The second and final round of the Chain Reaction Club Winter Series takes place at Moneyscalp Wood on Sunday 24 th February

Feb 08

The second and final round of the Chain Reaction Club Winter Series takes place at Moneyscalp Wood on Sunday 24 th February and a big turnout is expected for what is the last local competitive DH event before the Irish NPS season kicks in towards the end of March/start of April.

The first round attracted nearly 160 riders and the verdict was that it was a great event and CRC are hoping for an even bigger turnout for the second round. Praise has been fairly universal and with the possibility that the Killarney crew will make an appearance numbers will hopefully swell. The first round saw the appearance of MAD and other normally aspirated XC riders and it’s hoped that they will back in force again for this event. EPIC “Hero Member” Richie Byrne has threatened to dust down his trusty Orange and give his long time pal “Minister Sean Herlihy” a run for his money – that’ll be savage that will!

The first round saw some tight races and the second round will no doubt be the same with riders out to improve on their first round results. Watch out for the Vets cat with Carl “Banana man” Young and Colin Finlay looking to catch Stevie Davidson. With only 7 seconds separating the top 10 in the Sports cat this race is wide open and it’ll be no surprise if there is a new winner. It’s a similar story in the Seniors with Ciaran O'Donoghue taking the honours at the first round but with a number of riders sitting in his slipstream (metaphorically) he’ll be pushed all the way. Ian Mac will be hoping to catch Minister Herhily and the outcome of this cat may well be decided by the possible return to action of Joe Ward, Michael Cowan and newbie Master Dale McMullan. There’s a few riders hoping that both Michael and Dale are involved in the race organisation rather than racing! In the Juniors Ewan Doherty is still injured but rumour has it that Jason “sunflower” Murphy will be making the trip up which will spice up a cat that is likely to feature the same top 6 or 7 riders as last week with Greg Callaghan and Jonny McKee looking to move up the podium placings and threaten first round winner Seanan O’Riordan. In the Elites Dan Wolfe will hope to repeat his current form but he will be pushed all the way by brother Ger, Glyn OB, Steve Beattie and a host of other potential winners including local hero Gareth McKee. Other contenders, subject to their appearance of course are Colin Ross, Greg O’Keefe and Darren Quille who is waiting for parts for his Glory. It would be great to see another good turnout in the ladies and with a few missing from the first round – Michelle McCartney, Maeve Baxter, Joanne McCallum and Abigail Hogg, the future is looking good….hope I haven’t spoken too soon!

The course itself will not be the same as the first round with some changes being made within the limitations of the forest itself. Please note that riders who don’t have a complete licence , a valid receipt from cycling Ireland or a letter from their club secretary that their licence has been paid for, will need to buy a day licence . All under age riders (under 18) must ensure that a parental consent form has been completed and either sent to Cycling Ireland or given to the race officials on race day

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 Marshals who have no connection with a rider will be paid the equivalent of an entry fee. All Marshals will be provided with a “high viz” vest, whistle and munchie bag.

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.

All riders are asked to note that there are some changes to the sign on, practice and start times and these are detailed below. There is also a change to the day licence fee for U14/U16 and Junior riders. The organisers have been informed that U14/U16 riders must pay a €5/£3.50 fee and Juniors a €15/£10 fee rather than the €5 previously charged. Please note that this is not the organisers’ decision but is consistent with day licence fees in other cycling disciplines. All riders are also asked to provide details at sign on of any club, sponsor, team that he/she is representing so that the details can be included in the race reports and give the clubs, sponsors, teams a well deserved mention.

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). U14/U16 €5 or £3.50*

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 – 10.30am (please note change of time from 1 st round!)

Practice: 9.00am – 11.45am- ish

1st run 12.00pm – 1.30pm * (again please note earlier 1 st race run time)

2nd run 1.30pm – 3.30pm * * dependant on number of entries.

Please note that this is a one day event and there will only be Medical Assistance available on Sunday 24th February. 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.