Team WORC Corkagh Cyclocross, Kingswood, Co. Dublin – Sun 26th Nov 2007

I had a good ride in this cross race. My first cross race of the season, and dispite a cold, been totally knackered from GC, and a hangover (Christmas party time), I still managed to pull 2nd out of the bag. A group of 4 of us stayed together, until Robin attacked on the 5th lap, I kinda went at the same time and dropped Philip and young gun Paul.

I gotta start thinking about the nationals now, not too far away. The field was a bit depleted at this race, so I gotta raise my game if I want to finish top 5! Another cross race next Saturday in Rostrevor, a classic venue.

Images
http://imbrc.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=26&g2_itemId=5115

3rd place finisher Phil and I take a bend

Cheater and winner Robin jumps the boards!

Gran Canaria winter week, Tue 13th Nov 2007

I have been looking forward to this trip for months! 9 of us headed off to Gran Canaria for some winter sun biking. 4 hours on a plane, no jetlag, temperatures in the high 20s every day, and incredible trails. It does not get much better than this!

The highlight of the trip was the 2, 7 hour epics back to back. We headed from the coast on the south of the island offroad to very near the top, and rode some incredible trails to finally descend from the Tamadaba national park on a new trail. We stayed overnight in Agaete and cycled home the next day.

25 hours of actual biking time in the week, and I am shelled! I have my march trip booked already, cant wait!!

Images

http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/GranCanaria2007

Videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as24ByJVQEw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n9ksvRASJ4

Recent fires have charred the landscape

Robin riding lava at 1800 mtrs

Craig on sandman, watch the drop!!

Djouce Trail Challenge, Djouce Woods, Co. Wicklow – Sun 11th Nov 2007

A short event, 18km on Djouce woods best singletracks. More of a leisure event than a race, but as I know the trails so well, I could not miss the opportunity to hit them at full pace. As the elites were ‘encouraged’ not to start, I had few challengers. Got the hole shot into the first singletrack and led the 100 riders from there, finishing over 2 minutes ahead of 2nd place super junior, Paul ??.

The course was incredible, 100% dry (a rarity at anytime of the year), all classic singletrack descending with some new features added in. Well done to Robin and all Team WORC for putting on an excellent event. Robin wants to grow the event and double the size of the route, and hopefully the entry.

Well done to all the other finishers too.

Full tilt on 'XTC'

Mark on his new Vertex

Roc D'Azur 2007 - France

We all got back from the Roc a couple of weeks ago. 140,000 spectators and 14,000 riders make this the biggest MTB event in the world. This is the typical end of year race for all the euro riders, so there is a relaxed atmosphere and everyone is in good form. Sunshine in October is a bonus.

I was entered in 2 races, the Marathon (Friday - 87km) and the Roc (Sunday – 57km).

I had a good ride in both races, 50^th in the marathon out of 1500. I broke my chain towards the end of the race, bummer. Top 40 was on the cards there. In the Roc I finished 94^th out of 4400, good ride. Lots of top guys there so happy enough.

Well done to the rest of the guys, too many results to mention!

We stayed right on the beech part of the course, in an incredible villa, great pool and bbq, perfect. Lots of relaxing too. All the WAGS came down, 1 week of sun and sea, followed by the odd 4 hours of pain. The event also hosts the largest French trade show, so it was good to see all the 2008 gear.

Incredible event, so much going on, so many MTB riders, great atmosphere. We will be back!!!

The start!

Big and Big on the steep climb

Paddy givin it loads

Job done!

Relax time!

Race
http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/Roc2007RacePics
http://picasaweb.google.com/karenenglish1/RocDAzur2007

General
http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/Roc2007RacePics
http://picasaweb.google.com/ev.ryan/ROC_2007
http://picasaweb.google.com/paddydaly77/Roc200702

Djouce spin - Aug 2007

Some pics from a recent spin to Djouce, near Enniskerry. Mark, Craig and I did the 4 hour loop from Dublin, real nice spin, and good weather considering the terrible summer we had!

Powerscourt water fall

Lough Tay

Images
http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/DjouceAug2007