überdog magazine - Vol1 Issue 4 by überdog magazine

Free Competition

Ireland’s Only All Covering Extreme Leisure Magazine

To Win An Animal Watch

NEW! RIDERS NEWS

Road Race News From All Around Ireland

ROCK CLIMBING New Feature On Climbing In The North Starts This Issue

& MORE

MORE MOUNTAINBIKE ACTION THAN EVER BEFORE!

AUGUST

1997 ISSUE NO.4 PRICE

£1.95

UK & EIRE USA $3.95

PRODUCED BY PACESETTER PUBLICATIONS U NIT 45C DUNGANNON ENTERPRISE CENTRE

Suppliers of Quality Outdoor A d v e n t u re E q u i p m e n t

DUNGANNON TYRONE BT71 6JT

TEL (01868) 723489 FAX (01868)726346 • PRINTED BY G RAHAM & H ESLIP LTD BELFAST (01232) 494949 • E DITOR & STOMACH U LCER ROBERT DOHERTY • MTB CORRESPONDENT ANDY LAVERTY • ROAD R ACE CORRESPONDENT COLM WATSON • TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER N IGEL FARQUHAR TEL: (016937) 72851 • TEAM JOURNALIST (ASSISTANT STOMACH U LCER) RUTH M ULLIGAN • THE MAN I N THE MOURNES PAUL MCCULLOUGH • ROCK (FM) CORRESPONDENTS & BUNNY SPANKERS IAIN WALKER DAVID MCMONAGLE • S URFING CORRESPONDENTS RICHARD FITZGERALD ANDY H ILL • S PELL C HECKING STEVIE WONDER • S OURCES OF I NSPIRATION ELASTOMERS, LATEX & LYCRA, MONTY PYTHON, AN OVERDRAFT, I MPENDING SUCCESS, SUNSHINE AND CHERRY M ENTHOL TOBACCO

• MANY THANKS FOR H ELPING G ET #4 TO PRESS: J IMMY MCCANN, KEVIN OATES, ALAN WRIGHT, MYLES MCCORRY, CHRIS M URRAY, ALAN CARUTH, DAVE, DAVE, DAVE, ZOOT, DOC’S LITTLE H ELPERS, ALL OUR ADVERTISERS AND SUPPORTERS.

43 Arthur Street, Belfast

Tel: 01232 236016 Always One Step Ahead!

TA VERY M UCH, LET’S DO IT ALL AGAIN SOME TIME!

FRONT PAGE PICTURE ANDY LAV AT MONEYSCALP PHOTOGRAPGH BY N IGEL FARQUHAR

Editorials from the far side . . . . . . . . .2 Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 MTB News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Mud and Mayhem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Hock Aye The Noo! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Shaken Not Stirred . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 The Down Of All Downhills . . . . . . . . .18 Moneyscalp XC - NI Round 2 . . . . . . . .22 Gate Bashing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Mexican Magic! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 You Bought Me What? . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Riders News Goings On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Evans On Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Graham Eases Into Retirement . . . . . .36 The Ulster Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Morgan Out Foxes McCann . . . . . . . . .40 Club Call #1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Glyn’s Gardening Feature . . . . . . . . . .42 Mid Summer Science . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Surf Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Club Call #2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Anti-Gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 You Wanna BMX? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Extreme Diving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Adrenaline Is Brown! . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Sport Climbing In Buoux . . . . . . . . . .57 Climbing In The Alps . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 This Must Be Underwater Love! . . . . .60

PRODUCED BY PACESETTER PUBLICATIONS U NIT 45C DUNGANNON ENTERPRISE CENTRE

Suppliers of Quality Outdoor A d v e n t u re E q u i p m e n t

DUNGANNON TYRONE BT71 6JT

43 Arthur Street, Belfast

Tel: 01232 236016 Always One Step Ahead!

TA VERY M UCH, LET’S DO IT ALL AGAIN SOME TIME!

FRONT PAGE PICTURE ANDY LAV AT MONEYSCALP PHOTOGRAPGH BY N IGEL FARQUHAR

Well here we are again, another issue and another notch in the post. Various things have to be noted this month, namely the significant increase in überdogs contributing to the magazine. First up is Colm Watson who’s going to keep us all up to date about the world of the road cyclist, see the panel to the right, and Nigel Farquhar who is going to be supplying us photographs which are so sharp a lad could do Himself some damage with them, see Snapper below. Other contributors go by the name of Iain and Dave Rock (FM) correspondents and Bunny Spankers. Not rock as in Status Quo rock but as in the hard, hurty stuff. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a regular, light hearted and serious look at the local rock climbing and mountaineering scene. überdog welcomes you all. The response überdog is getting lately is awe inspiring. The magazine may be printed on paper and card, but it’s backbone is certainly you the reader. Everything the mag set out to do, including giving local

readers local news as opposed to the mainland news we are fed all the time through their mainstream publications, it seems to be achieving. Keep the comments coming in, except for you Mr. P. McNeil of Newcastle, Co. Down, you Sir can stuff your comments where the sun don’t shine! See Ya All Soon

Doc!

WINNERS Past readers who have fell anonymously into good luck include

Robert McNeil of Belfast

Who won the ‘Not Just Sport £50 voucher’ “Stroke the Nipple Contest” in Issue 2 and

Colin Ross of Cushendall

Who won last month’s Troggs supplied wetsuit!

IMPORTANT FILL THIS IN AND POST IT NOW!

Are you interested in that minority of sports that include BMX, skateboards and inline skates? If so, überdog magazine is trying to organise a register of names and addresses of everyone in Ireland with similar interests and that’s where you come in! Simply fill in the totally no obligation form below and post it to the usual address (found on page one) and your name will be added to a long list of others, which then can be used in future to put a bit of weight behind arguments to get ramps, parks and areas built. Also with your name on the list you are liable to be notified about any forthcoming events in your area. So let’s get organised, get your name on the form today and get it in the post. Even if you have only a minor interest, your name is still important. Many Thanks, The Editor.

✁

überdog magazine is trying to organise a Canoe expedition around Lough Erne in late September or early October. The trip will entail two days on the water, stopping of and camping on one of the many remote islands in the lough over night. The boats used will be canadian (open, as in the film Deliverance) canoes supplied by the Lakeland Canoe Centre, Enniskillen. To attend this festival of adventure you should be over 16, possess an ability to swim or float, not be a big Jesse afraid of a bit of hard graft, be able to make your own way to and from Enniskillen and be reasonably fit and healthy. Experience in paddling is not necessary. Having your own tent, sleeping bag and water proof clothing would also be handy (I hear those Islands can get mighty cold at night). Cost for the two days has still to be announced, but it is hardly likely to be bank breaking. The trip is going to be used as a feature in überdog promoting the benefits of Lough Erne as one of the best lake land areas in the whole of Europe right on our door step. So far about ten people have put their name to the adventure, so the craic will be mighty. If you are interested in the above adventure and think you mind and soul could benefit from a couple of days paddling around in harmony with your surroundings, contact: The Editor - überdog magazine

The name SCHAUFF will ring few bells among mountain bikers in Ireland, but the German company produce some very impressive bikes, with seriously small price tags. The hurricane XT range starts at just £769.00 for a full XT group set and Tange Prestige frame. Call Gar y at Armstrong Bike Dock 01232 371269 for more details.

ou may already have noticed some changes in this issue of Uberdog but the biggest has been the welcome addition of the extremely popular road racing Newsletter, Riders News, which has been written, edited, published and circulated by VC Glendale’s Colm Watson.

(Get your replys in before the end of September, PLEASE)

Triathlon Next issue überdog magazine will be doing a feature on Duathlons and triathlons. Anybody with any views or comments, or even material and photographs, contact the Editor at überdog 01868 723489.

Snapper

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................................................

BMX (Flatland Star) ❑

BMX (Ramp bandit) ❑

Skateboarder ❑

InLiner ❑

If there were competitions in my field I would enter: All the time ❑

Some times ❑

Once or twice ❑

Never ❑

✁

I am ( mainly ) a : BMX (trackster) ❑

Colm is a road racer of some note, having 15 years experience on the competition scene, and a more than capable mountain bike racer, regularly finishing in the top ten of the selected cross country races that he has participated in. The inclusion of his Rider’s News into Uberdog has come about due to repeated requests from Bike Shops that stock überdog to expand it’s remit to facilitate all cyclists. With Rider’s News being the definitive and only source of local news and races, incorporating it into Uberdog was the only logical way of pleasing the punter. Colm’s style of writing concentrates on the humourous side of the sport but his articles are no less incisive due to that. He will be very welcome here at Uberdog, we hope you enjoy his efforts as much as his already dedicated followers have and will continue to in it’s new, improved format.

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date Of Birth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

You may notice a significant improvement in some of the photographs used to illustrate the Downhill Race reports in this issue. These photographs are the handiwork of Warrenpoint’s Nigel Farquhar, a member of the Apollo Party Team. The quality of Nigel’s photographs is superb and whilst he won’t be making a living from it, he will be selling the photos at race meetings. Nigel will be taking pictures at all of the Downhill races and he will endeavour to get every competitor in the frame on at least one of their runs. Thanks to Nigel for very generously letting us use his work to take überdog to another level in our quest to be the best sports magazine in Ireland. Why not support him and give him a few quid for his art!

Maybe ❑

No ❑

How do you think überdog could help the sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................................................

überdog magazine wishes all the best of luck to Cecil, who has ran the Cycle Shop for over ten years, in any of his future endeavours. Sure to become a more regular face at all the races now he has a bit of time on his hands! Watch out in a future issue of überdog for any information on new developments happening in the new shop. The Cycle Shop is possibly Northern Ireland’s oldest bicycle shop having been established over 110 years ago.

A Free Competition To Win An

ANIMAL S PORTS WATCH

Surf Mountain - Animal Watch Competition Entry Form

courtesy of

SURF MOUNTAIN This month überdog magazine has teamed up with Surf Mountain, the biggest and best local watersport & mountainsport specialist, to bring you our humble reader a chance of winning an Animal Sports Watch (RRP£69.95). The shop with the most diverse range of outdoor adventure products in the known galaxy has given all you mere mortals a chance to elevate yourselves up one more rung on the ladder of cool by offering you the opportunity to acquire this orgasmic prize by simply naming the logos below. Cut out the form opposite, fill in the names of the companies or shops that relate to the appropriate logo, stick a stamp on it and whack it in the post, simple! All correct answers will go into a big red sock and one lucky reader will soon be telling the time in the trickest way about.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SURF MOUNTAIN PRODUCTS CONTACT: 12 Brunswick Street, Belfast . . (01232) 248877 102 Main Street, Bangor . . . . . (01247) 453888 15 Castle Street, Lisburn . . . . . (01846) 667171 Rules: No multiple entries, no cheating, no tacky photocopies. No entries from Surf Mountain Staff (Yes that means you Mark and Stewart) or their grannies. No bribes under £40 considered (articles of girls underwear will however) No entries from anyone called Dwayne and no, you can’t change the prize for something else. Surf Mountain’s decision is final. If over the age of 3 do not use crayon and don’t drool over the girl.

Logo ( A )

GERMAN WORD OF THE MONTH: PART 4

Götterdämmerung

the twilight of the gods. Their ultimate destruction in a battle with the forces of evil.

Specialized and Kona. Between the two shops the arsenal of products will now include Specialized, GT, Kona, Klein, Orange, Trek, Gary Fisher, Fat Chance, Pace, Syncros, Yeti, Hot Chili, Rock Shox and Many More.

✁

Logo ( B )

I would be interested in helping organise and help my sport Yes ❑

he Cycle Shop in Lisburn is now under new ownership. As of Monday the 4th of August the new proprietor will be Derek Armstrong of the already well established MTB shop, the Armstrong Bike Dock, Belfast. Derek and family intend to run the two shops in tandem with each shop stocking different brands and accessories, although a computer link between the two establishments will let them know at the touch of a button if something not available in one branch is available in the other. They are planning to keep on the Cycle Shop brands such as

Welcome

Unit 45c - Dungannon Enterprise Centre Dungannon Co. Tyrone - BT71 6JT

Telephone Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

New Owner T

✁

TWO MONTHS IN THE LIFE OF A MAGAZINE

Tasty, tasty. Very, very tasty! New into McConveys Cycles and other bike shops this month, these beautifully sculpted hubs from Goldtec. Sure to be a instant hit with all the gadget brigade, these hubs offer one of the smoothest bearing assemblies about, going as far as to use the word ‘frictionless’ in their literature! They come in a range of colours (for those of you watching in black and white, the above ones are blue!) and sting your wallet (or purse) for a not unreasonable £50 front and £110 rear. For more details contact Paul on 01232 491163.

Anyone Interested In A Little Canoe Adventure?

Logo ( C )

Logo ( D )

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: 23rd September 1997

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................................... Day time phone no. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Age: under 16 ❑ under 25 ❑ over 25 ❑ Main interest in life: Rock Climbing ❑ Hill walking ❑ Surf/Bodyboarding ❑ other ❑ (specify) . . . . . . . . Tie breaker: In 15 words or under tell us just what makes Surf Mountain such a cool shop! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................................... ......................................... NAME THE LOGOS: I think logo A is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I think logo B is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I think logo C is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I think logo D is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If you don’t want your details added to our own private mailing list tick here ❑

Doc!

WINNERS Past readers who have fell anonymously into good luck include

Robert McNeil of Belfast

Who won the ‘Not Just Sport £50 voucher’ “Stroke the Nipple Contest” in Issue 2 and

Colin Ross of Cushendall

Who won last month’s Troggs supplied wetsuit!

IMPORTANT FILL THIS IN AND POST IT NOW!

✁

(Get your replys in before the end of September, PLEASE)

Snapper

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................................................

BMX (Flatland Star) ❑

BMX (Ramp bandit) ❑

Skateboarder ❑

InLiner ❑

If there were competitions in my field I would enter: All the time ❑

Some times ❑

Once or twice ❑

Never ❑

✁

I am ( mainly ) a : BMX (trackster) ❑

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date Of Birth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Maybe ❑

No ❑

How do you think überdog could help the sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................................................

A Free Competition To Win An

ANIMAL S PORTS WATCH

Surf Mountain - Animal Watch Competition Entry Form

courtesy of

Logo ( A )

GERMAN WORD OF THE MONTH: PART 4

Götterdämmerung

the twilight of the gods. Their ultimate destruction in a battle with the forces of evil.

✁

Logo ( B )

I would be interested in helping organise and help my sport Yes ❑

Welcome

Unit 45c - Dungannon Enterprise Centre Dungannon Co. Tyrone - BT71 6JT

Telephone Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

New Owner T

✁

TWO MONTHS IN THE LIFE OF A MAGAZINE

Anyone Interested In A Little Canoe Adventure?

Logo ( C )

Logo ( D )

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: 23rd September 1997

Canoe First To Be Attempted immy McCann, the man responsible for the canoeing article in the may issue (Hoots Mon, There’s Water In The Brook!) is not only a talented writer, this man is responsible for bringing a little excitement and new experiences into many a young adult’s life in the SELB area. Jimmy has been working as a Outdoor Education instructor for the Southern Education and Library Board for 16 years. He is a qualified instructor in canoeing, mountaineering, orienteering, archery, judo, powerboat and R.S.A. foundation.(So Jimmy, do you have to be able to eat a lot of MARS bars and drink Lucozade for this job?) Some older people, like myself, from the SELB area may remember the Canoeing Centre at Carnteel and the White Lough where Jimmy was based before it burned down.In his job his aim is not just to teach the skills for outdoor pursuits, but

For get Paris, Rome and Milan, überdog is the new fashion Central! Aye right. We’ve got some great finds that can be sniffed, tracked down, drooled upon touched and then exchanged for dosh at Jackson’s Sports, Belfast. It was here we found our two must-haves, can’t live without items for the summer. Firstly Dir ty Dog Sunglasses (Jackson’s being the only stockist of this brand in Ireland) an exciting and sought after brand in the States and New Zealand and soon to be over here. From sporty wrap arounds with zero die distortion to classy, clubbing shades. Price range from £45 -65 and frames are either plastic or metal. I

won’t be found on a beach without my pair! OK, so, lets get it sorted, cotton T-shirts are anorak! The bizz is the new Ber ghaus XF range T-shir t and sleeveless T-shirt made from the performance fabric Perflo. This material transfers sweaty stuff from the skin. Bagging the problem of a soakin’ wet Tshirt clinging to your back when you take off your rucksack. It’s a high-tec fashion thingie, that comes in 8 zappy colours. Also from Berghaus new activent tops, lightweight fleece tops and printed cotton trousers and shorts. For more info, tel. Dion on 01232 238572

Surf Mountain Animal Watch Competition 12 Brunswick Street Belfast BT2 7GE

Stick a stamp here or this ain’t going anywhere!

✁

A happy man at his happiest.

to hopefully create an exciting challenge to young people, developing their leadership tactics and encouraging team building. This idea works well with all groups, but especially with special needs and cross community groups. When working with school groups it requires specialised training for G.C.S.E subjects in the P.E curriculum. Youth groups can train on courses organised by Jimmy to gain certificates by national bodies in the individual pursuits mentioned above. Jimmy is an important feature in youth clubs and schools providing fun filled day trips and weekend residentals, safety is always an utmost feature. Not only does he train young people but the big ones too! Training youth workers and teachers to reach instructor standard in their chosen

Jimmy up a damn big mountain. For those of you still watching in black and white, yes the socks are red.

discipline. Probably the most challenging and rewarding area in Jimmy’s job is working with the disabled, he sees this as a special part to his job. So much so that himself and another keen paddler from Coalisland (Tyrone) Terry O’Neil are for paddling across Lough Neagh in early August to raise money for Sperrinveiw Special Care School in Dungannon. (Watch this space for a special report in the September issue) It is not thought that paddling across the lough has been successfully completed before, please enlighten us if you know different. Jimmy is a dedicated youth worker, who gets a lot of satisfaction out of seeing kids build on their characters and basically having fun. He is a true überdog outdoors kinda guy as his main hobbies are snow and ice climbing and white water paddling. The überdogs therefore decree that Jimmy is awarded the Top Bloke Award, much respect!

These boots were made for walking ed up with the same old routine, fancy a break from the norm? Perhaps your Great Auntie Winnie has been telling you to get out in the fresh air, more, well she is right! And we have just the plan (provided you are over 18, have reasonable navagational skills, map and compass, have good walking boots, waterproofs, spare clothing and a whistle ....phew!). The plan is head to the Mourne Seven Sevens Challenge Walk held in the Mournes on Saturday 9th August. This event is being run by the Spartan Red Sox Walking Club. The basic idea is to climb all seven peaks in the Mournes that are over 700m above sea level. The seven being Donard 850m, Commedagh 765m, Lamagan 704m, Binnian 747m, Meelbeg 708m, Meelmore 704m and Bearnagh 727m. (A Mars Bar could come in handy.) The distance is 17.5 miles, which should take you between 10-12 hours, the advised starting time is 7-9am. Now after all that I think you should get a good night’s sleep. For anymore info. about the day and entrance fee etc phone Jim Brown on 01247 465121.

If reading about the above event has really got you going, well this should wet your appetite even more. On the 20th to 21st September Andersons Mourne Mountain Marathon is taking place, it is a two day navigation/ endurance/ running event. The event doesn’t just cater for the mad mountain goat, orienteers, mountaineers, hill runners, athletes and the good old fashioned back packers. This is a competitive marathon for teams of two people. There are different classes and categories to enter depending on ability. At the start of each day the teams are revealed the course, which is made up of varying numbers of control markers which are identified and have to be found using a 6-figure map references. Each control must be visited in order to finish the marathon. The overnight camp is a must and all teams must be selfsufficient. In it’s nineteenth year the event is unique throughout Ireland, a good crowd is guaranteed and the crack will be good. Entry forms can be obtained from Denis Rankin, 18 Cranmore Gardens, Belfast, BT9 6JL. Oh, and the closing date for returned entry forms is 22nd August.

überdog magazine august 1997

Surf Mountain Animal Watch Competition 12 Brunswick Street Belfast BT2 7GE

Stick a stamp here or this ain’t going anywhere!

✁

A happy man at his happiest.

Jimmy up a damn big mountain. For those of you still watching in black and white, yes the socks are red.

überdog magazine august 1997

H Half alfP Pipe ipeHHaven aven

get your thrills with the best outdoor kit available including

• Lightweight Gear

hat same ramp that kept the English entertained in Elmwood Hall (as you will read later on) at the Apache Clothing gig has been resituated to a new home outside of the city. It has been moved to a secret location, so as not to encourage over use. Rebuilt in it’s full glory plus a couple of enlarged platforms, for more ease of use, and a good coating of Dulux’s best weather proofing.

Tents from 1.8kg, Sleeping Bags, Waterproofs; All your kit for the Mourne Marathon.

Buffalo • Full range of the most comfortable, high performance clothing system including Teclite and Tecmax.

Plans are afoot to make the half pipe into a contest area so that sometime in the future a competition of some sort can be staged there. Anybody with any ideas on the subject should contact the number below or the überdog office at the usual address. Let’s hope that everybody that uses the pipe treats it well and doesn’t destroy everybody elses fun. For more information on the ramp telephone 01849 466002 and ask for Frank or Gareth.

• Wetsuits Winter Steamers from £130 Bootees, Gloves & Headgear

Lowe Alpine / Berghaus / Sprayway • New season waterproofs, fleeces & accessories Available now!

This is only a small selection, call ......

For FOX Gear

018206 22449

Mountainsports and Watersports Specialists

70 High Street • Belfast • Tel: 01232 238572

If you’re hitting the waves or just hanging out

FITZGERALD’S SURFWORLD BUNDORAN & ROSSNOWLAGH GOT ALL THE GEAR! Stockist of Wetsuits by

Rip Curl Tiki Quiksilver Alder Billabong Bodyglove Saltrock Rip Curl Animal Sola • Gul

Boards & Bodyboards Power Source Tiki & HB Wave Rebel Manta • Morey Ocean & Earth 6 überdog magazine august 1997

Telephone From Eire - 072 41223 From UK - 00353 72 41223

Surf Report From Eire - 072 42463 From UK - 00353 72 42463 überdog magazine august 1997

H Half alfP Pipe ipeHHaven aven

get your thrills with the best outdoor kit available including

• Lightweight Gear

Tents from 1.8kg, Sleeping Bags, Waterproofs; All your kit for the Mourne Marathon.

Buffalo • Full range of the most comfortable, high performance clothing system including Teclite and Tecmax.

• Wetsuits Winter Steamers from £130 Bootees, Gloves & Headgear

Lowe Alpine / Berghaus / Sprayway • New season waterproofs, fleeces & accessories Available now!

This is only a small selection, call ......

For FOX Gear

018206 22449

Mountainsports and Watersports Specialists

70 High Street • Belfast • Tel: 01232 238572

If you’re hitting the waves or just hanging out

FITZGERALD’S SURFWORLD BUNDORAN & ROSSNOWLAGH GOT ALL THE GEAR! Stockist of Wetsuits by

Rip Curl Tiki Quiksilver Alder Billabong Bodyglove Saltrock Rip Curl Animal Sola • Gul

Boards & Bodyboards Power Source Tiki & HB Wave Rebel Manta • Morey Ocean & Earth 6 überdog magazine august 1997

Telephone From Eire - 072 41223 From UK - 00353 72 41223

Surf Report From Eire - 072 42463 From UK - 00353 72 42463 überdog magazine august 1997

t o t C me Come l SS i i ll

Meanwhile, down on the farm...

you’ve not been to any of the Ifmany races which have been

MTB NEWS ucho deniro being spent on new bikes and bits since the last issue of Uberdog. Top of the green list is Bryce Irvine’s GT STS Downhill frame kit. STS stands for Single Tube Technology and the primary frame material is that most exotic of stuff, carbon fibre. A wish list of top notch componentry completes the ensemble with AC chain device, Hope big un’s and discs, Bomber’s et al. Bastard.

Terry McCollum has upgraded his Orange X1 to a Bomber equipped Vario rig and his performances have been improving accordingly. Dale McMullan has installed a full

Hope Hydraulic Disc brake set up and suffered a broken wrist as a result while Michael Cowan is running the Hope torsion bar on the rear disc set up of his Mongoose, satisfied that it does away with the twisting forces which caused him problems at the start of year.

