Here’s a video from our recent beginner spin in Ballinastoe Woods, Co Wicklow shot and edited by Brian Cribbin. Bit of a showery day but everyone had good time and came back in one piece

So for the past few weeks a good few of our club members have ditched the bike and shlompy trails for the comfort of indoor climbing, or bouldering to give it its proper name. A new indoor climbing center Gravity Climbing Center has opened recently in Inchicore, Dublin 8…So we decided to go check it out.!

For most of us this was our first time climbing since the local tree or neighbors garden wall when we were kids so we took the introduction lesson with Terry, one of the instructors. For €20 it was well worth it, Terry showed us the ropes and guided us through the basic techniques of bouldering. After an hour or so he left us to it and off we went to tackle the various color coded routes ourselves. The blue routes are the easiest, so we worked away on them for the night.

It was quite tough at first getting to grips with the technique but its been getting easier as the weeks go on…! If you want you can stay there all night until they close, but after a while your arms are hanging off you if your not used to it. The lighter skinnier mountain bikers among us tend to find it much easier to climb up the wall like a monkey while the not so light and skinny find it a bit tougher We’ve nearly had more members going climbing than on spins, we might have to change the club name to Irish Rock Climbing Racing Club

All said, the Gravity Climbing Center is handy to get to, friendly helpful staff, not expensive and a fun way to spend a few hours in the evening. Go check it out..!

Our beginner spin series is back for 2012 and kicks off later this month. This series proved very popular last year so this is your chance to get out on the trails with us for a fun spin in the mountains.

Beginner Spin 2011

Beginner Spin 2011

Beginner Spin 2011

Dates for the beginner spins are as follows:

• Saturday 21st jan/Ticknock 10:30am
• Saturday 4th Feb/Ballinastoe 10:30am
• Saturday 18th Feb/Hellfire Woods 10:30am

These spins are open to both men and women over 14 years of age. Riders under 18 years of age are required to print off and bring along a signed parental consent form and give it to the spin leader: click here

Registration

You must register for these spins, please use the form below and submit

These spins are suitable for all levels although a basic level of bike fitness would help.

You will need the following:

• A helmet (No Helmet = No spin)
• A mountain bike in good working order and working brakes
• Appropriate cycling clothing for cold, wet weather, gloves (no jeans or track suits)
• Spare tube, basic tools (Allen key set, tyre levers)
• Food (cereal bar, banana…etc)
• Water

For more information see the club forum or mail us on imbrcinfo@gmail.com