Tracton is probably the most famous stomping ground for mountain bikers in Cork and has seen many facelifts over the years but over the last few months it has seen major work at the hands of Coillte. The back of the woods has been felled dramatically leaving the area feeling very different to the rest of the woods. Thanks to John Galvin of Coillte, they have left the majority of the existing track undamaged but with only the bombhole requiring a change of route. Brian Mc Carthy (Mcstud) and other members of the club have put in savage work clearing the debris and creating the new line through the bombhole over the last 2 months.
With that in mind, 5 of us headed out for a spin in gale force winds today, myself, Yogi, Kennedy, Jon Hynes and Ronan. For most of us, it was the first time riding there since the felling had commenced. Once Kennedy had changed out his handlebars (don't ask) we made our way up to the tunnel where the fun times began. The tunnel never wears thin, especially with the sneaky overtaking line down the steep chute which spits you out in front of unsuspecting riders on the mainline. We knocked out 2 laps with plenty of stops to chat about how brilliant adjustable seatposts are. The wind made the newly exposed section hard work with a climb into the wind toward the bombhole. I can only imagine how much fun its going to be in the summer if we get a dry spell, especially with all the new line options around the stumps. In general, the loop was quite dry except for the extension to TNT which was great fun once you kept the speed up to keep the tyres from clogging up too much. Lots of jealous faces eyeing up my swamp things which were super impressive as always.
We finished the day with a quick sessioning of the downhill section off TNT which was nicely slick but amazing fun all the same. I was eager to try it out with spd's having only ever ridden it with flat pedals. It was tricky enough trying to keep clipped in and I felt kind of restricted but I think a day sessioning it with them would help me no end if I have any intentions of using them on the downhill bike this season. Riding the Morewood Mbuzi on the track was so much more lively and controllable on the twisty track than my downhill bike too. It really is some bike, its amazing you don't see more of them in this country. Al Maxwell of the Bike Rack in Dublin recommended it to me over 3 years ago and I have been so grateful to him ever since. It replaced my Santa Cruz Blur 4X which I still reckon to be one of the best handling bikes I ever owned. Its now owned by my brother Yogi, sporting a tasty orange powder coat finish and top class build as pictured below.
I don't think I will ever get sick of riding Tracton, it continues to challenge and impress. We are blessed to have such a quality track on our doorstep.