August 2 All Ireland Downhill League Round 4 Ballinastoe Wood, Bray

August 3 All Ireland XC League Round 5 Hidden Lakes, Belfast

August 9 NI XC League Round 5 Garvagh Forest, Garvagh

August 10

New converts to the full floater experience are Belfast MTB Vet, Ian Graham who is back on the competition scene on a Specialized Ground Control after his horrific, elbow busting, accident last year and Under 14 rider, Colin Ross whose Dad simply couldn’t hold out to the repairs and maintenance that a Downhill and Cross Country campaign were making necessary on his Kona hardtail.

NI Downhill League Round 4 Coolaveely Wood, Ballycastle

August 16 NI Downhill League Round 5 Moneyscalp Wood, Newcastle

August 17 All Ireland XC League Round 6 Pheonix Park, Dublin

August 23 NI Downhill Championships Mourne Park, Kilkeel

August 24 NI Cross Country Championships Mourne Park, Kilkeel

Sling in some springs and get ready to rock.

BOMBERS AWAY

Hot T ip Hot Tip

Are you running a set of the all conquering, all orange Marzocchi Bomber forks this year? Well überdog has learnt of an upgrade package that you should seriously consider if you are. Ride On Bikes and Boards, with the already mentioned Craig Robertson, are manufacturing a triple clamp conversion package that is more than a cosmetic change. The installation of longer stanchions and a second crown increases the front end rigidity making steering even more accurate but not only that, longer travel, up to a maximum of six and a quarter inches is available. Interested? Give Craig a call on 01706 831101 for more details. If you want to see a pair in real life, get to the All Ireland Downhill Championships at Ravensdale in August where Carig and a travelling party of recognizable English names are aiming to take part.

he single biggest item of race kit which is both fashionable and functional for 1997 has to be triple clamped forks. With any number of makes and versions available, RST have jumped into the market with one of the most affordable sets in their Hi 5 model which combines a small coil spring with MCU elastomers and air valve damping. The hot tip to make these already great forks even better comes from suspension guru Craig Robertson of Ride On Cycles in Lancashire who recommends installing Marzocchi Bomber springs which are thinner and more evenly wound than most, so increasing small bump sensitivity. To even up the damping characteristics accordingly, simply insert a small shim behind the air valve rubber oring which quickens things up considerably.

More Boing he Giant ATX 990 is a very good full suspension bike, just read any of the bike tests in which it has figured and you’ll see that this is a statement of fact. Rob Warner and the Animal team rode ATXs in their standard form last year with the only mild criticism being that it wasn’t a full on downhill bike, more a developed cross country rig. Well that’s all changed now.

Goldtec Engineering have developed a longer travel linkage plate which boosts the standard 3’ ish inches of travel to a walloping 5. The plates and a strengthened pivot bolt retail for about £50 and while that might seem like a lot of money, Uberdog race reporter and Giant UK rider, Andy Laverty confirms that it is a very

8 überdog magazine august 1997

Glyn O’Brien - Surely stardom awaits. Pic. Nigel Farquhar

Stardom Awaiting ravelling budgets have been well spent so far this season for a few of our more notable competitors who have been making the cross channel journey to the mainland to compete against the recognised stars of English mountain biking. Dave O’Hara, Glyn O’Brien, Andy Yoong, Mark Smyth, Paul Gilsenan, Tarja Owens, Robin Seymour, Joe McCall and Alastair Martin have been figuring prominently in the results sheets but failing to get the exposure their efforts deserve in the so called mainstream magazines. With Robin having already won on the XC side, it must surely be a matter of when, not if, the downhill side equal that achievement. Good luck for the rest of the season guys, we know you’re doing the business even if Dirt, MBUK, Cycling Weekly and Mountain Biker don’t.

The long travel linkage plates on Andy Lav’s Giant

worthwhile upgrade, transforming the back end sensitivity and opening up a further choice of lines through

the rough stuff. Contact your local Giant dealer for to check availability or phone Goldtec for more details.

Teams representing NI, Ireland and Wales attended the DH & XC All Ireland League events staged at Rosenallis on the 26/27 of July, and didn’t the Northerners do well! The XC results for Sunday’s event had Ricky Blaney in 4th in the U16, Gill Smyth 3rd in the Ladies and Olympian Alistair Martin 4th in the Pro Elite. Saturday’s DH was to see Paul Gilsenon (Cycle Inn Sintesi) winning with Armstrong Bike Dock’s Mark Smyth coming in 3rd in the Pro Elite class. The Junior win went to Drogheda’s John “Predator” Lawlor with U16 and U14 wins going to Neil McCallum and Colin Ross respectively. But undoubtedly the Hero of the weekend had to be our own Andy Lav. Doing Team Giant proud once more by winning the Master’s class in both XC & DH events. All this in a month that sees him grace the front cover of our own fine magazine. Looks like Donna will have to get some extra wide doors fitted around the Laverty house! look out for a full report in October’s überdog.

LATE NEWS

New Kit

staged so far this year, why not get along to one the events still to be run below to see for yourself just how exciting, physical and exhilerating the sport of mountain bike racing is.

August 31 All Ireland Downhill Championships Ravensdale Wood, Louth.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Round 5 of the NI DH league has been changed from Leitrim Lodge to Moneyscalp . What’s sure to be a popular decision among bikers. Jimmy Quinn, organiser of the DH & XC events in Mourne Park, Kilkeel is asking everyone to respect the land owners request to stay off the track until race weekend. The private ground has been quite generously lent to MTB’s for the weekend and has no insurance cover at any other time. An accident on the land without such cover would surely lead to the loss of the venue come August 23rd, so wise up and stay off it! There is talk of an organised practice day on the Friday, but it has still to be confirmed. For details contact Jimmy on (01693) 762654.

PartyZZone one Party If you’ve been to any of the 1997 MTB races or have been a regular reader of überdog, you will have seen and heard of the Apollo Cycle Team. With some of the best looking kit in the bunch and a regular cry of “Up Apollo”, they’re kind of hard to miss. Most notable performances this year have come from Aidan McDonlad on the MTB side and Tony McConville on the road scene, particularly in the recent McKinley 3 day stage race. Apollo’s other area of expertise is in the enjoying life to the full and partying scene. A recent party at the not insignificant Chez McDonlad to

celebrate the 21st party of Aidan’s watery blister (sister) producing another couple of historical highlights. The first was Andy McGibbon’s sleeping arrangements wherein he opted to spend the night sleeping outside the house in a car. The outcome was his body almost going into suspended animation mode after he used up all of the oxygen in the car, creating a vacumn seal which saw a great effort needed by someone on the outside to open the car door the next morning. The in rush of oxygen at that stage was enough to revive Andy to a waking state although he was still looking kinda grey much later

Alastair Martin - back to the good old days?

Pic. Nigel Farquhar

Old School He’s back and kicking ass, in the nicest possible way of course. We are of course talking about Alastair Martin who has taken part in his first mountain bike race in almost a year recently. Enjoying some excellent form which has seen him placing highly at some of the Southern road races and inspired by his old school companion, Robert Lamont, Alastair has thrown his leg over the old trusty Diamond Back from his 1995 campaign. Never one to do things the easy

way, Alastair reopened his MTB competition account by travelling to Round 3 of the North of England Mountain Bike Association League which was held in a very muddy Nannerch, North Wales. Eighth place was a superb appetite wetter which led to a fantastic win in the NI XC League Round at Glenarm Forest the following week. Welcome back Alastair but look out, some of the other riders have gotten a taste for winning and they won’t let you have it all your own way.

into the day. The other item of note was also seen the morning after when the team decided to go out for a hangover curing spin on the bikes. Wondering what was taking Aidan so long to get changed, Myles McCorry entered the kitchen to find Aidan fast

asleep, fully dressed, face down on the kitchen table with the peak of his helmet allowing just enough clearance for his nose to be clear of the surface allowing breathing and drooling to continue as normal. That’s Apollo for you, never a dull moment.

überdog magazine august 1997

t o t C me Come l SS i i ll

Meanwhile, down on the farm...

you’ve not been to any of the Ifmany races which have been

Terry McCollum has upgraded his Orange X1 to a Bomber equipped Vario rig and his performances have been improving accordingly. Dale McMullan has installed a full

August 2 All Ireland Downhill League Round 4 Ballinastoe Wood, Bray

August 3 All Ireland XC League Round 5 Hidden Lakes, Belfast

August 9 NI XC League Round 5 Garvagh Forest, Garvagh

August 10

NI Downhill League Round 4 Coolaveely Wood, Ballycastle

August 16 NI Downhill League Round 5 Moneyscalp Wood, Newcastle

August 17 All Ireland XC League Round 6 Pheonix Park, Dublin

August 23 NI Downhill Championships Mourne Park, Kilkeel

August 24 NI Cross Country Championships Mourne Park, Kilkeel

Sling in some springs and get ready to rock.

BOMBERS AWAY

Hot T ip Hot Tip

8 überdog magazine august 1997

Glyn O’Brien - Surely stardom awaits. Pic. Nigel Farquhar

The long travel linkage plates on Andy Lav’s Giant

worthwhile upgrade, transforming the back end sensitivity and opening up a further choice of lines through

the rough stuff. Contact your local Giant dealer for to check availability or phone Goldtec for more details.

LATE NEWS

New Kit

staged so far this year, why not get along to one the events still to be run below to see for yourself just how exciting, physical and exhilerating the sport of mountain bike racing is.

August 31 All Ireland Downhill Championships Ravensdale Wood, Louth.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Alastair Martin - back to the good old days?

Pic. Nigel Farquhar

überdog magazine august 1997

Northern Ireland Downhill League Round 2 - Binevenagh Wood

Mud & MMayhem ayhem Mud or the second year and the second race in succession, the downhill race at Binevenagh Wood, Round 2 of the Northern Ireland League which was being run by Davy Tommons and the North West Cycling Club, was to suffer from atrocious weather conditions. Horizontal rain and strong winds left the course in a quagmire like state and the tents of Terry McCollum and Bryce Irvine, who had camped out the night before, washed out. Confusion seemed to be the order of the day as competitors shuttled from the top to the bottom of the course in search of Officials to sign on or seek confirmation if the event was even to be staged or not. Such confusion saw the first drama of the day when the Armstrong Bike Dock van got parked on it’s side in a ditch giving Sam McConkey and Kris Clarke a start to their day that they would rather forget. Thank goodness for Colin Finlay and the Potato Bred four wheel drive, that’s one you owe him Derek.

10 überdog magazine august 1997

Duane Duncan attempts the splits. Pic. Nigel Farquhar

any freewheeling progress through the mud. Duane McCreadie made it down relatively unscathed for second while Neil McCluney, a new name on the scene under the Chain Reaction umbrella completed the podium places in third.

Colin Dickson looking remarkably clean despite the mud. Pic. Nigel Farquhar

The Juniors were eagerly awaited and in the end it was to be a closer call than the times suggested.

Reining back his natural enthusiasm a notch, John Lawlor rode smoothly and sensibly to gain another victory for his ‘97 campaign from Andrew Yoong whose challenge for the win disappeared in a spectacular, gasp inducing, over the bars dismount right where the crowds were at their thickest. Thankfully, no injuries were incurred and a

rider after rider climbed the slope after finishing their run to join in the spectacle. A distinct lack of course marking left some sections of the track open to interpretation which drew complaints from some of the riders who didn’t take the obvious shorter routes through some sections but at the end of the day, no markings leaves no grounds for disqualification and the results were to stand. With the course being steeper and more technical than previously, the Under 14’s were the youngest competitors on course. It was a taster for what was to come when only one rider, William Corry, was able to finish the course in that age group. Rider after rider was to come to a sticky and extremely messy end as they fought to get down the course with the least amount of slips, slides and offs. Gavin Snowdon was to manage best in the Under 16’s to underline his previous victory at Carlingford while Neil McCallum again suffered horrendous luck in breaking his chain just after the start and being unable to make

The Lav Man in todays Giant colours, yellow, red, blue and a lot of brown.

second place was enough for him to keep his lead in the Overall standings. Richard McKillen, long established as one of the country’s leading cross country racers is doing a Tomac for ‘97 and concentrating on the Downhill scene, third place being his reward for on the day even after crashing twice on the lower slopes of the course. There were a few new names at the top end of the Seniors class but there was a look of familiarity at the head of affairs, Glyn O’Brien returning to his winning ways with aplomb. Mark Smyth was proving his win at

Terry McCollum on his tasty new Vario. Pic. Nigel Farquhar

the Tour of Ulster was no fluke by taking a very competitive second place while Keith Marchant was proving the benefits of local knowledge and extensive practice by taking easily his best result to date in third. Other riders using their heads and throttling back accordingly in the difficult conditions were Dale McMullan and Colin Finlay with fourth and fifth places being their reward. Davy O’Hara was crashing his way to a disappointing sixth with seven falls not out at the last count, while Andy Reynolds who obviously enjoys this course was repeating his excellent ride from last year to tie with Davy on three

minutes and three sections. Andy Laverty wasn’t enjoying a trouble free day after losing his chain at the half way point on the course and scootering to eighth place while Kenny Cassells and Brian Scullion rounded out the top ten. Highlight of the Senior runs had to be Bann Wheeler’s Norman Atkins descending style which involved sliding down the steepest sections of the course on his bum whilst dragging - wheeling the bike beside him. This manoeuvre was to prove prophetic as events developed. Read on. With conditions as bad as they were and only one run being held, you would have expected the mood to be somewhat subdued after the event. Strangely that wasn’t the case. With riders lining up on both sides of the last steep section of hill to watch, cheer and applaud the later riders, it was only a matter of time before a lump of water soiled earth sailed serenely through the air towards an unsuspecting head. Cue mayhem and much scarpering of sensibly dressed people as the sky turned brown under a hail of flying muck and mud. Faces were buried, bodies were hurled down the slopes and occasionally used as improvised sledges to reach the bottom. It was hard to recognise just who was who after things had settled down but a marked resemblance between John Lawlor and the creature from the film Predator couldn’t help but be spotted. There was only one place to go after that, yep, into the river for a clean up and more childish but highly enjoyable antics. Downhilling, an attitude and a way of life - pre puberty!!!!!!!

Mucky pups one and all.

1 2 3 4 5 6 6 8 9 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 1

RESULTS

With mud on both the open and enclosed sections of the course getting deeper by the minute, the decision was taken to allow one run to be completed for a reduced entry fee with another, additional event to be inserted into the Calendar for later in the Season. The course followed a slightly different route from last year’s event. Gone was the long race across the grassy plateau on top of the mountain. Instead the course started closer to the tree line with an off camber right hand bend which was made even more tricky with the amount of water running down the face of the slope. A few twists and turns through the trees and it was a left hander, again across the camber of the slope before riders broke into the open to face three sections of straight down, spike enveloping gunge. It was here that most spectators chose to reveal their bloodlust with howls and cheers greeting each rider’s, often futile, attempts to stay upright, numbers being swelled by the minute as

Let battle commence. Pic. Nigel Farquhar Seniors Glyn O’Brien Mark Smyth Keith Marchant Dale McMullan Colin Finley Dave O’Hara Andy Reynolds Andy Laverty Kenny Cassells Brian Scullion Jonathon Reid Mark Dickson Bryce Irvine Norman Atkins Terry McCollum John McClelland James McCann Michael Cowan Gareth Jones Davy Andrews Michael Whyte Juniors John Lawlor Andrew Yoong Richard McKillen Dermot Brady Gerard Calvert Darren McCluney J Rainey R Woolsey Brian Nelson Under 16 Gavin Snowdon Duane McCreadie Neil McCluney Chris Clarke Nathan Hogg Gavin Nutt Under 14 William Corry

Armstrong Bike Dock Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC Bann Wheelers CC Cycle Lane Giant UK McConvey’s Cycles Cycle Lane Bann Wheelers CC Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC -

2.09 2.21 2.48 2.52 2.53 3.00 3.00 3.03 3.08 3.08 3.14 3.16 3.19 3.20 3.32 3.39 3.40 3.49 4.22 4.25 4.49

Armstrong Bike Dock Muddy Fox McConvey’s Cycles McConvey’s Cycles

2.30 2.42 2.59 3.06 3.16 3.37 4.12 4.12 5.52

McConvey’s Cycles McConvey’s Cycles

3.33 3.58 4.13 4.21 4.24 4.25

4.08

They are smiling, you just can’t see for the muck.

überdog magazine august 1997 11

Northern Ireland Downhill League Round 2 - Binevenagh Wood

10 überdog magazine august 1997

Duane Duncan attempts the splits. Pic. Nigel Farquhar

Colin Dickson looking remarkably clean despite the mud. Pic. Nigel Farquhar

The Juniors were eagerly awaited and in the end it was to be a closer call than the times suggested.

The Lav Man in todays Giant colours, yellow, red, blue and a lot of brown.

Terry McCollum on his tasty new Vario. Pic. Nigel Farquhar

Mucky pups one and all.

1 2 3 4 5 6 6 8 9 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 1

RESULTS

Armstrong Bike Dock Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC Bann Wheelers CC Cycle Lane Giant UK McConvey’s Cycles Cycle Lane Bann Wheelers CC Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC -

2.09 2.21 2.48 2.52 2.53 3.00 3.00 3.03 3.08 3.08 3.14 3.16 3.19 3.20 3.32 3.39 3.40 3.49 4.22 4.25 4.49

Armstrong Bike Dock Muddy Fox McConvey’s Cycles McConvey’s Cycles

2.30 2.42 2.59 3.06 3.16 3.37 4.12 4.12 5.52

McConvey’s Cycles McConvey’s Cycles

3.33 3.58 4.13 4.21 4.24 4.25

4.08

They are smiling, you just can’t see for the muck.

überdog magazine august 1997 11

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 1 1 2

Under 12 Lewis Ferguson ..............Armstrong Bike Dock Philip McLaughlin ........................................ William Britton ....................................SEMC Matthew King ............Drogheda Wheelers CC Matthew Ferguson ............Toyota North Down James Wray ....................Bann Wheelers CC R Whitehouse.............................................. L McCreadie................................................ D Hodsman ....................Ballymena Road Club Under 14 Graham Laird............Belfast Belvoir Road Club Jamie Scott................................NICF Private Mark McKillop ......Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC Keith Benson ....................Toyota North Down Matthew Blayney ..............Toyota North Down N Moore .................................................... Clay Scholes ..............North West Cycling Club A Ward ...................................................... Under 16 Dwayne McCreadie ...................................... Michael Dempster ............Toyota North Down Keith Leinster ..................Toyota North Down Neil McCallum ................Armstrong Bike Dock Ricky Blayney ....................Toyota North Down Andrew Coupland ..............Apollo Cycling Team Neil McCluney .............................................. S Palmer .................................................... Owen Jeffries .............................................. A McDonald ................................................ Juniors James McMaster ............................Ards CC Stephen Koehler ..........Irish MTB Racing Team John Lawlor ................................................ Philip Geddis ................Armstrong Bike Dock Paul McCarthy ..............................Cycleways Peter Murray .............................................. Liam Baxter ........................Newry Wheelers Darren McCluney ........................................ Dermot McIntyre ........North West Cycling Club G McKay ..........................Toyota North Down Seniors Liam Nelson ..............................BRC Raleigh Aidan McDonald ..............Appollo Cycling Team Simon Loughlin ....................McConvey Cycles John Mason ................................Premier CC Davy Tommons ........North West Cycling Team Peter McConville ..................Newry Wheelers Andy Layle........................Apollo Cycling Team Ryan Hamilton ..................................Phoenix Eamon Guilfoyle ....................McConvey Cycles D Ward ......................Sorrento Cycling Team Darren Quigg ....................Bann Wheelers CC Simon McConnell ..............................Queens Andy Laverty ..................................Giant UK Owen Byrne..........................Newry Wheelers Colin Loughrey ..........North West Cycling Club Clive Caldwell................North West Road Club Mark Bartley ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Conor Campbell ....................Newry Wheelers Jim Laird ..........................Toyota North Down Dale McMullan ......Bann Wheelers Cycling Club Colin Greyson ..................Apollo Cycling Team Philip Gray ................North West Cycling Club Tony McConville ................Apollo Cycling Team Joe Ward.................................................... Paul Reid ............................McConvey Cycles Nigel Farquhar..................Apollo Cycling Team Eamon McConvey ................McConvey Cycles G Patterson ................................................ Vets Willie Nelson ..................Ballymena Road Club V Murphy .................................................... Michael Murphy .......................................... Ladies - Underage Joanne McCallum ..........Armstrong Bike Dock Ladies - Seniors Gill Smith ......................Armstrong Bike Dock Ciara McManus ..............Armstrong Bike Dock

12 überdog magazine august 1997

singletrack. There were three descents which conspired to make things difficult for even the so called downhillers taking part with a short, steep climb, two river crossings, a four foot drop off and a section of mud that the Eurosport Tractor Pulling TV show would have been proud of completing the lap. The Under 12’s got the ball rolling and the Ferguson Boys did their bit to have their parents puffing out the chests with pride, Lewis taking the win while younger brother Matthew was fifth. Philip McLaughlin was a good second from William Britton while Matt King, one of the regular travelling members of the Drogheda Wheeler’s Club, was a pleasing fourth on a nice, new Kona. The Under 14’s were next up with Belvoir’s Graham Laird getting his ‘97 Season off to a belting start with a win over the ever present and always smiling Jamie Scott. Mark McKillop was only a few seconds back in third from the Toyota duo of Keith Benson and Matty Blaney. Duane McCreadie carried on where he left off in 1996 with a convincing although possibly not comfortable win in the Under 16 class from Michael Dempster and Keith Leinster. Neil McCallum was suffering to finish fourth while Ricky Blaney proved that another year’s experience had improved his fitness and competitiveness. James McMaster was another who had already benefited from a good winter’s training with impressive wins and high placings in the early season road races both North and South. That fitness was clearly evident with a clear win being the inevitable result in the Junior class. Stephen Koehler was a good second after enduring the long trip North as a passenger in the Drogheda bus, beating his fellow Mexican, John Lawlor, into third. Philip Geddis was lower down the field in fourth place than he has been used to of late while another long distance traveller, Paul McCarthy was fifth.

Liam Nelson has a winning debut in his new Raleigh colours.

James McMaster gets ready to salute the crowds.

another long distance account holder. Davy Tommons was the first local North Western finisher in fifth on his “shopping” bike ahead of Peter McConville, Andy Layle, Ryan Hamilton, Eamon Guilfoyle and David Ward. Other winners on the day? Joanne McCallum as first Underage Lady, Gill Smith, again, in the Senior Ladies and Willie Nelson in the Vets category. With Sponsorship for both Cross Country and Downhill Leagues coming from The Cycle Shop-Lisburn, Armstrong Bike Dock, McConvey’s Cycles and Chain Reaction there are no on the day prizes. Instead a raffle is held for Discount Vouchers from each shop, based on rider’s race numbers. Something worth hanging about for and returning your number at the end of the race.

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The fast starting Liam Nelson was to prove able to hold his quick pace throughout the Senior event to record the win. Aidan McDonald was a surprising second given that he had inspected a

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tree at close quarters the previous day resulting in a need for a new helmet and forks from his bike shop owning friend and Apollo Team Manager, Myles McCorry. Simon Loughlin had left behind his unattached days and was taking a new Specialized to a competitive third place in a McConvey’s Cycles team strip while John Mason was claiming fourth place, just reward for

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Aiden McDonald, still in one piece

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12 überdog magazine august 1997

Liam Nelson has a winning debut in his new Raleigh colours.

James McMaster gets ready to salute the crowds.

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The fast starting Liam Nelson was to prove able to hold his quick pace throughout the Senior event to record the win. Aidan McDonald was a surprising second given that he had inspected a

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Hock Aye the Noo - Fortwilliam NPS

The Invasion riday 16th May and the Belfast HSS Dock was the meeting place for a combination of NICF and UCF/FIC Representative riders who were travelling to Fortwilliam in Scotland to take part in the Downhill and Cross Country events in the British Mountain Bike National Points Series. The Armstrong van and a flexibus with driver, Eddie, who had only ever driven Christian and Primary School outings before, made for an interesting convoy. Stopping only to collect the delectable Tarja Owens on the outskirts of Glasgow and for that stable of all downhillers’ diets, McDonalds, it was full steam ahead, until the bus came across the slightest bump in the road anyway, for Ben Nevis in the glorious sunshine.

