Well finally, after a long number of months’ hard work, through adverse weather, and with only a small number of casualties, (our trail Foreman Hugh plus one more worker were hit with “Man Flu”), the Mountain Bike Trail was finished and our inaugural Mountain Biking event “The Mad March Hare” took place on Sunday, 3 March.
The 60 strong group of riders, began the run by descending the steps at the top of the town and then continuing on the road for a short distance to begin the brutal ascent (which has now been named HELL) to the top of the trail. On top of the hill the fun and games began as riders crossed the mountain over every type of surface from grass, gravel, muck, timber boardwalks, bridges and rock gardens, you name it!!!
The pack was split as some riders decided to take on the trail for a second bite which demanded another trip through “Hell” with the pay off of heading back over the trail again. The final few kilometres led the riders over the red bridge and back down to the town to finish with another descent of the steps to finish in style.
We have to give praise to a few riders, namely Alan Lyttle who was the first man home and with a major handicap as his saddle fell off on the first lap, he did most of the race without it….. You don’t have to be nuts but it helps!! We also must mention our own Chairman John Boyle in second place as he was one of the main people who made the whole thing possible!
On behalf of Tír Chonaill GAP CC we would like to thank a number of people that helped make the event happen. Firstly and most importantly, to all the land owners over which the trail runs, they gave the club permission for it’s members to cross it. They have been most accommodating and for that we are in their debt.
Another very important sponsor was Doherty’s Timber, who donated 3 lorry loads of timber with which we built all the necessary bridges and crossings needed.
The Club would also like to thank:
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Francis Furey who collected stored and carried the timber at no charge, those who donated their vehicles and time at no cost, namely Michael Breslin, Brian Moore and Oliver Breslin all of whom did timber haulage and digger work with no question of pay.
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Niall Gallagher, Hugh McMahon, Aidan McCole and Owenea Trading for tools, nails, and much more by way of materials and time.
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Kieran Kennedy for providing signage.
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Sven Sjholm at the Mink Farm for providing mesh at no cost.
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The Comprehensive School for the shower facilities and Pat Ward for providing bike wash.
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The Donegal Mountain Bike Club for the loan of their start/finish arch, it made the whole thing look very impressive.
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Michael & Gerry at Inland Fisheries for the kind donation of the styles for crossing fences on the trail.
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Gerard Curran and Damian Diver of Divers Centra, Ardara for the sponsorship of the bananas and organising of sponsorship from, Dale Farm – €100, Britvic – Minerals, Tayto – Crisps and Coke Cola – minerals.
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Paddy in DSigns for sponsorship of the race numbers.
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Francis Houston and the Co-Op for sponsorship of lots of bits and pieces along the way!
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Costcutters, Glenties and Glenties Filling Station.
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Community Centre for the use of their facilities.
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All our excellent Marshalls, Photographers, and First Aid Team.
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The Gardaí for their help and providing cones and power.
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Spectators who came out to support the cyclists.
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The top class tea and backroom people who served up our hungry riders as they came back from the run.
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Finally to all the men/young fellas (too many to name) who worked tirelessly in preparing the trial for this event, without them this would not have happened. THANK YOU!
