  This particular type of montainbiking  is driving the cycling industry in terms of engineering requirements as it really pushes both bike and rider.  Not for the faint hearted!
  
  
• Cyclo Cross (CX) - A cross-country cycling race which will have both "on-road" and "off-road" sections in which riders can either use a specifically designed cyclo-cross bicycle, a road bicycle with cyclo-cross tires or a mountain bike.  The course is usually made up of a number of laps around a short circuit and in at least one place the rider will have to dismount and carry his/her bicycle over an obstacle.  The races are normally organised during the winter months and, as there are no categories of riders, the start line usually has anything from 50 to 100 riders lined up.  Great fun!
  

If you are interested in any of the above, why not check out our forum (http://dromaracc.proboards59.com) and have a read at some of the race reports.
 
If you would like to come along and spectate at one of the races then please check out www.cyclingulster.com for details of the forthcoming events.   If you do come along please feel free to speak to any member of the Dromara club and he/she will welcome the opportunity to answer your questions.

If you feel like having a go then all you would need is:
1) A bicycle fit for purpose (feel free to put a post on the forum if you want advise on this),
2) A well fitting helmet,
3) A cycling licence.  These are available as a single day licence from the event organisers or you can purchase a yearly licence.  Feel free to contact our club secretary Trevor on 07714 382158 or dromaracc@audanet.com for more details.  This licence includes insurance so it is essential.
4) Entry fee.  This can be between £5 and £15 depending on the race type.  This information is usually available with details of the race location, directions etc

And that is it.  Sure you can splash out on fancy lycra but this is off-road cycling and for those new to cycling and who wish to "have-a-go" you should wear clothes that
a) Do not interfere with the mechanics of the bicycle (no flared trousers!), and
b) Are comfortable enough for you to enjoy your cycling.

If you feel you would like to join our club then Trevor would be your best point of contact.  For a mere £10 you will receive the benefits of:
a) Invites to join our club cycling runs,
b) Updates by email from Trevor of any upcoming racing and socialising events,
c) An opportunity to purchase our club colours (jerseys, shorts, winter tops) which could
d) Get you lots of vocal support at any event you attend.

I hope the above has answered your questions but if you would like more information then please feel free to ask.

Martin
01-07-2007