The sunshine lasted precisely until the buses pulled up at the race venue at which point it started to rain. Still, with four hours of practice for the downhillers there were plenty of smiles about despite the hypothermic conditions, The course was about 4 minutes long and from all accounts was absolutely amazing but extremely tiring to get to the top of and hard on equipment on the way down. Special credit must go to James O’Carroll who improvised many a running repair to let the riders

complete their solitary timed run. And what a run of success it was. Neil McCallum was the first to complete his run, 14th in the Youth category after crashing and finishing his run minus brakes, scant representation of his ability. Nathan Hogg was our other Youth rider and he finished 25th against the best of the Mainland’s riders in his first year of competition. The Juniors were next up and here the story was much better, John Lawlor and Andrew Yoong continuing to make names for themselves with 2nd and 4th places respectively with strength in depth coming from a tenth place for Ricky McKillen. And what of the Seniors? All that separated Glyn O’Brien from a maiden Downhill victory for any Irish rider was 0.59 seconds, the win going to full time and factory supported rider Richard Thackray. Paul Gilsenan romped home in eleventh place while Mark Smyth was only able to record a finishing place of 31st after a particularly fraught run. Fraught it may have been but it still looked lucky when compared to Davy O’Hara’s run who must wonder what he has to do to show his true talent on the National Scene. Tough and all as those guys might think they had it though, it was nothing compared to

it was into the welcoming arms of parents that the weary troopers stumbled at half two on Monday morning, just time for a quick kip, shower, breakfast and then off to school/work. It has to be said that this trip would not have been possible without Eddie, the Bus driver, who offered his services for again, mug, and the extremely hard work and planning prowess of Don and Jane McCallum. Sincere thanks to them for taking it on, it certainly isn’t an enviable task but somehow it hasn’t put them off. There’s talk of further trips later on in the Year so if you’ve got a few quid that you can pay upfront and have still to experience seeing and racing against those faces in the magazines, give them a call on 01846 638959 and express your interest. Believe me, it’s worth doing it even once.

An impressive line up of Juniors get ready for the off.

Stephen Koehler and James McMaster, so happy they could just shit.

Joanne McCallum’s lot who had to race Pro Elite against riders over 5 years her senior. 15th, again after a crash, was therefore no small potatoes. Well done to our only frequent downhill lady competitor, surely a top ten result is on the cards for the next time.

to record the best XC result, Tarja Owens taking a fantastic fifth place amongst many of the well established stars of the Pro Elite class. Good looking, extremely fit and able to ride a bike well. No wonder there was no shortage of seats available for here on the bus.

With day one over it was back to the hotel for food and a recharge before teaching the so called party animals of the MBUK Squad a thing or two about real partying. English? Pah, amateurs. Just don’t mention landscape gardening.

Of the other riders, only James McMaster could salvage something but his 17th place was well below his capabilities. Colin Starritt was again fighting off the effects of a flu bug, a now traditional occurrence when he’s due to race across the water but he and Paul Gilsenan completed the Expert class event in tandem and had a ball into the bargain. With that, it was time for 27 very muddy bikes to find space in the van for the way home and the inevitable stop for McDonalds en route to Stranraer. Tired but contented,

Sunday was Cross Country day and with no let up in the rain it was a course of ankle deep mud, or knee deep in Gill Smith’s case (Jane McCallum’s words), which met the riders and prompted many a retirement. Of course it was left to the female of the species

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Amp Research RST Tarja Owens. So happy at finishing 5th she forgot to get her prize money.

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An impressive line up of Juniors get ready for the off.

Stephen Koehler and James McMaster, so happy they could just shit.

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überdog magazine august 1997 15

SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED

REDHALL OPEN XC RACE S unday 25th May and Redhall Estate outside Carrickfergus was the venue for Bann Wheelers first major open mountain bike event of the year. As ever, Norman Atkins’ involvement in proceedings ensured scorching sunshine and although the record numbers of last year didn’t materialise, over 100 riders made the journey out the coast to try and temper one of the most technical and widely approved courses in the North. There had been concerns that the traditional course wouldn’t be available for use due to major tree felling activity at the top end of the Estate but some major, back breaking work by Dale McMullan, Michaels Cowan and White, Tristan Forsythe, broken wrist and all, and Norman Atkins had seen an improved and faster flowing course developed which included all of the old

prowess with another fine win in the Under 14’s while Jamie Scott must be wondering what he has to do to better yet another second place. Mind you, given that Jamie has only just moved up to this age group his performances are

more than impressive. William Corry was completing the third step position while the familiar sight of Duane McCreadie at the head of the Under 16 field was once again in evidence, seems he’s always there no matter what

favourites, the quarry descent, the cobbles, the river crossings and miles of singletrack.

Matthew Ferguson again showed the Under 10’s a clean pair of heels but Thomas Wray did his bit for the Promoting Club’s honour with a fine second. Connor McConvey, riding for McConvey Cycles (wonder what the relationship is there?) was third while Jessica Laird with her father in close attendance was fourth, getting a special prize for being the only girl competitor. Lewis Ferguson made it a family double by winning the Under 12’s from Philip McLaughlin while James Wray, brother of Under 10’s Thomas also made it onto the podium for third to complete another good day for family and Team. Graham highlighting form and

the course or weather. Behind him it was the inseparable Toyota North Down duo of Michael Dempster. A depleted Junior field offered very little to challenge James McMaster from making it two wins from two starts in Mountain Bike races this year with Peter Murray and Grant McKeegan being the only other finishers in the class. It was hot and heavy in the Senior class and Colin Starritt was to take a much appreciated and overdue win for the promoting club after finally shaking off the last vestiges of a particularly bad dose of flu. Aidan McDonald was again flying the Apollo flag to the usual boisterous reactions from his team mates while Team mate and English exile Andy Layle was taking the last of the prize money in third. Simon

NI XC LEAGUE ROUND 3

DAVAGH F OREST

Laird was his consistent high finishing

It’s all right, he’ll grow into it.

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 1 2 3

Mark Welsh tries to make up time after being left on the line.

16 überdog magazine august 1997

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Under 10 Matthew Ferguson ..........Armstrong Bike Dock Thomas Wray ......Bann Wheelers Cycling Club Connor McConvey ................McConvey Cycles Jessica Laird ....................Toyota North Down Under12 Lewis Ferguson ..............Armstrong Bike Dock Philip McLaughlin ........................................ James Wray ........Bann Wheelers Cycling Club Thomas Baker ............................................ Simon Goddard..................Toyota North Down Samuel McCreadie ............Toyota North Down Owen Watson .............................................. Chris Jones ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Under 14 Graham Laird ......................Belvoir Road Club Jamie Scott ................................................ William Corry .............................................. Mark McKillop ......Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC Neill McCallum ..................Toyota North Down Under 16 Duane McCreadie ........................................ Michael Dempster ............Toyota North Down Keith Leinster ..................Toyota North Down Andrew Coupland ..............Apollo Cycling Team Owen Jeffries .............................................. Ladies Gill Smith ......................Armstrong Bike Dock Heather Anderson ............Toyota North Down Vets Gareth Jones .............................................. Juniors James McMaster ............................Ards CC Peter Murray .............................................. Grant McKeegan ....................Madigan Cycles Seniors Colin Starritt ........Bann Wheelers Cycling Club Aiden McDonald ..................................Apollo Andy Layle ..........................................Apollo Simon Loughlin ....................McConvey Cycles David Tommons ....................North West CC Andy Laverty ..................................Giant UK Darren Quigg ....................Bann Wheelers CC Eamon Guilfoyle ....................McConvey Cycles Colin Gregson .............................................. Michael Cowan ......................Chain Reaction James Laird ....................Toyota North Down Robert Lamont ............................Phoenix CC Clive Caldwell..........................North West CC Lee Bowen .................................................. Mark Welsh ......................Bann Wheelers CC Andy McGibbon ..................................Apollo Mark Bartely ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Russell Callaghan ..............Bann Wheelers CC

Ricky Blaney had a nice new Gary Fisher to thank Daddy for.

Jessica Laird at the drop off. Dad Jim can relax now it’s over.

Someone’s mum had heard how technical Redhall was.

McLoughlin was keeping his hand in fourth while Davy Tommons was showing that he had lost none of his renowned downhilling ability. Andy Laverty was riding to his best ever cross country result on a new Giant cross country frame despite having suffered a small dunt on the way to the race, bloody learner drivers, while Darren Quigg was also impressing his Scott/Not Just Sport sponsors who were present with seventh. Eamon Guilfoyle, Colin Gregson and Michael Cowan completed the top ten and then hit the chip van. Sod the health food, give us chips in lard after a race and we’re all happy. Another successful event from the Bann Wheelers stable, roll on August for their XC at Garvagh and Downhill at Coolaveely, both excellent events.

B#st#rd climb!

The good weather enjoyed at the Moneyscalp weekend was continued at Round 3 of the Northern Ireland Cross Country League the following week at Davagh Forest. The course contrasted massively from Moneyscalp in that most of the lap involved gravelled forest path. A single descent through a tunnel of trees that was over much too quickly was one of only two off road sections, the second being a strip of boggy, tyre sucking marsh that led riders to the foot of a long, seriously steep, hairpinned, TARMAC climb. The inclusion of the climb certainly made the lap length more acceptable but the lack of singletrack in what is an enormous forest was somewhat disappointing. Please don’t let this be the future of mountain biking.

Grahame Laird, victorious yet again. Seniors Simon Loughlin ....................McConvey Cycles Aiden McDonald ..................Apollo Cycle Team Colin Starrett ....................Bann Wheelers CC Davy Tommons ......................North West CC Colin Loughrey........................North West CC Padraig Barme ............................................ Ryan Hamilton ............................Phoenix CC Eamonn Guilfoyle ..................McConvey Cycles Dave Ward.................................................. Darren Quigg ........Bann Wheelers CC-Not Just Sport Owen Byrne ..........................Mountain Cycles P Roden...................................................... Andy Laverty ..................................Giant UK Clive Caldwell..........................North West CC Stephen Burgoyne ..Dave Kane / Northern CC Paul Reid ............................McConvey Cycles Andy McGibbon ..................Apollo Cycle Team Sergio Henriques ....................Team Madigan Colin Gregson .............................................. Jim Laird ..........................Toyota North Down Mark Bartley ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Mark Forrester ............................................ Russell Callaghan ..............Bann Wheelers CC N Parkhill .................................................... M Lown ...................................................... B Russell .................................................... Nigel Farquhar ....................Apollo Cycle Team Eamonn McConvey................McConvey Cycles Vets 1 Knud Jensen ..................................Sorrento 2 Eric Blaney........................Toyota North Down 3 Geoff Coupland....................Apollo Cycle Team 4 K ????????? .............................................. 5 D Bell ........................................................ 6 M Murphy .................................................. Junior 1 Philip Geddis ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Ladies 1 Gill Smith ......................Armstrong Bike Dock 2 Ciara McManus ..............Armstrong Bike Dock 3 N Deane .................................................... Under 16 1 Michael Dempster ............Toyota North Down 2 Keith Leinster ..................Toyota North Down 3 Ricky Blaney......................Toyota North Down 4 Neil McCallum ................Armstrong Bike Dock 5 Owen Jeffries .............................................. 6 Conal Watson .............................................. Under 14 1 Grahame Laird ....................Belfast Belvior RC 2 Colin Ross ....................Armstrong Bike Dock 3 S Collins...................................................... 4 Mark McKillop ..Bamford Cycles / Glenarm CC 5 Jamie Scott ................................................ 6 William Corry .............................................. 7 Peter Lowry ................................................ Under 12 1 Philip McLaughlin ........................................ 2 Lewis Ferguson ..............Armstrong Bike Dock 3 Thomas Jensen ..................................IMBRC 4 J Popham .................................................. 5 James Wray ....................Bann Wheelers CC 6 Matthew Ferguson ..........Armstrong Bike Dock 7 Chris Jones ..................Armstrong Bike Dock 8 Lowell McCreadie ..............Toyota North Down 9 Owen Watson .............................................. 10 Jessica Laird ....................Toyota North Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

überdog magazine august 1997 17

SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED

favourites, the quarry descent, the cobbles, the river crossings and miles of singletrack.

NI XC LEAGUE ROUND 3

DAVAGH F OREST

Laird was his consistent high finishing

It’s all right, he’ll grow into it.

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 1 2 3

Mark Welsh tries to make up time after being left on the line.

16 überdog magazine august 1997

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Ricky Blaney had a nice new Gary Fisher to thank Daddy for.

Jessica Laird at the drop off. Dad Jim can relax now it’s over.

Someone’s mum had heard how technical Redhall was.

B#st#rd climb!

überdog magazine august 1997 17

The d own o f The down of all d ownhills all downhills Moneyscalp W ood Moneyscalp Wood ound 3 of the Northern Ireland Downhill League was held at Moneyscalp Wood on the outskirts of Newcastle on Saturday 31 May. With the previous two rounds suffering from inclement weather and reduced runs, the time was right for a belter. Not that the previous courses had been inadequate, far from it, the standard of courses here would teach the English a thing or two but everyone was ready for a dry, fast course and that’s what they got courtesy of Belfast MTB Club. Glorious sunshine was very welcome but even that paled in the scheme of things when the course was viewed.

into the fastest, most technical part of the course with trees, stumps, roots and effing big rocks all having to negotiated from a position far off the back of the saddle. A hard, banked right at the bottom of this section and it was a charge across the face of the hill, negotiating a further bermed right and two rocky drop offs before a final open set of S bends launched riders at the sting in the tail, a wooden log jump after which it was a short pump to the line. Standard requirements to get near the low two minute times were big cahonies, pinch flat

resistant tubes and lots, yes lots of power and stamina to cope with the sprinting needed to get in and out of the corners at the top of the course as quickly as possible. A steady stream of riders had been practising on the course for weeks before the event, their feedback giving an excellent best entry yet of over 80 competitors. Of course there had to be a glitch somewhere along the lines and it turned up in the shape of the ambulance, or the lack of one. Still, the extra hour before competition began in anger allowed for a top up of the old sunburn and a few last minute adjustments tweaks. It didn’t help some of the more

Much behind the scenes work had created a fast, flowing course which rode like a BMX course on steroids resulting in grins having to be surgically removed from faces at the end of each run. A start ramp, extensive marking tape, safety netting and a finishing gantry put the finishing touches to something phenomenal. Off the scaffolding ( via the ramp for anyone but Norman Atkins) and it was a steep, fast section of bash road for the first 3-400 yards before veering right into an open bus stop with a 6-8 foot drop off exit. From there it was into a tunnel of trees to the first of a series of bermed switchbacks before throwing riders straight down the face of the slope over roots and rocks. A hard right against the camber of the hill and it was

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As with Binevenagh, the extreme nature of the course meant that the youngest group of competitors able to compete was the Under 14’s and it was the familiar name of Colin Ross on his hardtail Kona who was to record the win beating William Corry by a convincing 10 seconds. Robin McNamee was a new name on the results sheet but judging by his third placing, it won’t be the last. Neil

Speedy Reidy on his way to 15th place.

Pic. Nigel Farquhar

Rudy Project

Cracking a bone in his wrist during a previous night’s practice didn’t deter Chain Reaction’s Dale McMullan from riding like a man possessed to a very respectable 8th place. Hard nut or just plain nuts, who knows?

nervous riders when the ambulance turned up and promptly parked at the bus stop drop off with the back doors open but thankfully the medics tasks for the day were few and far between.

Joanne McCallum in going down action. Oh-er!

18 überdog magazine august 1997

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Pic. Nigel Farquhar

Andy Reynolds, organiser & racer, Top Bloke!

Pic. by Doc

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McCallum finally got the break he deserved and had his new full suspension Gary Fisher hold together long enough to win the Under 16 category from McConvey’s rider Gavin “Shaggy” Snowdon and Duane McCreadie. Joanne McCallum had new competition in the Junior Ladies class in the shape of Lenea Roberts but full suspension and experience paid dividends for Joanne with a 3 second cushion.

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The Junior men’s race was another matter though. The likely money was always going to be on either John Lawlor or Andrew Yoong after previous impressive rides at home and across the water where very often they have set times quicker than the Senior riders. On this occasion, it was a Mexican wave for John with Andy second and the ever present and fast improving Richard McKillen in third. Gareth Jones was again leading in the Vets from Ian Graham who had thankfully recovered fully from his ‘96 injuries. Andy Potts was to finish third which was an encouragement given that he has been suffering from a mysterious, body weakening virus that doctors have struggled to diagnose properly. This was Andy’s first race in many months and thankfully there were no after effects from his efforts. Effort was the name of the game in the Senior class as rider after rider was seen bent double, gasping for breath after their runs. Glyn O’Brien’s run of success was to continue with

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Speedy Reidy on his way to 15th place.

Pic. Nigel Farquhar

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nervous riders when the ambulance turned up and promptly parked at the bus stop drop off with the back doors open but thankfully the medics tasks for the day were few and far between.

Joanne McCallum in going down action. Oh-er!

18 überdog magazine august 1997

Northern Ireland s only GT- Tech Shop & Rock Shox Service Centre

Pic. Nigel Farquhar

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Although it seems a very popular sport, somehow I don’t think Chin Surfing will catch on!

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Ring Today, It’s Bound To Pay! Davy O’Hara, on the up again after some bad luck. Pic. Nigel Farquhar

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the only time in the sub two minute bracket and therefore the victory. His Newry compadre, Davy O’Hara was enjoying a better run than of late to take second while Kenny Cassells was another who relished the fast nature of the track in third. Simon Woods was another new name in fourth while Mark Smyth was proving his ability to consistently score high points as a first year senior in fifth. Mark Dickson was finishing in his highest placing of the year in sixth as was Michael Cowan in seventh but the best ride of the day had to come from Dale McMullan who finished eighth while riding with his right wrist in a plaster cast. Jonathan Beckett, semi exiled in Scotland as an Air Traffic Controller at the moment had made the short trip home to finish ninth while Andy Laverty was tree shrugging his way to tenth. With races still to come at Coolaveely, Leitrum Lodge, Kilkeel Park and Gortin Glen, the standard has been established by the Belfast MTB Club. More of the same please.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

20 überdog magazine august 1997

Johnny Comac on his way to a 2:35 run. Not bad for his first ever race.

Thats where you lost it Andy, on the edge as ever.

Jonathon Beckett flew in for a ninth place finish.

Pic. Nigel Farquhar

Normski - Still able to race despite a full night of Jimmy McCann.

From this point it was a blast down to the line.

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The jump added a little finishing touch to a brilliant course.

Michael Cowan picked up a well deserved 7th in the Seniors.

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Under 14 Colin Ross 2.20.9 William Corry 2.30.6 Robin McNamee 2.40.1 James Donnelly 2.43.3 Jamie Scott 2.45.6 Duane Duncan Flogas Harps 2.53.2 Clay Scholes NW Cycling Club 3.40.2 Aaron Ward 3.42.5 David Heeney 4.11.4 Chris McLeese 4.48.1 Under 16 Neil McCallum Armstrong Bike Dock 2.13.7 Gavin Snowdon McConvey Cycles 2.18.2 Duane McCreadie2.25.1 Nathan Hogg 2.29.5 Gary Ferris 2.31.2 Neil McCluney 2.35.1 Darren Goode 2.35.7 Gavin Nutt McConvey Cycles 2.38.9 Niall Greenan 2.43.2 Chris Dunlop 3.00.1 Drogheda Wheelers CC 3.00.3 Cillian Tierney Andrew Coupland Apollo Cycle Team 3.01.7 Andrew Murphy Belvoir RC 3.03.8 Emmett Grogan Drogheda Wheelers CC 3.12.7 Juniors John Lawlor 2.01.9 Andrew Yoong Armstrong Bike Dock-Hope 2.04.6 Richard McKillen VC Glendale-Muddy Fox 2.09.4 Simon Gill 2.09.5 Dermot Brady 2.14.4 Darren McCluney 2.16.2 Winston Copeland Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC2.32.6 Brian Nelson McConvey Cycles 2.42.4 Robert Uprichard Orchard Wheelers 2.49.2 Stephen Hopper 2.53.2 Gareth Logan 2.53.6 Simon Hodge 3.00.5 Junior - Ladies Joanne McCallum Armstrong Bike Dock 3.06.6 Lenea Roberts 3.09.6 Vets Gareth Jones 2.36.0 Ian Graham Belfast MTB 2.40.3 Andy Potts Banbridge CC 2.53.9 Geoff Coupland Apollo Cycle Team 3.07.6 Seniors Glyn O’Brien 1.57.5 Dave O’Hara 2.03.6 Kenny Cassells 2.03.7 Simon Woods 2.08.1 Mark Smyth Armstrong Bike Dock 2.10.8 Mark Dickson Cycle Lane 2.12.0 Michael Cowan 2.12.5 Dale McMullan Bann Wheelers CC 2.14.0 Jonathon Beckett Scottish Cycling Union 2.14.3 Andy Laverty Giant UK 2.15.3 Terry McCollum 2.16.7 Michael White 2.17.8 Andy Reynolds Belfast MTB 2.18.4 Colin Starrett Bann Wheelers CC 2.20.0 Jonathon Reid McConvey Cycles 2.22.1 Bryce Irvine Apollo Cycle Team 2.24.3 Colin Finlay Cycle Lane 2.26.4 Simon Dodds 2.27.9 Ronald Surgenor Armstrong Bike Dock 2.28.1 Simon Loughlin McConvey Cycles 2.28.3 John McClelland 2.29.5 James McCann Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC2.31.5 Mark Welsh Bann Wheelers CC 2.31.9 Paul Reid Armstrong Bike Dock 2.33.0 Joe Ward 2.33.9 Joe Mullan Belfast MTB 2.34.2 Steve Bell 2.34.5 Keith Marchant Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC2.35.2 Johnny Comac 2.35.7 Robert Ferguson 2.36.7 Wesley Wright 2.37.0 Norman Atkins Bann Wheelers CC 2.37.6 Brian Scullion Bann Valley Road Club 2.38.2 Robert McCaughan 2.40.7 Drogheda Wheelers CC 2.45.9 Declan Hatton Martin Mullan 2.49.2 Robert Doherty 2.57.6 Stuart Reid 3.02.4 Jason Turner 3.02.7 Andrew Baird 3.26.0

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

20 überdog magazine august 1997

Johnny Comac on his way to a 2:35 run. Not bad for his first ever race.

Thats where you lost it Andy, on the edge as ever.

Jonathon Beckett flew in for a ninth place finish.

Pic. Nigel Farquhar

Normski - Still able to race despite a full night of Jimmy McCann.

From this point it was a blast down to the line.

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The jump added a little finishing touch to a brilliant course.

Michael Cowan picked up a well deserved 7th in the Seniors.

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The Station 46b Molesworth Street Cookstown • Co. Tyrone BT80 8NU Paul Reid trying to pick another tree to charge into.

Pedal, pedal, pedal, brake, pedal, pedal, TREE! TREE! TREE......!!!!

