Chain Reaction Cycling Club Winter Series 2008

Round 1 – Moneyscalp (Sunday 10 th February)

Round 2 – Moneyscalp (Sunday 24 th February)

Jan 08

It’s that time of the year again when bikes that have haven’t turned a wheel in competitive anger in months are brought out of mothballs, dusted down and given some TLC in anticipation of the now legendary Winter Series. No doubt there’ll also be some dusting down of some ill prepared bodies, creaks and groans of joints and muscles.

The 2008 Winter League makes a welcome return to DH itinerary and for all the detractors about its race locations and courses there’s still plenty of riders just itching to get on their bikes and test their skills. Some see the Winter Series as being just a bit of fun, but I betcha they’re giving it their all, whilst some see it as a good training ground for the forthcoming NPS. Moneyscalp, the traditional home of the Winter Series once again hosts the two race series and although it may be considered old hat it’s a good starter for the season and ideal for those riders making their first foray into DHing. It can’t be all that bad when most of Ireland top riders make an appearance, with over 160 riders turning out for the first round last year, including the top Irish Elite and Junior riders coming from as far as Killarney and Cork to compete on the wee course.

The Winter Series is usually a good indicator of who has been training during the off season, who’s in the running for NPS glory and it’s a good showcase for all the new shiny bikes and bling that have been purchased during the winter months…..not that winter has gone. Old friendships and rivalries will be resumed and some riders will move into new categories for the first time. We don’t know of course who will turn up but if it’s the “usual suspects” then expect to see the Wolfe Boys, Rory O’Keefe, Stevo Beattie, Tom Power, Glyn OB (if he doesn’t move to the Masters!) and hopefully Ben Reid in action in the Elite category with the young pretenders in the junior category – Seanan O’Riordan, Jason Murphy, Jonny McKee, Colin Franklin and Ewan Doherty snapping at their heels and hoping to snatch fastest time of the day from the big boys. All of the categories have their part to play in making the Winter Series the fun “competitive” event that it is and there’s no doubt that the competition, rivalry and standard in the Seniors, Sports, Ladies, Masters, U16, U14, Vets and Super Vets will be as high as ever! Some of the riders moving from Senior to Elite and from U16 to Junior and U14 to U16 will make a big impact in their cats and give the “established” riders a run for their money.

The races – the two rounds will be held at Moneyscalp most likely over different courses and the CRC Club are currently busy identifying as challenging a course as possible. The categories are the same as last year and you will already have noted that there will also be a Super Vets cat for those over the age of 50. The CRC Club are keen to promote safety and supervision and to that end are offering free entry to any rider who provides a Marshall for the duration of the event – in this case 1 day that includes both the race and practice. Voluntary Marshalls who have no connection with a rider will be paid the equivalent of an entry fee. All Marshalls will be provided with a “high viz” vest and whistle. There will be race site toilet facilities available and the organisers hope to have a catering outlet available.

At the end of each event there will be a prize ceremony for the top 3 in each cat – nothing fancy and really designed to keep the younger riders motivated….as well as some of the older riders!

The CRC Club would like to remind all riders and spectators that the race is on Forestry Service land and as DHing relies heavily on the FS for race venues it is important that the positive relationship that has been built up by the race organisers is not jeopardised by leaving litter in the forest. You are also reminded that mini bikes and the like are not permitted under any circumstances. Parking is also at a premium so please park your vehicles sensibly and allow local traffic easy access so that the event doesn’t unnecessarily attract the attention of the PSNI and the dreaded parking tickets.

Entry Fees (and age to category guidelines)**

Elite/Senior/Ladies/Masters/Vets/Super Vets/Sport - €20 or £15

Elite/Senior/Sports (aged 18+) Masters (30+ in current year) Vets (40+) Super Vets (50+)

Junior/U16/U14 - €15 or £10

Junior (born in 1990/1991) U16 (born in 1992/1993) U14 (born in 1994/1995)

** If you need help or advice on what category you should be in either by age or ability please speak to the CRC Team on race day and they will advise.

Race licence (day) €15 or £10 (price set Cycling Ireland)

If you intend to race regularly consider an annual licence – it can work out cheaper, particularly for younger riders. The licence fees are available on the Cycling Ireland WEBSITE

Time Table

Sign on: 9.00am – 11.00am

Practice: 9.00am – 12.00pm

1 st run 12.30pm – 2.00pm*

2 nd run 2.00pm – 4.00pm* * dependant on number of entries.

Please note that this is a one day event and there will only be Medical Assistance available on Sunday 10 th February and Sunday 24 th February respectively. There will be no uplifts and no one will be allowed on the course on race days without having first signed on and having their race number attached to their bike – no sign on means no insurance and no medical cover!

Accommodation HERE

Tollymore Forest Park is close by and has good shower facilities – Tel. (0044) (028) 4372 2428

Weather

As usual with it being winter we can almost predict it to be raining, although things could change. keep an eye of the weather for Moneyscalp HERE!

Directions

Moneyscalp is outside Newcastle close to Bryansford, MultiMap Link HERE. If stuck for directors try the AA route planner for details.