SLAUGHTER XV 2021

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Great turnout today with special guests Herr Power and Mr Sportive.com Oisin . Rossi reps Hugh , John and Gerry . Marchin and Nico ( apologies if spelt wrong) . Ann Duffy was on the mountain before all of us , nothing new there . Colin and Brendan also made cameo appearances .

The forecast was spot on and we stayed dry all day . There was a bit of mist at the top which miraculously disappeared as soon as we got to the top.

Gerry and John found the pace challenging on Sallys but hung in nevertheless . Chris and Paddy were sent on a wild goosechase by Doc L who still doesn’t now the route after many years , so they headed up fiddlers first and had time for a nap waiting for us to get round by Sallys .

Rowan got sent home for bad behaviour after two laps , apparently he is now drinking some lesser form of beer than Carlsberg 😉 .

The third lap is always the hardest by Tunnel/mast , despite this there were plenty of clear rounds . It has to be said a fair few hikers as well . We lost Herr Power on the way down Fern Gully and a search party had to be despatched . He was deflated when found but soon back in the groove.

The last lap up the switchbacks is always a sufferfest , however today took this to new levels with greasy roots and rocks preventing anything even approaching a clear round out of the question .

19 finishers might be a record? Great day had by all and hopefully gravel bikes put away for a while and get back with regular Saturday MTB .

SLAUGHTER XV

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SLAUGHTER XV (2021)Its looking like Saturday 16th October 9 am, so loads of time to train 🙂 .

Starting point forest office .

A Reminder*It is NOT a race , not even a sportive , nor a challenge . If you want any of these see Mr McMahon .

* At the risk of boring you let me just reiterate and apologise in advance for shouting IT IS NOT A RACE.

*It IS a group cycle, consider it a long day out on the bike. If you are fast go down to the back and encourage someone, don’t spend half a hour waiting at the top getting cold and grumpy.

*There is no entrance fee and hence no support , insurance ,food , t-shirt,medal, buff , plastic bag full of sh*te or any responsibility taken, although we would (usually) consider it bad form to leave someone behind.

*It is a hard day out both for you and the bike . Make sure both are well prepared and have adequate spares/tubes/food etc.

*Because its four loops you can leave most food etc at the bottom as you will pass on each loop.

*Leave no Trace …at all, bar your tyre print .There are no markers or signs ..just keep up!

*Wear a helmet ( the only rule) ,in fact bar the helmet we are quite happy for you to be totally naked . This is NOT because we care about you or for your safety in any way , its just we don’t like the sight of blood ! Similarly ,If you feel you might need a first aid kit bring one along.

*Respect other mountain users , walkers /runners , because we might be a big group especially on the descents..remember point 1.

*When in pain ..SMILE .

*Grumpy cyclists need not apply ( with the exception of Kenny)

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COVID Slaughter 2020

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Covid -Slaughter 2020

Apologies to those of you who might have wanted to do this but in view of COVID we though it better not to advertise the event.

As far as my failing memory tells me this was the 12th Slieve Martin Slaughter. Four ascents of said peak by four different routes. About 47 K with over 2200 metres of elevation. The weather had been pre-booked and I even arranged for the tide to be in at the end for a swim.

The route can be found here for those who might want to try it .

Ann, Eamon attended for the first loop as did 100%, Tim had a sick note as did herself, Peter had a work note. John (SCO), PS , the two Brian’s , Michael, Shane , Kenny and COC . The legal eagle turned up ON TIME probably only as BG dragged him and his bike remained whole for the entire event. BG had the only mechanical and no punctures.

Fabulous weather with the mountain dry, too many clean rounds to mention. I’m told we will have to do it again this year to facilitate herself and Tim 😮

Some nice photos…. this music says it all .

Corona Saturday

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Only the gruesome twosome today with some off on a “gentle 120mile spin” with Doc L , good luck with that . Others in isolation perhaps or more likely in bed .

So no need to impose the Corona rules :

1 No sharing Jelly Babies which will please Kenny immensely

2. No sharing water bottles ( as if we every did)

3. Snot to the rear please

4. 2 metres separation: I have to say I never had. any trouble with this rule where most cyclists are concerned , my problem is keeping within 200m

Today a simple lap of the Red trails , met NO cyclists ( unless you count the Rossi Technical Director) and only one or two walkers.

Keep safe all

New Year Resolutions

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We were delighted to welcome Ross today , whether he will ever come back again is another matter as we did a reasonable ( 920m) climbing , although I can hear Mr Power tutting even as I type. The off piste was challenging also as John (SCO) and PS discovered . John seemed to be attempting to customize his hip and Paul went for full flight mode. Peter returned from his winter break so perhaps those annoying photos of snow and skiing etc will stop now. It was a beautiful day even if a bit nippy with some ice . There was much talk of weight loss , training and plans for the year ahead , Mizen-Malin , and WAW amongst them

Route was Burma , Sallys , reverse post , Cairn (#cairnuary) , Knockshee , Fallow corner , tunnel , mast , Cairn again , and home by Glen. Peter and Paddy headed off for more punishment as expected.