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Bangor Bike Week

NI XC League Round 2

Castle Park Cross Country

MONEYSCALP WOOD

ound 2 of the Northern Ireland Cross Country League was held at Moneyscalp Wood on a scorching hot Sunday on the first day of June by the Belfast Belvoir Road Club. Some ingenious undergrowth exploration had seen the familiar loop of the wood course altered to extend the lap length and include all of the previous day’s downhill course prompting Andy Yoong and Mark Smyth to ride on their downhill bikes despite the solitary 46 tooth chainrings. The steep, fire road climb was still there, as was the technical, singletrack climb at the back of the Wood so that must give some indication of how much they’d enjoyed the previous day’s activities.

course, Colin Ross taking a fine weekend double of wins ahead of Graham Laird and Jamie Scott. It was situation normal in the Under 16 class with Duane McCreadie adding to his impressive tally of wins yet again but it was a new name in second, Eamonn Prendergast, with a close call in third between fellow Toyota North Down riders, Keith Leinster and Ricky Blaney, Keith just getting the verdict from Ricky whose performances have taken a step upwards since Daddy had provided him with a

The Under 12’s didn’t use the full course, instead they were to race on a section of the track in a back to front direction, the highlight of which was being able to descend the technical climb which would cause the Seniors headaches later on. A sprint finish saw a new name on top of the heap, Philip McLaughlin just edging perennial winner Lewis Ferguson into second place by a mere second. Thomas Jenson of the Irish Mountain Bike Racing Club was finishing third ahead of Drogheda’s ever chirpy Matthew King and James Wray. A seriously depleted field and the hard nature of the course saw only three Under 14’s finish their race on the full 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Seniors Simon Loughlin ....................McConvey Cycles Liam Nelson ........Ballymena Road Club-Raleigh Eamonn Guilfoyle ..................McConvey Cycles Peter McConville ..................Newry Wheelers Aiden McDonald ..................Apollo Cycle Team Ryan Hamilton ..................................Phoenix John Hatton ..............................Sorrento CC Mark Welsh ......................Bann Wheelers CC Darren Quigg ........Bann Wheelers CC-Not Just Sport Paul Reid ............................McConvey Cycles Mark Smyth ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Owen Byrne ..........................Mountain Cycles Mark Bartely ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Simon Fleming ........................Team Madigan Lee Brown ............................Team Madigan Mark Forrester ............................................ Andy Laverty ..................................Giant UK Barry Russell ............................Queens MTB Paul Brannigan ............................................ Eamonn McConvey................McConvey Cycles Vets Knud Jensen ..............................Sorrento CC William Nelson................Ballymena Road Club Michael Murphy..............Armstrong Bike Dock Geoff Coupland....................Apollo Cycle Team Kieran Murphy ............................................ Juniors James McMaster ............................Ards CC Brian Curran .............................................. Peter Murray .............................................. Andrew Yoong ................Armstrong Bike Dock Darren McCluney ....................Chain Reaction Gareth McKay ..................Toyota North Down Ladies Gill Smith ......................Armstrong Bike Dock Ciara McManus ..............Armstrong Bike Dock Joanne McCallum ..........Armstrong Bike Dock Under 16 Duane McCreadie ........................................ Eamonn Prendergast .................................... Keith Leinster ..................Toyota North Down Ricky Blaney......................Toyota North Down Neil McCluney ........................Chain Reaction Neil McCallum ................Armstrong Bike Dock Daniel Coyle ......................Toyota North Down Nathan Hogg..................Armstrong Bike Dock Andrew Coupland ................Apollo Cycle Team Owen Jeffries .............................................. Andrew Murray ........Belfast Belvoir Road Club Under 14 Colin Ross ....................Armstrong Bike Dock Grahame Laird ..........Belfast Belvoir Road Club Jamie Scott ................................................ Under 12 Philip McLaughlin ........................................ Lewis Ferguson ..............Armstrong Bike Dock Thomas Jensen ..................................IMBRC Matthew King ..................Drogheda Wheelers James Wray................................................ Matthew Ferguson ..........Armstrong Bike Dock Thomas Baher ............................................ Mark Willis.................................................. Chris Jones ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Lowell McCreadie ..............Toyota North Down Owen Watson ..............................................

22 überdog magazine august 1997

Gill Smyth. Number 1 on the bike, number 1 on the line.

nice new Gary Fisher frame. Interested in adoption Eric?

It’s a long time since a XC race has enjoyed such dry conditions.

The XC guys got to experience the downhill course in all it’s glory.

Seniors Colin Starrett ....................Bann Wheelers CC Simon Loughlin ....................McConvey Cycles Ross Blaney ....................................Ards CC Michael Hamilton ..............Toyota North Down Ronald Surgenor .......................................... Robert Lamont ............................Phoenix CC Ryan Hamilton ..............................Phoenix CC Owen Byrne ..........................Mountain Cycles Tony McConvill ....................Apollo Cycle Team Mark Welsh ......................Bann Wheelers CC Lee Bowen ..............................Team Madigan Mark Forrester ............................................ Jim Laird ........................Toyota North Down Paul Curry .................................................. Richard Metza ............................................ Dale McMullan ..................Bann Wheelers CC Michael White ............................................ Gareth Murray ............................................ Dermott O’Neill ..............Armstrong Bike Dock Peter Boyd ......................Toyota North Down Vets 1 Geoff Coupland....................Apollo Cycle Team Ladies 1 Gill Smith ......................Armstrong Bike Dock Juniors 1 Philip Geddis ..................Armstrong Bike Dock 2 Mark McCallum ................Toyota North Down 3 Peter Murray .............................................. Under 16 1 Ricky Blaney......................Toyota North Down 2 Neil McCallum ................Armstrong Bike Dock 3 Duane McCreadie ........................................ 4 Owen Jeffries .............................................. 5 Conal Watson .............................................. 6 Andrew Coupland ................Apollo Cycle Team 7 Timothy Walsh ............................................ 8 James Edwards .......................................... Under 14 1 Colin Ross ....................Armstrong Bike Dock 2 David Coyle ......................Toyota North Down 3 Matty Blaney ....................Toyota North Down 4 Mark McKillop ......Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC 5 William Corry .............................................. 6 Gareth Cross .............................................. Under 12 1 Lewis Ferguson ..............Armstrong Bike Dock 2 Philip McLaughlin ........................................ 3 Michael Mulvenna ........................................ 4 Matthew Ferguson ..........Armstrong Bike Dock 5 Thomas Baker ............................................ 6 Matthew Keane .......................................... 7 Owen Watson .............................................. 8 Lowell McCreadie ..............Toyota North Down 9 Chris Jones ..................Armstrong Bike Dock 10 Aaron Sterling ..................................Ards CC 11 Jessica Laird ....................Toyota North Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

James McMaster consistent run of form continued in the Junior class with a resounding victory which must make him favourite to lift some serious medals of the gold colour later in the season. Brian Curran was rediscovering some of his early season fitness with a second place while Peter Murray was only just beating Andrew Yoong for third, downhill bike and all. Gill Smith was looking good for claiming the Overall League title for Female racers after yet another win, this time ahead of Ciara McManus and Joanne McCallum whose mind was more on the upcoming joys of a girlie holiday in Tenerife than the ups and downs of mountain biking. Colin Starrett was an early retirement from the Senior race after taking a slightly too close look at one of the trail bordering trees although thankfully his injuries weren’t serious and his girlfriend was on hand to offer just the right amount of sympathy. Simon Loughlin was making the most of one of the favourite’s elimination taking a superb win over Liam Nelson while his McConvey’s team mate Eamon Guilfoyle had a fantastic ride to take his best result to date in third. Peter McConville was a competitive fourth with his doppelganger, Aidan McDonald one place back in fifth. Ryan Hamilton was giving it some

serious race face on his way to sixth. Other highlights from the day were a resurgent Mark Welsh’s eighth place and Mark Smyth’s eleventh on the single speed chopper while the blood thirsty downhiller party dudes were enjoying the many pained expressions and failed attempts to get down the descent without mishap, none more so than Andy Laverty’s who hit exactly the same tree as on the previous day but without the benefit of body armour was taking slightly longer to get back onto his feet. A puncture not long after just added insult to injury.

ity help the dog walker who happened to stray across the all weather pitch in Bangor’s Castle Park on Saturday 28 June as a stampede of highly charged mountain bikers started the Toyota North Down Bangor Bike Week mountain bike race. Always a success, this well established week of competition culminated in an open cross country race. Starting with a charge across the gravel pitch it was a hard right for a full lap of the BMX course before looping around a hedge to enter a singletrack bash through the trees. Out to the extreme back of the park and it was out of the trees and down the hill of the football pitches before tackling a steep off camber descent and a last series of switchbacks through yet more trees to complete the lap. The continued bright weather and the unrelenting nature of the course combined with the odd shard of glass from a broken bottle made sure that the attrition rate was high. That, as well as the greasy conditions from recent rain, which was to see Ross Blaney crash heavily in the woods in his first mountain bike race as a Senior, made things entertaining. Suffering from the heat after remounting, Ross stopped in the trees to shed some layers whereupon Andy Laverty who just happened upon the scene at that precise moment in time didn’t know whether to slap it or park his bike in it and veered off line, puncturing his rear tyre on the aforementioned glass. Wonder how Giant took the news of his retirement, “I was blinded by the moon in the trees at one o’clock in the afternoon”. Colin Starrett was

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TEL: (01762) 348627 PARIS • LONDON • N EWRY • LURGAN • M ILAN oblivious to all of this as he rode comfortably away from Simon Loughlin to take his second and surely not last win of the year, the by now traditional superman impression across the finish line being very well received. Ross was to take third despite his dramas after a superb charge through the field, just pipping new Northern Ireland Road Race Champion, Michael Hamilton in the process. Ronald Surgenor was another having an impressive ride, taking a triple clamped, long travel Mountain Cycle San Andreas to fifth place in combat fatigues, tee shirt and flat pedals, what a git with Old

School, Robert Lamont taking the last of the prize money in sixth after a determined ride. In the other classes, it was very much a local benefit with Philip Geddis winning the Junior class in such a manner as to actually place third overall, while Ricky Blaney was obviously inspired, taking the first open win of his career in front of some very proud family members. Colin Ross and Lewis Ferguson were doing the usual business in the Under 14 and Under 12’s respectively while Gill Smith and Geoff Coupland only had to finish to claim their greenbacks. Right, who’s for the pub?

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(016487) 48748 überdog magazine august 1997 23

Bangor Bike Week

NI XC League Round 2

Castle Park Cross Country

MONEYSCALP WOOD

22 überdog magazine august 1997

Gill Smyth. Number 1 on the bike, number 1 on the line.

nice new Gary Fisher frame. Interested in adoption Eric?

It’s a long time since a XC race has enjoyed such dry conditions.

The XC guys got to experience the downhill course in all it’s glory.

The Cyclery NEW PRO BIKE STORE OPEN IN NEWRY!

THE CHEAPEST GEAR IN THE COUNTRY 56 EDWARD ST. • LURGAN • Co ARMAGH • BT66 6DB

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(016487) 48748 überdog magazine august 1997 23

THE ARMSTRONG B IKE DOCK DOWNHILL DUAL S LALOM LEAGUE

Gate B ashing Gate Bashing he Clarke farmland overlooking Creighton’s Green Road at Craigantlet is fast becoming synonymous with fast, exciting, close racing and “safe” crashes as that is the permanent venue for The Armstrong Bike Dock Downhill Dual Slalom League. In the last issue of überdog we reviewed the first round of the League and explained the concept behind the race but just in case, for some strange reason, you haven’t seen that issue, here’s a quick recap. Riders race in pairs, your partner being the same for each of the four timed runs that are completed. There are two lanes, one red, one yellow with an open section of path from the start leading to a Red Arrows style crossover point before entering a section of 8 - 10 slalom gates to the finish. Each rider gets two runs on each lane, the fastest single time from each lane being added together to give a cumulative best time

Spikey tyres, don’t you just love them!

Ronald Surgenor on board his new long travel San Andreas.

Oh Bugger!

Brian Nelson slithers round gate 1.

Round 2 Wednesday 21 May

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Round 3 - Satur day 7 June 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Under 10 Matthew Ferguson ..........Armstrong Bike Dock Aaron Sterling ..................................Ards CC Under 12 Philip McLaughlin ........................................ Samual Clarke.............................................. Lewis Ferguson ..............Armstrong Bike Dock Thomas Baker ............................................ Matthew King ..................Drogheda Wheelers Chris Jones ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Ross Kearney .............................................. Under 14 Colin Ross ....................Armstrong Bike Dock Jamie Scott................................NICF Private William Corry .............................................. James Donnelly............................................ Aaron Ward ................................................ Matthew Blaney ................Toyota North Down Duane Duncan ..........................Flogas Harps Chris McLeese ............................................ Under 16 Neil McCallum ................Armstrong Bike Dock Kris Clarke .................................................. Gavin Snowdon ....................McConvey Cycles Duane McCreadie........................NICF Private Nathan Hogg..................Armstrong Bike Dock Damien Good .............................................. Michael Dempster ..............Toota North Down Neil McCluney .............................................. Conall Watson ............................................ Emmett Grogan ..........Drogheda Wheelers CC Chris Dunlop................................................ Andrew Duncan ....................Flogas Harps CC Cillian Tierney ..............Drogheda Wheelers CC Juniors John Lawlor ................................................ Winston Copeland Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC Simon Gill .................................................... Philip Geddis ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Brian Nelson ........................McConvey Cycles Stephen Hopper .......................................... Darren McCluney ........................................ Seniors Jonathon Reid ......................McConvey Cycles Glyn O’Brien ................................................ Davy O’Hara ................................................ Andy Laverty ..................................Giant UK Richard McKillen ..........................Muddy Fox Andrew Yoong ................Armstrong Bike Dock Kenny Cassells ............................................ Ronald Surgenor ............Armstrong Bike Dock Dale McMullan ..................Bann Wheelers CC Michael Cowan ............................................ Joe Ward.................................................... Mark Smyth ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Owen Byrne ................................................ Robert Ferguson .......................................... Andrew Baird .............................................. John McClellan ............................................ Bryce Irvine ........................Apollo Cycle Team Jason Turner .............................................. Gary Cowan ................................................ Peter Boyd ......................Toyota North Down

➤.

Glyn O’Brien leads the series after 3 rounds.

for the two runs, the quickest timed rider being the winner and so on. Good crowds, a constant stream of riders on course, plenty of wipes and spills and exceptionally close times ensure that the atmosphere is always carnival like, even when it rains as it has done at pretty much every round so far. A further three rounds have been held since the last issue leaving a further two to complete the series. With a rider scoring points for his finishing position and their best four rounds

lts su re

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Under 10 Matthew Ferguson ..........Armstrong Bike Dock Aaron Sterling ..................................Ards CC Jason Tweedie ............................................ Neil Rutherford ............................................ Max Scott .................................................. Under 12 Ross Kerney ................................................ James Wray ....................Bann Wheelers CC Thomas Baker ............................................ Lewis Ferguson ..............Armstrong Bike Dock Christopher Jones ..........Armstrong Bike Dock Philip McLaughlin ........................................ Sammy Clarke.............................................. Under 14 Jamie Scott ................................................ Colin Ross ....................Armstrong Bike Dock James Donnolly............................................ William Corry .............................................. Matty Blaney ....................Toyota North Down Aaron Ward ................................................ John Ferguson ............................................ Philip Campbell ............................................ Duane Duncan ..........................Flogas Harps Chris McLeese ............................................ David McKernan .......................................... Patrick Lowry .............................................. Under 16 Owen Jeffries .............................................. Nial Greenan .............................................. Gavin Nutt ..........................McConvey Cycles Kris Clarke .................................................. Neil McCallum ................Armstrong Bike Dock Duane McCreadie ........................................ Gavin Snowdon ....................McConvey Cycles Conall Watson ............................................ Nathan Hogg..................Armstrong Bike Dock Ricky Blaney......................Toyota North Down Neil McCluney .............................................. Juniors Philip Geddis ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Simon Gill .................................................... Brian Nelson ........................McConvey Cycles Joanne McCallum ..........Armstrong Bike Dock Gerard Calvert ....................McConvey Cycles Winston Copeland Bamfords Cycles-Glenarm CC Michael Anstey ............................................ Gareth Logan ............................................ Seniors Glyn O’Brien ................................................ Andrew Yoong ................Armstrong Bike Dock Dave O’Hara ................................................ Jonathon Reid ......................McConvey Cycles Andy Laverty ..................................Giant UK Mark Smyth ..................Armstrong Bike Dock Ronald Surgenor ............Armstrong Bike Dock Alistair McBroom............Armstrong Bike Dock Mark Dickson................................Cycle Lane Michael Wight................Armstrong Bike Dock Jaason Turner ............................................ Michael Cowan ............................................ Steiner Andrews .......................................... Joe Ward.................................................... Simon McConnell........................Queens MTB Dale McMullan ..................Bann Wheelers CC Bryce Irvine ....................................Apollo CT Andy Reynolds ............................................ Robert Ferguson .......................................... David Livingston .......................................... Alan Herfield................................................

Davy O. Always a competitor

1 2 3 4 5

24 überdog magazine august 1997

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Round 4 - Satur day 21 June

Under 10 Matthew Ferguson ..........Armstrong Bike Dock Aaron Sterling ..................................Ards CC Neil Rutherford ............................................ Under 12 1 Samuel Clarke.............................................. 2 Philip McLaughlin ........................................ 3 Thomas Baker ............................................ 4 Lewis Ferguson ..............Armstrong Bike Dock 5 Christopher Jones ..........Armstrong Bike Dock Under 14 1 Jamie Scott................................NICF Private 2 James Donnelly............................................ 3 William Corry .............................................. 4 Colin Ross ....................Armstrong Bike Dock 5 Duane Duncan ..........................Flogas Harps 6 Robin McNamee .......................................... 7 Clay Scholes ..........................North West CC 8 John Wilson ................................................ 9 Aaron Ward ................................................ 10 John Ferguson ............................................ 11 Chris McLeese ............................................ Under 16 1 Kris Clarke 2 Gavin Snowdon ....................McConvey Cycles 3 Nathan Hogg..................Armstrong Bike Dock 4 James Morris .............................................. 5 Conall Watson ............................................ Juniors 1 Winston Copeland Bamford Cycles-Glenarm CC 2 Simon Gill .................................................... 3 Brian Nelson ........................McConvey Cycles 4 Gerard Calvert ....................McConvey Cycles Seniors 1 Andy Laverty ..................................Giant UK 2 Jonathon Reid ......................McConvey Cycles 3 Ronald Surgenor ............Armstrong Bike Dock 4 Owen Byrne ..........................Mountain Cycles 5 Joe Ward.................................................... 6 Robert Ferguson .......................................... 1 2 3

to count for the Overall standings and good prizes ensured, there is still everything to race for so why not come along on Wednesday July 30th and Wednesday August 13th and see what all the fuss is about. Start times are seven o’clock Highlights so far have included Mark Smyth’s consistent ability to fall at every opportunity, Richard McKillen and Steiner Andrews’ graphic Hawaiian shirts. Robert Ferguson’s very vocal and acerbic outlook on life statements. Andrew Yoong’s participation in the Senior class but not cleaning up, Joanne McCallum’s beating of some well established Junior males and a different winner at every round in every class bar the Under 10’s where Matthew Ferguson reins supreme. The different weather conditions ranging from scorching sunshine with showers to the torrential monsoon which affected Round 4 also ensures that the course never rides the same from round to round.

Some of the McConvey Team were so scared, their friends had to push them of the line!

Start ‘em young. That’s what I say!

überdog magazine august 1997 25

THE ARMSTRONG B IKE DOCK DOWNHILL DUAL S LALOM LEAGUE

Spikey tyres, don’t you just love them!

Ronald Surgenor on board his new long travel San Andreas.

Oh Bugger!

Brian Nelson slithers round gate 1.

Round 2 Wednesday 21 May

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Round 3 - Satur day 7 June 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

➤.

Glyn O’Brien leads the series after 3 rounds.

lts su re

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Davy O. Always a competitor

1 2 3 4 5

24 überdog magazine august 1997

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Round 4 - Satur day 21 June

Some of the McConvey Team were so scared, their friends had to push them of the line!

Start ‘em young. That’s what I say!

überdog magazine august 1997 25

Dave O’Hara on his way to a well deserved 2nd, recovering well after a heavy fall onto rocks during practice.

All Ireland Downhill League Round 2 • Ravensdale Wood

Drogheda Wheelers riders to try and improve an already impressive venue. Their efforts paid off as a couple of new sections added further to a brilliant course. With a run time of around 4 minutes and every single inch of the course marked with florescent yellow tape, the riders couldn’t wait to get at it.

Mexican Magic

The run started in the back of a lorry, thankfully with a downward sloping ramp, and it was straight onto the twelve sprocket for a fast section of bash road. Scrub some speed for a front wheel washing right hander and it was out of the saddle again into a fast left and the entry to the first of three bus stop chicanes. A stepped entry and a badly placed tree stump meant that entry had to be either circumspect or a flight pattern of superhuman proportions. A banked right hander and it was back onto the

he downhill course at Ravensdale proved to be one of the most popular and competitive ones on the 1996 circuit so there was a lot of anticipation and pre-event practicing prior to Round Two of The All Ireland Downhill League which was held there on Saturday 12 July 1997. Entries were a little down due to some understandable reluctance of some of the Northern riders travelling South during a troubled time but the event didn’t suffer because of that.

Top:

fire road for a sweeping left before launching right off the path into the next bus stop. Ducking low to avoid hitting branches before landing it was a rooted left back onto the path and then immediately right into the third bus stop. A drop off right handed exit and it was time to build up the lactic acid again. A fast right, off camber left followed by a gravelly right and it was yet more sprinting down a very rough, grassy, rocky section of double track. Caution signs alerted riders of a new section of course which peeled off to the left of the fire road. A roller coaster section of whoops and rollers led into a series of peaty switchbacks which exited into the rocky, technical section of singletrack amongst the trees. A final section of flatish fire road led into a 180 bermed left hander. A final right and it was into the left hander at the top of the

Mark Smyth putting the Hot-Chili through it’s paces.

Bottom Left: On the final decent riders were greeted by the sight of two large mattresses strapped to the magnetic trees at the bottom. Reassuring! Bottom Right: under 14s.

The eyes have it! Will Corry concentration earns him 2nd in the

Photographs by Nigel Farquhar

Eamonn Lawlor’s lovely wife Ann had been the biggest loser of the week prior to the event as Eamonn spent every available minute working with son John, Paul Gilsenan and the other

26 überdog magazine august 1997

Local hero John Lawlor was to be robbed of victory on the day. Not through lack of trackside support let me say!

Kenny Cassells grabs some air on a part of the new section.

überdog magazine august 1997 27

Dave O’Hara on his way to a well deserved 2nd, recovering well after a heavy fall onto rocks during practice.

All Ireland Downhill League Round 2 • Ravensdale Wood

Mexican Magic

Top:

Mark Smyth putting the Hot-Chili through it’s paces.

Bottom Left: On the final decent riders were greeted by the sight of two large mattresses strapped to the magnetic trees at the bottom. Reassuring! Bottom Right: under 14s.

The eyes have it! Will Corry concentration earns him 2nd in the

Photographs by Nigel Farquhar

Eamonn Lawlor’s lovely wife Ann had been the biggest loser of the week prior to the event as Eamonn spent every available minute working with son John, Paul Gilsenan and the other

26 überdog magazine august 1997

Local hero John Lawlor was to be robbed of victory on the day. Not through lack of trackside support let me say!

Kenny Cassells grabs some air on a part of the new section.

überdog magazine august 1997 27

twenty foot drop to the finish which was made even more interesting with the inclusion of a log jump and a fast left hander at the bottom. A final run to the line over a sea of rocks, complete with drop off made sure that there was no place for complacency. What a rush.

The battle for the Junior category was looked upon by many as likely to be the closest of

The Cycle Lane riders, Mark Dickson (above) and Colin Finlay (right) done their sponsors proud with a 7th in the Elite and a 2nd in the Masters.

28 überdog magazine august 1997

the day with both Irish stars of the English scene, John Lawlor and Andrew Yoong, present. Local course advantage was leading many to mark John as favourite but a crash at the entry to the finish line drop on his first run was a set back. Andy “Hanson” “Mowgli” Yoong however, a rider with more nicknames than anyone else in the sport had set the run

on fire with a stupendous time of 3.55.7. With John unable to beat that time on the more slippery second run, the victory was to go Andy’s way for the first time this season. Team Best rider Dermot Brady was looking good in his new team issue gimp suit and was finishing in third place, a mere three seconds back.

