For the best MTB information you should check the site http://www.irishxcmtb.com which provides Cross-Country Mountainbike information, including Race Calendar, Results, News etc..

Details of all the races, like the 7th Round of the XC NPS (National Points Series) that will be held by MADMTB on 3Rock, Sunday 14th June can be found there.

Full details, as well as online registration is here:
http://www.irishxcmtb.com/2009/05/30/madmtb-present-nps-round-7-14th-june/

For the ladies – the race categories are:

Ladies (typically for beginners/ girls with limited MTB experience – usually entails 2 laps of an approx 20-30 min course)

Elite Ladies (typically advanced riders with significant experience – usually entails 4-5 laps of an approx 20-30 min course)

…and there’s also the Under Age categories that the younger girls can race in.

For more information contact Fergal Kilkenny, Editor IrishXCMTB.com and Offroad Commission XC Race co-ordinator, Secretary http://www.madmtb.com

Over the coming months we will be organising several informal spins for beginners. All women are welcome, regardless of ability. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills under the expert guidance of International Riders Jenny McCauley and Beth McCluskey. The sessions will be fun, and can be as tough or easy as you want to make them. Keep an eye out in our news section for the spins – and feel free to come along, once you have ticked the below checklist!!!

Note that these are informal gatherings – riders are not covered by insurance, unless they have a Cycling Ireland Licence.

You need a mountain bike in good working order – make sure it has the knobbly tyres on it!!!

Helmets are compulsory – and warm gloves.

Given the weather lately… make sure you wear warm clothes!

Bring spare tubes for a mountain bike.

Make sure you have plenty food and drink.

And most importantly – a sense of humour, and a couple of Euro for coffee after!!!

If you do not have a mountain bike and are interested in coming along – contact us at queries@womenscycling.ie and we will organise something. Mick Jordan from Cycle Inn hires out bikes, and if the numbers are low we might have spares.

During the summer months Jenny and Beth are running easy MTB spins for beginners. These are based in the Dublin/Wicklow area and an ideal and fun way to try out mountain biking.

Check out our posts on mountain biking related news for women here