Photograph by Nigel Farquhar

The start ramp lorry doubled as a ferry for quick thinking riders who were saving their legs for biking rather than hiking.

to have recorded two wins from two starts in the League by taking victory in the somewhat depleted Masters Category. Still with a time that was just outside the top ten Elites and with a rider’s best three results to count for the Overall, Andy had every right to be happy and confident that a greater prize awaits despite crashing heavily on the rocks in his second run. Team Cycle Lane’s Colin Finley was taking a fine second place in his first Masters race despite being another to fail to improve on his first run time after falling at “John’s corner”, the scene of John Lawlor’s crash earlier in the day, some encouragement before heading to England to take part in the British Championships. Last year’s League and All Ireland Champion Richie Byrne was having a fraught time, finishing third despite unshipping his chain twice and suffering a minor off. He was heard to quote afterwards, “Eff that, I’d rather be climbing rocks”. That only leaves the blue riband class, the Senior Expert / Elites and with a full entry list of the country’s who’s who it promised to be a belter. Early pace came from Belfast’s Mark Smyth who has benefited from the increased level of competition

One of the main differences between racing in the North and the South is the extended Category system which the larger population base of the South allows. Instead of the one Senior Category used in the North, there are two, Sports and Expert / Elite. There is also an additional category between Senior and Vets, the Masters category which riders are eligible for on the year of their thirtieth birthday, a fact that more riders are realising and making good use of.

Photographs by Nigel Farquhar

Weather conditions were good for the first run and the track was in excellent shape. Heavy rain before the start of the second run however ensured that the drama never ended with the rocks and roots open to the rain

Neil McCallum was getting the defence of his 1996 All Ireland League Title off to a good start with victory in the Under 16 class. With the best three out of four rounds to count however, he couldn’t afford anything less than a win having missed the opening round at Wexford. (See Uberdog Issue 3 for report) Cycleway’s David McNeill was some twenty seconds back in second with David Maloney of the Mountain Bike Club of Cork taking third.

Left: Glyn O’Brien, need I say more!

In the Sports Category it was Mark Driver who was getting down the quickest ahead of Kamikaze rider, Leo Quigley and Stephen Ronan of MADD Cycles. Ian Graham has been slowly getting back into the competition scene after missing much of last year through injury and his reward for travelling South was victory in the Vets Category on his new Specialized ahead of IMBRC’s Peter Popham and the elder statesman of the Team Best outfit, Tom Clogher. Giant UK’s Andy Laverty was becoming the only rider

Photograph by Nigel Farquhar

Matthew King got the promoting Club’s account off to a great start with first place in the Under 12 category from Jamie Popham of the Irish Mountain Bike Racing Club. Will Corry’s new Team Best was also getting it’s first victory in the guise of the only female competitor, 12 year old Jacqui Brady. Colin Ross and William Corry were both catching their minute men in the Under 14 class. Colin Ross on his new Gary Fisher full suspension bike was to suffer least by comparison, taking the win for event sponsor, Armstrong Bike Dock. Darragh Clogher was completing the top three but his time was almost a full minute slower than William Corry’s.

Andy Yoong cruises to Junior Victory

Right: Giant Rider Andy Lav making like an angry rhino coming out of undergrowth.

becoming incredibly slick and forcing rider after rider to crash. A good first run was imperative as very few competitor’s were able to improve on their second run.

The Best Team? Ravensdale was to be the first appearance of the all new Team Best. Formed by Cam-Am Supremo Will Corry for contention of all the Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland series, both Downhill and Cross Country. From left to right, back row: Davy O’Hara, Dermot Brady, Alan Clogarr, Thomas Clogher, Tom Clogher & Glyn O’Brien. Front row: Jacquie Brady & Will Corry.

überdog magazine august 1997 29

The battle for the Junior category was looked upon by many as likely to be the closest of

The Cycle Lane riders, Mark Dickson (above) and Colin Finlay (right) done their sponsors proud with a 7th in the Elite and a 2nd in the Masters.

28 überdog magazine august 1997

Photograph by Nigel Farquhar

The start ramp lorry doubled as a ferry for quick thinking riders who were saving their legs for biking rather than hiking.

Photographs by Nigel Farquhar

Left: Glyn O’Brien, need I say more!

Photograph by Nigel Farquhar

Andy Yoong cruises to Junior Victory

Right: Giant Rider Andy Lav making like an angry rhino coming out of undergrowth.

becoming incredibly slick and forcing rider after rider to crash. A good first run was imperative as very few competitor’s were able to improve on their second run.

überdog magazine august 1997 29

ARMSTRONG

results

Under 12

1 2

Matthew King Drogheda Wheelers Jamie Popham IMBRC Under 12 - Female Jacqui Brady Team Best

4.56.6 5.19.0 7.08.9

Under 14

1 2 3 4

Colin Ross William Corry Darragh Clogher Clay Scholes

Armstrong Bike Dock Team Best NW Cycling Club

4.19.5 4.33.8 5.32.0 5.51.8

Armstrong Bike Dock Cycleways MACC Drogheda Wheelers CC -

4.25.6 4.42.2 5.03.4 5.08.6 5.08.6 5.12.4

Armstrong Bike Dock Team Best KMBC Orchard Wheelers Cycleways MBCC MBCC

3.55.7 4.01.7 4.04.9 4.29.8 4.35.0 4.40.1 4.41.4 4.45.8 4.48.6 4.50.5 5.19.3

Kamikaze MADD Cycle McConvey Cycles Mountain Cycles Cyclelogical Cycleways BVRC Sorrento Cycleways Mayo Trinton MBCC

4.08.8 4.18.8 4.19.0 4.25.1 4.28.8 4.30.3 4.36.8 4.38.0 4.38.3 4.40.4 4.42.3 4.42.3 4.47.1 4.50.3 4.57.8 5.35.6

Giant UK Cycle Lane Cyclelogical Drogheda Wheelers

4.09.3 4.17.0 4.40.0 5.35.1

Belfast MTB IMBRC Team Best

5.05.5 5.13.4 5.14.4

Under 16

1 2 3 4= 4= 6

Neil McCallum David McNeil David Maloney Robert Davin Cillian Tierney Alex Peyton

Junior

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Andrew Yoong John Lawlor Dermot Brady Shane Fitzpatrick Matte Rosenfeld Oistin Roe Rob Lane Robert Uprichard James Duffy Fred Gilroy Tom Elliot

Photograph by Nigel Farquhar

Sports

The Stars Of Tomorrow? More and more youth is coming into the sport, guaranteeing a future senior and junior field bigger than anything seen today.

Photograph by Nigel Farquhar

plaster cast from Moneyscalp thankfully long removed.

Bus Stop #3 marked the end of the top section, from here it was a gravel dash down to the new section.

on the English mainland with a time of 4.00.4, a good bench mark and good enough for an eventual fifth place. Local rider, Drogheda’s Declan Halton was making good use of his intimate knowledge of Ravensdale to finish equal tenth with Cyclelogical’s Sean Travers who was looking scary fast in the finishing area drop off. Cormac Roe was ninth, less than half a second behind his brother?, Eoghan Roe in eighth who must have been disappointed to be so far down the field after getting on the podium at Wexford. Team Cycle Lane’s Mark Dickson was keeping his track record of not having finished outside the top ten this year with seventh place on the day. Sixth was an excellent result for Dale McMullan on the day, the

And so to the top four where times were all under the magic four minute mark. Fourth was to go the way of Michael Cowan, his best result both of this and last year proving that he really does like those fast and technical courses, especially in the dry. The fastest nipple in the South, Paul Gilsenan was back on home soil in third place but it was a close run thing, Davy O’Hara being a mere tenth of a second faster in second despite riding with two fairly major holes in his knee after he suffered a double flat at speed while practicing an early morning run. First stop after the race was Daisy Hill Casualty and then onto Glyn O’Brien’s house to celebrate a Newry one - two as Glyn had produced the goods once again to stand on the top step of the podium. Ma and pa were suitably proud. With a hectic schedule of travelling due over the next few weeks which will see Davy and Glyn at the final round of the British National Points Series, the Malverns, the fifth round of the Armstrong Bike Dock Downhill Dual Slalom League and then the British Championships, lets hope that luck continues to shine for the boys and that there’ll be cause for more celebration in both households in the near future.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11= 11= 13 14 15 16

Mark Driver Leo Quigley Stephen Rowan Simon Loughlin Owen Byrne Bruce Murphy Darren Callaghan Connor O’Dwyer Wesley Wright Henry Poskitt Brian Spollon Dave Sorrento Derek Byrne Darren McCann Victor Lucas Dave Lehane

BIKE DOCK

GET SERIOUS!

Masters

1 2 3 4

Andy Laverty Colin Finlay Richie Byrne Kevin Caralon

Vets

1 2 3

Ian Graham Peter Popham Tom Clogher

Elite/Expert

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10= 10= 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Glyn O’Brien Dave O’Hara Paul Golsenan Michael Cowan Mark Smyth Dale McMullan Mark Dickson Eoghan Roe Cormac Roe Declan Halton Sean Travers Richie McGlynn Michael White Kenny Cassells Simon Woods Terry McCollum Alan Clogher Karl Lyons Gordon Byrne Brian Driver Jonathon Reid

Team Best Team Best Cycle Inn Sintesi Chain Reaction Armstrong Bike Dock Bann Wheelers CC Cycle Lane Drogheda Wheelers Cyclelogical Marzocchi Gripshift Chain Reaction Team Best Cyclelogical Cycleways McConvey Cycles

3.48.2 3.55.3 3.55.4 3.59.2 4.00.4 4.05.0 4.07.1 4.07.3 4.07.8 4.09.1 4.09.1 4.10.6 4.10.7 4.14.5 4.18.0 4.30.3 4.32.5 4.34.3 4.36.8 5.03.2 8.35.0

792 SHORE ROAD 8 RAILWAY STREET

Photograph by Nigel Farquhar

BELFAST LISBURN Careful with those stretches lads! Wearing that lycra we can tell more differences between you than we want to!

30 überdog magazine august 1997

The Junior’s Podium. An altogether more sombre affair.

01232 371269 01846 662066 überdog magazine august 1997 31

ARMSTRONG

results

Under 12

1 2

Matthew King Drogheda Wheelers Jamie Popham IMBRC Under 12 - Female Jacqui Brady Team Best

4.56.6 5.19.0 7.08.9

Under 14

1 2 3 4

Colin Ross William Corry Darragh Clogher Clay Scholes

Armstrong Bike Dock Team Best NW Cycling Club

4.19.5 4.33.8 5.32.0 5.51.8

Armstrong Bike Dock Cycleways MACC Drogheda Wheelers CC -

4.25.6 4.42.2 5.03.4 5.08.6 5.08.6 5.12.4

Armstrong Bike Dock Team Best KMBC Orchard Wheelers Cycleways MBCC MBCC

3.55.7 4.01.7 4.04.9 4.29.8 4.35.0 4.40.1 4.41.4 4.45.8 4.48.6 4.50.5 5.19.3

Kamikaze MADD Cycle McConvey Cycles Mountain Cycles Cyclelogical Cycleways BVRC Sorrento Cycleways Mayo Trinton MBCC

4.08.8 4.18.8 4.19.0 4.25.1 4.28.8 4.30.3 4.36.8 4.38.0 4.38.3 4.40.4 4.42.3 4.42.3 4.47.1 4.50.3 4.57.8 5.35.6

Giant UK Cycle Lane Cyclelogical Drogheda Wheelers

4.09.3 4.17.0 4.40.0 5.35.1

Belfast MTB IMBRC Team Best

5.05.5 5.13.4 5.14.4

Under 16

1 2 3 4= 4= 6

Neil McCallum David McNeil David Maloney Robert Davin Cillian Tierney Alex Peyton

Junior

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Andrew Yoong John Lawlor Dermot Brady Shane Fitzpatrick Matte Rosenfeld Oistin Roe Rob Lane Robert Uprichard James Duffy Fred Gilroy Tom Elliot

Photograph by Nigel Farquhar

Sports

The Stars Of Tomorrow? More and more youth is coming into the sport, guaranteeing a future senior and junior field bigger than anything seen today.

Photograph by Nigel Farquhar

plaster cast from Moneyscalp thankfully long removed.

Bus Stop #3 marked the end of the top section, from here it was a gravel dash down to the new section.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11= 11= 13 14 15 16

BIKE DOCK

GET SERIOUS!

Masters

1 2 3 4

Andy Laverty Colin Finlay Richie Byrne Kevin Caralon

Vets

1 2 3

Ian Graham Peter Popham Tom Clogher

Elite/Expert

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10= 10= 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

3.48.2 3.55.3 3.55.4 3.59.2 4.00.4 4.05.0 4.07.1 4.07.3 4.07.8 4.09.1 4.09.1 4.10.6 4.10.7 4.14.5 4.18.0 4.30.3 4.32.5 4.34.3 4.36.8 5.03.2 8.35.0

792 SHORE ROAD 8 RAILWAY STREET

Photograph by Nigel Farquhar

BELFAST LISBURN Careful with those stretches lads! Wearing that lycra we can tell more differences between you than we want to!

30 überdog magazine august 1997

The Junior’s Podium. An altogether more sombre affair.

01232 371269 01846 662066 überdog magazine august 1997 31

Gallery Page

All Ireland XC League • Round 3 • Ravensdale Wood

“You Bought Me What!” he setting, my 24th birthday in my girlfriend’s house anticipating my present (not in a selfish way you understand) GIMME..... GIMME..... GIMME. But in the same way as when you’re four and your Aunt has forgotten your birthday, but she remembered your brothers last week!!! Yeah, it wasn’t as hard to buy him a present, then nobody likes me anyway, type thing. Right, so I open the box handed to me (nice box, good size, could by anything), fuffel about with paper inside and find an A4 page. (I am at a loss at this point as it’s not new “V” brakes for my Muddy Fox) Parachute Jump. I yelled Jeasus, What? From a perfectly good plane? (I might add at this point that I am not that great with heights.....NO, you don’t understand, I get dizzy at the top of speed bumps! I can’t do this.

My girl had been saving hard to afford this pressey, and at this point she started to look a bit dejected as I did not look overjoyed (neither would you be if you hadn’t that long to live) well, some of her family filed in and asked “Did he like it? Will he do it? HU? HU? (As families often do ‘cause you can’t speak of course.) I am a Mountain Biker and I think, they think, that I am mad, brave, butch and would not think twice about jumping out of a plane, so I smiled, didn’t think and said it was excellent. But nobody believed me as I was writing my will at the time with some lipstick on a monster munch packet. It was week to the event and I was sort of looking forward to the jump. It is a very cool thing to have on your C.V. Anyone I remarked to about the dispatch to earth with only a Big “Crazy Prices” Bag as a brake; expressed envy. But the clammy palms told of my inner disposition. All week I could just envision the movie “The Longest Day” where John Wayne leads a crack team of Yanky Paratroopers over the lines of the D-Day invasion, and Al. The kid that everyone liked from small town Ohio jumps out....and falls....quite a long way in fact...to his doom, ie, THE EARTH RUSHED UP AT 120mph to smack AL in the gub for doing a silly thing like Parachute Jumping. But in digress, it was an uneasy week long wait.

Photographs by Nigel Farquhar 32 überdog magazine august 1997

When your girlfriend wants you dead and can’t afford £50,000 to get you ‘Tapped’, there is a cheaper alternative,or so Myles thought!

Austin Allegro with wings, that was sporting a large hole in the fuselage (for easy exit) mad me glad that I would be wearing the chute and more so when I finally met the pilot, who most certainly had seen some action in Nam and was worse of for it. The training on the day was both enjoyable and informative and due to the fact that it tackles any possible outcome on exiting the plane other than “1000,2000,3000,4000 check chute.....chute OK,” was also JUMP. It is not a jump. You jump off a log or over a ball. This is plumetting, hurtling, madness, but not jumping, NOO-WAY.

Family members and well wishers began to arrive at the centre to view our event and let their presence be known with a stiff fingered poke in the side, followed by works that were of such presence that any us peace envoy would be proud of “Hi Ya so are ye nervous?” We got kitted up for the dive. I was given number 1 one on the first take-off of the day, which meant my time was short, after a vigorous check we boarded the Go-Kart and took off. I was beyond turning back at this point. I was at peace with the world. I had asked God, Budda and Harry Chrisana to forgive me for bullying Stephen T. in P6, stealing my uncle’s apple tart portion last Christmas and other things, but you might tell my Da. The ascension was painless as I had my eyes closed and was repeating my 9 time tables until P.D started to go over the days training to ensure my imminent departure was a safe one. Suddenly the fields looked like a train crash in a Southern Mongolia report on the news; far away and of no real link with my present state. The engine lulled and with great joy P.D moved me to the hole in the plane, I’m the man, no return now, I sat on the side of the plane with my legs hanging out ...3 ...2 ...1 ...GOOOOOOO. In reflection I can see myself doing this, from someone elses eyes, perhaps my soul had already left me! FECK I’m falling. FECK the count. Shite, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4 I looked up and there before me was the most beautiful sight known to man, one yellow and cat-turd brown canopy whistling above my head. (There is a God, and I will pay him all those things I promised him, once I acquire all the tea in China.) The six hours training of what to do if it does not open, left me quite surprised that it did actually open, but it did, it did, Ya, Ya. Once I got a few twists out of the lines and ensured that I wasn’t going to die it immediately, without warning became one of the most pleasurably moments of the life as I quietly lavished with my feathered compatriots. The calm was immense. You have no direct sensation of falling as the descent is so subdued. The square parachute allowed for superb manoeuvrers, twists, in the security felt only in your mothers arms after you had wet yourself (not that I wet myself, I didn’t, listen it was years ago OK, and orange juice affects me that way. Leave it.)

The weather looked good on the morning of the sky dive, so no chance of a postponement, but feck it, sure it’ll be a bit of craic. I arrived at the “Wild Geese Parachute Training Centre” bright and early; because if there was any way possible to prevent my demise, I wanted to know. This part of the North West seemed to be a rich boys playground, as my 150,000 Lesson #893 In Parachuting: Always keep a shred of dignity about you for when a camera mile citroen CX stood out more than normal in appears. Remember you can always go back to blubbering and crying afterwards. Sorry, Right, I was soaring, content with the car park. The other vehicles were made the world, in peace....I checked the with dwarf infertile couples in mind, ie 2 seater A funny guy called P.D taught us how to depart altimeter - 1000 feet. My car was visible at this BMWs and ALFAS. the 747, but he went on a bit so we called him PJ stage, so I headed like a veteran to the landing field. cause the clothes he was attired in were for night We were warmly welcomed be the hyper active The elation was excellent, just beyond the feeling of wear only; one spark near those shell suit bottoms maggie, who owns and runs the centre and after a seeing a magnificent view at sunrise. I turned the and he’s toast. I was trained to use square brief period of signing your life away, the six hour, canopy round at 400ft to land into the wind and parachutes which act like a wing and are light hearted anxiety attack began. Maggie genially....Ya Ya, came back to the beautiful earth directional, as opposed to the round which just slow reminded me of my old art teacher, but she had proudly on my feet. you down and are crap. As the squares control completed over 2,000 jumps in the 14 year history The parachute fall was a wonderful experience allow a soft landing, the training is not just based of the centre. The fact that she is still alive was the but hugely un-nerving. I would do it again to prove around the landing actions; but teach wind first calming thought of the day; quickly followed by to myself that I am not a woose but there was directions, handling and a nerve wrecking 20 “What if the odds of chute failure are something about the instructors and those who did minute video of actual mishaps and their remedies. 2001\1....and I’m next?” SHITE. it weekly, something, they all had it, a little sideways This left the group in an actual peace time state of clint of the eye. It is an incredible thing to do. A clear and comprehensive theory lecture was shell shock; with all the symptoms - panic, nervous, INCREDIBLY STUPID! ■Myles McCor ry followed by a tour of the airfield and the £3,000 feet and hand tapping, nail biting and the classic Myles has recently paid for his girlfriend to parachute that was going to advert my meeting “I’m just away to the loo for a smoke” .....course go on an all expenses paid trip shark fishing. In with St.Peter, then we met the plane that was to you are! a canoe. whisk me to the heavens. This single engined

überdog magazine august 1997 33

Gallery Page

All Ireland XC League • Round 3 • Ravensdale Wood

Photographs by Nigel Farquhar 32 überdog magazine august 1997

When your girlfriend wants you dead and can’t afford £50,000 to get you ‘Tapped’, there is a cheaper alternative,or so Myles thought!

überdog magazine august 1997 33

EVANS ON FORM

The Only Newsletter For Serious Cyclists

• Goings On • CHAMPION BORN! 8th July 1997, make a note of that date, it was the day another generation of the Kane family began. Thomas Jordan son of Mark weighed in at 7 pounds 3 ounces and it is rumoured that he was delivered with a number on his back! Proud Davy also enjoyed a new lease of life sleeping for the first time with a granny. Meanwhile Paul is said to be overjoyed and happy that he is an uncle and not an aunt, good luck to all the Kane family, especially Thomas, for the future!

DUBLIN BUS FIVE DAY SULLY’S DOUBLE DECKER Stephen ‘O’ Sullivan, Coors Light, scored an impressive win in the Dublin Bus Five Day, promoted by Dublin Wheelers, beating this years Ras winner Andrew Roche by a handful of seconds. He secured victory by winning two stages, a criterium and the T.T. stage, and with the help of his very strong Coors Light team. The race itself is run midweek Mon-Fri and all stages are in the evening , this certainly wouldn’t help any rider who works, so this makes Stephens win even more impressive.

MCMACKIN MAKES ‘THAT SHORT-LIST’ Declan McMackin, Bangor, secured a place on the most controversial and uncertain short-list ever to be drawn up by the 34 überdog magazine august 1997

Ulster Cycling Federation. He secured his place by finishing second in the recent classic event, the Tour of Mournes, which is one of the original events on the programme of races, drawn up by the U.C.F., for qualification for a place on the 1998 Commonwealth Games short-list! If you are unaware of this shortlist and what it means let me enlighten you on what's been going on up until now. At the start of the year the Ulster Cycling Federation and Northern Ireland Cycling Federation drew up a two year plan which would take them up to the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia. The first part of this plan was to establish a panel of around 15 riders from which the final team would be picked, as far as the U.C.F. is concerned they gave out a list of all the races that selectors would be using. To guarantee a place on the panel a top three place in the selected events had to be obtained. Up to now this plan has been nothing short of a disaster and an embarrassment! For a start no selectors have been at more than two road events (U.C.F. that is) nobody knows who the selectors are and in fact one selector Brendan Graham has still to be told he is a selector for the U.C.F. As you can see this whole process is a bit of a farce with the riders once again being the ones who have to suffer. I on behalf of the riders have highlighted the problems with this procedure all season

ommy is the man on form at the moment and that’s official. During the month of July he notched up no less than six wins, with his best coming in the toughest Tour Of Mournes for some years.

and still the U.C.F. have failed it’s members and their riders, it is time somethings were changed!

His Victory in the Mournes classic confirmed that he is the one definite name on the, uncertain, short-list for the 1998 commonwealth games. He took victory from, another in form rider, Declan McMackin(Bangor) after both had been away together for over twenty miles and proved to strong for McMackin in the final sprint in Warrenpoint, third place went to southern rider Karl Donnelly.

CARBO LOADED OR BOAT LOADED? Tommy Evans has ‘allegedly’ been testing a new carbo loading drink while racing this year, the new product on the scene but years old is Malibu and Heiniken, not mixed but drank together the night before an event preferably in a nightclub or disco! It was tested at the recent Tour of Mournes where it was an instant success taking Tommy to victory. Commenting after the race he stated ‘that’s the hardest Tour of Mournes I’ve ever ridden, all I did all day was drink’ well Thomas you can’t have your cake and eat it.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT On a recent trip to the Isle of Man junior rider Emmet Hogan, Thermo King, proved to all those boring old farts involved with cycling that there still is a fun element there. Whilst riding the one lap international event Hogan escaped with three other Irish riders and one English rider, knowing the English rider was in trouble on the climb he waited until he was tailed off the group and went back to join him. It was at this point he produced a camera from his racing jersey pocket and took a photo of the English rider in agony, laughed and took off to join his fellow Irish riders, classic stuff!

Other wins in July included his complete domination of Toyota North Downs ‘Bangor Bike Week’ where he took three victories during the week including a short circuit race, a criterium and a time trial confirming once again his ability as an all round bike rider. His sights are now firmly fixed on closing in on the overall lead in the Callcard Irish League, in which he is currently lying second(39 points) one point behind leader Ray Clarke, Tipperary(40 points). Tied in third place are Southern riders Karl Donnelly,Amev, and David Peelo,Sorrento, both currently on 31 points each.

ANSWERS TO RIDERS NEWS QUIZ ‘JULY’ Below are the answers to the Stephen Roche quiz run in the July issue of RIDERS NEWS unfortunately due to deadlines there is no quiz this month but hopefully it will return in the next issue with the help once again of Phil Holland. 1. ORWELL WHEELERS. 2. 1979. 3. TOUR OF CORSICA. 4. WINNING PARIS-NICE AS A 1st. YEAR PRO. 5. GREG LEMOND. 6. THE AMATEUR PARIS ROUBAIX. 7. TURNED UP LATE FOR THE 2nd STAGE TEAM T.T. 8. TONTON TAPIS. 9. LA REDOUTE. 10. THE 1992 TOUR de FRANCE STAGE LA BOURBOUlE. 11. ROBERTO VISENTINI. 12. ROBERT MILLAR. 13. LENNIE KIRK. 14. THE PARIS SIX DAY.

“MAKE THE NO.1 SHOP YOUR FIRST STOP” Sole Agents For

Computerised Frame Measurement System (Instant Bio-Racer Printouts Now Available)

EDDY MERCKX Pro Racing Frames (made to measure or of the peg)

Special Offers on Frames & Forks

ie: Columbus SL Motorola was £510 now £375

SHOGUN, MADIGAN & COPPI T op Range Racing &Frames & Forks ✦ GIVE YOURSELF THE CUTTING EDGE WITH ✦

MAVIC HELIUMS COMPAG SHAMALS SPINS • ZIPPS COSMICS “All Built To Win!” or

HAND BUILT HIGH PERFORMANCE WHEELS (choose your own specifications) DON’T STEAL MY JERSEY SOMEONE HAS ALREADY STOLE MY BRUSH!

All Your Cycling Needs Under One Roof! CLOTHING

Welcome to the brightest month in Ulster cycling, and even Irish Cycling, for some time as Riders News gets a facelift thanks to überdog magazine. I hope your get as much pleasure reading the magazine as I get contributing to it, for the record all material is still submitted by myself and I have almost full control of what see’s the light of day. Many people see Road Racing as a mainstream sport and maybe not as exciting as mountain biking or other cycle related sports, but as past readers of Riders News know this image has been conjured up by boring old bureaucrats who hate to see change happening to better our sport. Most of us know road racing to be one of the most exciting, challenging and passionate sports in Ireland at the moment and long may it continue. Please continue to send all your correspondence , results, goings on and funny moments to myself and enjoy your new media coverage to the full. Colm Watson!

Shorts, Bib-Shorts, Tights, Knickers, Capes, Jerseys, Jackets, Gloves, hats, Socks, etc. from Karrimor, Nike, Lusso, Animal, Rox, Castelli, Nalini, DeMarchi, Endura, Biemme, Asics, Sunshine.

SHOES Carnac, Nike, Sidi, Time, Northwave, Axo.

PEDALS Look, Time, Onza, Shimano, Ritchey.

HELMETS Briko, Giro, Bell, Rudy Project, Met, Bell.

SHADES Oakley, Briko, Rudy Project, Bloc, Bolle.

Plus Much, Much More! 89 Irish Quarter South • Carrickfergus

Ring Today, It’s Bound To Pay! EVAN’S DETERMINED TO STEAL AWAY CLARKES LEADERS JERSEY

Tel: 01960 351844 überdog magazine august 1997 35

EVANS ON FORM

The Only Newsletter For Serious Cyclists

MCMACKIN MAKES ‘THAT SHORT-LIST’ Declan McMackin, Bangor, secured a place on the most controversial and uncertain short-list ever to be drawn up by the 34 überdog magazine august 1997

ommy is the man on form at the moment and that’s official. During the month of July he notched up no less than six wins, with his best coming in the toughest Tour Of Mournes for some years.

and still the U.C.F. have failed it’s members and their riders, it is time somethings were changed!

“MAKE THE NO.1 SHOP YOUR FIRST STOP” Sole Agents For

Computerised Frame Measurement System (Instant Bio-Racer Printouts Now Available)

EDDY MERCKX Pro Racing Frames (made to measure or of the peg)

Special Offers on Frames & Forks

ie: Columbus SL Motorola was £510 now £375

SHOGUN, MADIGAN & COPPI T op Range Racing &Frames & Forks ✦ GIVE YOURSELF THE CUTTING EDGE WITH ✦

MAVIC HELIUMS COMPAG SHAMALS SPINS • ZIPPS COSMICS “All Built To Win!” or

HAND BUILT HIGH PERFORMANCE WHEELS (choose your own specifications) DON’T STEAL MY JERSEY SOMEONE HAS ALREADY STOLE MY BRUSH!

All Your Cycling Needs Under One Roof! CLOTHING

Shorts, Bib-Shorts, Tights, Knickers, Capes, Jerseys, Jackets, Gloves, hats, Socks, etc. from Karrimor, Nike, Lusso, Animal, Rox, Castelli, Nalini, DeMarchi, Endura, Biemme, Asics, Sunshine.

SHOES Carnac, Nike, Sidi, Time, Northwave, Axo.

PEDALS Look, Time, Onza, Shimano, Ritchey.

HELMETS Briko, Giro, Bell, Rudy Project, Met, Bell.

SHADES Oakley, Briko, Rudy Project, Bloc, Bolle.

Plus Much, Much More! 89 Irish Quarter South • Carrickfergus

Ring Today, It’s Bound To Pay! EVAN’S DETERMINED TO STEAL AWAY CLARKES LEADERS JERSEY

Tel: 01960 351844 überdog magazine august 1997 35

GRAHAM EASES INTO RETIREMENT

fter gracing our peleton for 23 years Brendan ‘BO’ Graham has decided to call time on his international racing career and ease himself into Retirement! Why Now?

As ‘Bo’ crossed the finish line of the 1997 all Ireland Championships the look and stare said it all. Here was a man who had just given 120% as usual, but who knew, deep down, it just wasn’t enough and could possibly be the last championships he will ever ride. His face showed the efforts of a long hard day in the saddle and it was easy to tell it had hurt badly, this along with a number of other factors has prompted him to talk of retirement, a word he hates to use but also one he cannot avoid. I travel each week to races with ‘Bo’ and have great fun, but this weekend was to be different as I was to try and get inside that head which has won so many great races over the past years! We arrived in Carrick around dinner time and , as with most trips away, headed straight to the nearest feeding house. We loaded up with grub that would have to see us into the next day, and through the one hundred and ten mile race. After eating it was time for a spin around the circuit and then back to the digs. This particular evening we were in a house that looked as though it had been caught in a time warp with poor beds and damp

covers this certainly was not the best setting to get inside such a secretive mind!

So why has ‘Bo’ set a date of August 2nd 1997 and it is final ‘The date is my birthday and I wouldn’t say it’s final and I wouldn’t say I am taking a year out, more like easing into retirement’, surely a year out at the age of 36 is near enough final, So why now ‘I can no longer motivate myself, I can’t do the things I used to do, I can’t race the way I used to race! ‘Basically that’s it I can’t race the way I used to race. This if from somebody who just spent the best part of three hours, in the breakaway group, in Ireland’s biggest one day race, driving them along. Bo jumps back and forward to retiring, easing into retirement and taking a year out like an infant who doesn’t want to let go of it’s mothers hand. He won’t use the word retirement, or use’s it very little, because it just sounds so final! The reason being simple, he has had such a good career, for a married man with a job, ‘if I had of been single I would have been away to the continent without a doubt! Many people riding today always take Bo to be just one of Ulster's better riders, but this is an injustice, here is a man who has enjoyed an international career that extends over 23 years and over 15 appearances in an Irish jersey. During this exceptional career there must have been many high

ONE OF MANY IRISH JERSEYS.

and low points to reflect upon. ‘The highest point of my career or my peak , must have been winning the John Hearn, riding the amateur Giro and representing Ireland, while the lowest point, or biggest disappointment was never riding the worlds’. Another low point in Brendan's career and one that still hurts badly is ‘never getting a ride in the Nissan Classic’, although being a low point it came during the 1986 season, the one year he feels was his best, which included such wins as John Hearn, Paddy Nearly and Red Hand Trophy so why does it still hurt ‘it was a six man team and some of the riders selected were not going as well as myself I definitely should have been selected in front of some riders’. Bo is extra careful what he says here as he doesn’t want to mention the riders he feels went in his place, as they are all good friends, as a matter of interest for all you employed people out there Bo was holding down a full time job during the 1986 season in which he done so well. It was the year between ’86 and ’90 that Ireland’s professionals where also doing the business on the racing front and Bo feels that Kelly and Roche have helped cycling enormously in Ireland. ‘They have created so many opportunities for riders today but nobody seems to be making the breakthrough’. Maybe it is

here Bo can help our current riders by passing on his coaching skills, that is if he is interested. ‘I wouldn’t really have the time, I wouldn’t have minded taking the junior job on but it would need to be full time, you know, taking every team away and getting to know the riders inside out’. How about the seniors, would he be interested in coaching them to help them make that breakthrough. ‘No’ ‘I know to many of the seniors to well and raced with to many of them. I think you need a strange face coming in, I am to close to them’, surely this would be a good thing and would bring everything down to a personal level! As recently shown quite successfully by Barry Monaghan. ‘Yes Barry is good he made the transition well, I don’t think I could because I am not to good at telling people what to do’.

be back, racing as a vet beating yourself around the McKinley like Homer’ (Brian Homles). ‘No, I don’t want to end up like that’, would you race as a vet ‘ I can’t see it, no definitely not I just couldn’t motivate myself’, so what does the future hold for Bo Graham, what about coaching his big club mate Brendan Doherty ‘I think I have brought Brendan on as far as I can in fact I think he knows as much as me now, as do you’ and as for continuing riding your bike , I will still go out every weekend with the boys, I still love cycling I will never pack in riding the bike, I still get great enjoyment from riding it, I just can’t motivate myself to train and race as I used to I think maybe I’ll start touring!’ I think we will all see Bo at the Annaclone G.P. come what March 1998, towing the scratch group around as usual!

So come the 10th of August 1997, the Mid Ulster GP. we won’t be seeing Bo Graham on the start line, ‘well you could see me as I enjoy that race, I could make that the final straw’, again we are back to letting go of the mothers hand! If you have a good ride at the Mid Ulster what’s stopping you saying ‘okay I’ll ride next week again’. ‘Yes that would be easy to do but that is what this is all about. The Mid Ulster GP, lets face facts, isn’t the hardest race around so you have to realise that one day you just have to stop’. ‘I think you will EASING INTO RETIREMENT,DOESN’T LOOK LIKE IT.

DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER.

STILL OUT IN FRONT AFTER TWENTY THREE YEARS

PINING THE NUMBERS ON ONE LAST TIME.

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CAN’T RACE NEXT WEEK I’VE A CAR BOOT SALE TO GO TO.

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GRAHAM EASES INTO RETIREMENT

fter gracing our peleton for 23 years Brendan ‘BO’ Graham has decided to call time on his international racing career and ease himself into Retirement! Why Now?

covers this certainly was not the best setting to get inside such a secretive mind!

ONE OF MANY IRISH JERSEYS.

DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER.

STILL OUT IN FRONT AFTER TWENTY THREE YEARS

PINING THE NUMBERS ON ONE LAST TIME.

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CAN’T RACE NEXT WEEK I’VE A CAR BOOT SALE TO GO TO.

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THE ULSTER WAY

winning one of the hardest stages of the race through the tough mountains of Wicklow, he finished the race 22nd overall 10:24 down. Not bad for someone who wanted to go home midweek!

BRENDAN DOHERTY HOW MANY MORE?

Brendan Doherty U.C.F. finished 31st 17:08 behind the winner and but for one bad day near the end of the race could have easily scored a top ten placing overall.

1997 FBD MILK RAS

n the 17th May 1997 seven Ulster Cyclists set out on a mission that would take in 780 miles in just over 30 hours. The mission the 1997 F.B.D. Milk Ras, Stage Race, The Riders, Tommy Evans (last years winner), Ian Chivers(past winner), Michael Smyth, Brendan Doherty, Ed Mc Crory, Michael Hamilton and Chris Greene.

The seven Riders all had their separate teams to represent, Evans was to ride for Ireland, Chivers, Docherty and Smyth, Ulster Cycling Federation, Hamilton Dublin West, Chris Greene Coors and Ed Mc Crory Wexford. Each rider also had their separate goals. Some had aspirations of overall victory, some wanted the glory of a stage win, others would have been happy to simply finish. The only thing the riders were guaranteed was a good kicking! The race departed from the G.P.O., in Dublin, accompanied by its annual weather, rain. The 180 riders didn’t have time however to see very many sights as speeds OVERALL WINNER ANDREW ROCHE ON THE GUT BUSTING ‘BUTTS’.

Michael Hamilton achieved what he set out to do, finish,and although he finished in 103rd place 1:34:32 behind the winner he experienced everything the race can throw at you Rain, Hail, Wind and Crashes. One thing that probably didn’t help Michaels cause is he is a Diabetic which undoubtedly affected his performance as he had to drink up to one litre of coke, at a time, during stages to maintain a steady sugar level. Chris Greene another Ras Rookie proved all his doubters wrong by finishing 64th overall just 37 minutes behind the winner, he now has the experience of

quickly reached 30mph across the flat plains of Ireland. By the time the leaders had arrived in Rosscommon already over 100 riders were no longer in contention for overall victory, in Swords, one week later. Of these riders, five Ulster riders were wondering why they had bothered to come at all. As the race continued it’s anticlockwise cycle around Ireland the riders were constantly battered by wind, rain and Bart Brentjens for the first few days. Bart Brentjins Olympic M.T.B. Gold Medallist in the ’96 Atlanta Games decided to come to the Ras to get in some training for his National M.T.B. Championships on the Sunday the Ras finished in Swords, so obviously he had no intention of finishing the race, it was this reason and this reason only organisers decided to eliminate him from the event as he could have seriously effected the overall outcome of the race or some riders mental health! The early stages of the race were set up for the sprinters, and they duly replied, with

CHRIS GREENE RAS ROOKIE

PAST WINNER ‘CHEEKY’ CHIVERS

Irish sprint star M Fitzgearld taking a stage into kilorglin. The race had still to enter the mountains and it was here where most riders would lose the majority of their time overall! Evans rode himself into a good top ten placing while Michael Smyth scored a fantastic stage win and Doherty maintained his high place overall. Off the other Ulster riders, all hung in except Ed Mc Crory who packed his bags and headed home happy with his efforts of the past few days. At the front of the race meanwhile, Irish rider Andrew Roche was fighting a running battle with English rider Mark Mc Kay, as both riders gathered their respective troops around them “IS IT NEAR MY 10 ‘0’ CLOCK COKE BREAK YET” BANGORS MICHAEL HAMILTON.

the Ras in his legs and can look forward to next year for a higher finish overall. Ed McCrory unfortunately was in trouble from the race started but then again he is a veteran and was racing against some of the top riders in Europe he lasted until Wednesday when he quite sensibly pulled out. No doubt though Eddy Ras will be back, along with a new set of hopefuls for next year.■ TOMMY EVANS “I LOVE THIS RACE”

they headed for the final battlefield in Swords! The day started with a Time Trial from Carlow to ‘The Butts’ Hill, a gruelling climb at the best of times, but absolute torture after eight days of racing. The Time Trial, or Hill, only sorted out one thing on that bright Sunday morning, we were all in for one hell of a battle in the afternoon stage. The final crit stage got of to a blistering start with almost half the remaining bunch being lapped in the early

38 überdog magazine august 1997

stages. Roche and McKay fought out the bonus sprints throughout the day with Roche coming out on top by 6 seconds to seal a hard earned victory. Of the Ulster riders all faired well over the nine days of racing! Tommy Evans Ireland finished best in 6th place and but for missing the break early in the race could have been up defending the title he took last season. Michael Smyth U.C.F. proved his worth by

überdog magazine august 1997 39

THE ULSTER WAY

winning one of the hardest stages of the race through the tough mountains of Wicklow, he finished the race 22nd overall 10:24 down. Not bad for someone who wanted to go home midweek!

BRENDAN DOHERTY HOW MANY MORE?

Brendan Doherty U.C.F. finished 31st 17:08 behind the winner and but for one bad day near the end of the race could have easily scored a top ten placing overall.

1997 FBD MILK RAS

CHRIS GREENE RAS ROOKIE

PAST WINNER ‘CHEEKY’ CHIVERS

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überdog magazine august 1997 39

MORGAN OUTFOXES McCANN organ Fox is the new road racing champion of Ireland after he out foxed pre race favourite, David McCann, on a long hot sticky day in Carrick On Suir!

The race was run over ten laps of a sporting, undulating, circuit and the one hundred and fifty plus field all thought it could be their day with no major climbs on the eleven mile loop. The first, and races major break went on the first lap and contained many pre race favourites including eventual winner Fox (Cuchullain CC) and McCann (Phoenix CC), also contained in the group, and with aspirations of victory four hours later, where Ulster riders Brendan Graham V.C. Glendale, Joe Barr Clarke Contracts, Denis Easton Maryland and Michael Smyth Flo Gas. This group quickly established a lead of almost two minutes and caused only minor reaction from the field. It

wasn’t until the sixth lap, and some sixty miles later, that a reaction came from the group with all the big hitters, who missed the first break, moving across to join the leaders. Fox and McCann were still the strongest riders by far and found themselves out in front once again. Local favourite Michael Fitzgerald was finding the flat circuit harder than he thought and couldn’t make the break to the leaders, meanwhile Ulster rider Evans couldn’t come to terms with some of the tactics being displayed by the large Southern teams, mainly Amev and Carrick, and meanwhile as all the riders waited for each other to chase the two leaders were riding clear. As McCann and Fox entered the final two miles the crowd was gathering at the finish listening to commentary over the P.A. system from the race radio. Fox attacked McCann and

CLUB CALL

The Club on the steps on the river Blackwater.

“MORGAN WHO” A DISAPPOINTED DAVY HAS TO SETTLE FOR SECOND.

sent shockwaves through the passionate crowd, he gained an advantage of twenty five seconds over McCann and Davy found it impossible to close the gap. The race radio could no longer be heard by the bustling crowd and as the police motorcycles came into view fox appeared from behind them, just behind him the long lanky figure of McCann could be seen, but it was obvious to everyone present that McCann just didn’t have the legs to close the gap! Fox crossed the line, his hands held high, followed twenty five seconds later by McCann, leading in the chasers, and hot on the success of his crit win in the Isle of Man, was local hero Ray Clarke who had worked tirelessly all day for Michael Fitzgerald who came home over one minute down in eleventh place. The only Northern finishers apart from McCann were, Bo Graham, Ian Chivers, Chris Greene, Scott Hamilton and Mark Lyttle who all finished well behind the winner.

Fiona Kirk on the Etive fall in Scotland.

WHO’S FOX! Davy McCann was still asking after the race, as he limped around heavily bandaged from a crash in France the week previous, who Morgan Fox was. Although not using the crash as an excuse it must have seriously affected his chances of the gold medal. When asked how he felt about second place he could only answer “Depressed”. Morgan Fox actually rode this years F.B.D. Milk Ras and held the mountains Jersey for a few days. DERMOTT’S DAY

NEW CHAMPION MORGAN FOX SALUTES HIS NEW ADORING FANS.

Blackwater Canoe Club

Unknown rider Dermott Nally (unattached) was a surprise winner of the Junior title when he beat Isle of Man winner Emmett Hogan (Thermo King) in a two up sprint, after a hard fought out race over one hundred kilometres, third place went to Dublin rider David McQuaid (Diamond Back). Nally is actually based in Spain and qualifies for national status through his Irish parents, the win sets him up well for a strong end of season campaign which will focus on the Junior Tour and World Championships.

he Blackwater Canoe Club was established in 1970 and currently has around 25 members. It is made up of a mixture of people who enjoy moving water wherever it maybe and at whatever level. The bigger the better some might say. Every year we try to arrange as many activities as possible within the club. The first date in our calendar is September for the Annual Liffey Descent with around twelve hundred participants it always guaranteed a good days crack. Just ask The Sweeney who is still recovering from last year. The next event in our calendar is the annual safety day, run by our good friend and paddler Steve Brown. A very cold and wet day can be guaranteed as this is a practical learning day. Then its time to pray for lots of rain, but our prayers where not answered this year as water levels have been very low all winter. This did not stop us, water or not we are still going out every Sunday for a paddle. We did get some river trips in this year these included the Annamore Co. Wicklow, The Boyne. Co. Meath,. The Duff Co. Sligo and also the local rivers around home, the Blackwater,

Kevin Oates in the French Alps. The Owenkillew, The Bann and the Ballinderry. In January four of us from the club went to Scotland for a few days hard paddling and the occasional pint. The group consisted of Kevin (Oatsey) Mick Man Duff , The Sweeney and Fiona our very own Shuttle Bunny. The water levels were low but this didn t stop us as we still managed to get some of the best river in the area under our bouancy-aids. The rivers included The Orchy, Spean, Etive, Findhorn and the Eske.

Last June myself, Steve Brown and Russell McCourt travelled to Southeast France to paddle some of the best white water in France. We stayed in the Briancon region and hopefully we will be returning this June with Blackwater Canoe Club. The club meets on a Sunday at Benburb Valley Heritage Centre and on Thursday nights from 910pm at Dungannon Leisure Centre for indoor canoe work and canoe pole. by Kevin Oates BWCC ■

Results: Senior (160 kms): 1 Morgan Fox (Cuchullain), 2 David McCann (Phoenix) at 25 seconds, 3 Raymond Clarke (Tipp Premier) at 1 min 4 secs, 4 Brian Kinneally (Carrick Cidona) at 1:08, 5 Aidan Duff (Coors), 6 Brian Lennon (UCD), 7 Paddy Moriarty (Les Jeunes), 8 Padraig Quinn (Carrib Whs), 9 Andrew Roche (unattached) 10 Ciarn Power all at 1 minute 19 seconds. Juniors (100 kms): Dermott Nally (unattached) 2:36:12, 2 Emmett Hogan (Thermo King) at 1 second, 3 David McQuaid (Diamond Back) at 1.41, 4 Thomas Hogan (Blackwater) at 1.41, 5 Mark Scanlon (Sligo) at 1.41, 6 Dereck Finnegan (Cachullan) at 1.41, 7 D Kinneally (Cork) at 1.41, 8 J McMaster (Ards) at 1.41.■

NEXT ISSUE : REVIEW OF THE 1997 SEASON: THE FASTEST MEN IN THE LAND JUST WHO IS IRELAND’S BEST SPRINTER: RIDER PROFILES AND INTERVIEW WITH IRELAND’S FASTEST RISING STAR SCHOOLBOY RIDER BRENDAN O BRIEN. THIRD FOR RAYMANDO ‘CRITERIUM CLARKE’.

40 überdog magazine august 1997

Malcolm Redmond and Micky Duff on the Blackwater.

Micky Duffy the “Crack Of Doom” on the Etive, Scotland. überdog magazine august 1997 41

MORGAN OUTFOXES McCANN organ Fox is the new road racing champion of Ireland after he out foxed pre race favourite, David McCann, on a long hot sticky day in Carrick On Suir!

CLUB CALL

The Club on the steps on the river Blackwater.

“MORGAN WHO” A DISAPPOINTED DAVY HAS TO SETTLE FOR SECOND.

Fiona Kirk on the Etive fall in Scotland.

NEW CHAMPION MORGAN FOX SALUTES HIS NEW ADORING FANS.

Blackwater Canoe Club

40 überdog magazine august 1997

Malcolm Redmond and Micky Duff on the Blackwater.

Micky Duffy the “Crack Of Doom” on the Etive, Scotland. überdog magazine august 1997 41

Glyn’s Glyn ’s Gardening Gardening Feature Feature A welcome sight in any garden, “The Irish Cheese Plant” As well as water, soil and compost, serious air can be found in Glyn’s front yard.

Large doubles should be planted in late summer to avoid harsh winter frosts.

hat do you have growing in your garden? Grass (the legal variety), roses, trees, bushes and daffs? Feel some pity for Mr and Mrs O’Brien, they have a BMX course growing in theirs. And when I say growing I mean growing! Every time you see it, another jump has appeared or an existing launch pad has evolved into something even more rad.

Glyn (O’Brien of Downhill Champion fame and... etc, etc, blah, blah) has been building tracks all his life. His first love of BMX has never quite let go of him (it gets in your blood you see, a bit like malaria) and to keep the

cold turkey away, madder and crazier jumps are perfected. This isn’t your Belvoir-esque style track, this is more a single minded, single tracked, start here - finish here, style track. A Six foot high launch with a big drop at the take off point, just to make sure you commit yourself when you go for it. Side kick, kick ramp, moguls, even an impossible jump at the bottom which bites back when no caution is taken. Yes, most days you can find this young lad, happily toiling in his garden, digging ditches, building table-tops and planting the odd face here and there!

Gardening can be fun, bring your friends along!

42 überdog magazine august 1997

Your shrubbery can play host to many forms of wild life. Here we see the Long Haired Double Jumper heading back to it’s burrow.

Gardening can be both relaxing and rewarding. In this case it’s just plain crazy.

Remember the four M’s of garden maintenance, Manure, Manure and More Manure

A well maintained Begonia bush will bring pleasure for years to come.

überdog magazine august 1997 43

Glyn’s Glyn ’s Gardening Gardening Feature Feature A welcome sight in any garden, “The Irish Cheese Plant” As well as water, soil and compost, serious air can be found in Glyn’s front yard.

Large doubles should be planted in late summer to avoid harsh winter frosts.

Gardening can be fun, bring your friends along!

42 überdog magazine august 1997

Your shrubbery can play host to many forms of wild life. Here we see the Long Haired Double Jumper heading back to it’s burrow.

Gardening can be both relaxing and rewarding. In this case it’s just plain crazy.

Remember the four M’s of garden maintenance, Manure, Manure and More Manure

A well maintained Begonia bush will bring pleasure for years to come.

überdog magazine august 1997 43

IDSUMMER SSCIENCE CIENCE MMIDSUMMER

magine a night quite unlike any other ever seen in Belfast, a cool mix of BMX and Skateboard halfpipe, fashion show and some of the best DJ’s from around the country all under one big old roof. This was Apache presents Midsummer Science. The latest brain child of local clothing guru Chris Murray, The Apache clothing company.

The venue for this epic evening was the old Elmwood hall beside Queens University, Belfast. After about fifteen minutes of what seemed like organised chaos (including the obligitory frustrated choreographer, trying her damnedest to give herself a stomach ulcer) the first DJ cranked up the decks and bikers and boarders started warming up on the ramp. The ramp craftsmanship was courtesy of Stevie Barrow, a name synonimous with BMX in Northern Ireland. People began to filter in and the huge hall began to slowly fill. Soon we where standing open mouthed as two and four wheeled luatics started pulling of trick after trick that would make your granny soil her incotenace pants (not currently available at any Apache shops).

BMX Guru Stevie Barrow giving his own ramp the final seal of approval.

Most impressive of all was Ian Morris (who had come over with three mates from the mainland) who seemed to pull most of the Oohs and Aahs from the crowd especially when he decided to clear the landing platform of the ramp and instead touched an adjacent window sill. Next up was the fashion show complete with Breakdancing backdrop. Darlin’ after darlin’ struted their stuff down the catwalk adorned in some of the hippest clothing I’ve seen in along time. Including new styles from companies such as Pepe and Hooch.The evening’s tunes where provided by top DJ’s Hooch, Dump, Jay Kay and Chris Caul as well as the infamous Wu Tang Clan. Though for my money the

outstanding Simon Mulligan playing four decks simultaneously was pretty hard to beat. Although there wasn’t quite the turn out (the Garden Party happening across the road and the majority of Queen’s students sitting exams didn’t help) everyone expected, the evening was quite outstanding and all that showed up will, I’m sure, eagerly await the next one on Friday 29th August which Chris Apache has promised will be bigger and better with a lot more DJs, sponsors and beer although by the amount of it I saw swilled on the night I find it hard to believe. For any more info don’t hesitate to ring Chris on (01232) 329056 or call down at his shop in Belfast.

Ian Morris - Little man, big style.

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IDSUMMER SSCIENCE CIENCE MMIDSUMMER

BMX Guru Stevie Barrow giving his own ramp the final seal of approval.

Ian Morris - Little man, big style.

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GUINNESS EUROSURF SELECTION

Irish Irish National National Championships

Anne Marie Fitzgerald with Brian McAuley, 2nd Irish National Bodyboard.

Enjoying the contest, from left to right, Stevie Burns, Joe McNulty, Andy Hill & David O’Donnell.

his years annual Irish National Championships, sponsored by Fitzgerald’s Surfworld, were held at Tullan Strand, Bundoran Co. Donegal in July. Competitors from all four corners of Ireland were greeted with 4 feet clean conditions which changed to on shore later in the contest. The turnout which was large was not as big as expected due to the event being postponed from the weekend before.

The standard of surfing at the event throughout all categories was higher than previous years thanks to the work of Peter Cooke an Australian coach who has been working alongside the Irish Surfing Association in development of improving the national squad. In the Bodyboard event previous National Champions Martin Kelly and David Shields were knocked out during the semi- finals, leaving Adam

Ross McDermott, 3rd in the Bodyboards.

46 überdog magazine august 1997

Wilson to collect his third National title, with Brian Mc Auley second, Ross Mc Dermott third and Paddy Mc Gloin forth. Zoe Lally from Rossnowlagh Co. Donegal claimed her Ninth consecutive National title, a truly brilliant performance, securing her place on the National team for the European Championships. Zoe on home territory should easily shred her way into the European final. Joe McNulty from San Clements,California, took both the Open and Longboard titles, which automatically gives him a place on the Irish Team for Eurosurf. In what was a very close Open Final Andy Hill was denied his 7th National Title on a count back of the Judges score

cards. Stevie Burns, Causeway Coast Surf Club, surfed very well showing the young cubs his experience of surfing in contests over the last 14 years, and young David o’Donnell from Sligo who will be a future face in Irish surfing came 4th. Joe McNulty can really ride a longboard like a shortboard, an incredible display of longboarding was present during the final. Ronan Breen from Tramore came a close 2nd followed by Zoe Lally 3rd and Richard “I’m bleeding” Fitzgerald 4th. Poor Itchy managed to slice his hand with his board during the final, producing a really cool contest wound. Thanks to Fitzgerald’s Surfworld for sponsoring the prizes, the trophies were amazing, and thanks to the I.S.A. for another great event.

Adam Wilson takes home the bodyboard trophy.

Results

Open 1. Joe McNulty..........................USA 2. Andy Hill ........................Portrush 3. Stevie Burns ..................Portrush 4. David O’Donnell..................Sligo Ladies 1. Zoe Lally................Rossnowlagh 2. Shauna Ward........Rossnowlagh 3. Easkey Britten......Rossnowlagh 4. Anna Lally ............Rossnowlagh BodyBoard 1. Adam Wilson ................Portrush 2. Brian McAuley ..............Portrush 3. Ross McDermott ........Strandhill 4. Paddy McGloin ..........Bundoran LongBoard 1. Joe McNulty..........................USA 2. Ronan Breen..................Tramore 3. Zoe Lally................Rossnowlagh 4. Richard Fitzgerald ....Bundoran Current selection for National Team after 2 contests and squad training. *indicates a definite selection, place guaranteed.

Open Gary Butler ..........................Tramore David O’Donnell ......................Sligo Colin O’Hare..............................Sligo Brian Welsh ........................Portrush Jimmy Meehan ..............Bundoran Richard Fitzgerald ..........Bundoran Andrew Byrne ....................Tramore BodyBoard Adam Wilson* ....................Portrush Brian McAuley ..................Portrush David Shields Portrush Ladies Zoe Lally* ..................Rossnowlagh Anna Lally ..................Rossnowlagh Easkey Britten ..........Rossnowlagh Seniors (Over 28) Brian Welsh ........................Portrush Andy Hill ..............................Portrush Masters Over 35 Grant Robinson ............Enniskillen Judges Neil Britten ................Rossnowlagh Phelem O’Connor....Rossnowlagh Coach Peter Cook ....................................O2 Manager Stevie Burns........................Portrush

The National Team for Guinness Eurosurf will be selected after the results of the Strandhill contest in Sligo on August 2nd and 3rd. The Guinness European Surfing Championships officially began on the 17th September 1997 in Bundoran Co. Donegal in what will be the biggest contest staged in Europe to date. Some 19 countries are taking part , and when “The Peak” turns on for the event, there will be a fantastic display of surfing by Europe’s top amateurs. Five television companies including RTE, UTV and TV5 (French) will be covering the £200,000 event. Each team consists of 6 open surfers, 2 ladies, 2 bodyboarders, 1 senior (over 28), 1 master (over 35), 1 longboarder and 1 kneeboarder. Ireland last hosted these championships in 1985 in what has been called the best European Championships ever, as the surf went totally off it’s face for the whole event. So put a note in your diary and head down to Bundoran in September where I’m sure the Irish Team will have the best ever European result on he home turf. Long live the Peak!

Ian Hill Still surfing east Strand at XX (+vat) years.

GOSSIP

Farewell to Frazer Duddy, North Shore Grommet Legend who has left Ireland’s shores for Australia. He will be sadly missed by all his friends in the line up. Congratulations to Roci Allen, President of the Irish Surfing Association, on his marriage to kathryn in April. Howard Robinson, is he putting on weight or what? Alistair and Andrew Mennie have just returned from Portugal scanning great waves. Lucky sods. Portrush has been hopeless for

Where has it gone? East Strand as it should be, going of big time!

swell this summer with no surf for the whole of July. Watch out Korn and Metallica, here comes Aurora, G-Box, Mo & Paul, local Portrush Surf Nazis are putting a Hell band together. They’ve just recorded a new CD, and signed to Polydor. All being well they should have an appearance on the “Kelly Show” this September and “Top Of The Pops” by October. Anyone interested in being in their new video should contact G-Box at Troggs Surf Shop. Rumour has it that Patrick McAuley is madly in love, and is talking about giving up bodyboarding, getting married and settling down.

Adam Wilson is of to Indo for the summer, for some insane barrels just like the ones Stephen Wright and Brian Sinclair caught last month. The staff at Troggs are trying with the help of Sola UK to bring Catherine Tamega, the Brazilian World Champion Bodyboarder sponsored by Wave Rebel Bodyboards, to come to Portrush to do a series of bodyboard clinics like the ones Stevie McKenzie form Australia did two years ago. Fingers crossed! Causeway Coast Open Championships have been rescheduled for the first weekend in September and hopefully with the poor waves so far this summer the contest will be greeted with some awesome Autumn waves.

Howard Robinson on East Strand. Definitely filling out his wetsuit a bit more these days.

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GUINNESS EUROSURF SELECTION

Irish Irish National National Championships

Anne Marie Fitzgerald with Brian McAuley, 2nd Irish National Bodyboard.

Enjoying the contest, from left to right, Stevie Burns, Joe McNulty, Andy Hill & David O’Donnell.

Ross McDermott, 3rd in the Bodyboards.

46 überdog magazine august 1997

Adam Wilson takes home the bodyboard trophy.

Results

Ian Hill Still surfing east Strand at XX (+vat) years.

GOSSIP

Where has it gone? East Strand as it should be, going of big time!

Howard Robinson on East Strand. Definitely filling out his wetsuit a bit more these days.

überdog magazine august 1997 47

CLUB CALL Bangor Associated Kayak Paddlers Club W

elcome to the wonderful world of paddling with B.A.K.P.C. (Bangor Associated Kayak Paddlers Club). We are C.A.N.I. s newest and smallest affiliated club. For those of you who do not know what C.A.N.I. is it is the NI branch of the B.C.U. (British Canoe Union). For those of you who do not know what or who they are, they are the governing body for the sport of canoeing. Now that I ve got that out of the way I can tell you what we do and where we do it. What do we do? We get dressed in rubber and get wet. Where do we do it? Mainly on the coast line of North Down but we occasionally travel. OK OK I see all you perverts, your little ears pricked up when I said dressed in rubber and get wet all in one sentence, you should be ashamed of yourselves, what sort of publication do you think this is. Let me get on with the who what and when what and who we are and do.

Basically we are a bunch of guys who paddle in the Bangor area and we decided to form a club. I ll introduce you to them all later. We formed the club in the summer of 1996 and we were affiliated to C.A.N.I. in October 1996. What do we do? Well in simple terms we just paddle and have fun. We have helped out at races and triathlons providing rescue cover, we are a vailable to do so in the future for any other water born events. Now that is the sort of what we do and sort of when we were hatched as a club so her is the best bit who we are pictures! Do you ever look at other canoeing magazines and wonder what sort of kit they are using and you can never tell by the pictures and they never tell you either. Well that pisses me off! So in an effort to make the world a better place when I introduce the members of B.A.K.P.C. there will be a little bit of kit info as well. (Well boat and paddle info)

Philip (Joycey) Joyce. Chairman of B.A.K.P.C. His legs are so big he sometimes paints them grey and enters knobbly knee contests with elephants. (He rarely wins as those legs are HUGE) Joycey is pictured here in Chris’s Topolino (You’ll meet Christ later) and his own paddle the rather fabulous Ainsworth K104. Joycey gives up canoeing and claims that he is going to sell all of his kit at least once a month or whenever he gets cold or when he gets grumpy with one of us. (Especially me)

Andrew (Andres Adventures) Emmett Invisible member of B.A.K.PC. Andrew is officially a member of the club but very few people are aware of his existence. (that sounds really glamorous and exciting) But the truth of the matter is that he is generally being used by the Sea Cadet Corps as a slave. He only graces us with his presence on very rare occasions. He is pictured here in Marcus’s RPM his own Dr. D’s paddle and ho head. It has been so long since any of us have seen him I probably would not recognise him if he turned up at my house to collect his boat out of my back garden. John (Chewitts) Montgomery Maddest member of B.A.K.P.C. Called “Chewitts” after the chewitts gorilla because of his sheer size and presence. He can be enticed into ding crazy stunts with a very inexpensive bribe of about 6 fizzy cola bottles. These stunts are greatly appreciated by us and any member of the general public curious enough to investigate what all the noise is about. John is pictured here with his baby, his first boat a Piranha Micro Bat 230 and his own paddle. )The origins of which are unknown but forensic science claims that the blades are carbon kevlar and the shaft is some super alloy. “ we think it was moulded from King Arthurs sword Excalibur”)

Marcus (Broken Arms) McClelland.Treasurer of B.A.K.P.C. Marcus fell off the back of a lorry in February 1997 and broke both his arms just below the wrists. Marcus has the thankless job of collecting all the club fees from us. The main reason it is thankless is because none of us thank him. Marcus is pictured here with his Dagger RPM and a borrowed Kober toplight paddle. (He now owns the Schlegal Tech III that I pictured with later).

Adam (Me!)(Pigbat) Caruth The sexy member of B.A.K.P.C. I am also secretary of the club. (well with those legs and that long hair I would have to be the secretary) (no women’s lib s**t please it was only a joke. Because I am the only one who can write I got to do this article. Members of this club would have you believe that I am a pool paddler and nothing else, so as not to ruin their image of mem I am pictured here not only in the water but beside my acrobat 270 with Marcus’s paddle. When we are out paddling in Bangor we usually stop off at a wee shop for hot dogs and drinks, but the real reason is that I think the girl that work there is gorgeous and I have to go in to get my weekly fix. The truth be known that I am a BCU instructor but don’t tell the lads as it will spoil their fantasy

Anybody think their club is worthy of a

CLUB CALL PAGE? Contact the address below!

If you are in anyway interested in canoeing in the Bangor area contact Amam Caruth at B.A.K.P.C., 62 Seacliffe Road, Bangor

Anyone Interested In A Little Canoe Adventure?

Robert (hand roll) Beck Newset member of B.A.K.P.C.

Chris (The King) Vaughn The baby of B.A.K.PC. CHRIS HAS A QUIFF RIVALLED ONLY BY THE REAL KING “ELVIS” Chris is o young there is very little to write about him except that he is probably the best paddler in the group. “He owes me a tenner for saying that by the way”. Christ is pictured here in his own Topolino his own Dr. D’s paddle and his own hair. He also owns a brand new Piranha Razor 260.

48 überdog magazine august 1997

Robert started paddling with us in December 1996 and all he could do was hand roll (bringing the boat back from a capsized position to an upright position using only you hands and a bit if a hip flick) He can now paddle in a straight line and a whole truck load of other stuff. Robert is pictured here in my sexy little black number, an Acrobat 270 and his own paddle “The Grunt” from Dr. D’s. Robert sometimes has a problem figuring out what sort of sport he is actually doing, as you can see from the picture he thinks he is actually playing in the FA Cup.

The Editor - überdog magazine Unit 45c - Dungannon Enterprise Centre Dungannon Co. Tyrone - BT71 6JT (Get your replys in before the end of September, PLEASE)

überdog magazine august 1997 49

CLUB CALL Bangor Associated Kayak Paddlers Club W

Anybody think their club is worthy of a

CLUB CALL PAGE? Contact the address below!

If you are in anyway interested in canoeing in the Bangor area contact Amam Caruth at B.A.K.P.C., 62 Seacliffe Road, Bangor

Anyone Interested In A Little Canoe Adventure?

Robert (hand roll) Beck Newset member of B.A.K.P.C.

48 überdog magazine august 1997

The Editor - überdog magazine Unit 45c - Dungannon Enterprise Centre Dungannon Co. Tyrone - BT71 6JT (Get your replys in before the end of September, PLEASE)

überdog magazine august 1997 49

anti-gravity anti-gravity just what are the natives up to these

days in belfast on thier bmx’s?

emember a few years ago when a movie so revolutionary and ahead of it’s time hit the cinema screens it was instantly hailed as the movie of the decade? The special effects and computer imagery were so flawless that no one was left in any doubt that no short cuts had been taken to make this big screen extravaganza everything it was supposed to be, and more. I refer to none other than Speilberg’s Jurrasic Park. Not only did the actual film rule the screens for many months, breaking every known box office record to smithereens. But the associated marketing hype that gripped the world held every product known to man in a dinosaur style strangle hold. If a product was worth selling, it was worth selling with a picture of a Tyranasaur on the front of it.

This was all good and well, but all good things must come to an end. After a while dinosaur thermos flasks weren’t selling quite as good as they were and the Jurrasic period was over for another 40,000,000 years. But now, three years later it is all going to happen again. The sequel The Lost World is set to once again knock the box office records for ten. The new film promises a lot more dino-action, a more complex story line and most importantly of all, more of the helpless humans becoming a mid-morning snacks as was always a favourite in the old 60’ and 70’s dinosaur films. Soon our waking hours are going to be bombarded with extinct reptiles selling everything from carpets to milk shakes. Welcome back to an old formula. What on earth, I hear you ask, is this crud doing in Ireland’s Number 1 Outdoor magazine? Let me explain, many years ago another item was so huge it to gripped the planet in such a way that everyone knew of it’s name. Even long lost tribes deep in the Amazon jungle could relate to the hype. No one, and I mean no one, needs any sort of introduction to BMX. Everyone, over the age of 18, has at some stage came into contact with a a BMX. Whether it was owning one, riding a friends or watching Keith Chegwin fall off one on Saturday Swap-Shop, it was there, in your face! Then what happened? After over five years of watching races, hearing of bigger, madder stunts, begging your parents to take you to yet another new track that the council have built somewhere and practicing your Cherry-Picker, it all disappeared. Kids stopped getting BMXs for Christmas, tracks fell into disrepair and organised events became disorganised events. Kids being kids, hopped on the next marketing band-wagon and set of on the road out of Whoopsvile. Looking back on my own experience of this transition, it was the birth of the home computer that drove the final nail into the BMX shaped coffin. The summer of 1984 was the year I discovered the joys of computing the Clive Sinclair way, on my brand spanking new ZX Spectrum 48K. Bye Bye doubles, hello Jet Set Willy!

Now it seems BMX, thirteen years later, is making a comeback. But just like the dinosaurs in Jurrasic park, they’ve never quite been away, just waiting patiently in the background until time was once again right to rear it’s head. BMX has simply taken time out, been kept alive by the few true hard core’s that the first fever created and transformed itself into a more mature type of sport. Just like the lost world it’s going to come back better, more advanced and mature. The world of the BMX is no longer ruled by wheelies and four abreast racing, but instead by big air, flatland control and layed back track riding. Gone are the days of going to a BMX race, lining up at the death-trap starting gate and trying in vane to beat three other guys into the first corner. Now at the tracks, what few still exist, you are enticed to get as high as you can on the jumps, put some style into the split second you’ve got in mid-air and have a little party trick up your sleeve for when you land. Style is what it’s all about. Anyone lucky enough to have access to a plywood ramp of any sort should consider themselves one of God’s chosen people. Rarer than hen’s teeth and twice as hard to find, ramps are only available to those lucky enough to have the ground space or appropriate backyard, not to mention a friend capable of building said structure.

liners will claim it was never there, they have a lot of weight behind this claim looking at just how many successful BMX related magazines grace the shelves of Easons. But in this country it was pronounced dead and a finger hovered over the life support machine, for thirteen years. So what next? The whole scene has reached a point where organisation, and good

organisation, has to be applied to the equation. On the mainland, as any of the magazines will show you, a healthy scene is flourishing. Jams are attended in great numbers, events are staged and the industry is thriving. Over here there is the potential for such a scene to really take of. A few more purpose built parks and a governing body would be a start. But more is still needed. If there was no such interest about at the minute why, I ask, are there so many councils getting hounded into getting ramps and tracks reserected? The council in Portrush is seriously considering

opening an indoor park of some sort when a group of delegates put forward a convincing plan. All that really needs sorted out now is the logistics and the finance. One person I know is seriously considering opening his own private area. He has thought about it and to him it seems viable. This alone must show that the next wave of BMX has started. Filling in and returning, shelling out the cost of a second class stamp, will put your name on the überdog register of ramp users. In my travels I have encountered more groups of skaters, in-liners and BMX’ers that, although few, added together would make a force to be reckoned with. Your name is

Let’s face it, BMX has pulled itself back from obscurity. Hard

überdog magazine may 1997 51

anti-gravity anti-gravity just what are the natives up to these

days in belfast on thier bmx’s?

Let’s face it, BMX has pulled itself back from obscurity. Hard

überdog magazine may 1997 51

valuable to your sport, use it! Putting your name on the register also entitles you to notification of any jams, partys or gatherings going down. Together we can organise ourselves. To dip my toe into the bath water of 1990’s BMX I contacted a couple of names I was given and arranged a meet at Belvoir track, just to see what was going on and to get some trick shots. As it turned out I had a lot to learn about BMX photography that day, but more about that some other time. It also turned out to be the day of some important football final or something, some people (you know who you are!) didn’t turn up. It had been an unfortunate week for me. My trusty little übervan had popped it’s proverbial clogs and my only form of transport was Ulsterbus’s finest and my MTB. I arrived at the track early and set my self up for some MTB/BMX track fun. It is a long time since I had been on a track, the jumps seemed a lot steeper, a lot steeper, and the old buzz just wasn’t there.

protection at all be doing the things that I am watching. This isn’t the BMX I remember. Gub-smacked I was! These guys were getting ten feet of air EASY, flicking their bars through 360’s, and no feeters were ten to the penny. Christ, I was happy with my three or four feet, now I feel like a dork who’s only purpose in life is to make great people look even greater. I don’t want to talk about it any more, just look at the pictures and make your own mind up. I shall close this prelude to what I hope is the start to überdogs regular BMX feature with these words, get organised and get your name into the register. BMX is dead, long live BMX. ■DOC

Enter stage left, some real tracksters. Within thirty seconds I had left my bike in the ditch in disgrace and sat back to watch what you’re really meant to get up to on a track like this. ‘How in hells name are they doing this?’ was my initial thoughts. How can a guy on a bike half the size of mine with no suspension and no

These pages wouldn’t have been possible without ...... erm.... I seem to have lost their names! So for now, from left to right, Dave, Dave and Dave. Send in your real names for proper credit lads.

52 überdog magazine may 1997

überdog magazine may 1997 53

These pages wouldn’t have been possible without ...... erm.... I seem to have lost their names! So for now, from left to right, Dave, Dave and Dave. Send in your real names for proper credit lads.

52 überdog magazine may 1997

überdog magazine may 1997 53

You wanna a BMX?

Extreme Extreme Diving

Let Me Show You What We Got!

The KHE Beater -

Designed by Jason Davies, BMX Guru, this little freestyler comes with chrome alloy frame and forks with U brakes and stunt pegs front and rear. Available from Armstrong Bike Dock 01232 371269. Also available there is the classic PK Ripper. Designed by Peirre Krammer of Long Beach California, this winning design has been on the go for over 15 years and is still going strong. Available as bike or frame. Watch out for a coming report.

The Dyno Sonic - Comes with Dyno 100% 7005 aluminium frame, canti brakes, GT alloy pedals, aluminium rims and micro adjustable seat post. Available in burnished and green. Call Cicli Sport on 016487 48748

The Reactor Pro -

by diamondback. This race ready BMX comes with Ahead set, Diacompe rear canti brake, Alloy rims, spokes & frame, oversized forks and original Tioga Comp III skinwall tyres. Priced at £399 though DB’s BMX range starts at just £139. All available from Outdoor World 016487 63682.

Pure Bender - from Gary Fisher. Features include Cromo main frame and oversized forks, freestyle bars, sealed hubs & dx style pedals. Exclusive to The Cycle Lane 01849 466002.

GT Dyno VFR - A purpose built racer with all the value for money you would expect from GT. Alloy rear canti brake, Mohawk style alloy hubs, GT design spider and chainring. Comes in gloss black, satin blue and Emerald green. Call Madigans on 01960 351844.

54 überdog magazine august 1997

K Girls! So this month I am the figure of jealousy as It got to meet our very own all action hero - Alan Wright, Commercial diver, we got the chat going over coffee and he revealed all his darkest secrets. Alan has been a pure water baby from the tender age of about twelve diving around the Irish coast. His love for diving led him to do a ten week course in 1981 at Port Bovins and, Plymouth which qualified him as a commercial diver, previously he was working full time as a mechanical engineer (smart little chap). His friends and family are keen divers and on hearing exciting stories from his fathers friends who drove mini subs in the North Sea encouraged him to pursue his career. Alan is a bit of a rambler, working in places such as the American East Coast, North Sea, all the UK Waters, Norway and the North Atlantic. All of these jobs were for different diving contractors, his favourite contract was in America. In the states he worked for MAREX (Marine Explorations). There he would search the waters on ships, diving to depths of up to 100m on valuable cargo wrecks searching for treasure. (Long John Silver eat your heart out). Working in the North Sea he worked on the oil rigs, repairing them. The one thing that surprised him was the size of the structures, underwater the nuts and bolts average on 1 foot across, cranes had to be used to help with the work. At present he is works all around N.I. and the UK mainly working for Hulltech Ltd, Belfast, but in this line of work you are self employed. Recently he was part of a team working to lift a sunken fishing trawler in Portavogie harbour. Although a little bit more down to earth when compared with the treasure hunting, he found the job very rewarding as they thought at different stages that they would never raise it, he was working 36 hr shifts and eventually they raised the boat to the surface. Even more recently Alan was involved with the recovery of scientific equipment of the coast of Greece. Working hours in this trade vary, when he worked in the North Sea (offshore diving) Alan usually worked 12 hours on and 12 off, 8 hours is the maximum amount of time to be spent under water. Inshore diving (civil) there is no fixed time. When in the trade of commercial diving finding work

Both Worlds - first offering is from Haro (on the left). The Shredder is an all chrome alloy trickster which comes with U brakes, 48 spoke wheels, Gyro head set and has the best paint work around. Price £325. The fatboy from Specialized is a tough-as-they-come racer. The super strong, super light all alloy beam frame, rear Diacompe V-brake, Tectro levers and Ahead set add up to one cracker off a BMX. Price £350 (£250 for Chro.Alloy version). Available McConvey Cycles 01232 491163

An awesome sight - An oil production platform by night.

An Air Diver preparing to dive.

is not as hard as it may seem, most jobs are found by word of mouth and phoning also sending CV’s to diving companies but usually one dive leads to another. Alan plans to remain in his present career for along time as he states “its pure love”, the only other job that he would consider changing to is potholing. Then at last Alan confirmed my suspicions by revealing that his job has been, let's just say a very good chat up line. ■ RU

A diving bell entering the water from a platform on the West Sole production field.

DSV (Dive Support Vehicle) Amethyst - Mobilising in Dundee

Alan getting ready for yet another long haul 80m down

überdog magazine august 1997 55

You wanna a BMX?

Extreme Extreme Diving

Let Me Show You What We Got!

The KHE Beater -

The Reactor Pro -

Pure Bender - from Gary Fisher. Features include Cromo main frame and oversized forks, freestyle bars, sealed hubs & dx style pedals. Exclusive to The Cycle Lane 01849 466002.

54 überdog magazine august 1997

An awesome sight - An oil production platform by night.

An Air Diver preparing to dive.

A diving bell entering the water from a platform on the West Sole production field.

DSV (Dive Support Vehicle) Amethyst - Mobilising in Dundee

Alan getting ready for yet another long haul 80m down

überdog magazine august 1997 55

Adrenaline Is Brown

In this feature überdog reintroduces those not yet converted by the darlin’ Danielle found on our inside covers or Paul McArthur’s article in überdog#1, to the world of climbing.

Glamourousclimbing climbinglocations locationsoutside outsideIreland Ireland(definitely (definitelynot notby byIain Iainor orDave) Dave)Part Part1:1: Glamourous

Sportcclimbing limbingininBBuoux, uoux,FrFrance ance Sport he village and crags of Buoux, pronounced Bououx, are situated in the centre of the Luberon about an hours drive north of Marseille. The crags lie in a depression of the Aiguebrun Valley and provide superb sport climbing at all levels. Divided into 35 “secteurs” the grades range from 4b, (pretty easy), to the famous Agincourt at 8c, (mental). Gearwise a 50 or 60 m single rope and a dozen quickdraws,

By Iain & Dave (FM) Correspondents

are many; the location of these varies with the time of day in accordance with the principles of astrophysics and super position. The whole of the valley is composed of rock; a calcareous sandstone, it’s scary and steep and full of little holes for putting your fingers and things in. The grains of sand can easily be seen in the Excalibur secteur. The rock is sedimentary, deposited long, long ago when Provence was under the sea.

David (bad hair) and Iain (cheesy), the combined 10’ 6” of FM rock journalism. überdogs very own equivalent to Tweeky, out of Buck Rodgers, and Wicket the Ewok.

Jenny on the Spanish Flea, Annalong Buttress (a nice piece of buttress if I do say so!)

hy does any right minded person climb? Because it’s there? Bo!!*@ks! People go climbing because it’s cool. Rock climbing is not about big boots and red socks. You get to spend more than a sane fella on shiny technical gear. You can prove that you’re harder than your mates. You get scared, (psychologists know that fear can be quite arousing), it turns you on. You get to face your fear and deal with it. If you don’t get scared you get to prove it. If you don’t deal with it you get a rapid course in freefall. Some climb because they’re not right minded. You can climb indoors or outdoors; with or without ropes, with or without your mates*. For obvious reasons most of us choose to use the tied to a pal option, at least in this format there is someone at hand to scoop you into your rucksack and take photos for your mummy if you get a little too bold. How to lear n: This is a wise first step, do one or several of these: Go on a course - contact the Sports Council, the Mountain Centre or your local friendly outdoor shop for advice.

56 überdog magazine august 1997

Buy a book - It’s best to get one that’s about climbing. Read carefully, paying attention to things like knots and rope techniques. Alternatively buy one that’s very thick and try to land on it when you fall off. Find or make a friend - who knows what they’re doing and bribe them to teach you. Fortunately this sunbaked little island is the perfect playground for climbers. If it’s not sunny you can always enjoy a manky crack. From my flat in Belfast I could be climbing at a mountain crag in under 2hrs. The Mournes are the ideal venue for those wanting a variety of routes from beginner to intermediate and extreme. Get the OS 1:25,000 outdoor leisure map of the Mournes and look for the little cliff symbols. Crags like the Annalong Buttress, Wee Binnian and Lower Cove offer a number of good quality routes to suit beginner - intermediate level. A guide book will tell you how to find existing routes and indicate the level of difficulty. Climbing Grades: The grading system is quite straight forward. These grading systems vary from country to country. Climbs in the British

Nearby towns like Apt and Cavaillon offer a number of hotels and campsites which are open all year while Bonnieux and Maubec have sites which open season; easter to late summer. Camping at the crags is strictly forbidden. Accommodation is also available in Saigon and Oppede-le-Vieux, contract the tourist office in Apt for details, tel 90 74 03 18. For BEER, WINE, WHISKEY and lobster there are several supermarkets in Apt and Cavaillon. So, it you’re fed up climbing in copious layers of fleece, want to meet hairy French women, like olive oil and tomatoes, get down to the South of France for some, you little bed-wedda you. By Zoot!

Iain leading the Thin Crack, Annalong Buttress. Note the tightly clenched buttocks, a sure sign of intense concentration

Isles are given letter and number descriptions to let you tailor the fear yield to your personal requirements. The letters represent the scare/ danger/ death/ silliness factor while the number denotes the physical difficulty of the hardest move, regardless of consequence. M - Moderate, this is pretty easy. D - Dif ficult, this is also pretty easy but not just as easy as M. VD - Ver y Dif ficult, definitely requires good rope sense and technique. These can be steep and scary for the relative novice and are ideal for developing leading skills and identifying your fear threshold. S - Sever e, like VD but the moves are notably more challenging. This is the first grade where technical figures are given e.g. 3c/4a. HS - Har d Sever e, may contain a number of awkward moves or a high level of exposure. VS - Ver y Sever e, awkward moves may be more frequent and technical. The result of a fall may be very serious. Many climbers choose to climb at this grade for years, there are many quality routes all over Ireland and Britain in this category. You will also discover the meaning of disco leg. HVS - Har d Ver y Sever e, less protection, more sustained than VS. E1,2,3...9 - Extr eme , way hard, sustained technical moves, little protection, high risk of death.

there is now a third parking area for climbers at the bottom of the valley. Park on the road and you may get Sellotaped with an on the spot punishment.

(Who shall remain anonymous. Though he’s actually Iain & Dave’s mate Mark.) (That’s Mark Rocks, of Bangor.)

Gladiator, you shall go on my second whistle....

Dave on Cum Marte, Annalong Buttress. Wishing now that he hadn’t accepted that last pie at Mrs. Miggans world famous pie shop.

Halfway up a mountain is a perfect place to ponder on your love of Jaffa Cakes.

some extra carabiners and slings for belays should nicely spank the bunny. Being bolted you shouldn’t come to too much harm although a bloke I know called Ricky, (also known as Richard, that’s Richard Young), recently spoiled a visit by falling 50ft. Or diddy? The best time to go is spring or autumn. Although you can go in summer it’s usually too hot to climb. You get round this inconvience by climbing on shaded routes of which there

The crags are on private land and access is subject to an agreement between landowners and the F.A.R.T. (a French climbing association). Any breeches would have serious repercussions on the climbing community; climbing is totally forbidden on the crags around the fort and at the Confines and besides breeches are for ramblers bless their little red socks. The parking situation has improved recently with input from the local authorities and

The obligatory scenic picture, nice isn’t it.

By Iain & Dave FM, (though Dave didn’t actually write anything), your überdog climbing things correspondents. You can get in contact with Iain & Dave at The Beaten Track* or on the secret überdog climbing department direct line.

* The Beaten Track & überdog magazine are not responsible for the personal comments or actions of Iain & Dave. We all also don’t recommend climbing without proper instruction and equipment. If you break your head don’t sue us.

Dave on the Thin Crack, Annalong Buttress. The only thing thin in the picture. Chapter 1, Step 1: Feed rope through belay device....

überdog magazine august 1997 57

Adrenaline Is Brown

In this feature überdog reintroduces those not yet converted by the darlin’ Danielle found on our inside covers or Paul McArthur’s article in überdog#1, to the world of climbing.

Glamourousclimbing climbinglocations locationsoutside outsideIreland Ireland(definitely (definitelynot notby byIain Iainor orDave) Dave)Part Part1:1: Glamourous

By Iain & Dave (FM) Correspondents

David (bad hair) and Iain (cheesy), the combined 10’ 6” of FM rock journalism. überdogs very own equivalent to Tweeky, out of Buck Rodgers, and Wicket the Ewok.

Jenny on the Spanish Flea, Annalong Buttress (a nice piece of buttress if I do say so!)

56 überdog magazine august 1997

Iain leading the Thin Crack, Annalong Buttress. Note the tightly clenched buttocks, a sure sign of intense concentration

there is now a third parking area for climbers at the bottom of the valley. Park on the road and you may get Sellotaped with an on the spot punishment.

(Who shall remain anonymous. Though he’s actually Iain & Dave’s mate Mark.) (That’s Mark Rocks, of Bangor.)

Gladiator, you shall go on my second whistle....

Dave on Cum Marte, Annalong Buttress. Wishing now that he hadn’t accepted that last pie at Mrs. Miggans world famous pie shop.

Halfway up a mountain is a perfect place to ponder on your love of Jaffa Cakes.

The obligatory scenic picture, nice isn’t it.

Dave on the Thin Crack, Annalong Buttress. The only thing thin in the picture. Chapter 1, Step 1: Feed rope through belay device....

überdog magazine august 1997 57

Glamorous c limbing p laces o utside IIreland reland • art 22 Glamorous climbing places outside •P Part

The F rench A lps The French Alps Chamonix Chamonix very summer mountaineers and climbers, serious hillwalkers, red socked ramblers and family campers converge from all

over Europe and the world on this small town in the French Alps. They are all drawn by the same thing. Very friggin’ big beautiful mountains. Every climber

can find his/her thing from short difficult sunny bolted routes to sustained ice climbs sub zero temperatures and 4000m summits including Western Europe’s highest peak, Mt Blanc 4807m, two days by road and sea from Belfast. Anyone can go climbing

valley. Climbing of a true Alpine nature requires seriously expensive equipment, ice axes, crampons, plastic or top level leather boots, technical outerwear etc. However much of this can be hired in Chamonix. Sport climbing on bolts requires much less outlay; some extenders and the basics harness, rope, rock shoes, it’s also very good fun, as difficult as you want it to be and it involves much less danger of death than

climbing at home. It’s basically like climbing in Ormeau only outside in the sun on real rock. The first experience of alpinism most climbers have is ascending from the warmth of the Chamonix valley, already higher than the summit of Slieve Donard to the usually freezing Aiguille Du Midi at 3800m. This involves a dramatic cable car ride shared with sweating multi-national tourists

Sport climbing at Servoz.The start of Aiguille De L’Index with Mount Blanc in the background.

Le Grande Bosse 4513 m/14,806 ft. Looking towards Le Petite Bosse and Mont Blanc.

A pitch on the Persévérance

here even if you can’t tie a granny knot - go on an organised trip through a local centre or look for the ads in the back of climbing magazines (This is meant to be a climbing magazine!!! ed). For added attraction Chamonix is also an excellent mountain biking destination. You can use the ski lifts unless you have a passion for 4hr ascents. Many winter ski runs offer high speed downhill courses with colour coded grades. If you can’t bring your own ride, hire one, fullbounce if you want. There are also cultural bonuses; you can buy 30 of those dumpy little bottles of French beer in the supermarket (Intermarche in Sallanches has the best selection) for about a fiver.

Returning to the Aiguille du Midi on the Midi Plan Traverse.

58 überdog magazine august 1997

Most climbers camp in Chamonix at one of two sights, Les Arolles and Les Molliases, or in Argentiere, another town just up the

The top of Mont Blanc Du Tacul, 4248 m/13,900 ft.

many of whom clearly display certain outward signals and odours which suggest they do not share your well honed ability to laugh at heights in a Vincent Price-esq manner. At the top you have to walk through a series of tunnels made by Hannibal the first true alpinist when he crossed the Alps with his elephants, emerging to the

Sport climbing at Servoz.

vast expanse of the Vallee Blanche with views of the formidable Grandes Jorasses, The Tour Ronde, Italy and Switzerland. Even if you don’t walk past the danger sign and progress down the snow ridge to the valley and on to the limit of your imagination you will not begrudge the £20+ cable car fee. By Iain (but not Dave)

Proof that what the French don’t know about personal hygiene, they make up for in their beer brewing techniques!

Rock C limbing a nd an y Rock Climbing and any variation o his ssport port is variation off t this is dangerous.R iskca nnotbe dangerous. Risk cannot be eliminated.Our Oupages rpage sanot re eliminated. are not aninstructio nmanu al, an instruction manual, nor norshthey ouldtake theythe tak ethe should place of placejudgement. ofgoodjud gem ent. good The advice Theadv of feredin ou r offered inice our articles can kill article sccan ank ilyoyou u. Iton can kil you. It kill your youon you rfirsto tda yout to first day out the crags theyour crasqueaky gs wit h y our with clean boots squea ky clean ootskill anda and rope. It b can rope.Itcan kilamaster seasone dwala seasoned wall with masterw ithath ousan d thousand pitches under his pitchesIf und erhisb elt.Iflivin g belt. living under the undert hedeath threat fdea th threat of ifoless than iflessthan pealin gtoyo u, appealing toap you, please find pleasefisport. ndano thers po rt. another Heads do pop Headsdo popoff.Fam wil off. Families willilieslose lose favou rite mem bers. favourite members. Rescue Rescue peo wilbeto for ced people will beple forced scoop tosco opyo uintgreen ovilegre en you into vile bags. bags. Rem emb er, yo u Remember, you made the madet heclimb. choicet oclim b. choice to Have the Havetheto gutst otaketh e guts take the responsibilityfo rw hatyo u responsibility for what you are d oing, b e it ying, are doing, be it d dying, quasimutilation, oor r quasimutilation, something simplea st something asassimple assju just losing y our m ind. If u losing your mind. Ifyo you intendt easelo uto fyo ur intend toow weasel out of your obligationt ob ere sponsible, obligation to be responsible, andsee seela yingb lameo nu sas and laying blame on us as an a lternative tto o yo ur an alternative your ineptness,p leased onnot otre ad ineptness, please do read Iain& ave’sststuff. uffP . lease ,put Iain &DDave’s Please, thism aga zinedowdown nandg o put this magazine and awaway ayno w,be foreit ’sto o go now, before it’s too late.B ye.S eey a.H astala ista. late. Bye. See ya. Hasta lav vista. Be aaccountable, ccountable, Be Be Be live. TTry ry it responsible, B responsible, Bee a alive. it sometime ... sometime............. Iain& aveFM FM correspondents Iain &D Dave correspondents (Courtesyof ofFish FishProducts.) Products) . (Courtesy

überdog magazine august 1997 59

Glamorous c limbing p laces o utside IIreland reland • art 22 Glamorous climbing places outside •P Part

The F rench A lps The French Alps Chamonix Chamonix very summer mountaineers and climbers, serious hillwalkers, red socked ramblers and family campers converge from all

over Europe and the world on this small town in the French Alps. They are all drawn by the same thing. Very friggin’ big beautiful mountains. Every climber

Sport climbing at Servoz.The start of Aiguille De L’Index with Mount Blanc in the background.

Le Grande Bosse 4513 m/14,806 ft. Looking towards Le Petite Bosse and Mont Blanc.

A pitch on the Persévérance

Returning to the Aiguille du Midi on the Midi Plan Traverse.

58 überdog magazine august 1997

Most climbers camp in Chamonix at one of two sights, Les Arolles and Les Molliases, or in Argentiere, another town just up the

The top of Mont Blanc Du Tacul, 4248 m/13,900 ft.

Sport climbing at Servoz.

Proof that what the French don’t know about personal hygiene, they make up for in their beer brewing techniques!

überdog magazine august 1997 59

s a child I have always loved the sea and water, growing older this love attracted me to underwater sea life. The curiosity of what it is like to see, feel and share the same environment as marine life. Oh yes, and the slim chance of meeting Flipper.

I had promised myself that I would learn to dive, and in October 1996 (after major saving of funds) I joined Dolphins Sub Aqua Club. Pool and theory sessions had to be completed and passed to qualify me as a Novice Diver 1. This enabled me to start my open water diving. At this point I was researching and considering what kind of dry suit to buy, the old argument, compressed neoprean or membrane. On my first dive (or at least what was meant to be my first dive!)at the beginning of March (I must have been mad)I had borrowed a neoprean dry suit, that was lets say just a little too big up top. So I added an extra jumper incase of any leakages. It was a shore dive off Strangford Lough on a wreak called ‘The Pins’. With quite a few weights attached to me, my instructor and I waded out to deeper water. Very excited and mentally prepared I watched my instructor gave me the ‘going down’ signal (can you teach me that signal? ed.) and I responded with the words “Brace yourself Bridget” ringing in my mind, and little thoughts like will my face be very cold, will the suit leak much and most importantly, will I like it down there? Ok, so the general idea is to go down underneath the surface

This Must Be Underwater Love

On no account approach these three species - They could be dangerous.

of the H2O, but for some reason I was remaining on the surface as my instructor submerged, only to pop up and check that I was actually deflating my buoyancy control. We realised that I needed more weight, so a diving friend on shore swam out with extra weights. After loading up, we tried again but to no avail. At this point, it has to be said, I was asking myself, was I meant to go diving today? Excited but impatient (typical woman eh!) with more weight brought out to me and stuffed into every available pocket we prepared to ‘go down’. Yippee, and ooh baby isn’t it just a little bit

On the 9th March we launched the dive boat off Ballywalter. After the more experienced divers had their fun, we headed for for Skullmartin Rock, not far from Ballywalter. With my weights at a more sensible thirty six lbs, my instructor and I planned to do an exploration dive with no training skills, just to get used to the open water. We did a safety buddy check and talked over the dive before flipping out of the boat, and pairing up. Gradually we made our decent to the sea bed. A lot of eye contact was made, as I gradually relaxed into the underwater environment. I realised that the visibility was bad, at under half a metre, although our underwater torch helped. We landed on a nearby reef which we explored around finding sea urchins, star fish and Dead-man’s fingers (funny little seaweed type things). Looking closely, the creatures were quite beautiful displaying a wide array of colours, there was also some kelp and a Hermit Crab was spotted. Some experienced divers may have been disappointed with the amount of marine life, but as my first real dive I was well impressed. We finned around the reef monitoring our air supply as we went along. The temperature, or lack of it, did not pose too much as a problem, merely something to put up with. After what seemed like ten minutes I got the signal that it was time to surface. I had been down nearly half an hour at a depth of seven metres, it really did not feel anywhere near that length of time. On the surface, whilst slithering into the boat, I was so full of bizz, talking about what I had just seen and touched. The dive fulfiled my every expectation, I was already anticipating my second dive. RU■

This Must Be

60 überdog magazine august 1997

I guess I’m off. Let’s hope it’s not too cold!

cold around the old cranium. The visibility was very bad, but I did manage to see some seaweed (Something to chat about in the pub after.) I was down a matter of minutes at a depth of two to three metres until........ wait a minute, am I not supposed to stay down here, or why am I surfacing? Ok, so here we are back to where we started at which point we decided to call it a day. At the shore while unloading, we counted my weights. I had all of forty two lbs distributed around me, but somehow I had lost two weights, explaining the reason why I popped up to the surface like a Polaris Missile. The reason for so much weight was due to a bad fitting dry suit and the extra jumper. Now, I do not think that this effort could have been considered as my first dive, but at least I had a rough idea what the environment felt like - cold! I smashed my long suffering piggy bank and went shopping for a dry suit. I Why is this blooming gear so awkward!

found a second hand, but never worn in open water, compressed neoprean dry suit with a thermal jump suit for underneath. After much kissing goodbye of money I bought the lot, well at least I would be better kitted out for my next dive.

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This Must Be Underwater Love

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This Must Be

60 überdog magazine august 1997

I guess I’m off. Let’s hope it’s not too cold!

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As you can see, diving is a sport where men can be picked up and manipulated quite easily

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32 New Street • Enniskillen • Co. Fermanagh iv überdog magazine august 1997